bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting deep learning and augmented reality in fused deposition modeling: a focus on registration
Authors: Tanzi Leonardo , Piazzolla Pietro , Moos Sandro , Vezzetti Enrico
Published: November 2022

The current study aimed to propose a Deep Learning (DL) based framework to retrieve in real-time the position and the rotation of an object in need of maintenance from live video frames only. For testing the positioning performances, we focused on intervention on a generic Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer maintenance. Lastly, to demonstrate a possible Augmented Reality (AR) application that can be built on top of this, we discussed a specific case study using a Prusa i3 MKS FDM printer. This method was developed using a You Only Look Once (YOLOv3) network for object detection to locate the position of the FDM 3D printer and a subsequent Rotation Convolutional Neural Network (RotationCNN), trained on a dataset of artificial images, to predict the rotations’ parameters for attaching the 3D model. To train YOLOv3 we used an augmented dataset of 1653 real images, while to train the RotationCNN we utilized a dataset of 99.220 synthetic images, showing the FDM 3D Printer with different orientations, and fine-tuned it using 235 real images tagged manually. The YOLOv3 network obtained an AP (Average Precision) of 100% with Intersection Over Unit parameter of 0.5, while the RotationCNN showed a mean Geodesic Distance of 0.250 (σ = 0.210) and a mean accuracy to detect the correct rotation r of 0.619 (σ = 0.130), considering as acceptable the range [r − 10, r + 10]. We then evaluate the CAD system performances with 10 non-expert users: the average speed improved from 9.61 (σ = 1.53) to 5.30 (σ = 1.30) and the average number of actions to complete the task from 12.60 (σ = 2.15) to 11.00 (σ = 0.89). This work is a further step through the adoption of DL and AR in the assistance domain. In future works, we will overcome the limitations of this approach and develop a complete mobile CAD system that could be extended to any object that presents a 3D counterpart model.
Clinical, biochemical features and functional outcome of patients with SARS-CoV-2-related subacute thyroiditis: a review
Authors: Viola N. , Brancatella A. , Sgrò D. , Santini F. , Latrofa F.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

SARS CoV-2 infection involves many organs and systems, including the thyroid, in which it manifests itself as subacute thyroiditis (SAT). After our first description of SAT due to SARS-CoV2 infection, other reports have confirmed the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and SAT. We review the cases of SAT associated with COVID-19 to highlight its peculiar clinical and biochemical features, including its outcome and what it has added to our understanding of SAT.

Results

We have reviewed 24 articles, for a total of 69 cases of SAT related to SARS-CoV2 infection. All had neck pain, whereas thyrotoxicosis was documented in 68/68 who had their thyroid function checked. Ultrasound, performed in 67 patients, was typical of SAT in 65 and low uptake at scintigraphy was demonstrated in all 12 evaluated patients. Patients had a prompt response to the anti-inflammatory and/or glucocorticoid therapy, as expected in SAT. The rate of hypothyroidism was higher (36.5%) in COVID-19-related SAT compared to that observed in the pre-COVID era (10%).

Conclusions

Clinical, biochemical, and instrumental features of SAT related to SARS-CoV2 are like those observed in SAT cases reported prior to COVID-19 pandemic, but it appears more severe.
Long-Lasting Impact of Sugar Intake on Neurotrophins and Neurotransmitters from Adolescence to Young Adulthood in Rat Frontal Cortex
Authors: Spagnuolo Maria Stefania , Mazzoli Arianna , Nazzaro Martina , Troise Antonio Dario , Gatto Cristina , Tonini Claudia , Colardo Mayra , Segatto Marco , Scaloni Andrea , Pallottini Valentina , Iossa Susanna , Cigliano Luisa
Published: November 2022

The detrimental impact of fructose, a widely used sweetener in industrial foods, was previously evidenced on various brain regions. Although adolescents are among the highest consumers of sweet foods, whether brain alterations induced by the sugar intake during this age persist until young adulthood or are rescued returning to a healthy diet remains largely unexplored. To shed light on this issue, just weaned rats were fed with a fructose-rich or control diet for 3 weeks. At the end of the treatment, fructose-fed rats underwent a control diet for a further 3 weeks until young adulthood phase and compared with animals that received from the beginning the healthy control diet. We focused on the consequences induced by the sugar on the main neurotrophins and neurotransmitters in the frontal cortex, as its maturation continues until late adolescence, thus being the last brain region to achieve a full maturity. We observed that fructose intake induces inflammation and oxidative stress, alteration of mitochondrial function, and changes of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin receptors, synaptic proteins, acetylcholine, dopamine, and glutamate levels, as well as increased formation of the glycation end-products Nε-carboxymethyllysine (CML) and Nε-carboxyethyllysine (CEL). Importantly, many of these alterations (BDNF, CML, CEL, acetylcholinesterase activity, dysregulation of neurotransmitters levels) persisted after switching to the control diet, thus pointing out to the adolescence as a critical phase, in which extreme attention should be devoted to limit an excessive consumption of sweet foods that can affect brain physiology also in the long term.
Barriers to evidence use for sustainability: Insights from pesticide policy and practice
Authors: Hofmann Benjamin , Ingold Karin , Stamm Christian , Ammann Priska , Eggen Rik I. L. , Finger Robert , Fuhrimann Samuel , Lienert Judit , Mark Jennifer , McCallum Chloe , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Reber Ueli , Tamm Lucius , Wiget Milena , Winkler Mirko S. , Zachmann Lucca , Hoffmann Sabine
Published: November 2022

Calls for supporting sustainability through more and better research rest on an incomplete understanding of scientific evidence use. We argue that a variety of barriers to a transformative impact of evidence arises from diverse actor motivations within different stages of evidence use. We abductively specify this variety in policy and practice arenas for three actor motivations (truth-seeking, sense-making, and utility-maximizing) and five stages (evidence production, uptake, influence on decisions, effects on sustainability outcomes, and feedback from outcome evaluations). Our interdisciplinary synthesis focuses on the sustainability challenge of reducing environmental and human health risks of agricultural pesticides. It identifies barriers resulting from (1) truth-seekers’ desire to reduce uncertainty that is complicated by evidence gaps, (2) sense-makers’ evidence needs that differ from the type of evidence available, and (3) utility-maximizers’ interests that guide strategic evidence use. We outline context-specific research–policy–practice measures to increase evidence use for sustainable transformation in pesticides and beyond.
Electrical characteristics of new three-phase traction power supply system for rail transit
Authors: Huang Xiaohong , Wang Hanlin , Li Qunzhan , Yang Naiqi , Ren Tao , Peng You , Li Haoyang
Published: November 2022

A novel three-phase traction power supply system is proposed to eliminate the adverse effects caused by electric phase separation in catenary and accomplish a unifying manner of traction power supply for rail transit. With the application of two-stage three-phase continuous power supply structure, the electrical characteristics exhibit new features differing from the existing traction system. In this work, the principle for voltage levels determining two-stage network is dissected in accordance with the requirements of traction network and electric locomotive. The equivalent model of three-phase traction system is built for deducing the formula of current distribution and voltage losses. Based on the chain network model of the traction network, a simulation model is established to analyze the electrical characteristics such as traction current distribution, voltage losses, system equivalent impedance, voltage distribution, voltage unbalance and regenerative energy utilization. In a few words, quite a lot traction current of about 99% is undertaken by long-section cable network. The proportion of system voltage losses is small attributed to the two-stage three-phase power supply structure, and the voltage unbalance caused by impedance asymmetry of traction network is less than 1‰. In addition, the utilization rate of regenerative energy for locomotive achieves a significant promotion of over 97%.
The Pandemic and Constitutionalism
Authors: Halmai Gábor
Published: November 2022

The paper discusses the reactions of different political and constitutional systems reactions to the pandemic and also the impact of COVID to populism, constitutionalism, and autocracy. Beyond the choice between economic and health considerations also applied in liberal democratic countries, which have lead either to “under-” or “overreaction” to the pandemic, certain illiberal regimes used the crisis situation as a pretext to strengthen the autocratic character of their systems. In some cases, this needed an “underreach,” like in Poland to insist on the presidential election, which has been important to entrench the power of the governing party’s incumbent, elsewhere “overreach,” like in Hungary, where an unlimited emergency power of government has been introduced after the very first cases of contagion. These autocratic “overreactions” have breached the formerly used authoritarian legalistic approaches by openly violating their own illiberal constitutions. New “conservative” theories on “common good constitutionalism” emerged to legitimize the necessity of authoritative rule by the executive power. The paper concludes that one possibility to overcome authoritarian populism and restore constitutionalism in crisis situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic would be to rely on the involvement of the well informed public, one that is capable to understand and assess the advice of the meritocratic elite. This kind of participation would also help build up a constitutional culture necessary to preserve the values of constitutionalism.
Impact of SARS CoV-2 /COVID-19 infection on the course of advanced chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Pazgan-Simon Monika , Kucharska Marta , Górka-Dynysiewicz Joanna , Simon Krzysztof
Published: November 2022

Background

About 20% of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop COVID-19—the disease that has dominated health care in the last two years. The course of COVID-19 in patients with advanced liver disease tends to be severe, patients also suffer from a higher risk of complications and death. The primary object of this study was to assess the risk and causes of death in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and methods

From a group of 4,314 patients hospitalized at Jerzy Gromkowski Regional Specialist Hospital in Wroclaw (Poland) due to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 infection between March 15, 2020, and January 31, 2022, we selected a cohort of 31 patients with liver cirrhosis (12 women and 19 men) and 7 patients with HCC developed on the cirrhotic liver (1 woman, 6 men). The control group included 123 patients without liver disease. In the entire cohort, we analyzed the course of COVID-19 infection, baseline oxygen demand, liver function (assessed using the CTP—Child-Turoctte-Pugh score and MELD—Model of End-Stage Liver Disease scales), length of hospitalization, development of acute-on-chronic liver failure, and deaths.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 56.6 years in the liver cirrhosis group, 63.3 years for patients with (HCC) hepatocellular carcinoma, and 64 years in the control group. Time of hospitalization averaged 15.52 days and 11.14 days for patients with liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, respectively. For the control group, the average duration of the hospital stay was 11.61 days. With respect to baseline liver function assessed using the CTP score, in the cirrhosis group 10 patients were CTP class A, 19 patients were class B and 9 patients were class C. The cancer group included 3 patients with class A, 2 patients with class B, and 2 patients with class C. In the studied cohort, 22 patients had a baseline MELD score < 12 points, and in 15 patients was > 12. In the HCC group, it was, respectively, CTP A:3, B: 2, C: 2, and MELD < 12: 3, ≥12: 4 people. Most of these patients presented with a progression of liver disease. Fifteen patients died, including 12 with cirrhosis and 3 with HCC, accounting for 39.47% in the entire cohort, 39% in the cirrhotic group and 43% in the HCC group, and 13 in the control group (10.6%), There was a clear statistical difference between the mortality rate in the group with liver disease and in the control group.

Conclusions

Infection with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 in patients with cirrhosis and HCC tends to have a more severe course and leads to exacerbation of the liver disease. The most common cause of death in the analyzed cohort infected with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 was the progression of liver disease, complicated by liver failure.
The Russia–Ukraine war disproportionately threatens the nutrition security of developing countries
Authors: Deng Zhongci , Li Cai , Wang Zhen , Kang Ping , Hu Yuanchao , Pan Haozhi , Liu Gang
Published: November 2022

While the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war threatens global nutrition security, the magnitude and extent of its impact remain underexamined. Here we show that, with the lowest level of war duration, severity, sanction, and countries involved, the direct and indirect impacts of the war and sanctions could newly place 67.3 million people (roughly equals the total population of France) in undernourishment and 316.7 million people (roughly equals the total population of Bangladesh and Russia) suffering from extreme national food insecurity. Approximately 95% of the affected population are from developing countries, highlighting the vulnerability of food supply in these countries. Both the undernourished population and its inequality across countries will substantially grow, if war duration and severity increase. If the war is prolonged to early 2024, future agricultural growth cannot fully offset the negative impacts, and global hunger will still very likely exacerbate. We conclude that targeted measures should be placed in developing countries and their vulnerable populations to reconstruct a just, healthy, and environmentally sustainable food system.
A unified temperature transformation for high-Mach-number flows above adiabatic and isothermal walls
Authors: Chen Peng E.S. , Huang George P. , Shi Yipeng , Yang Xiang I.A. , Lv Yu
Published: November 2022

The mean velocity follows a logarithmic scaling in the surface layer when normalized by the friction velocity, i.e. a velocity scale derived from the wall-shear stress. The same logarithmic scaling exists for the mean temperature when one normalizes the temperature with the friction temperature, i.e. a scale derived from the wall heat flux. This temperature normalization poses challenges to adiabatic walls, for which the wall heat flux is zero, and the logarithmic temperature scaling becomes singular. This paper aims to establish a temperature transformation that applies to both isothermal walls and adiabatic walls. We show that by accounting for the diffusive flux, both the Van Driest transformation and the semi-local transformation (and other transformations alike) apply to adiabatic walls. We also show that the classic Walz equation works well for adiabatic walls because it models the diffusive flux, albeit in a rather crude way. For validation/testing, we conduct direct numerical simulations of supersonic Couette flows at Mach numbers

$M=1$

, 3 and 6, and various Reynolds numbers. The two walls are adiabatic, and a source term is included to cancel the aerodynamic heating in the domain. We show that the adiabatic wall data collapse onto the same incompressible logarithmic law of the wall like the isothermal wall data.
Competitive Liberalization, Postneoliberalism, and Hegemony: The Case of the US-Peru Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Kat Quintijn B.
Published: November 2022

Postneoliberal regionalism in Latin America has failed to live up to the expectations of its proponents and analysts in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Several causes explain its disappointing result, but a relatively understudied cause may be found in the US policy of competitive liberalization. This policy not only aimed at securing US economic and trade interests but also served as a counterweight against emerging postneoliberalism and as a tool for reaffirming US hegemony. This article presents a case study of one example of competitive liberalization in action, the US-Peru FTA, in order to assess how the policy functioned and contributed to curbing the posthegemonic moment in Latin America. It observes a combination of coercion and the political influence of beneficiaries of free trade, and it considers how these dynamics worked to strengthen US influence, both in Peru and in the wider regional political economy.
Light Production by Ceramic Using Hunter-Gatherer-Fishers of the Circum-Baltic
Authors: ROBSON HARRY K. , LUCQUIN ALEXANDRE , ADMIRAAL MARJOLEIN , DOLBUNOVA EKATERINA , ADAMCZAK KAMIL , CZEKAJ-ZASTAWNY AGNIESZKA , FITZHUGH WILLIAM W. , GUMIŃSKI WITOLD , KABACIŃSKI JACEK , KOTULA ANDREAS , KUKAWKA STANISŁAW , ORAS ESTER , PIEZONKA HENNY , PILIČIAUSKAS GYTIS , SØRENSEN SØREN A. , THIELEN LAURA , WETZEL GÜNTER , MEADOWS JOHN , HARTZ SÖNKE , CRAIG OLIVER E. , HERON CARL P.
Published: November 2022

Artificial illumination is a fundamental human need. Burning wood and other materials usually in hearths and fireplaces extended daylight hours, whilst the use of flammable substances in torches offered light on the move. It is increasingly understood that pottery played a role in light production. In this study, we focus on ceramic oval bowls, made and used primarily by hunter-gatherer-fishers of the circum-Baltic over a c. 2000 year period beginning in the mid-6th millennium cal bc. Oval bowls commonly occur alongside larger (cooking) vessels. Their function as ‘oil lamps’ for illumination has been proposed on many occasions but only limited direct evidence has been secured to test this functional association. This study presents the results of molecular and isotopic analysis of preserved organic residues obtained from 115 oval bowls from 25 archaeological sites representing a wide range of environmental settings. Our findings confirm that the oval bowls of the circum-Baltic were used primarily for burning fats and oils, predominantly for the purposes of illumination. The fats derive from the tissues of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial organisms. Bulk isotope data of charred surface deposits show a consistently different pattern of use when oval bowls are compared to other pottery vessels within the same assemblage. It is suggested that hunter-gatherer-fishers around the 55th parallel commonly deployed material culture for artificial light production but the evidence is restricted to times and places where more durable technologies were employed, including the circum-Baltic.
The Place of Bearwards in Early Modern England
Authors: Davies Callan
Published: November 2022

This article recognizes the significance of commercial entertainment producers in early modern England operating outside of London. In doing so, it offers fresh methodological approaches for understanding pre-modern social status. I explore the geographical and social places of independent bearwards – individuals who kept bears for the commercial sport of baiting. Regional figures involved in entertainment production have been little explored and left behind frustratingly few biographical details. Yet three generations of one family – the Whitestones of Ormskirk in Lancashire (1610s through the 1630s) – do leave substantial surviving documentary evidence about their activities, assets, and networks. I use the Whitestones's probate inventories and wills and their and their neighbours’ court depositions and petitions to offer for the first time a holistic appraisal of the material, economic, and cultural circumstances of the bearward. By stepping inside the households and communities of several generations of independent entertainment producers, we can appreciate their complex and variable social status and the role of commercial recreation in social mobility. I finish by considering the human–animal relationships that underpinned the bearward's place in early modern England, offering fresh evidence of bears’ living arrangements and a theoretical framework for discussing their exploitation in the blood sport industry.
Polymer-coated urea application can increase both grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency injaponica-indicahybrid rice
Authors: Xu R. , Chen S. , Xu C.M. , Liu Y.H. , Zhang X.F. , Wang D. Y. , Chu G.
Published: November 2022

We investigated whether the one-time application of polymer-coated urea (PCU) before transplanting could simultaneously improve the grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) ofjaponica-indicahybrid rice (JIHR) through a field experiment. The local high-yield JIHR cultivar Chunyou-927 was field grown during the rice-growing seasons in 2019 and 2020. The experiment consisted of three treatments: no nitrogen application (0N), application of conventional urea (CU), and the one-time application of PCU. Grain yield was 1.0–1.3 t/ha higher, and agronomic NUE (kg grain yield increase per kg N applied) was 5.2–5.9 kg/kg higher, respectively, under the PCU treatment compared with the CU treatment across the two study years. When compared with the CU treatment, the PCU treatment could (1) improve root morphological trait, (2) reduce redundant vegetative growth during the early growth period, (3) increase matter production during the mid and late growth period, and (4) increase plant activity during the grain-filling period. Overall, our findings indicate that one-time PCU application before transplanting of the JIHR cultivar holds great promise for increasing grain yield and NUE.
Harnessing the untapped potential of indigenous cow milk in producing set-type yoghurts: case of Thamankaduwa White and Lankan cattle
Authors: Weerasingha Viraj , Priyashantha Hasitha , Ranadheera Chaminda Senaka , Prasanna Pradeep , Silva Pradeepa , Vidanarachchi Janak K.
Published: November 2022

This research paper assessed textural, microstructural, sensory and colour properties of set-yoghurts produced using milk from two indigenous cattle types, Thamankaduwa White (TW) and Lankan cattle (LC) compared to two generic cattle breeds, Friesian and Jersey. Instrumental texture profile (firmness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness and springiness), colour space (L* a* b*) and scanning electron micrographs of set-yoghurts during 21 d of storage (4 ± 1°C) were evaluated. Sensory quality attributes were evaluated with 40 untrained panellists using a five-point hedonic scale. Set-yoghurts prepared using indigenous cow milk showed higher (P < 0.05) firmness, cohesiveness and apparent viscosity values compared to those prepared using generic cow milk. As revealed by micrographs, set-yoghurts made from TW milk had lesser and smaller void spaces and a dense protein gel network than gels made from LC and the two generic breeds. The gel network made from Friesian milk showed a comparatively larger porous gel structure and thinner protein strands resulting in a weaker gel than other milk gels. The highest lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) were observed from set-yoghurt produced from Friesian and LC milk, respectively. Set-yoghurts from TW milk had the highest (P < 0.05) sensory scores for all sensory attributes. The lowest sensory acceptance was recorded in set-yoghurt made from Friesian milk. Thus, milk from TW and LC is likely to be suitable in producing set-yoghurts with superior textural, microstructural and sensory properties, compared to milk from Jersey and Friesian. Our results suggest the merits of using indigenous cow milk in producing set-yoghurts and, thereby, prioritizing the preservation of the genetic pool of these indigenous breeds.
Is There a Trade-off Between Protecting Investors and Promoting Entrepreneurial Activity? Evidence from Angel Financing
Authors: Xu Jiajie
Published: November 2022

This article studies how changes in investor protection regulations affect local entrepreneurial activity, relying on the heterogeneous impact of a 2011 SEC regulation change on the definition of accredited investors across U.S. cities. Using a difference-in-differences approach, I show that cities more affected by the regulation change experienced a significantly larger decrease in local angel financing, entrepreneurial activity, innovation output, employment, and sales. I find that small business loans and second-lien mortgages became entrepreneurs’ partial substitutes for angel investment. My cost-benefit analysis suggests that the costs of protecting angel investors through the 2011 regulation change outweigh its benefits.
Discrete soft actor-critic with auto-encoder on vascular robotic system
Authors: Li Hao , Zhou Xiao-Hu , Xie Xiao-Liang , Liu Shi-Qi , Gui Mei-Jiang , Xiang Tian-Yu , Wang Jin-Li , Hou Zeng-Guang
Published: November 2022

Instrument delivery is critical part in vascular intervention surgery. Due to the soft-body structure of instruments, the relationship between manipulation commands and instrument motion is non-linear, making instrument delivery challenging and time-consuming. Reinforcement learning has the potential to learn manipulation skills and automate instrument delivery with enhanced success rates and reduced workload of physicians. However, due to the sample inefficiency when using high-dimensional images, existing reinforcement learning algorithms are limited on realistic vascular robotic systems. To alleviate this problem, this paper proposes discrete soft actor-critic with auto-encoder (DSAC-AE) that augments SAC-discrete with an auxiliary reconstruction task. The algorithm is applied with distributed sample collection and parameter update in a robot-assisted preclinical environment. Experimental results indicate that guidewire delivery can be automatically implemented after 50k sampling steps in less than 15 h, demonstrating the proposed algorithm has the great potential to learn manipulation skill for vascular robotic systems.
“We’ve All Lost So Much”: The Long-Term Care Home Experiences of Essential Family Caregivers During COVID-19
Authors: Chu Charlene H. , Yee Amanda V. , Stamatopoulos Vivian
Published: November 2022

Background

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, long-term care homes (LTCHs) imposed visitor restrictions that prevented essential family caregivers (EFCs) from entering the homes. Under these policies, EFCs had to engage in virtual, window, and outdoor visits, prior to the re-initiation of indoor visits.

Objective

To understand EFCs’ visitation experiences with LTCH residents during COVID-19.

Methods

Seven virtual focus groups with EFCs were conducted and analysed using a thematic approach.

Findings

Six themes were identified: (a) inconsistent and poor communication; (b) lack of staffing and resources; (c) increasing discord between EFCs and staff during COVID-19; (d) shock related to reunification; (e) lack of a person-centred or family-centred approach; and, (f) EFC and resident relationships as collateral damage.

Discussion

Our findings reflect how EFCs’ visitation experiences were affected by factors at the individual, LTCH, and health-system levels. Future sectoral responses and visitation guidelines should recognize EFCs as an integral part of the care team.
Diagnosis of acute cystitis in primary care: symptom-based versus urinalysis-based diagnosis
Authors: Lelie- van der Zande Rian , Koster Ellen S. , Grol Marion , Naber Kurt G. , Alidjanov Jakhongir F. , Teichert Martina , Bouvy Marcel L.
Published: November 2022

Aim:

This study aimed to provide insight into the congruity of acute cystitis (AC) diagnosis in women, measured both by the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) questionnaire and urine test(s).

Background:

The ACSS questionnaire was developed as a self-administering tool for assessing urinary symptoms, quality of life (QoL) and treatment outcomes in healthy, nonpregnant female patients.

Methods:

This prospective observational cohort study compared AC diagnosis based on the questionnaire with a GP diagnosis based on dipstick/dipslide test(s). ACSS questionnaire form A (typical and differential symptoms, QoL and relevant conditions) was filled in by the patient group, women suspected for AC visiting a GP practice with a urine sample, and the reference group, women visiting a community pharmacy for any medication. Analyses were performed assuming that the GP diagnosis based on urine test(s) was correct. Divergent result(s) of urine test(s) and ACSS questionnaire were analysed for scores of all individual questionnaire domains. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and the positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) of the ACSS questionnaire and the urine test(s).

Findings:

In the patient group, 59 women were included, 38 of whom a GP positively diagnosed for AC. The reference group included 70 women. The PPV of the ACSS questionnaire was 77.3%, and the NPV was 73.3%. Analysis of patient data for divergent results showed that differential symptoms, QoL and relevant conditions explained false-positive and false-negative results. Revised results (most probable diagnosis) based on this analysis showed a PPV and NPV of 88.6% and 73.3% for the ACSS questionnaire and 100% and 76.2% for the urine test(s). For use in primary care, a reduction in false-positive and false-negative results can be achieved by including scores for differential symptoms, QoL and relevant conditions, alongside a total typical symptoms score of 6 or higher.
Self‐Similarity of Seismic Moment Release to Volume Change Scaling for Volcanoes: A Comparison With Injection‐Induced Seismicity
Authors: Kettlety Tom , Kendall J. Michael , Roman Diana C.
Published: November 2022

Estimates of intruded magma volume are critical for forecasting volcanic unrest. Geodetic modeling can provide such estimates but is of limited use in submarine and highly vegetated settings. A complementary approach could be to use estimates of seismic moment release. In this study, we examine the moment‐volume scaling of several proximal volcanic earthquake sequences and compare it to that of injection‐induced seismicity. We find a notable similarity in scaling between the volcanic sequences, which contrasts with the broad range of responses exhibited by anthropogenic injection‐induced sequences. This may imply an underlying similarity in the geologic conditions for volcanoes that is distinct from induced seismicity settings. It could also allow for estimates of intruded volume to be made without geodetic information. This provides further insight into the factors controlling seismogenesis in these different settings and has implications for volcano seismology and injection‐induced seismicity hazard estimation.
Anthropogenic Contributions to the 2021 Pacific Northwest Heatwave
Authors: Bercos‐Hickey Emily , O’Brien Travis A. , Wehner Michael F. , Zhang Likun , Patricola Christina M. , Huang Huanping , Risser Mark D.
Published: November 2022

Daily maximum temperatures during the 2021 heatwave in the Pacific Northwest United States and Canada shattered century old records. Multiple causal factors, including anthropogenic climate change, contributed to these high temperatures, challenging traditional methods of attributing human influence. We demonstrate that the observed 2021 daily maximum temperatures are far above the bounds of Generalized Extreme Value distributions fitted from historical data. Hence, confidence in Granger causal inference statements about the human influence on this heatwave is low. Alternatively, we present a more conditional hindcast attribution study using two regional models. We performed ensembles of simulations of the heatwave to investigate how the event would have changed if it had occurred without anthropogenic climate change and with future warming. We found that global warming caused a ∼0.8°C–1°C increase in heatwave temperatures. Future warming would lead to a ∼5°C increase in heatwave temperature by the end of the 21st century.
Derivation of Emissions From Satellite‐Observed Column Amounts and Its Application to TROPOMI NO2 and CO Observations
Authors: Sun Kang
Published: November 2022

A unified framework that connects emissions with satellite‐observed column amounts is derived from first principles. The emission information originates from the inner product of the horizontal wind and the gradient of column amount, which is more accurate than the horizontal flux divergence as used in previous studies. Additionally, the topographical and chemical effects are accounted for through fitted scale height and chemical lifetime. This framework is applied to derive NOx and CO emissions over the CONUS from TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument NO2 and CO observations. High‐resolution (0.04°) emission mapping over the CONUS reveals unprecedented details, including CO emissions in major cities and NOx emissions from large cities, power plants, and major roadways. Monthly resolved NOx emissions show decrease and rebound after the COVID‐19 pandemic. This framework is integrated with the physical oversampling algorithm and can be readily applied to other products from the new‐generation satellite instruments.
Magmatic and Tectonic Domains of Central Costa Rica and the Irazú‐Turrialba Volcanic Complex Revealed by Ambient Noise Tomography
Authors: Jiwani‐Brown Elliot Amir , Planès Thomas , Pacheco Javier Francisco , Mora Mauricio M. , Lupi Matteo
Published: November 2022

The Central America Volcanic Arc runs from Guatemala to Panama, locally interrupted in Costa Rica after the twin‐system Irazú‐Turrialba Volcanic Complex, at the onset of the Talamanca Cordillera. A marked geological discontinuity characterizes the transition between the volcanic arc and this continental mountain range. To shed light on the spatial and structural relationships between active tectonics and volcanism, we deployed a temporary network consisting of 20 broadband seismic stations around the Irazú‐Turrialba Volcanic Complex that integrated the national seismic networks maintained by Costa Rican institutes. From the seismic records, we extract cross‐correlation functions and Rayleigh wave group‐velocity dispersion curves to perform two ambient noise tomographies at a regional and local scale. From this, we derive two models that point out the magmatic and tectonic features of the southern part of the Central American Volcanic Arc and of the Irazú‐Turrialba Volcanic Complex. The regional‐scale tomographic inversion suggests that such a volcanic complex shares a common reservoir at about 5–7 km depth that is fed by a sub‐vertical region, departing from at least 12 km depth. From here magmas appear to be transported upwards and stored in separate reservoirs below each volcanic edifice. Our study establishes an improved understanding of the spatial relationship between tectonic features and distribution of magmatic reservoirs underpinning the plumbing system of the Irazú‐Turrialba volcanic complex.
PCRCR complex is essential for invasion of human erythrocytes by Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Scally Stephen W. , Triglia Tony , Evelyn Cindy , Seager Benjamin A. , Pasternak Michał , Lim Pailene S. , Healer Julie , Geoghegan Niall D. , Adair Amy , Tham Wai-Hong , Dagley Laura F. , Rogers Kelly L. , Cowman Alan F.
Published: November 2022

The most severe form of malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum. These parasites invade human erythrocytes, and an essential step in this process involves the ligand PfRh5, which forms a complex with cysteine-rich protective antigen (CyRPA) and PfRh5-interacting protein (PfRipr) (RCR complex) and binds basigin on the host cell. We identified a heteromeric disulfide-linked complex consisting of P. falciparum Plasmodium thrombospondin-related apical merozoite protein (PfPTRAMP) and P. falciparum cysteine-rich small secreted protein (PfCSS) and have shown that it binds RCR to form a pentameric complex, PCRCR. Using P. falciparum lines with conditional knockouts, invasion inhibitory nanobodies to both PfPTRAMP and PfCSS, and lattice light-sheet microscopy, we show that they are essential for merozoite invasion. The PCRCR complex functions to anchor the contact between merozoite and erythrocyte membranes brought together by strong parasite deformations. We solved the structure of nanobody–PfCSS complexes to identify an inhibitory epitope. Our results define the function of the PCRCR complex and identify invasion neutralizing epitopes providing a roadmap for structure-guided development of these proteins for a blood stage malaria vaccine.
Evidence, detailed characterization and clinical context of complement activation in acute multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
Authors: Sinkovits György , Schnur János , Hurler Lisa , Kiszel Petra , Prohászka Zita Z. , Sík Pál , Kajdácsi Erika , Cervenak László , Maráczi Veronika , Dávid Máté , Zsigmond Borbála , Rimanóczy Éva , Bereczki Csaba , Willems Loek , Toonen Erik J. M. , Prohászka Zoltán
Published: November 2022

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare, life-threatening complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. MIS-C develops with high fever, marked inflammation and shock-like picture several weeks after exposure to, or mild infection with SARS-CoV-2. Deep immune profiling identified activated macrophages, neutrophils, B-plasmablasts and CD8 + T cells as key determinants of pathogenesis together with multiple inflammatory markers. The disease rapidly responds to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment with clear changes of immune features. Here we present the results of a comprehensive analysis of the complement system in the context of MIS-C activity and describe characteristic changes during IVIG treatment. We show that activation markers of the classical, alternative and terminal pathways are highly elevated, that the activation is largely independent of anti-SARS-CoV-2 humoral immune response, but is strongly associated with markers of macrophage activation. Decrease of complement activation is closely associated with rapid improvement of MIS-C after IVIG treatment.
Comparison of nutritional risk screening with NRS2002 and the GLIM diagnostic criteria for malnutrition in hospitalized patients
Authors: Trollebø Marte A. , Skeie Eli , Revheim Ingrid , Stangeland Helene , Erstein Mari-Anne H. , Grønning Martin K. , Tangvik Randi J. , Morken Mette H. , Nygård Ottar , Eagan Tomas M. L. , Rosendahl-Riise Hanne , Dierkes Jutta
Published: November 2022

Nutritional risk screening, to identify patients at risk of malnutrition, is the first step in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition in hospitalized patients, and should be followed by a thorough nutritional assessment resulting in a diagnosis of malnutrition and subsequent treatment. In 2019, a consensus on criteria has been suggested for the diagnosis of malnutrition by the Global Leadership Initiative for Malnutrition (GLIM). This study investigates the diagnosis of malnutrition in hospitalized patients using nutritional risk screening and the diagnostic assessment suggested by GLIM. Hospitalized patients (excluding cancer, intensive care, and transmissible infections) who underwent nutritional risk screening (by NRS2002) were included. Nutritional risk screening was followed by anthropometric measurements including measurement of muscle mass, assessment of dietary intake and measurement of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) for inflammation in all patients. Malnutrition was diagnosed according to the GLIM-criteria. In total, 328 patients (median age 71 years, 47% women, median length of stay 7 days) were included. Nutritional risk screening identified 143 patients as at risk of malnutrition, while GLIM criteria led to a diagnosis of malnutrition in 114 patients. Of these 114 patients, 77 were also identified as at risk of malnutrition by NRS2002, while 37 patients were not identified by NRS2002. Malnutrition was evident in fewer patients than at risk of malnutrition, as expected. However, a number of patients were malnourished who were not identified by the screening procedure. More studies should investigate the importance of inflammation and reduced muscle mass, which is the main difference between nutritional risk screening and GLIM diagnostic assessment.
Comprehensive evaluation model for health grade of multi-component compound release materials based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation with grey relational analysis
Authors: Wang Qifan , Du Jianhui , Shen Jun , Wang Yiming
Published: November 2022

The selection of materials is a complex and elusive process due to the multiple factors related to health. For the effective selection of materials, a comprehensive model for evaluating the health grade of materials was proposed with the mathematical method of the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) and grey relational analysis (GRA). A health evaluation procedure scheme of the AgBB as well as standards of the forestry industry of the People’s Republic of China and standards of the health industry of the People’s Republic of China were referred to during the process. Based on Qt technology, a computer program was developed to calculate the compound comprehensive evaluation models. The data ofChoerospondias axillariswith different lacquers were used as practical examples firstly, and then, the emission and odor characteristics ofXylosma racemosum(Sieb. et Zucc.) Miq. with PU, UV, and waterborne coating were explored with the technology of GC–MS/O. Results showed that: a total of 21 odorants were identified fromXylosma racemosumwith PU, UV, and waterborne coating. The health grade of threeXylosma racemosumsamples was UV > waterborne > PU, with the health grade of UV coating being “A”, and the boards with PU and the waterborne coating were “N”, with a fuzzy comprehensive index ofPPU = 0.5151,Pwaterborne coatings=0.4950. Based on the results, it is proved that the establishment of the comprehensive evaluation model based on FCE and GRA successfully converts qualitative evaluation into quantitative evaluation; in addition, effectively evaluates the health grade of materials. This study provides a better understanding of materials’ health grades, which will aid consumers in reducing indoor air pollution and using their products properly.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Thermal cooling efficacy of a solar water pump using Oldroyd-B (aluminum alloy-titanium alloy/engine oil) hybrid nanofluid by applying new version for the model of Buongiorno
Authors: Shahzad Faisal , Jamshed Wasim , Eid Mohamed R. , Safdar Rabia , Putri Mohamed Isa Siti Suzilliana , El Din Sayed M. , Mohd Nasir Nor Ain Azeany , Iqbal Amjad
Published: November 2022

Solar radiation, which is emitted by the sun, is required to properly operate photovoltaic cells and solar water pumps (SWP). A parabolic trough surface collector (PTSC) installation model was created to investigate the efficacy of SWP. The thermal transfer performance in SWP is evaluated thru the presence of warmth radiation and heat cause besides viscid dissipation. This evaluation is performed by measuring the thermal transmission proportion of the selected warmth transmission liquid in the PTSC, known as a hybrid nano-fluid. Entropy analysis of Oldroyd-B hybrid nano-fluid via modified Buongiorno's model was also tested. The functions of regulating parameters are quantitatively observed by using the Keller-box approach in MATLAB coding. Short terms define various parameters for tables in velocity, shear pressure and temperature, gravity, and Nusselt numbers. In the condition of thermal radiation and thermal conductivity at room temperature, the competence of SWP is proven to be enhanced. Unlike basic nano-fluids, hybrid nano-fluids are an excellent source of heat transfer. Additionally, with at least 22.56% and 35.01% magnitude, the thermal efficiency of AA7075–Ti–6Al–4 V/EO is higher than AA7075–EO.
The critical role of dimethylamine in the rapid formation of iodic acid particles in marine areas
Authors: Ning An , Liu Ling , Zhang Shaobing , Yu Fangqun , Du Lin , Ge Maofa , Zhang Xiuhui
Published: November 2022

Marine new particle formation (NPF) can affect cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in the global atmosphere. Recently, iodic acid (IA) has been identified as a critical driver for marine NPF. However, atmospheric observations of IA cannot be associated with predicted particle formation rates. Given the complexity of atmospheric components, other species may promote IA particle formation. As an efficient stabilizer for acidic precursors, dimethylamine (DMA) has a wide distribution over the oceans. Hence, we investigated the nucleation process of DMA and IA under different atmospheric conditions and uncovered the corresponding nucleating mechanism using a quantum chemical approach and Atmospheric Cluster Dynamics Code (ACDC). The findings show that DMA can structurally stabilize IA via hydrogen and halogen bonds, and the clustering process is energy barrierless. Moreover, DMA can enhance the formation rate of IA clusters by five orders of magnitude, and its efficiency in promoting IA cluster formation is much higher than that of NH3. Compared to the nucleation via sequential addition of IA, the IA-DMA nucleation plays a more dominant role in nucleation kinetic. Thus, the effect of DMA on enhancing IA cluster stability and formation rate cannot be ignored, especially in the regions near the source of IA and DMA emissions. Broadly, the proposed IA-DMA nucleation mechanism may help to explain some missing sources of particles and, thus intensive marine NPF events.
Pre-clinical investigation of astatine-211-parthanatine for high-risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Makvandi Mehran , Samanta Minu , Martorano Paul , Lee Hwan , Gitto Sarah B. , Patel Khushbu , Groff David , Pogoriler Jennifer , Martinez Daniel , Riad Aladdin , Dabagian Hannah , Zaleski Michael , Taghvaee Tara , Xu Kuiying , Lee Ji Youn , Hou Catherine , Farrel Alvin , Batra Vandana , Carlin Sean D. , Powell Daniel J. , Mach Robert H. , Pryma Daniel A. , Maris John M.
Published: November 2022

Astatine-211-parthanatine ([211At]PTT) is an alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical therapeutic that targets poly(adenosine-diphosphate-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) in cancer cells. High-risk neuroblastomas exhibit among the highest PARP1 expression across solid tumors. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of [211At]PTT using 11 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models of high-risk neuroblastoma, and assessed hematological and marrow toxicity in a CB57/BL6 healthy mouse model. We observed broad efficacy in PDX models treated with [211At]PTT at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD 36 MBq/kg/fraction x4) administered as a fractionated regimen. For the MTD, complete tumor response was observed in 81.8% (18 of 22) of tumors and the median event free survival was 72 days with 30% (6/20) of mice showing no measurable tumor >95 days. Reversible hematological and marrow toxicity was observed 72 hours post-treatment at the MTD, however full recovery was evident by 4 weeks post-therapy. These data support clinical development of [211At]PTT for high-risk neuroblastoma.
Synthesis of cesium lead bromide nanoparticles by the ultrasonic bath method: A polar-solvent-free approach at room temperature
Authors: Nair Govind B. , Krishnan R. , Janse van Vuuren Arno , Swart H. C.
Published: November 2022

Colloidal synthesis of CsPbBr3 nanoparticles (NPs) by polar-solvent-free ultrasonic bath.