bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen sulfide inhibits human T‐cell leukemia virus type‐1 (HTLV‐1) protein expression via regulation of ATG4B
Authors: Liu Huandi , Sun Jiaxiang , Cheng Xuhong , Duan Liangwei , Guo Shuaifeng , Zhang Zhongxin , Wan Jia , Wang Chunduo , Zhi Xiaoying , Yuan Linghui , Wang Hui
Published: September 2022

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a redox gasotransmitter. It has been shown that H2S has a key role in host antiviral defense by inhibiting interleukin production and S‐sulfhydrating Keap1 lead to Nrf2/ARE pathway activation. However, it is yet unclear whether H2S can play an antiviral role by regulating autophagy. In this study, we found that exogenous H2S decreased the expression of human T‐cell leukemia virus type‐1 (HTLV‐1) protein and HTLV‐1 induced autophagosomes accumulation. Transmission electron microscope assays indicated that autophagosomes accumulation decreased after H2S administration. HTLV‐1‐transformed T‐cell lines had a high level of CSE (H2S endogenous enzyme) which could be induced in Hela by HTLV‐1 infection. Immunoblot demonstrated that overexpression of CSE inhibited HTLV‐1 protein expression and autophagy. And we got the opposite after CSE knockdown. Meanwhile, H2S could not restrain the autophagy when ATG4B had a mutant at its site of 89. In a word, these results suggested that H2S modulated HTLV‐1 protein expression via ATG4B. Therefore, our findings suggested a new mechanism by which H2S defended against virus infection.
How do biochar size fractions and organic fertilizers interactively influence nitrous oxide emission from a tropical vertisol?
Authors: Kollah Bharati , Ahirwar Usha , Parmar Rakesh , Devi Mayanglambam Homeshwari , Atoliya Nagvanti , Shinoji K. C. , Patra Ashok , Singh Amar Bahadur , Dubey Garima , Mohanty Santosh Ranjan
Published: September 2022

Background

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from agriculture is increasing alarmingly due to intensive application of inorganic and organic fertilizers. Recently, biochar has been identified as a promising additive to improve agriculture by enhancing soil function and mitigate greenhouse gas emission. However, it is unclear how biochar of different size fractions influences N2O emission from agricultural soil.

Aims

The current experiment aims to understand how the size of biochar (BC) and organic fertilizers interactively influence N2O emission from a tropical vertisol.

Methods

BC was prepared using pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) stalks and further processed to obtain two size fractions (<0.25 mm or 0.25–2.00 mm). Organic fertilizers (vermicompost [VC], poultry manure [PM], or farmyard manure [FYM]) and BC were added to soil to evaluate N2O emission potential. BC was added to soil at 10% (w/w), whereas the organic fertilizers were added at 80 kg N ha–1. Emission of CO2 and the abundance of 16S rRNA and amoA gene copies were estimated after incubation period. The interactive effect of BC size fractions and organic fertilizers were statistically evaluated.

Results

Both BC and organic fertilizers stimulated N2O emission in soil. BC of larger size stimulated N2O emission (µg N2O produced g–1 soil day–1) more than smaller size. Of the three organic fertilizers, PM resulted highest N2O (0.380) emission followed by FYM (0.240) and VC (0.210). BC (0.25 mm) + PM produced least N2O. Abundance of heterotrophic bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies and ammonia‐oxidizing bacterial (AOB) amoA gene copies were highest in PM + BC and lowest in control. Significant relation (p < 0.0001) existed among N2O emission, CO2 emission, and microbial abundance.

Conclusions

BC of small size fraction along with organic fertilizers can be an effective strategy to mitigate N2O emission from tropical vertisol.
The Effect of Subglottic Steroid injection on Blood Glucose in a Cohort of Patients With Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Bensoussan Yael , Martinez Eduardo , Van Der Woerd Benjamin , Johns Michael , Nguyen Caroline , Watts Stephanie , O'Dell Karla
Published: September 2022

Objective

The objective of this work was to assess the effect of a single intralesional subglottic steroid injection on fasting blood glucose over 7 days in a cohort of patients with subglottic stenosis.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing intralesional steroid injections at a tertiary academic center. Patients had baseline bloodwork performed, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), and hemoglobin A1C levels. Demographic data and risk factors were collected. Fasting capillary glucose (FCG) was measured using a capillary glucometer and performed by patients daily from days 0 to 7 after a single injection of Triamcinolone into the subglottic airway. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics.

Results

Eleven patients were enrolled, and 10 completed data collection over 7 days. All were female, with a mean age of 52.6 years (SD 17.5). Two patients were diabetic (non‐insulin dependent). There was a statistically significant increase in FCG on day 1 post‐injection (mean = 122.4 mg/dl compared to 100.7 mg/dl) that normalized for all patients within 24–72 h. The mean increase in FCG was 21.5% (SD 22.5%) of the initial value for the cohort. The diabetic group had statistically significant higher glucose values on day 1 compared to the non‐diabetic group (146.5 mg/dl compared to 117.0 mg/dl).

Conclusion

A single subglottic steroid injection appears to cause a transient increase in FCG 1 day post injection, which resolves after 24–72 h and can be more pronounced in diabetic patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:1590–1594, 2023
Oral Cancer Disparities in the Outer US‐affiliated Pacific Islands
Authors: Young Kurtis , Bulosan Hannah , Baksa Janos , Jeong Youngju , Buenconsejo‐Lum Lee E. , Birkeland Andrew C.
Published: September 2022

Objective/Hypothesis

Oral cancers in the US‐affiliated Pacific Islands are poorly described despite disproportionately higher incidences in certain jurisdictions. This study attempts to better characterize the incidence, staging, and management of oral cancers in this region.

Study Design

Retrospective Epidemiological Study.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted across the US‐affiliated Pacific Islands between 2007 and 2019. Patient data were obtained for individuals with primary head and neck cancers from the Pacific Regional Central Cancer Registry database. All cohorts were age‐adjusted to the 2000 US Standard Population. Further analysis was performed on oral cavity cancers due to their clear predominance within the sample.

Results

A total of 585 patients with primary head and neck cancers were included. The average age was 54.5 ± 12.9 years, and most patients were male (76.8%). Oral cancer subsite analysis revealed the proportional incidence of buccal mucosa was higher in 5 of 9 jurisdictions when compared with the United States (p < 0.001). Tongue and lip cancers were not found to have significantly higher incidence proportions. Patients in the Pacific Islander group were less likely to be detected at earlier stages for cancers of the cheek and other mouth (p < 0.001), tongue (p < 0.001), and lips (p < 0.001) compared with the United States.

Conclusions

Many Pacific Island populations are burdened with higher incidences of oral cancer with later staging. Further investigation is recommended to evaluate oral cancer‐related outcomes and mortality in this region.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:1899–1905, 2023
Corrosion of tensile wires covered with PA11 layers in simulated annulus environments at low CO2 pressure
Authors: Silva Pedro N. , Senatore Erica V. , Gomes Jose A. C. P.
Published: September 2022

High‐strength carbon steel wires covered with polymer layers were exposed to different test environments simulating the conditions in the annulus of flexible pipes at low CO2 pressure and flooded with seawater. The polymer layers mimicked the antiwear tapes which are placed in between the steel layers of the tensile armor of the pipes. Specimens without the polymer layer were exposed to the same test environments for comparison and allowed identifying how the presence of the polymer layer influenced the corrosion mechanism. In some of the experiments, oxygen was introduced into the gas mixture to simulate fresh seawater entering the annulus after a breach in the outer sheath. Surface analysis of the corroded specimens after removal of corrosion scales was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, optical profilometry, and confocal microscopy. The polymer layers were observed to have a considerable effect on the corrosion morphology.
Effects of digitization on enterprise growth performance: Mediating role of strategic change and moderating role of dynamic capability
Authors: Li Na , Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Shaopeng
Published: September 2022

The importance of enterprise digitization is growing. This study examines the influence of digitization on enterprise growth performance (GP), taking into account the mediating effects of strategic change (STR) and the moderating effects of dynamic capability (DY). Through an empirical examination of panel data for listed A‐share manufacturing enterprises in China from 2016 to 2020, we document a positive relationship between digitization and GP. Our results also indicate that STR plays a mediating role between digitization and GP while DY positively moderates the promoting effect of digitization on GP. This research helps to improve our understanding of the effect mechanism and boundary conditions of digitization in relation to GP. Further, our conclusions can offer guidance to help managers make informed decisions about enterprise digitization.
Memory in the iterative processes for nonlinear problems
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Garrido Neus , Torregrosa Juan R. , Triguero‐Navarro Paula
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we study different ways for introducing memory to a parametric family of optimal two‐step iterative methods. We study the convergence and the stability, by means of real dynamics, of the methods obtained by introducing memory in order to compare them. We also perform several numerical experiments to see how the methods behave.
Does immediate skin‐to‐skin contact at caesarean sections promote uterine contraction and recovery of the maternal blood haemoglobin levels? A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pérez‐Jiménez José Miguel , Luque‐Oliveros Manuel , Gonzalez‐Perez Diego , Rivera‐Sequeiros Adriana , Rodriguez‐Blanco Cleofás
Published: September 2022

Aim

We analysed whether immediate skin‐to‐skin contact between the healthy newborn and the mother after a caesarean section has a modulatory role on postpartum haemorrhage and uterine contraction.

Design

Unblinded, randomized clinical trial, simple random sampling, conducted in women undergoing caesarean sections.

Methods

Of the population identified, the caesarean section total (N = 359), 23.2% (N = 83) met the inclusion criteria: scheduled caesarean section, accepting skin‐to‐skin contact, good level of consciousness. They were randomly allocated to the intervention group, skin‐to‐skin contact (N = 40), and to the control group, usual procedure (N = 40). There were three losses. Clinical variables: plasma haemoglobin, uterine contraction, breastfeeding, postoperative pain, were measured, and subjective variables: maternal satisfaction, comfort, comparison with previous caesarean section and newborn crying.

Results

Women with skin‐to‐skin contact had greater uterine contraction after caesarean section. The maternal plasma haemoglobin levels at discharge were significantly higher. It was associated with higher breastfeeding rate, satisfaction, comfort levels and with less maternal pain and less crying in the newborn.
The correctness and completeness of documentation of parameters on the partographs used by midwives in primary healthcare facilities in midwestern Uganda: A retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Bahizi Archbald , Munguiko Clement , Masereka Enos Mirembe
Published: September 2022

Aim

This study was conducted to determine the correctness and completeness of documentation of partographs.

Design

This was a retrospective descriptive study.

Methods

We included 365 partographs of deliveries conducted from January 1st to October 31st 2019. Data were collected using a checklist and analysed descriptively. The study based on 13 partograph parameters.

Results

About 8–13 parameters were correctly documented in 71.5 % of the partographs. About 38.9%, 24.7%, 99.7%, 22.5% and 16 % of the partographs had no documentation of obstetric risk factors, foetal heart rate, colour of liquor, uterine contractions and cervical dilatation respectively. About 12.1% of the cervicographs crossed the action line and 61.4% of partographs where cervicographs crossed the action line had no documentation of action(s) taken.
The Combination of Electrochemistry and Microfluidic Technology in Drug Metabolism Studies
Authors: Grint Isobel , Crea Francesco , Vasiliadou Rafaela
Published: September 2022

Drugs are metabolized within the liver (pH 7.4) by phase I and phase II metabolism. During the process, reactive metabolites can be formed that react covalently with biomolecules and induce toxicity. Identifying and detecting reactive metabolites is an important part of drug development. Preclinical and clinical investigations are conducted to assess the toxicity and safety of a new drug candidate. Electrochemistry coupled to mass spectrometry is an ideal complementary technique to the current preclinical studies, a pure instrumental approach without any purification steps and tedious protocols. The combination of microfluidics with electrochemistry towards the mimicry of drug metabolism offers portability, low volume of reagents and faster reaction times. This review explores the development of microfluidic electrochemical cells for mimicking drug metabolism.
Imaging findings of synovial cyst arising at temporomandibular joint: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ishikawa Hiroki , Kotaki Shinya , Ikeda Chihoko , Yoshida Hiroaki , Ariji Yoshiko , Iseki Tomio
Published: September 2022

Background

TMJ synovial cyst with few symptoms is rare. It was detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); furthermore, we present the review that focused imaging findings.

Case presentation

A 48‐year‐old female complained TMJ discomfort during mouth opening. MRI showed a lesion that exhibited high signal intensity on T2‐weighted images behind the condylar head. The lesion was a cyst lined by synovial cells.

Conclusion

Synovial cysts frequently cause swelling and pain; however, some cases produce few symptoms. MRI is considered useful for diagnosing synovial cysts. All TMJ pathogenesis should be addressed during TMJ surgery to prevent recurrence of synovial cysts.
Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha genetic variants and its interaction with smoking and tobacco chewing in oral precancerous lesions and oral cancer
Authors: Shahi Yadvendra , Kakkar Kavita , Samadi Fahad Mansoor , Mukherjee Sayali
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern India. Carcinogenic substances found in cigarette or tobacco can cause inflammation of the lining of oral cavity and pathogenesis of oral cavity cancer. Tumor necrosis factor is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine involved in the immunoinflammatory diseases. The aim of this research was to determine the impact of smoking and tobacco chewing and polymorphism in TNFα −238 G/A and TNFα −308 G/A, on the risk to precancerous oral lesions and oral cavity cancer.

Methods

Genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method in 75 patients with oral cavity cancer, 75 patients confirmed with precancerous lesions, and 100 controls.

Results

TNFα −238 G/A SNP was not associated with the risk of oral precancerous lesions or oral cavity cancer. TNFα −308 G/A was strongly associated with precancerous lesions and oral cancer. No correlation was found between smoking or tobacco chewing habits and TNFα −238 and TNFα −308 G/A polymorphism with oral precancerous lesions and oral cavity cancer.

Conclusion

The study shows no significant interaction between smoking or tobacco chewing habits and polymorphism in TNFα −238 and TNFα −308 G to A with precancerous lesions and oral cancer although TNFα −308 G/A was strongly associated with precancerous lesions and oral cancer.
Graphene nanoplatelet filled elastomer composites; influence of different matrices on the dispersion, electrical and mechanical properties
Authors: Pradhan Sudip , Goswami Debottam , Ratna Debdatta , Chattopadhyay Santanu
Published: September 2022

This work aims to correlate the dispersion tendencies and the cause/effect relationships that are generated when a carbonaceous nanofiller is disseminated in three different elastomer matrices. We have incorporated graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) into three different elastomer matrices, namely polychloroprene rubber (CR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) at different concentrations. The composites were fabricated by a dual mixing technique, which facilitates dispersion and the formation of a network‐like structure. This method improves the electrical conductivity of the final composite by enhancing the electron mobility and also improves the mechanical properties. GnP particles are very well dispersed and show an optimum concentration of 5 phr in CR, 8 phr in HNBR, and 10 phr in EVA with respect to their mechanical properties. In addition, modeling of the electrical conductivity was performed for the EVA‐GnP composite within the delineations of the existing conductivity models for a better understanding of the mechanism of electrical conduction. The EVA‐GnP seems to be the best fit for a composite material possessing enhanced mechanical as well as electrical properties for various applications.
Repositioning small molecule drugs as allosteric inhibitors of the BFT‐3 toxin from enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis
Authors: Jimenez‐Alesanco Ana , Eckhard Ulrich , Asencio del Rio Marta , Vega Sonia , Guevara Tibisay , Velazquez‐Campoy Adrian , Gomis‐Rüth Francesc Xavier , Abian Olga
Published: September 2022

Bacteroides fragilis is an abundant commensal component of the healthy human colon. However, under dysbiotic conditions, enterotoxigenic B. fragilis (ETBF) may arise and elicit diarrhea, anaerobic bacteremia, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer. Most worrisome, ETBF is resistant to many disparate antibiotics. ETBF's only recognized specific virulence factor is a zinc‐dependent metallopeptidase (MP) called B. fragilis toxin (BFT) or fragilysin, which damages the intestinal mucosa and triggers disease‐related signaling mechanisms. Thus, therapeutic targeting of BFT is expected to limit ETBF pathogenicity and improve the prognosis for patients. We focused on one of the naturally occurring BFT isoforms, BFT‐3, and managed to repurpose several approved drugs as BFT‐3 inhibitors through a combination of biophysical, biochemical, structural, and cellular techniques. In contrast to canonical MP inhibitors, which target the active site of mature enzymes, these effectors bind to a distal allosteric site in the proBFT‐3 zymogen structure, which stabilizes a partially unstructured, zinc‐free enzyme conformation by shifting a zinc‐dependent disorder‐to‐order equilibrium. This yields proBTF‐3 incompetent for autoactivation, thus ablating hydrolytic activity of the mature toxin. Additionally, a similar destabilizing effect is observed for the activated protease according to biophysical and biochemical data. Our strategy paves a novel way for the development of highly specific inhibitors of ETBF‐mediated enteropathogenic conditions.
Influence of force field choice on the conformational landscape of rat and human islet amyloid polypeptide
Authors: Moore Sandra J. , Deplazes Evelyne , Mancera Ricardo L.
Published: September 2022

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is a naturally occurring, intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) whose abnormal aggregation into toxic soluble oligomers and insoluble amyloid fibrils is a pathological feature in type‐2 diabetes. Rat IAPP (rIAPP) differs from hIAPP by only six amino acids yet has a reduced tendency to aggregate or form fibrils. The structures of the monomeric forms of IAPP are difficult to characterize due to their intrinsically disordered nature. Molecular dynamics simulations can provide a detailed characterization of the monomeric forms of rIAPP and hIAPP in near‐physiological conditions. In this work, the conformational landscapes of rIAPP and hIAPP as a function of secondary structure content were predicted using well‐tempered bias exchange metadynamics simulations. Several combinations of commonly used biomolecular force fields and water models were tested. The predicted conformational preferences of both rIAPP and hIAPP are typical of IDPs, exhibiting dominant random coil structures but showing a low propensity for transient α‐helical conformations. Predicted nuclear magnetic resonance Cα chemical shifts reveal different preferences with each force field towards certain conformations, with AMBERff99SBnmr2/TIP4Pd showing the best agreement with the experiment. Comparisons of secondary structure content demonstrate residue‐specific differences between hIAPP and rIAPP that may reflect their different aggregation propensities.
Bioactive food coating: A review
Authors: Garcia‐Henao Camilo E. , Valderrama‐Sanchez Valeria , Arboleda‐Murillo J. Alejandro , Pinzon Magda I. , Sanchez Leidy T. , Villa Cristian C.
Published: September 2022

Bioactive food packaging is a trend in food packaging science and technology, which is focused on the consumer's health benefits provided by the edible polymeric packaging and the inclusion of bioactive molecules of natural origin, probiotic microorganism and/or prebiotic molecules. Several types of edible films and bioactive molecules have been used in order to create bioactive molecules. In some cases, mechanical and barrier properties of the edible film are enhanced by the bioactive molecule. Likewise, inclusion of probiotics could also lead to enhanced properties of the film. This review will be useful to understand the different components and characteristics of the different types of bioactive films.
The feasibility and value of assessing patient‐reported outcomes in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: DuBrock Hilary M. , Reddy Yogesh N. , Durst Louise A. , Schroeder Darrell R. , Park Grace , Cajigas Hector R. , Kane Garvan C. , Kushwaha Sudhir S. , McCully Robert B. , Murphy Joseph G. , Anand Vidhu , Krowka Michael J. , Frantz Robert P.
Published: September 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive pulmonary vascular disease that negatively impacts health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). The PAH‐symptoms and impact (PAH‐SYMPACT) questionnaire is a validated disease‐specific patient‐reported outcome (PRO) instrument that assesses a patient's symptoms and the impact of PAH and its treatment on well‐being. We performed a single‐center prospective cohort study of patients with PAH to determine the feasibility of assessing PROs in clinical practice and to determine the association between PAH‐SYMPACT domains and clinical characteristics and outcomes. One hundred and ten patients completed the 1‐day version of the PAH‐SYMPACT questionnaire which consists of 22 Likert‐scale questions that assess HRQOL across four domains: cardiopulmonary (CP) symptoms, cardiovascular (CV) symptoms, physical impact (PI), and cognitive and emotional (CE) impact. Higher scores indicate worse HRQOL. Patients were predominantly female (n = 86, 78%) with a mean age of 57.8 ± 16.2 years. While several patient characteristics were associated with CP and PI domains, few were associated with CV and CE domains. PI and CE impact scores were associated with recent hospitalizations and mortality and CE impact score was independently associated with an increased risk of death after adjustment for disease severity (hazard ratio: 3.29, 95% confidence interval: 1.56–6.91, p = 0.002). In conclusion, the assessment of PROs in clinical practice using the PAH‐SYMPACT questionnaire is both feasible and valuable. PAH‐SYMPACT scores have independent prognostic value and are not adequately reflected by traditional measures of disease severity. These findings underscore the importance of assessing HRQOL in clinical practice.
Vector Magnetometry Based on Polarimetric Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Reuschel Philipp , Agio Mario , Flatae Assegid M.
Published: September 2022

A robust technique is introduced for vector magnetometry based on polarimetry and optically detected magnetic resonance of ensembles of negatively charged nitrogen‐vacancy (NV–) centers in diamond without a magnetic bias field. Ensembles provide a far greater signal‐to‐noise ratio than single centers, and their creation requires less effort. Previous methods for vector magnetometry using ensembles of NV– centers relied on a calibrated magnetic bias field or on complex detection techniques to distinguish the crystal axes. Instead, this work uses out‐of‐plane polarized light to selectively excite NV– centers oriented along specific crystal axes. This approach is general for other spin‐1 color centers with symmetry, and it is compatible with standard microscopy methods, such as scanning probe, superresolution, confocal, and wide‐field imaging.
Removal of contamination in helium for precise SF6‐based Δ36S measurements
Authors: Yu Xiaoxiao , Yin Binyan , Lin Mang
Published: September 2022

Rationale

Quantifications of quadruple sulfur isotopic compositions (δ34S, Δ33S, and Δ36S) of sulfur‐bearing compounds in nature are valuable for providing new insights into the Earth's evolution such as the crust–mantle cycle, oxygenation of atmosphere and oceans, and the origin and evolution of early life. SF6‐based isotope ratio mass spectrometry is the most widely used method of quantification, but Δ36S measurements at high precision and accuracy have always been technically difficult due to the low abundance of 36S (~0.01%). In this paper, we identify a major source of isobaric interferences (i.e., contamination in helium carrier gas in the gas chromatography purification step) and propose a simple strategy to solve this problem.

Methods

An SF6 fluorination and purification system was built. Laboratory SF6 reference gas and international Ag2S standard (IAEA‐S1) were used as reference materials to test our method. Contamination from helium carrier gas (99.999%) was purified by a simple two‐step cryogenic method to allow for accurate and precise measurements of Δ36S using the SF6‐based isotope ratio mass spectrometry method.

Results

Without proper purification of helium carrier gas, large errors in Δ36S measurements were found. Measured Δ36S values of SF6 with trace contamination from helium were >10‰ higher than expected values. Using a newly developed purification strategy, the difference in Δ36S values of SF6 before and after passing through the gas chromatography is less than instrumental errors (<0.2‰). Our improved method yielded an overall Δ36S precision for IAEA‐S1 of 0.12‰ (n = 6). This precision is comparable to that found by other laboratories around the world.

Conclusion

Our simple two‐step cryogenic method significantly improved the accuracy and precision of Δ36S measurements and is therefore recommended for future determination of quadruple sulfur isotopic compositions in natural samples.
Attitude tracking control of spacecraft with preset‐time preset‐bounded convergence
Authors: Zou An‐Min , Liu Yangyang
Published: September 2022

This article addresses the issue of attitude tracking control of rigid spacecraft in the existence of bounded external disturbances. By introducing a smooth time‐varying scaling function, a preset‐time sliding mode surface is designed. Then, a nonsingular and continuous preset‐time preset‐bounded attitude tracking control scheme is developed. The distinctive feature of the present control law is that the size of the convergence region and the settling time can be prescribed a priori. In addition, the proposed control scheme exhibits superiority in reducing the magnitude of the applied control torques and saving energy. At last the feasibility of the derived control protocol is illustrated by numerical simulations including a comparative example.
A Conductive Hydrogel‐Based Microneedle Platform for Real‐Time pH Measurement in Live Animals
Authors: Odinotski Sarah , Dhingra Karan , GhavamiNejad Amin , Zheng Hanjia , GhavamiNejad Peyman , Gaouda Hager , Mohammadrezaei Dorsa , Poudineh Mahla
Published: September 2022

Conventional microneedles (MNs) have been extensively reported and applied toward a variety of biosensing and drug delivery applications. Hydrogel forming MNs with the added ability to electrically track health conditions in real‐time is an area yet to be explored. The first conductive hydrogel microneedle (HMN) electrode that is capable of on‐needle pH detection with no postprocessing required is presented here. The HMN array is fabricated using a swellable dopamine (DA) conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel, and is embedded with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) to increase conductivity. The catechol‐quinone chemistry intrinsic to DA is used to measure pH in interstitial fluid (ISF). The effect of PEDOT:PSS on the characteristics of the HMN array such as swelling capability and mechanical strength is fully studied. The HMN's capability for pH measurement is first demonstrated using porcine skin equilibrated with different pH solutions ranging from 3.5 to 9. Furthermore, the HMN‐pH meter is capable of in vivo measurements with a 93% accuracy compared to a conventional pH probe meter. This HMN technology bridges the gap between traditional metallic electrochemical biosensors and the direct extraction of ISF, and introduces a platform for the development of polymeric wearable sensors capable of on‐needle detection.
Engineering properties of structural lightweight concrete containing expanded shale and clay with high volume class F and class C fly ash
Authors: Mohammed Tijani , Aguayo Federico , Nodehi Mehrab , Ozbakkaloglu Togay
Published: September 2022

Structural optimization is a broad term in the construction sector, whereby material efficiency, as well as cost effectiveness of structures, are optimized. In concrete technology, high‐performance lightweight concrete structures often represent such optimized properties, including cost‐effectiveness and ease of application, while having a lower structural dead load. Although the use of lightweight concrete is often viewed as a sustainable practice, it does not address the high use and dependance on Portland cement, which has a high ecological footprint. In this regard, this study evaluates the engineering properties of structural lightweight concrete containing expanded shale and clay, as coarse aggregate, with a high quantity of coal fly ash (class F and C). For this purpose, a total of 15 mixes have been produced and a comprehensive series of physico‐mechanical and durability tests have been conducted. Based on the results, it is found that expanded clay outperforms expanded shale in terms of physico‐mechanical and durability properties of the resulting concrete, potentially due to its lower particle size distribution (used in this study) and the resulting porosity compared to expanded shale. Nonetheless, comparable physico‐mechanical properties are achieved when expanded shale and clay are used, as a full replacement of limestone. In turn, the performance of class C fly ash is found to be better in mechanical, but lower in certain durability variables, compared to their class F companions. The result of this study is found significant and point to suitability of using expanded shale and clay in combination with high‐volume fly ash.
Developing language in a developing body, revisited: The cascading effects of motor development on the acquisition of language
Authors: Iverson Jana M.
Published: September 2022

In the first years of life, infants rapidly acquire a series of new motor skills. They learn to sit independently, to walk with skill, and to engage in a wide variety of interactions with objects. Over these same years, infants also begin to develop language. These are not isolated events. In a complex developing system, even small changes in one domain can have far‐reaching effects on development in other domains. This is the fundamental idea behind the rich framework known as thedevelopmental cascadesperspective. Here we employ this framework to show how early motor advances can exert downstream effects on the development of language. Focusing first on the emergence of independent sitting, then on the development of walking, and finally on changes in the ways in which infants act on and combine actions on objects, we describe how the nature and quality of infant actions change dramatically over the first few years and how this brings with it new possibilities for engaging the environment, more sophisticated ways of interacting with people, and significant alterations in communications directed by caregivers to the infant and coordinated with infant action in time and in meaning. The developmental cascades framework provides an approach for understanding how advances in motor skills influence communicative and language development, and more generally, for conceptualizing the constant, dynamic, and complex interplay between developing infants and their environments as it unfolds over time.

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Language Acquisition

Psychology > Motor Skill and Performance

Psychology > Development and Aging
Improving heavy Dirac neutrino prospects at future hadron colliders using machine learning
Authors: Feng Jie , Li Mingqiu , Yan Qi-Shu , Zeng Yu-Pan , Zhang Hong-Hao , Zhang Yongchao , Zhao Zhijie
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In this work, by using the machine learning methods, we study the sensitivities of heavy pseudo-Dirac neutrino N in the inverse seesaw at the high-energy hadron colliders. The production process for the signal is pp → ℓ → 3ℓ + $$ {E}_T^{\mathrm{miss}} $$

E
T
miss

, while the dominant background is pp → WZ → 3ℓ + $$ {E}_T^{\mathrm{miss}} $$

E
T
miss

. We use either the Multi-Layer Perceptron or the Boosted Decision Tree with Gradient Boosting to analyse the kinematic observables and optimize the discrimination of background and signal events. It is found that the reconstructed Z boson mass and heavy neutrino mass from the charged leptons and missing transverse energy play crucial roles in separating the signal from backgrounds. The prospects of heavy-light neutrino mixing |VℓN|2 (with ℓ = e, μ) are estimated by using machine learning at the hadron colliders with $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 14 TeV, 27 TeV, and 100 TeV, and it is found that |VℓN|2 can be improved up to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(10−6) for heavy neutrino mass mN = 100 GeV and $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(10−4) for mN = 1 TeV.
The phase structure and effective action of 3D CDT at higher spatial genus
Authors: Brunekreef Joren , Németh Dániel
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We perform a detailed investigation of the phase structure and the semiclassical effective action of (2+1)-dimensional Causal Dynamical Triangulations (CDT) quantum gravity using computer simulations. On the one hand, we study the effect of enlarging the ensemble of triangulations by relaxing the simplicial manifold conditions in a controlled way. On the other hand, we cast a first look at CDT geometries with spatial topology beyond that of the sphere or torus. We measure the phase structure of the model for several triangulation ensembles and spatial topologies, finding evidence that the phase structure is qualitatively unaffected by these generalizations. Furthermore, we determine the effective action for the spatial volumes of the system, again varying the simplicial manifold conditions and the spatial topology. In all cases where we were able to gather sufficient statistics, we found the resulting effective action to be consistent with a minisuperspace action derived from continuum Einstein gravity, although more work is needed to confirm this conclusion. We interpret our overall results as evidence that 1) partially relaxing simplicial manifold conditions or changing the spatial genus does not affect the continuum limit of 3D CDT and that 2) increasing the spatial genus of the system likely does not influence the leading-order terms in the emergent effective action.
Supersymmetric dS4 solutions in D = 11 supergravity
Authors: Di Gioia M. , Gutowski J.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The necessary and sufficient conditions for warped product dS4 solutions in D = 11 supergravity to be supersymmetric are determined. The Killing spinor is associated with two possible stabilizer groups, SU(3) and G2. We show that there are no solutions to the Killing Spinor equations in the G2 stabilizer case. For the SU(3) stablilzer case, all of the conditions imposed from supersymmetry on the 4-form flux, and the geometry of the internal manifold, are determined in terms of SU(3) invariant spinor bilinears.
Fundamental membranes and the string dilaton
Authors: Meissner Krzysztof A. , Nicolai Hermann
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We study the quantization of the bosonic sector of supermembrane theory in double dimensional reduction, in order to extract the dependence of the resulting world-sheet action on the string dilaton (which cannot be obtained from a purely kinematic reduction). Our construction relies on a Polyakov-type approach with all six metric components on the world-volume as independent quantum fields, and shows that the correct and unique answer is only obtained if the target-space dimension of the theory is restricted to the critical value (D= 11 for the supermembrane). As a corollary, our analysis implies that there are no analogs of the non-critical string for (super-)membrane theory.
Morphological risk factors for scaphoid fracture: a case–control study
Authors: Cohen Abigael , Claessen Thomas , van den Berg Corne , Siebelt Michiel , Hagenaars Tjebbe , Kraan Gerald A. , Waarsing Johannes H. , Reijman Max , Colaris Joost W.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Most patients with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture and normal initial radiograph are unnecessarily treated. Previously developed prediction rules using demographic and clinical risk are unable to accurately predict occult fractures. Adding other risk factors could enhance this. Therefore, we aim to explore if there are morphological risk factors of the wrist for sustaining a scaphoid fracture.

Methods

We retrospectively included adult patients with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture between 2013 and 2019 in our case–control study. There were 82 patients with a scaphoid fracture and 158 patients with a wrist contusion. Morphological risk factors were identified using statistical shape modelling (SSM) and linear measurements. Independent wrist shape variations on posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were captured in modes using SSM. Associations between outcomes and a scaphoid fracture were explored using logistic regression and the reliability was assessed.

Results

Of the 15 posteroanterior modes and 8 lateral modes identified and linear measurements performed, 1 PA mode was associated with a scaphoid fracture (PA mode 4; OR 1.40, CI 1.04–1.93, p = 0.031). We described this mode as an ulna plus and narrower distal radius with more volar tilt and radial inclination. The reliability of the posteroanterior modes and linear measurements was mostly good/excellent and moderate/poor for the lateral modes.

Conclusion

There was one complex wrist shape significantly associated with a scaphoid fracture. Since the association was weak and the shape is difficult to identify radiographs, we believe this morphological risk factor would not enhance identifying occult scaphoid fractures in the future.
Versorgernetzwerke für Menschen mit Seltenen Erkrankungen: Daten und Expertise bündeln
Authors: Graessner Holm , Storf Holger , Schaefer Franz
Published: September 2022

Als Seltene Erkrankungen (SE) gelten in der Europäischen Union (EU) Krankheiten, von denen nicht mehr als 5 von 10.000 Menschen betroffen sind. Aufgrund ihrer Seltenheit sind klinische Expertise und qualitätsgesicherte Versorgungsstrukturen rar, die Forschung ist hier im Vergleich zu anderen Krankheiten erschwert. Diese Probleme können jedoch mittels nationaler und länderübergreifender SE-Versorgernetzwerke überwunden werden. Daten und Expertise werden darin gebündelt.

In der Europäischen Union arbeiten die Europäischen Referenznetzwerke (ERN) für Seltene und Komplexe Erkrankungen grenzübergreifend zusammen. Wichtige Leistungen der ERN unter Nutzung von Gesundheitsdaten umfassen die diagnostische Kodierung der SE, die Durchführung von virtuellen, grenzübergreifenden Fallkonferenzen und die Etablierung von europäischen Registern, die zur Messung und Verbesserung der Versorgungsqualität genutzt werden. In den ERN verbinden sich die lokale Datenerzeugung und Dokumentation mit netzwerkweiten Dateninfrastrukturen. In diesem Beitrag werden die datenbasierten Leistungen in und für SE-Versorgernetzwerke beschrieben: 1) diagnostische Kodierung, 2) grenzüberschreitende Fallkonferenzen und 3) ERN-Register für die Versorgung der SE-Patient*innen. Im letzten Abschnitt wird auf die Integration der Netzwerke in die nationalen Gesundheitssysteme eingegangen.

Um einen bestmöglichen Nutzen für die SE-Patient*innen erzielen zu können, müssen die ERN-Aktivitäten und -Strukturen noch besser in die nationalen Gesundheitssysteme integriert werden. In Deutschland nehmen diesbezüglich die Medizininformatik-Initiative und die Deutschen Referenznetzwerke eine zentrale Rolle ein.
Modelling and prediction of GNSS time series using GBDT, LSTM and SVM machine learning approaches
Authors: Gao Wenzong , Li Zhao , Chen Qusen , Jiang Weiping , Feng Yanming
Published: September 2022

Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) site coordinate time series provides essential data for geodynamic and geophysical studies, realisation of a regional or global geodetic reference frames, and crustal deformation research. The coordinate time series has been conventionally modelled by least squares (LS) fitting with harmonic functions, alongside many other analysis methods. As a key limitation, the traditional modelling approaches simply use the functions of time variable, despite good knowledge of various underlying physical mechanisms responsible for the site displacements. This paper examines the use of machine learning (ML) models to reflect the effects or residential effects of physical variables related to Sun and the Moon ephemerides, polar motion, temperature, atmospheric pressure, and hydrology on the site displacements. To form the ML problem, these variables are constructed as the input vector of each ML training sample, while the vertical displacement of a GNSS site is regarded as the output value. In the evaluation experiments, three ML approaches, namely the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) approach, long short-term memory (LSTM) approach, and support vector machine (SVM) approach, are introduced and evaluated with the time series datasets collected from 9 GNSS sites over the period of 13 years. The results indicate that all three approaches achieve similar fitting precision in the range of 3–5 mm in the vertical displacement component, which is an improvement in over 30% with respect to the traditional LS fitting precision in the range of 4–7 mm. The prediction of the vertical time series with the three ML approaches shows the precision in the range of 4–7 mm over the future 24- month period. The results also indicate the relative importance of different physical features causing the displacements of each site. Overall, ML approaches demonstrate better performance and effectiveness in modelling and prediction of GNSS time series, thus impacting maintenance of geodetic reference frames, geodynamics, geophysics, and crustal deformation analysis.
Time dependency of automated collateral scores in computed tomography angiography and computed tomography perfusion images in patients with intracranial arterial occlusion
Authors: Su Jiahang , Wolff Lennard , van Doormaal Pieter Jan , Dippel Diederik W.J. , van Zwam Wim , Niessen Wiro J , van der Lugt Aad , van Walsum Theo
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The assessment of collateral status may depend on the timing of image acquisition. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there are optimal time points in CT Perfusion (CTP) for collateral status assessment, and compare collaterals scores at these time points with collateral scores from multiphase CT angiography (mCTA).

Methods

Patients with an acute intracranial occlusion who underwent baseline non-contrast CT, mCTA and CT perfusion were selected. Collateral status was assessed using an automatically computed Collateral Ratio (CR) score in mCTA, and predefined time points in CTP acquisition. CRs extracted from CTP were correlated with CRs from mCTA. In addition, all CRs were related to baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Alberta Stoke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) with linear regression analysis to find the optimal CR.

Results

In total 58 subjects (median age 74 years; interquartile range 61–83 years; 33 male) were included. When comparing the CRs from the CTP vs. mCTA acquisition, the strongest correlations were found between CR from baseline mCTA and the CR at the maximal intensity projection of time-resolved CTP (r = 0.81) and the CR at the peak of arterial enhancement point (r = 0.78). Baseline mCTA-derived CR had the highest correlation with ASPECTS (β = 0.36 (95%CI 0.11, 0.61)) and NIHSS (β = − 0.48 (95%CI − 0.72, − 0.16)).

Conclusion

Collateral status assessment strongly depends on the timing of acquisition. Collateral scores obtained from mCTA imaging is close to the optimal collateral score obtained from CTP imaging.
[11C]carfentanil PET imaging for studying the peripheral opioid system in vivo: effect of photoperiod on mu-opioid receptor availability in brown adipose tissue
Authors: Sun Lihua , Aarnio Richard , Herre Erika Atencio , Kärnä Salli , Palani Senthil , Virtanen Helena , Liljenbäck Heidi , Virta Jenni , Honkaniemi Aake , Oikonen Vesa , Han Chunlei , Laurila Sanna , Bucci Marco , Helin Semi , Yatkin Emrah , Nummenmaa Lauri , Nuutila Pirjo , Tang Jing , Roivainen Anne
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Photoperiod determines the metabolic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and affects the food intake and body mass of mammals. Sympathetic innervation of the BAT controls thermogenesis and facilitates physiological adaption to seasonal changes, but the exact mechanism remains elusive. Previous studies have shown that central opioid signaling regulates BAT thermogenesis, and that the expression of the brain mu-opioid receptor (MOR) varies seasonally. Therefore, it is important to know whether MOR expression in BAT shows seasonal variation.

Methods

We determined the effect of photoperiod on BAT MOR availability using [11C]carfentanil positron emission tomography (PET). Adult rats (n = 9) were repeatedly imaged under various photoperiods in order to simulate seasonal changes.

Results

Long photoperiod was associated with low MOR expression in BAT (β =  − 0.04, 95% confidence interval: − 0.07, − 0.01), but not in muscles. We confirmed the expression of MOR in BAT and muscle using immunofluorescence staining.

Conclusion

Photoperiod affects MOR availability in BAT. Sympathetic innervation of BAT may influence thermogenesis via the peripheral MOR system. The present study supports the utility of [11C]carfentanil PET to study the peripheral MOR system.