bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure: Epidemiology, prognosis, and outcome of a multicenter study in Thai population
Authors: Chirapongsathorn Sakkarin , Teerasarntipan Tongluk , Tipchaichatta Krit , Suttichaimongkol Tanita , Chamroonkul Naichaya , Bunchorntavakul Chalermrat , Siramolpiwat Sith , Chainuvati Siwaporn , Sobhonslidsuk Abhasnee , Leerapun Apinya , Piratvisuth Teerha , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wattana , Tanwandee Tawesak , Treeprasertsuk Sombat
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) leads to multi‐organ failure related to high mortality rates. This study aimed to gather epidemiological data and validate a scoring system to predict mortality in ACLF.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study collected data from multicenter tertiary care hospitals in Thailand. A total of 638 hospitalized patients (acute decompensated liver disease [ADLD], 292 patients; ACLF, 346 patients) from January 2019 to June 2020 were enrolled in this study. We compared the mortality rate at days 30 and 90 between patients with ADLD and ACLF. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves of chronic liver failure–sequential organ failure assessment (CLIF‐SOFA) and other existing scoring systems were compared among patients with ACLF.

Results

The incidence of patients with ACLF was 54%. The main cause of chronic liver disease was alcohol (38%), with sepsis (50%) as the most common precipitating factor. ACLF with coagulopathy (AUROC 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52–0.64), metabolic acidosis (AUROC 0.58, 95% CI: 0.52–0.64), and high aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (AUROC 0.59, 95% CI: 0.53–0.66) were associated with high 30‐day mortality. The 30‐day mortality rate of patients with acute decompensation and patients with ACLF was 46 and 58%, respectively. Respiratory system (P = 0.001) failure was the major end result in ACLF and constituted a significant factor to predict mortality. The AUROC of CLIF‐SOFA score was superior to that of the other predicted score (AUROC 0.64, 95% CI: 0.585–0.704).

Conclusion

Patients with ACLF with more organ failure and high CLIF‐SOFA score were associated with high short‐term mortality. Future studies should include an ACLF prospective registry to confirm these finding.
Subdivisions of maximal 3‐degenerate graphs of order d+1 $d+1$ in graphs of minimum degree d $d$
Authors: Diwan Ajit A.
Published: March 2022

We prove that every graph of minimum degree at least contains a subdivision of some maximal 3‐degenerate graph of order . This generalizes the classic results of Dirac () and Pelikán (). We conjecture that for any planar maximal 3‐degenerate graph of order , every graph of minimum degree at least contains a subdivision of . We verify this in the case is and .
Communication regarding the article “An efficient primary screening COVID‐19 by serum Raman spectroscopy”
Authors: Soares Felipe , Yamashita Gabrielli
Published: March 2022

When performing computational modeling and machine learning experiments, it is imperative to follow a protocol that minimizes bias. In this communication, we share our concerns regarding the article “An efficient primary screening COVID‐19 by serum Raman spectroscopy” published in this journal. We consider that the authors may have inadvertently biased their results by not guaranteeing complete independence of test samples from the training data. We corroborate our point by reproducing the experiment with the available data, showing that if full independence of the test set was ensured, the reported results should be lower. We ask the authors to provide more information regarding their article, as well as making available all code used to generate their results. Our experiments are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14124356.
Hyper‐Raman scattering study of the soft mode in relaxor ferroelectric (Ba0.8Sr0.2)0.925Bi0.05Ti0.95(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.05O3
Authors: Dhifallah Nabil , Hehlen Bernard , Khemakhem Hamadi
Published: March 2022

We report hyper‐Raman scattering measurements of the lowest transverse optic (TO) phonon branch in the relaxor Bi0.05‐BSTZN in the paraelectric phase from 300 to 973 K. The results evidence a displacive‐like behavior from a highly damped soft mode at high temperature to an overdamped (quasi‐elastic‐like) component on cooling close to Tc. A fit with a mean field law
gives a temperature T0 = 102 K significantly lower than T0 = 188 K found by dielectric measurements. Reconciling the two experiments likely deserves considering a coupled modes analysis involving a second mode at slightly higher wavenumber. This behavior is very similar to that previously observed in PMN. Considering the rather complex chemical composition of the present compound as compared with PMN, these results emphasize a universal low‐wavenumber dynamics of ferroelectric relaxors.
Performance of Ductus Venosus Doppler (at 11–13 + 6 Weeks) in Predicting Adverse Fetal Outcomes in Indian Population
Authors: Chhikara Urvashi , Anand Keerthana , Sharma Akshatha , Prasad Smriti , Kaul Anita
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study is to examine the performance of Ductus venosus (DV) Doppler done at the routine first trimester screening (11–13 + 6 weeks) in predicting the adverse fetal outcomes in Indian population.

Methods

This observational study was conducted between 2013 and 2019, on 4340 singleton pregnancies. Ductus Doppler were considered abnormal if DV pulsatility index values were >95th centile for that gestation or with a reversed “a” wave. Anatomical survey was done to rule out other abnormalities. Women were followed up till delivery and outcomes were divided into 4 groups: 1) aneuploidies; 2) cardiac defects; 3) non‐cardiac structural abnormalities; and 4) miscarriages before 24 weeks or fetal deaths after 24 weeks.

Results

Prevalence of abnormal DV Doppler is 5.12% (205/4004). There were significantly higher number of fetal losses (4.4 versus 0.3%), aneuploidies (10.2 versus 1.7%), fetal cardiac defects (5.9 versus 1.4%), and non‐cardiac structural defects (5.4 versus 1.4%) among the pregnancies with abnormal DV Doppler in comparison to those with normal flow (P < .001). Logistic regression analysis has shown that significant contribution to fetal chromosomal abnormalities and cardiac defects was associated with abnormal DV. Other factors which were found to have a significant association with adverse fetal outcome were increased nuchal translucency and increased body mass index (BMI).

Conclusion

DV Doppler in first trimester can be used as a screening tool for cardiac defects and fetal deaths. Women with abnormal DV Dopplers should be offered fetal echocardiography at 18–22 weeks and third trimester growth scans with Dopplers.
Effect of structure, phase, and elemental composition of AlN, CrAlN, and ZrAlN coatings on their electrochemical behavior in 3% NaCl solution
Authors: Kameneva Anna , Kichigin Vladimir , Bublik Natalia
Published: March 2022

Thin coatings AlN, AlZrN, and AlCrN were deposited by pulsed magnetron sputtering. The high‐speed steel Т1, structural alloy steel 5140, and structural carbon steel 1017 were used as substrates. The magnetron current, nitrogen content in the gas mixture, and bias voltage on the substrate were changed to obtain nanostructured and amorphous layers of coatings with different elemental compositions. The voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy were performed on the coated samples in 3% NaCl solution. The corrosion behavior of the coatings was characterized by the corrosion current density icorr, the polarization resistance Rp (at the corrosion potential), the ratios icorr,s/icorr, and Rp/Rp,s, where subscript s refers to the substrate. It was shown that the coatings under study (except AlN) are electrochemically active, and the corrosion processes occur not only on the substrate in the coating discontinuity but on the coating surface as well. The coatings AlN/T1, AlZrN/5140, AlCrN/T1, and AlCrN/5140 with icorr ~ 10−7 A cm−2 are found to be the most corrosion‐resistant in 3% NaCl. The paper discusses factors affecting the corrosion behavior of the investigated coatings.
Simple Fabrication and Enhanced Bioactivity of Bioglass‐Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) Composite Scaffolds with Matrix Microporosity
Authors: Jeyachandran Dhanalakshmi , Li Li , Fairag Rayan , Haglund Lisbet , Cerruti Marta
Published: March 2022

Scaffold porosity plays an important role in bone tissue engineering as macropores promote cell migration and micropores promote protein adsorption and cell adhesion. Currently, most methods use complex, multi‐step processes to create dual‐scale porosity in composite scaffolds, and no studies evaluate the effect of microporosity on the bioactivity of composite scaffolds with dual porosity. To fill this gap, a simple solvent casting and porogen leaching technique using paraffin microspheres as a porogen and CitriSolv as the leaching solvent to prepare macroporous Bioglass‐poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (Bg‐PLGA) scaffolds with intrinsic micropores (1–10 µm) in the PLGA matrix is proposed, and the effect of microporosity on the bioactivity of the scaffolds is analyzed. PLGA matrix microporosity induces larger apatite deposition upon immersion in simulated body fluid, as well as enhanced protein adsorption upon contact with serum, compared to non‐microporous scaffolds. Also, mesenchymal cells cultured on the microporous scaffolds show extensive matrix deposition. These results highlight this method as a simple and effective technique to produce dual‐porosity scaffolds that are excellent candidates for bone tissue engineering, as their enhanced bioactivity, protein adsorption, and the extensive matrix deposition observed in‐vitro are good indicators of fast bone integration upon implantation.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Dopamine Transporter Asymmetry in Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Murtomäki Kirsi , Mertsalmi Tuomas , Jaakkola Elina , Mäkinen Elina , Levo Reeta , Nojonen Tanja , Eklund Mikael , Nuuttila Simo , Lindholm Kari , Pekkonen Eero , Joutsa Juho , Noponen Tommi , Ihalainen Toni , Kaasinen Valtteri , Scheperjans Filip
Published: March 2022

Background

The neurophysiological correlates of gastrointestinal symptoms (GISs) in Parkinson's disease (PD) are not well understood. It has been proposed that in patients with a gastrointestinal origin of PD dopaminergic neurodegeneration would be more symmetric.

Objectives

The aim is to assess the associations between GISs and asymmetry of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration in PD.

Methods

Ninety PD patients were assessed using motor and GIS scales and 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT. We calculated the asymmetry index and the predominant side of motor symptoms and dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging defect and assessed their association with GISs.

Results

There were no significant differences in GISs between symmetric and asymmetric dopaminergic defect. Left predominant defect was related to more GIS and higher constipation scores.

Conclusions

GISs were associated with left predominant reduction in putaminal DAT binding but not asymmetry per se. It remains open whether left‐sided DAT deficit is related to more pronounced GI involvement or symptom perception in PD. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society.
De novo nonsense variant in ASXL3 in a Chinese girl causing Bainbridge–Ropers syndrome: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Wang Qin , Zhang Jianming , Jiang Nan , Xie Jiansheng , Yang Jingxin , Zhao Xiaoshan
Published: March 2022

Background

Bainbridge‐Ropers syndrome (BRPS, OMIM #615485) was first identified in 2013 by Bainbridge et al. and is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by failure to thrive, facial dysmorphism and severe developmental delay. BRPS is caused by heterozygous loss‐of‐function (LOF) variants in the additional sex combs‐like 3 (ASXL3) gene. Due to the limited specific recognizable features and overlapping symptoms with Bohring–Opitz syndrome (BOS, OMIM #612990), clinical diagnosis of BRPS is challenging.

Methods

In this study, a 2‐year‐8‐month‐old Chinese girl was referred for genetic evaluation of severe developmental delay. The reduced fetal movement was found during the antenatal period and bilateral varus deformity of feet was observed at birth. Whole‐exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to detect and confirm the variant.

Results

A novel nonsense variant c.1063G>T (p.E355*) in the ASXL3 gene (NM_030632.3) was identified in the proband and the clinical symptoms were compatible with BRPS. The parents were physical and genetic normal and prenatal diagnosis was requested for her pregnant mother with a negative Sanger sequencing result.

Conclusion

The study revealed a de novo LOF variant in the ASXL3 gene and expanded the mutation spectrum for this clinical condition. By performing a literature review, we summarized genetic results and the clinical phenotypes of all BPRSs reported so far. More cases study may help to elucidate the function of the ASXL3 gene may be critical to understand the genetic aetiology of this syndrome and assist in accurate genetic counselling, informed decision making and prenatal diagnosis.
Hands‐on navigators a key component of community care initiative in NYC
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: March 2022

A $5 million federal grant is allowing a New York City clinic to apply lessons learned from the COVID‐19 pandemic to a new program emphasizing early intervention for mental health problems. Targeting a diverse and underserved community in Brooklyn, the Enhanced Treatment and Recovery (EnTRy) program is relying heavily on teams of care navigators to ease patient access to services.
NIMH research on schizophrenia, balanced funding emphasized
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2022

Both the founder and executive director of the Treatment Advocacy Center are recommending that the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) undertake a study about the prevalence of schizophrenia among adults in the United States. They are also recommending that the percentage of research funds going to clinical and basic research be calculated and published on an annual basis by individuals not directly connected to NIMH.
Study finds reductions in psychiatric service use early in COVID
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2022

Systematic information about how psychiatric services have been used by children and young people with mental health issues during the pandemic is imperative, according to researchers of a recent systematic review that investigated the global impact the COVID‐19 pandemic has had on how the general population have used broader health care services, including visits, admissions, diagnostics and therapeutics.
Numerical simulation of cyclic shear tests considering the fabric change and principal stress rotation effects
Authors: Wang Zhe , Yang Yunming , Li Yao , Liu Shu , Zhou Pan
Published: March 2022

Cyclic loadings could induce complicated soil responses, including the fabric change and principal stress rotation, both of which would reduce the effective confining pressure and accelerate the build‐up of excess pore water pressures, thus leading to sand liquefaction in undrained conditions. The principal stress rotation, even without the change of principal stress magnitudes, would further generate the accumulative plastic shear strains. However, most of the existing studies focus on their individual effect and the combined effect was seldom considered. In this paper, a numerical approach including an elastoplastic sand constitutive model is proposed to consider the combined effect of the fabric change and principal stress rotation. In this model, the fabric change is considered with the anisotropic critical state theory and the principal stress rotation is considered by splitting the plastic strain increment into the monotonic part and rotational part. By simulating a series of cyclic shear tests, results from the numerical solutions are found showing good agreements with the existing experimental results and the importance of considering the combined effect is demonstrated. The approach can be used to predict the stress‐strain response of sand and guide the design of foundations especially in undrained cyclic loading conditions, for example, earthquake loadings conditions.
Tuning protecto‐flexibility in nature: Case of the fish scale
Authors: Murcia Sandra , Ghods Sean , Ossa Alex , Arola Dwayne
Published: March 2022

Fish scales are among the structural materials in nature that are inspiring the design and development of “next‐generation” engineering materials. Fish scales possess a mineralization gradient that divides their thickness into three unique regions, each containing characteristic structures and properties. Here, experiments and complementary numerical modeling are performed to understand the importance of the different geometrical and mechanical parameters affecting the structural behavior of fish scales. Numerical modeling results showed that the stiffness and work to fracture of the scales in flexure are dependent on the amplitude and wavelength of the limiting layer profile. Furthermore, the mechanical response in bending of the scales can be effectively tuned by the suture profile location within the limiting layer thickness. These results highlight the opportunity to tailor the mechanical response of flexible composite laminates through the architecture of the layers and their interfaces to effectively control the protecto‐flexibility.

Key Points

This work combines the disciplines of structural biology, materials science and mechanical engineering to identify the key contributions of the microstructure to the inherent protecto‐flexibility of fish scales, a class of natural dermal armor.

The interdisciplinary approach enables an identification of how nature adjusts specific morphological parameters to modulate both flexiblity and protection from physical threats.
Salience and Timely Compliance: Evidence from Speeding Tickets
Authors: Dušek Libor , Pardo Nicolas , Traxler Christian
Published: March 2022

This paper studies the enforcement of fines, and, in particular, the effects of simplification and salience nudges on timely payments. In a randomized controlled trial, we add cover letters to 80,000 payment notifications for speeding. The letters increase the salience of the payment deadline, the late penalty, or both. Emphasizing only the deadline is not effective. Stressing the late penalty significantly and persistently increases payment rates. The effect is largest if both parameters are made salient. The most effective treatment yields a net revenue gain that covers approximately 25 percent of the labor costs of the ticket administration personnel. A survey experiment documents how the salience nudges alter prior (mis)perceptions about the communicated parameters. The survey results rationalize the differential effects of the treatments and, together with the evidence from the RCT, offer a broader framework for explaining why certain nudges are effective in some contexts but fail in others.
Controllable design of polytetrafluoroethylene chemical component using the “harmful” irradiation heat
Authors: Peng Xionghou , Yao Nina , Heng Zhengguang , Chen Yang , Zou Huawei , Zhou Shengtai , Liang Mei
Published: March 2022

In this paper, an investigation was performed to study the influence of irradiation heat on the structure and thermal properties of PTFE samples. The tribological properties of POM/irradiated‐PTFE composites were also compared. The results revealed that shortening the interval time of irradiation could induce higher surface temperature and produce more carboxyl groups and trifluoromethyl groups. Additionally, these bulky groups were partly incorporated into the crystalline region of PTFE, which increased the lattice parameters. The decreased interval time accelerated chain scission reactions, causing the Tm and T5% of irradiated PTFE with interval time of 6 min dropped by 12.1 and 107.6°C, respectively, compared with the unirradiated PTFE. More importantly, the POM/A1600 (weight ratio of 90/10) composites were endowed with the lowest friction coefficient of about μ = 0.129 due to the highest transfer film content formed on the friction pair after sliding. The study of the influence of irradiation heat on the degradation of PTFE could provide some theoretical basis for optimizing the electron beam irradiation process and achieving the controllable design of high degradable PTFE. This research could provide a new idea for the utilizing of irradiation heat in the fields of material modification.
Large‐eddy simulations of the atmospheric boundary layer over an Alpine glacier: Impact of synoptic flow direction and governing processes
Authors: Goger Brigitta , Stiperski Ivana , Nicholson Lindsey , Sauter Tobias
Published: March 2022

The mass balance of mountain glaciers is of interest for several applications (e.g., local hydrology or climate projections), and turbulent fluxes can be an important contributor to glacier surface mass balance during strong melting events. The underlying complex terrain leads to spatial heterogeneity and non‐stationarity of turbulent fluxes. Owing to the contribution of thermally induced flows and gravity waves, exchange mechanisms are fully three‐dimensional, instead of only vertical. Additionally, glaciers have their own distinct microclimate, governed by a down‐glacier katabatic wind, which protects the glacier ice and interacts with the surrounding flows on multiple scales. In this study, we perform large‐eddy simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting model at a horizontal grid spacing of 48 m to gain insight into the boundary‐layer processes over an Alpine valley glacier, the Hintereisferner. We choose two case studies from the Hintereisferner experiment measurement campaign with different synoptic wind directions (southwest and northwest). Model evaluation with an array of eddy‐covariance stations on the glacier tongue and surroundings reveals that the Weather Research and Forecasting model is able to simulate the general glacier boundary‐layer structure. Under a southwesterly airflow, the down‐glacier wind is supported by the synoptic wind parallel to the glacier axis, a stable boundary layer is present over the ice surface, and local processes govern the turbulence kinetic energy production. Under northwesterly airflow, a cross‐glacier valley flow and a breaking gravity wave lead to strong turbulent mixing and to the subsequent erosion of the glacier boundary layer. Stationarity analysis of the sensible heat flux suggests non‐stationary behaviour for both case study days, whereas non‐stationarity is highest on the northwesterly day during the gravity‐wave event. These results suggest that the synoptic wind direction has, in addition to upstream topography and the atmospheric stability, a strong impact on whether a local glacier boundary layer can form or not, influencing whether a glacier is able to maintain its own microclimate.
Effect of fluoride and hydroxyl group on bioactivity of the anodized films prepared by two‐step anodization at low current density
Authors: Whangdee Phanawan , Saenrang Wittawat , Kashima Dujreutai Pongkao
Published: March 2022

Titanium and its alloys are promising dental implant materials. In order to improve the bioactivity of the anodized films, the two‐step anodization was performed to produce the films. The steps were performed at 0.2 mA/cm2 for 30 min in electrolytes containing H3PO4/C2H5OH and H3PO4/C2H5OH/NH4F, respectively. The anodized films were soaked in a simulated body fluid (SBF). The effects of surface roughness, hydroxyl groups, fluoride, and hydrophilicity groups on the bioactivity were investigated and were found on the anodized films formed under two‐step anodization using 1 M H3PO4 + 80% V/V C2H5OH + 0.75 wt% NH4F. The bioactivity evaluation showed that the combination of two‐step anodization in NH4F as an electrolyte induced a formation of apatite on the anodized films. The surface roughness, hydroxyl groups, and fluoride formed on the hydrophilic anodized films are found to be responsible for the rapid formation of hydroxyapatite during SBF soaking. This will be useful in various biomedical applications especially in dental implant procedures.
Synthesis of Novel Sulfonamide Incorporated Azo Compounds as a PotentSolvatochromic and Antimycobacterial Agents
Authors: Manjunatha B. , Bodke Yadav D. , Venkatesh Talavara , Pasha K M. Mussuvir , Jain R. Sandeep Kumar
Published: March 2022

In search of potent solvatochromic and biological agents, here we reported the synthesis of four azo dyes (S1–S4) owing sulfonamide functionality by diazo coupling reaction and their spectroscopic properties were investigated through UV, DRS, IR, NMR and mass spectrometry. Quantum chemical parameters of the synthesised colourants were assessed through DFT studies. The solvatochromic behaviour of sulfonamide incorporated azo compounds was investigated in ten different solvents owing different polarity and proticity and they exhibited remarkable positive solvatochromic behaviour and they exhibited λmax in the range 395–464 nm. Antituberculosis efficacy was evaluated using MABA assay against M. Tuberculosis,among the synthesised colourants compound S3furnished good activity viz MIC=3.85 μM and the remaining compounds showed moderate activity with the MIC values in the range 14.84–32.38 μM.
Hydration Intermediate Phase Regulated In‐Plane and Out‐Plane Epitaxy Growth of Oriented Nano‐Array Structures on Perovskite Single Crystals
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Li Hanming , Bi Weihui , Song Yilong , Ge Chengda , Wang Anran , Wang Zisheng , Hao Mingwei , Kang Yifei , Yang Yang , Dong Qingfeng
Published: March 2022

Fabrication of organic–metal‐halide perovskite micro‐nano array structures draws attention to the potential application in polarized light, high‐resolution X‑ray imaging, light‐emitting diodes, and lasers. However, it is still challenging to achieve the growth of controllable long‐range ordered nanostructure arrays by chemical solution‐based techniques. Herein, controllable epitaxial growth of long‐range ordered micro‐nano arrays on MAPbI3 single crystal (SC) surface is reported. A hydrated intermediate phase is found that can effectively regulate in‐plane and out‐plane orientated growth, respectively. This is attributed to the regulation of growth thermodynamics by hydration 0D perovskite intermediate phase enabling free recombination of PbI42– octahedral cages. Further, it is found that the degree of hydration is the key to the realization of in‐plane and out‐plane growth. Meanwhile, polarization emission and amplified spontaneous emission property are observed in highly oriented nanorod arrays with potential applications in anti‐counterfeiting polarized emission.
Chaotropic Effect Stabilized Radical‐Containing Supramolecular Organic Frameworks for Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Li Wen‐Zhen , Chen Hao , Shen Meng‐Na , Yang Ziqiong , Fan Zhengyu , Xiao Ju , Chen Junling , Zhang Haibo , Wang Zhengxi , Wang Xiao‐Qiang
Published: March 2022

Radical‐containing frameworks (RCFs) have emerged as promising functional materials in various fields due to the combination of the highly ordered frame structure and the fascinating property of organic radicals. Here, the first example of radical‐containing supramolecular organic frameworks (SOFs) fabricated by the chaotropic effect between closo‐dodecaborate cluster (B12H122−) and 2,4,6‐tri(4‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (TPT3+) is presented. The SOFs can be easily synthesized by stirring the B12H122− and the TPT3+ in aqueous solution through self‐assembly. Upon 435 nm light irradiation, the SOFs exhibits photochromic behavior from slight yellow (SOF‐1) to dark purple (SOF‐2). Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy also reveals that stable radicals are generated in situ after light irradiation. Powder X‐ray diffraction demonstrates the SOFs maintain their structural stabilities upon light irradiation. More interestingly, the radical‐containing SOFs exhibit efficient photothermal effect under 660 nm light irradiation, which can be applied as photothermal agent for antibacterial application both in vitro and in vivo. This work highlights the construction of RCFs through supramolecular self‐assembly, which may arouse applications in energy, catalysis, photoluminescence, and biomedical fields.
Extraction and Characterization of Starch from Cassava Peels
Authors: Fronza Pãmella , Costa Ana Letícia Rodrigues , Franca Adriana Silva , de Oliveira Leandro Soares
Published: March 2022

Cassava peels are waste generated worldwide in large amounts by the cassava processing industry. Although some studies have highlighted their application for animal feed, a more profitable use for these residues has not yet been implemented. Thus, the aim of this study is to extract starch from the peels of cassava and to characterize its physical, chemical, rheological, structural, thermal, and morphological properties. The content (23.2%) and the properties of the starch extracted from cassava residues are within the ranges of those extracted from the flesh, and of those from other sources such as corn and sorghum. Centesimal composition data show low contents of proteins, ash, and lipids. The extracted starch presents an amylopectin‐to‐amylose ratio of 5:1, which facilitates gelatinization and contributes to high solubility and swelling power, highly desirable properties for food applications. The high thermal stability of the extracted starch suggests strong intermolecular and intramolecular interactions of the starch molecules, a characteristic that favors its application in processes where elevated temperatures are applied.
Long‐term outcome of consecutive case series of congenital isolated agenesis of corpus callosum
Authors: Lanna M. , Scelsa B. , Cutillo G. , Amendolara M. , Doneda C. , Balestriero M. , Faiola S. , Casati D. , Spaccini L. , Cetin I.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To describe the long‐term outcome of children with prenatally diagnosed isolated complete agenesis of the corpus callosum (cACC).

Methods

In this single‐center case series, we reviewed retrospectively the charts of fetuses referred to our fetal therapy unit from January 2004 to July 2020 for a suspected anomaly of the corpus callosum (CC). Cases with prenatally diagnosed isolated cACC were included. Fetal karyotype and comparative genomic hybridization microarray of amniotic fluid, in addition to fetal magnetic resonance imaging, were offered to all pregnant women with a diagnosis of fetal CC malformation. The surviving children were enrolled in the neurodevelopmental follow‐up program at our institution, which included postnatal magnetic resonance imaging, serial neurological examinations and neurodevelopmental evaluations with standardized tests according to age. Families living in remote areas or far from our institution were offered a structured ad‐hoc phone interview.

Results

A total of 128 pregnancies with fetal CC malformation were identified (mean gestational age at diagnosis, 24.5 (range, 21–34) weeks), of which 53 cases were diagnosed prenatally with apparently isolated cACC. Of these, 12 cases underwent termination of pregnancy, one resulted in intrauterine demise at 24 weeks of gestation and 13 cases were lost to follow‐up. Of the remaining 27 children, one was excluded due to an associated chromosomal anomaly (8p21.3q11.21 mosaic duplication) diagnosed after birth, which could have been detected prenatally if the parents had consented to amniocentesis. In the 26 children included in the analysis, neurodevelopmental follow‐up was available for a median of 3 (range, 1–16) years. Three (11.5%) infants had severe neurodevelopmental impairment, two of which were diagnosed postnatally with a genetic syndrome (Mowat–Wilson syndrome and Vici syndrome) that would not have been diagnosed prenatally. Seven (26.9%) children had mild neurodevelopmental impairment and 16 (61.5%) had normal neurodevelopmental outcome. The Full‐Scale Intelligence Quotients of the three children with severe neurodevelopmental impairment were 50, 64 and 63, respectively, while that of the remaining children was in the normal range (median, 101; range, 89–119).

Conclusions

In 88% of the children with cACC included in this study, neurodevelopment was not severely impaired. However, long‐term follow‐up is recommended in all cases of congenital isolated cACC to recognize subtle neurodevelopmental disorders as early as possible. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The efficacy of a nutritional supplement containing green‐lipped mussel, curcumin and blackcurrant leaf extract in dogs and cats with osteoarthritis
Authors: Corbee Ronald Jan
Published: March 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis is a common disease in dogs and cats, and the search for novel treatment options is needed. The combination of green‐lipped mussel, curcumin and blackcurrant leaf extract has to date not been studied in dogs and cats.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to test the effect of a supplement containing green‐lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), curcumin (Curcuma longa) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) leaf extract on locomotion and behaviour in client‐owned dogs and cats suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

Methods

To this end, 32 dogs and 16 cats were enrolled in a double‐blinded, randomised, crossover, placebo‐controlled trial for 10 weeks in cats and 16 weeks in dogs. Outcome parameters were the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI) by pet owners in dogs and cats, Canine OsteoArthritis Staging Tool (COAST) by a veterinarian in dogs and Force Plate Analysis (FPA) in 18 dogs.

Results

In dogs, the COAST improved significantly in the supplement group compared to baseline but was not different than the placebo group. In cats, the ability to groom, activity level, playfulness and walking up the stairs improved in the supplement group. No differences were found on HCPI scores and FPA in dogs. Several non‐responders were noted in both species, which were irrespective of the stage of osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

Overall, the supplement had only partial positive effects in client‐owned dogs and cats with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Further research with a larger sample size and longer duration is needed to expand these findings.
Ein pessimistischer Blick nach vorn? Die Erwartungen der Österreicher*innen an die Entwicklung der Lebensumstände nach Corona
Authors: Moosbrugger Robert , Prandner Dimitri
Published: March 2022

Der Beitrag widmet sich der Frage, wie sich die Lebensumstände auf persönlicher und gesellschaftlicher Ebene in den nächsten Jahren entwickeln werden. Konkret wird diskutiert, in welchen Bereichen von einer Verschlechterung ausgegangen wird und in welchen nicht? Welchen Einfluss hat dabei die wahrgenommene Gefahr durch Corona? Welche Determinanten für das Ausmaß von Zukunftspessimismus lassen sich darüber hinaus finden? Als empirische Grundlage werden Daten aus demAustrian Corona Panel Project 2020 (ACPP)herangezogen. Die Corona-Krise führte zu einem Anstieg an Zukunftspessimismus. Je weiter der Bezugspunkt von den persönlichen Lebensumständen entfernt ist, desto pessimistischer fallen Erwartungen hinsichtlich deren Entwicklung in den nächsten Jahren aus. Es zeigen sich Unterschiede nach soziodemografischen Merkmalen und der wahrgenommenen gesundheitlichen, vor allem aber wirtschaftlichen Gefahr durch Corona. Zukunftserwartungen geben auch Auskunft über das wahrgenommene Potenzial einer Gesellschaft, Krisen zu bewältigen. Auch in der Krise scheint zu gelten: Wenn es gelingt, eine als gerecht wahrgenommen Verteilung von gesellschaftlichen Gütern zu gewährleisten und Vertrauen in Institutionen besteht, dann schlagen sich die aktuellen krisenbedingten Disruptionen weniger in pessimistischen Zukunftserwartungen nieder.
Die Bedeutung von Religiosität und Spiritualität in Krisenzeiten
Authors: Höllinger Franz , Aschauer Wolfgang
Published: March 2022

Eine wichtige Funktion der Religion im Verlauf der Menschheitsgeschichte liegt darin, die Menschen bei der Bewältigung existenziell bedrohlicher Lebenssituationen zu unterstützen. In einem prosperierenden Staat wie Österreich, mit einem funktionierenden Gesundheitssystem und einem etablierten Wohlfahrtsstaat, in dem die meisten relativ gut gegen ökonomische Risiken abgesichert sind, könnte die gegenwärtige Krise aber nur bedingt mit einer stärkeren Bedeutung von Religiosität und Spiritualität einhergehen. Andererseits könnten sich religiös und spirituell aktive Personen sowohl in der Krisenbewältigung, als auch in solidarischen Einstellungen von nicht religiösen Personen unterscheiden. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden im Beitrag anhand des Austrian Corona Panel Projekts (ACPP) vier Fragestellungen untersucht? 1) Ist die Religiosität in der Zeit der Covid-19-Pandemie im Vergleich zu den vorhergehenden Jahren in der Gesamtgesellschaft tendenziell gestiegen? 2) Führt eine starke gesundheitliche oder ökonomische Betroffenheit durch die Corona-Krise zu einer höheren Bedeutung von Religion und Spiritualität? 3) Wie wirken sich Religiosität und Spiritualität auf das emotionale Wohlbefinden, die Lebenszufriedenheit und die Strategien der Krisenbewältigung (Coping-Strategien) aus? 4) Unterscheiden sich religiöse, spirituelle und nicht religiöse Menschen in Hinblick auf ihre Haltung zur staatlichen Krisenpolitik, den Umgang mit den sozialen Distanzregelungen sowie dem Solidarverhalten gegenüber Menschen, die besonders von der Krise betroffen sind?
Umwelt in der Krise. Einstellungen zu Klimawandel und Umweltbesorgnis sowie Bereitschaft zu umweltbewusstem Verhalten in Krisenzeiten
Authors: Wardana Rebecca , Klösch Beate , Hadler Markus
Published: March 2022

Dieser Beitrag widmet sich der Frage, wie sich die Einstellungen zum Klimawandel, die Umweltbesorgnis und die Bereitschaft zu umweltbewusstem Handeln im Laufe der Corona-Krise in der österreichischen Bevölkerung entwickelt haben. In Anbetracht der unmittelbaren Bedrohung durch die Covid-19-Pandemie und deren direkte Auswirkungen auf die österreichische Bevölkerung (Herunterfahren der Wirtschaft, Einschränkungen des sozialen Lebens usw.) liegt die Vermutung nahe, dass das Thema Umwelt in den Hintergrund rückte. Um dies zu untersuchen, wurden drei voneinander unabhängige Datensätze (OeNB,Values in Crisis und Polarization in Public Opinion) herangezogen. Die drei Datensätze sind in ihrer Erhebungszeit vor, während und nach der ersten Covid-19-Welle einzuordnen. Lineare Modelle zeigen, dass sowohl die Umweltbesorgnis als auch die Bereitschaft zu umweltbewusstem Verhalten in der Krise gesunken sind, wenngleich nur in den Ballungsräumen Wien, Niederösterreich und Steiermark. Andererseits stieg die Wahrnehmung der negativen Auswirkungen des Klimawandels an. Im Verlauf der Krise zeigt sich zudem, dass trotz der sinkenden Umweltbesorgnis diese dennoch der stärkste Prädiktor zu intentionsorientiertem Umweltverhalten bleibt und nach Ende der ersten Welle einen noch stärkeren Erklärungswert liefert als zuvor.
A first look at the function space for planar two-loop six-particle Feynman integrals
Authors: Henn Johannes , Peraro Tiziano , Xu Yingxuan , Zhang Yang
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Two-loop corrections to scattering amplitudes are crucial theoretical input for collider physics. Recent years have seen tremendous advances in computing Feynman integrals, scattering amplitudes, and cross sections for five-particle processes. In this paper, we initiate the study of the function space for planar two-loop six-particle processes. We study all genuine six-particle Feynman integrals, and derive the differential equations they satisfy on maximal cuts. Performing a leading singularity analysis in momentum space, and in Baikov representation, we find an integral basis that puts the differential equations into canonical form. The corresponding differential equation in the eight independent kinematic variables is derived with the finite-field reconstruction method and the symbol letters are identified. We identify the dual conformally invariant hexagon alphabet known from maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory as a subset of our alphabet. This paper constitutes an important step in the analytic calculation of planar two-loop six-particle Feynman integrals.
Vacuum structure of Alternative Left-Right Model
Authors: Frank Mariana , Majumdar Chayan , Poulose Poulose , Senapati Supriya , Yajnik Urjit A.
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We investigate an Alternative Left-Right Model (ALRM) with SU(2)L as well as SU(2)R gauge groups, but unlike the traditional left-right symmetric models (LRSM) is not symmetric under the exchange of the fermion content. Interestingly, it can be embedded in E6, while its low energy Higgs structure resembles the LRSM, involving Higgs doublets χL,R and one Higgs bidoublet Φ. We analyze the scalar potential and the vacuum structure of the theory analytically to ensure the stability of scalar potential via bounded from below (BFB) and copositivity criteria, accompanied by a numerical study. We establish the necessary criteria for electric charge-preserving vacua, yielding constraints on various coupling parameters of the theory. Finally we obtain constraints on the parameters of the model from collider data on the masses of the Higgs scalars.
Summing inflationary logarithms in nonlinear sigma models
Authors: Miao S. P. , Tsamis N. C. , Woodard R. P.
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We consider two nonlinear sigma models on de Sitter background which involve the same derivative interactions as quantum gravity but without the gauge issue. The first model contains only a single field, which can be reduced to a free theory by a local field redefinition; the second contains two fields and cannot be so reduced. Loop corrections in both models produce large temporal and spatial logarithms which cause perturbation theory to break down at late times and large distances. Many of these logarithms derive from the “tail” part of the propagator and can be summed using a variant of Starobinsky’s stochastic formalism involving a curvature-dependent effective potential. The remaining logarithms derive from the ultraviolet and can be summed using a variant of the renormalization group based on a special class of curvature-dependent renormalizations. Explicit results are derived at 1-loop and 2-loop orders.
Post-Minkowskian radial action from soft limits and velocity cuts
Authors: Bjerrum-Bohr N. Emil J. , Planté Ludovic , Vanhove Pierre
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We consider gravitational massive scalar-scalar scattering from unitarity and demonstrate how intermediate soft graviton behavior and the concept of extracting classical physics from localization of integrands on velocity cuts devise an efficient extraction scheme for computing the classical post-Minkowskian radial action perturbatively. We demonstrate the computational efficiency by deriving the scattering amplitudes in the probe regime to the fifth post-Minkowskian order in arbitrary dimensions.
Monotonicity-based regularization for shape reconstruction in linear elasticity
Authors: Eberle Sarah , Harrach Bastian
Published: March 2022

We deal with the shape reconstruction of inclusions in elastic bodies. For solving this inverse problem in practice, data fitting functionals are used. Those work better than the rigorous monotonicity methods from Eberle and Harrach (Inverse Probl 37(4):045006, 2021), but have no rigorously proven convergence theory. Therefore we show how the monotonicity methods can be converted into a regularization method for a data-fitting functional without losing the convergence properties of the monotonicity methods. This is a great advantage and a significant improvement over standard regularization techniques. In more detail, we introduce constraints on the minimization problem of the residual based on the monotonicity methods and prove the existence and uniqueness of a minimizer as well as the convergence of the method for noisy data. In addition, we compare numerical reconstructions of inclusions based on the monotonicity-based regularization with a standard approach (one-step linearization with Tikhonov-like regularization), which also shows the robustness of our method regarding noise in practice.
Vorhersage von schweren Blutungsereignissen bei Patienten mit peripherer arterieller Verschlusskrankheit: Der OAC3-PAD-Risikoscore
Authors: Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Rother Ulrich , Uhl Christian , Goertz Hartmut , Stavroulakis Konstantinos , Gombert Alexander ,   die Kommission PAVK und DFS der DGG e. V.
Published: March 2022

Obwohl Patient:innen mit einer peripheren arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit (PAVK) aufgrund ihres Komorbiditäts- und Risikoprofils ein insgesamt erhöhtes Blutungsrisiko aufweisen, standen bisher keine validierten Werkzeuge zur Vorhersage des Blutungsrisikos zur Verfügung. Erschwerend kommt hinzu, dass viele randomisierte und kontrollierte Studien zu antithrombotischen Therapien Patient:innen mit erhöhtem Blutungsrisiko ausgeschlossen haben. Anhand von Routinedaten der Krankenkasse wurde mittels Verfahren des maschinellen Lernens ein pragmatisches Vorhersagemodell entwickelt und intern validiert. Mit dem OAC3-PAD-Risikoscore wurden acht Variablen identifiziert, die das Risiko von schweren Blutungsereignissen innerhalb eines Jahres nach stationärer Behandlung der PAVK vorhersagen können. Dieser Risikoscore kann dabei helfen, eine patientenzentrierte Risiko-Nutzen-Abwägung durchzuführen, um das maximale Potenzial aus den verfügbaren antithrombotischen Therapiestrategien zu schöpfen.
Cancer and cardiovascular-related perceived risk in a diverse cancer center catchment area
Authors: Pinheiro Laura C. , Soroka Orysya , Razon Dominic , Ramos Rosio , Antoine Francesse , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Safford Monika , Peterson Stephen J. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Nanus David M. , Phillips Erica
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Despite cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) sharing several modifiable risk factors, few unified prevention efforts exist. We sought to determine the association between risk perception for cancer and CVD and engagement in healthy behaviors.

Methods

Between May 2019 and August 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of adults ≥ 40 years residing in Brooklyn neighborhoods with high cancer mortality. We considered one’s perceived risk of cancer and CVD compared to age counterparts as the primary exposures. The primary study outcome was a weighted health behavior score (wHBS) composed of 5 domains: physical activity, no obesity, no smoking, low alcohol intake, and healthy diet. Modified Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to assess associations between perceived risk for cancer and CVD and the wHBS, separately.

Results

We surveyed 2448 adults (mean [SD] age, 61.4 [12.9] years); 61% female, 30% Non-Hispanic White, and 70% racial/ethnic minorities. Compared to their age counterparts nearly one-third of participants perceived themselves to be at higher CVD or cancer risk. Perceiving higher CVD risk was associated with an 8% lower likelihood of engaging in healthy behaviors (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.86–0.99). Perceiving greater cancer risk was associated with a 14% lower likelihood of engaging in healthy behaviors (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.79–0.95). The association between cancer risk and wHBS attenuated but remained significant (aRR 0.90; 95% CI 0.82–0.98) after adjustment.

Conclusion

Identifying high-risk subgroups and intervening on shared risk behaviors could have the greatest long-term impact on reducing CVD and cancer morbidity and mortality.