bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dulaglutide and cardiovascular and heart failure outcomes in patients with and without heart failure: a post‐hoc analysis from the REWIND randomized trial
Authors: Branch Kelley R.H. , Dagenais Gilles R. , Avezum Alvaro , Basile Jan , Conget Ignacio , Cushman William C. , Jansky Petr , Lakshmanan Mark , Lanas Fernando , Leiter Lawrence A. , Pais Prem , Pogosova Nana , Raubenheimer Peter J. , Ryden Lars , Shaw Jonathan E. , Sheu Wayne H.H. , Temelkova‐Kurktschiev Theodora , Bethel M. Angelyn , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Chinthanie Ramasundarahettige , Probstfield Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2022

Aims

People with diabetes are at high risk for cardiovascular events including heart failure (HF). We examined the effect of the glucagon‐like peptide 1 agonist dulaglutide on incident HF events and other cardiovascular outcomes in those with or without prior HF in the randomized placebo‐controlled Researching Cardiovascular Events with a Weekly Incretin in Diabetes (REWIND) trial.

Methods and results

The REWIND major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) outcome was the first occurrence of a composite endpoint of non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes (including unknown causes). In this post‐hoc analysis, a HF event was defined as an adjudication‐confirmed hospitalization or urgent evaluation for HF. Of the 9901 participants studied over a median follow‐up of 5.4 years, 213/4949 (4.3%) randomly assigned to dulaglutide and 226/4952 (4.6%) participants assigned to placebo experienced a HF event (hazard ratio [HR] 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–1.12; p = 0.456). In the 853 (8.6%) participants with HF at baseline, there was no change in either MACE or HF events with dulaglutide as compared to participants without HF (p = 0.44 and 0.19 for interaction, respectively). Combined cardiovascular death and HF events were marginally reduced with dulaglutide compared to placebo (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78–1.00; p = 0.050) but unchanged in patients with and without HF at baseline (p = 0.31).

Conclusions

Dulaglutide was not associated with a reduction in HF events in patients with type 2 diabetes regardless of baseline HF status over 5.4 years of follow‐up.
A method to detect abrupt shifts in river channel position using a Landsat‐derived water occurrence record
Authors: Lee Dylan B. , Martin Harrison K. , Edmonds Douglas A.
Published: September 2022

The lateral migration of river channels is an important control on the evolution of alluvial fans, deltas, and floodplains. Lateral migration consists of both gradual riverbank migration and abrupt shifts in location due to avulsions or cutoffs. Methods exist to measure bank migration, but abrupt shifts in position are rarely considered or are not emphasized. Here we describe a new method using Landsat‐derived water occurrence images that primarily focuses on detecting when a channel has abruptly shifted position, either from avulsion or cutoff. The method does not assume any a priori model of channel geometry or evolution. Within a given area of interest, binary channel images created from the fluvial water occurrence record are stacked through time. Then a channel shift intensity,
, is created by estimating the number of possible ending times for fluvial water voxels (a point in three‐dimensional space) in the stacked occurrence record. The number of possible end‐times for fluvial water voxels within a given region of the occurrence record reveals the likelihood that a reach of a river underwent an abrupt channel shift during the observation period. We present the results of this analysis for a 194 481 km2 region of the Amazonian basin. Follow‐up validation found three avulsions and 270 cutoffs within regions identified by this method. We show that areas above a threshold
contain an avulsion or cutoff with high probability. This highlights the method's potential to detect and quantify abrupt channel shifts at the basin scale. The method also successfully distinguishes between abrupt channel movement and complex braiding behaviour. As this method is applicable to any binary water‐masked time series images, future applications of this method have the potential to provide insight into the controls and spatial variance of avulsions and cutoffs across a variety of scales.
Topographic thresholds for gully head formation in badlands
Authors: Rossi Mauro , Torri Dino , De Geeter Sofie , Cremer Cati , Poesen Jean
Published: September 2022

Gully erosion is a particularly damaging process which is not yet sufficiently understood and parameterized. Gully head topographic threshold relative to Hortonian runoff have been studied in cropland, rangeland and forest. This study extends such modelling approach to badlands. Different badlands (eight sites) have been studied in the Mediterranean environment in Italy and Spain, characterized by diversified climatic, lithological, and geological settings under different anthropogenic conditioning. Many badlands have been characterized by their specific human history in addition to their geomorphological properties. Land use, as part of the human history, strongly affected many badland formation and development, through extremely impacting land exploitation (usually overgrazing). The effect of geological and geomorphological processes are usually particularly well visible. While the weakening effect of joints is confirmed, the different geological layer bedding orientation with respect to the slope aspect generates a different development of badland morphologies and different values of gully head thresholds values (as shown in two badlands sites on the same geological material and climate.

The selection of Curve Number values, at the base of the introduction of land use into the gully head thresholds, has been more objectively defined in order to reduce arbitrariness in threshold application. The study additionally revises some of the physical basics behind the gully head threshold concept, requiring a description of the soil resistance in terms of frictional and cohesive components. This implies the explicit inclusion of rock fragment into the grain size distribution, which cannot be limited to fine grains. It results into an enriched threshold formulation that allows to describe the condition for gully head initiation and retreat as the result of the tradeoff between the frictional and cohesive components of the soil resistance forces. Eventually, the gully head threshold concept is confirmed and extended to include badlands.
Efficacy and influencing factors of the four‐step approach combining the situational simulation teaching method in the clinical practice of standardized training for residents
Authors: Shan Tong , Kejun Wang , Ying Feng , Jia Huang , Hongyan Jiang
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Clinical skills practice is an essential component in standardized residency training. However, traditionally skill training methods are dogmatic and not all residents are exposed to such prescribed situations during their residency. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness and influence factors of a four‐step approach combining situational simulation teaching methods in clinical practice for residents.

Methods

Enrolled all second‐year residents from the internal medicine base between May 2017 and May 2018 (n = 94), randomly divided into two groups. Forty‐eight residents were selected as experimental group, while the others 46 as the control group. Adopted traditional clinical practice method in the teaching and assessment of the control group, while used four‐step approach combining situational simulation teaching method in experimental group. We compared the theoretical and skill assessment scores in preclass and postclass. Conducted a satisfaction survey after class and analyzed the influencing factors of the teaching effect evaluation.

Results

There were no significant differences in the theoretical and skill assessment scores between experimental group and control group at the beginning. After the class, both the average skill assessment and Direct Observation of Procedural Skills scores of the experimental group were higher than those of the control. Satisfaction survey findings identified that the experimental group expressed higher satisfaction. Logistic regression showed that educational background, “situational simulation mode helps to improve clinical skills training,” “helps to maintain attention during learning,” and “helps improve the ability to exercise analysis and solve problems” were the influencing factors of learners' satisfaction.

Conclusion

The application of four‐step approach combining situational simulation teaching methods in the clinical practice of residents can significantly improve skills, thinking ability, decision‐making ability, and teaching satisfaction. Therefore, four‐step approach combining situational simulation teaching methods is worth promoting in teaching clinical skills for internal medicine residency training.
Effect of porous slab thickness and Darcy number on thermohydraulic transport characteristics of Ag–TiO2/water hybrid nanofluid flow‐through partially porous wavy channels
Authors: Kumar Prince , Pandey K. M.
Published: September 2022

The present article investigates the effect of varying porous slab thicknesses (S = 0–0.4) and Darcy number (Da = 10−6–10−2) on the thermohydraulic performance of three different corrugated channels (triangular, sinusoidal, and trapezoidal) embedded with partially filled porous media. Ag–TiO2/water hybrid nanofluid ( = 0–0.04) is taken as coolant flowing at Re = 400. Results revealed that the thermal performance (average Nusselt number, Nuavg and enhancement ratio, ER) augments with the increase in porous slab thickness and decrease in Darcy number. However, the hydraulic performance reduces (i.e., an increase in pressure drop). To check the viability of the cooling system performance factor (PF) is evaluated which demonstrates variation in thermal performance considering pressure drop penalty also. It is demonstrated that among all configurations, the trapezoidal channel with porous slab thickness (S = 0.4) and Darcy number (Da = 10−4) gives maximum enhancement thermal performance (110%) considering water as a coolant ( = 0). Furthermore, enhancement in thermal performance by 210% is noticed as volume concentration of hybrid nanofluid varies from 0% to 4%. It is also evident that the value of PF for all corrugated channels is lower than 1 indicating the nonviable system. However, for the case of the partially porous plane channel the maximum PF = 1.07.
Impact of surface roughness and bulk porosity on spinal interbody implants
Authors: Levy Hannah A. , Karamian Brian A. , Yalla Goutham R. , Canseco Jose A. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Kepler Christopher K.
Published: September 2022

Spinal fusion surgeries are performed to treat a multitude of cervical and lumbar diseases that lead to pain and disability. Spinal interbody fusion involves inserting a cage between the spinal vertebrae, and is often utilized for indirect neurologic decompression, correction of spinal alignment, anterior column stability, and increased fusion rate. The long‐term success of interbody fusion relies on complete osseointegration between the implant surface and vertebral end plates. Titanium (Ti)‐based alloys and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) interbody cages represent the most commonly utilized materials and provide sufficient mechanics and biocompatibility to assist in fusion. However, modification to the surface and bulk characteristics of these materials has been shown to maximize osseointegration and long‐term stability. Specifically, the introduction of intrinsic porosity and surface roughness has been shown to affect spinal interbody mechanics, vascularization, osteoblast attachment, and ingrowth potential. This narrative review synthesizes the mechanical, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical effects on fusion efficacy associated with introduction of porosity in Ti (neat and alloy) and PEEK intervertebral implants.
A molecular evolution algorithm for ligand design in DOCK
Authors: Prentis Lauren E. , Singleton Courtney D. , Bickel John D. , Allen William J. , Rizzo Robert C.
Published: September 2022

As a complement to virtual screening, de novo design of small molecules is an alternative approach for identifying potential drug candidates. Here, we present a new 3D genetic algorithm to evolve molecules through breeding, mutation, fitness pressure, and selection. The method, termed DOCK_GA, builds upon and leverages powerful sampling, scoring, and searching routines previously implemented into DOCK6. Three primary experiments were used during development: Single‐molecule evolution evaluated three selection methods (elitism, tournament, and roulette), in four clinically relevant systems, in terms of mutation type and crossover success, chemical properties, ensemble diversity, and fitness convergence, among others. Large scale benchmarking assessed performance across 651 different protein‐ligand systems. Ensemble‐based evolution demonstrated using multiple inhibitors simultaneously to seed growth in a SARS‐CoV‐2 target. Key takeaways include: (1) The algorithm is robust as demonstrated by the successful evolution of molecules across a large diverse dataset. (2) Users have flexibility with regards to parent input, selection method, fitness function, and molecular descriptors. (3) The program is straightforward to run and only requires a single executable and input file at run‐time. (4) The elitism selection method yields more tightly clustered molecules in terms of 2D/3D similarity, with more favorable fitness, followed by tournament and roulette.
The role of γδ T17 cells in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Ling Shaoxue , You Zonghao , Li Yang , Zhang Jian , Zhao Shuwu , He Yongzhi , Chen Xi
Published: September 2022

Due to the ability of γδ T cells to bridge adaptive and innate immunity, γδ T cells can respond to a variety of molecular cues and acquire the ability to induce a variety of cytokines such as IL-17 family, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10. IL-17+ γδ T cells (γδ T17 cells) populations have recently received considerable interest as they are the major early source of IL-17A in many immune response models. However, the exact mechanism of γδ T17 cells is still poorly understood, especially in the context of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the leading cause of death in the world, and it tends to be younger. Here, we offer a review of the cardiovascular inflammatory and immune functions of γδ T17 cells in order to understand their role in CVD, which may be the key to developing new clinical applications.
Sulfur dioxide‐free Verdejo wines through the use of a pure stilbene extract: exploring possible synergistic effect with glutathione
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Escobar Rocío , Aliaño‐González María José , Marrufo‐Curtido Almudena , Jiménez‐Hierro María Jesús , Puertas Belén , Cantos‐Villar Emma
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

The search for alternatives to sulfur dioxide (SO2) in white wine production is a tough challenge for the oenological industry. The current article investigates the effectiveness of several preservatives in protecting Verdejo white wines. The following wines were elaborated: without preservative (CT wines), with SO2 (SO2 wines), with stilbene‐enriched extract (ST99 wines), with glutathione (GSH wines) and finally with the combination stilbene extract plus glutathione (ST99‐GSH wines).

RESULTS

ST99 extract preserved the wines from malolactic fermentation (MLF), maintained the quality parameters of the wines, but affected their color from the beginning of the process. Synergistic effects between ST99 and GSH were found for oxygen consumption rates, related to oxidation processes. The content of amino acids and biogenic amines was slightly affected by the treatments, but the quality or safety of the wines was not compromised. However, after 12 months of ageing in bottle, the SO2 wines showed the highest score in the sensory analysis. The reasons for the evolution of treated wines and the implications of this study for maintaining the quality of free SO2 white wines are discussed.

CONCLUSION

ST99 may be proposed as an alternative to SO2 in wines to be consumed in the short term. Its combination with GSH does not prolong its shelf‐life. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Mixed Reality Enhanced Otolaryngology Case‐Based Learning: A Randomized Educational Study
Authors: Malik Rukhnoor , Abbas Jonathan R. , Jayarajah Ceyon , Bruce Iain A. , Tolley Neil
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions to medical education. Education in medical specialties, such as otolaryngology faces multiple challenges, including reduced bedside and “hands‐on” training opportunities at all levels. Educators are turning to technological advancements to deliver effective remote medical education. This study investigated the value of enhancing traditional remote case‐based teaching with the HoloLens2™.

Methods

We present a randomized educational design study. All educational content, media, and learning outcomes were identical. Primary outcome measures included student performance as measured with pre‐ and post‐intervention quizzes and student engagement as measured by a tally‐mark system. Secondary outcome measures, collected using feedback questionnaires, included perceived enjoyment, engagement, and opinions regarding the educational role of this technology.

Results

The undergraduate medical students were randomized to either conventional or HoloLens2™ enhanced remote case‐based teaching (n = 56). HoloLens2™ enhanced teaching improved student performance by an average of 3 marks of 15% (p < 0.001). It was engaging and encouraged questions 4‐fold per session (p < 0.05) when compared to conventional remote case‐based teaching. There was no significant difference in overall objective measurements of engagement. Students taught using HoloLens2™ agreed that the teaching was enjoyable, effective in concept demonstration, and encouraged engagement.

Conclusions

Remote teaching has allowed for the continuation of medical education in uncertain times. Beyond COVID‐19, we predict that there will be a paradigm shift toward remote learning as new technological advancements emerges. These novel technologies may prove invaluable in the future potentially enabling education to be delivered between different hospitals, universities, and even overseas.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:1606–1613, 2023
Further Insights into the Catalytic Reduction of Aliphatic Polyesters to Polyethers
Authors: Rhein Michael , Zarbakhsh Sirus , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: September 2022

The synthesis of medium‐ and short‐chain aliphatic polyethers is industrially limited to the ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic ethers with a high ring strain, such as oxiranes, oxetanes, or tetrahydrofuran. This structural limitation can be overcome by the gallium bromide catalyzed reduction of different polyesters into their corresponding polyethers. Herein, the scope of applicable polyesters is broadened, while the influence of the polyester structure on the reduction system is examined. The reactivity as well as side reactions, i.e., overreduction leading to chain cleavage, are shown to depend on the distance of the ester groups in the repeating unit of the polyester. Two different reducing agents, namely triethylsilane and 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane, are studied and compared in terms of reactivity and work‐up procedures, showing advantages and disadvantages depending on the reduced polyester properties. The reaction conditions are optimized and the reduction can be scaled‐up to 60 g polyester. All products are thoroughly characterized.
Diffusion MRI with pulsed and free gradient waveforms: Effects of restricted diffusion and exchange
Authors: Chakwizira Arthur , Westin Carl‐Fredrik , Brabec Jan , Lasič Samo , Knutsson Linda , Szczepankiewicz Filip , Nilsson Markus
Published: September 2022

Monitoring time dependence with diffusion MRI yields observables sensitive to compartment sizes (restricted diffusion) and membrane permeability (water exchange). However, restricted diffusion and exchange have opposite effects on the diffusion‐weighted signal, which can lead to errors in parameter estimates. In this work, we propose a signal representation that incorporates the effects of both restricted diffusion and exchange up to second order in b‐value and is compatible with gradient waveforms of arbitrary shape. The representation features mappings from a gradient waveform to two scalars that separately control the sensitivity to restriction and exchange. We demonstrate that these scalars span a two‐dimensional space that can be used to choose waveforms that selectively probe restricted diffusion or exchange, eliminating the correlation between the two phenomena. We found that waveforms with specific but unconventional shapes provide an advantage over conventional pulsed and oscillating gradient acquisitions. We also show that parametrization of waveforms into a two‐dimensional space can be used to understand protocols from other approaches that probe restricted diffusion and exchange. For example, we found that the variation of mixing time in filter‐exchange imaging corresponds to variation of our exchange‐weighting scalar at a fixed value of the restriction‐weighting scalar. The proposed signal representation was evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations in identical parallel cylinders with hexagonal and random packing as well as parallel cylinders with gamma‐distributed radii. Results showed that the approach is sensitive to sizes in the interval 4–12
and exchange rates in the simulated range of 0 to 20
, but also that there is a sensitivity to the extracellular geometry. The presented theory constitutes a simple and intuitive description of how restricted diffusion and exchange influence the signal as well as a guide to protocol design capable of separating the two effects.
Multidisciplinary Network ActiveOncoKids guidelines for providing movement and exercise in pediatric oncology: Consensus‐based recommendations
Authors: Götte Miriam , Gauß Gabriele , Dirksen Uta , Driever Pablo Hernáiz , Basu Oliver , Baumann Freerk T. , Wiskemann Joachim , Boos Joachim , Kesting Sabine Verena
Published: September 2022

Background

Pediatric cancer leads to reduced participation in exercise and only few patients comply with national physical activity recommendations. Physically inactive behavior hinders motor development and increases physical and psychological adverse effects of therapy and incidence of sequelae. Currently, there is neither nationwide coverage nor uniform level of knowledge regarding exercise promotion. The objective of the guideline is to facilitate qualified exercise interventions through standardized procedures in addition to regular physiotherapy and overall avoid physical inactivity in pediatric cancer patients.

Methods

This guideline addresses the multidisciplinary treatment team and informs physiotherapists and decision‐makers in tertiary care hospitals and health insurance companies. The requirements of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany were followed. Contents were based on best practice experience of experts, patient advocates, as well as on scientific evidence.

Results

The guideline includes 11 recommendations. Recommendations 1–4 declare the relevance of implementing exercise interventions and address general framework conditions. Recommendations 5–11 focus on the design of exercise programs, prevention and safety issues, relative contraindications for specific training loads, and options to overcome barriers to exercise.

Conclusion

This guideline summarizes existing and established structures and evidence in the context of movement and exercise in pediatric oncology. It takes into consideration the rights, varying needs, and characteristics of children and adolescents as well as national and international experience in this field. In the future, relevant research gaps need to be addressed by high‐quality intervention studies to provide the scientific background for a stronger evidence‐based guideline.
A Self‐Powered Wearable Sensor for Continuous Wireless Sweat Monitoring
Authors: Gai Yansong , Wang Engui , Liu Minghao , Xie Lirong , Bai Yuan , Yang Yuan , Xue Jiangtao , Qu Xuecheng , Xi Yuan , Li Linlin , Luo Dan , Li Zhou
Published: September 2022

Wireless wearable sweat analysis devices can monitor biomarkers at the molecular level continuously and in situ, which is highly desired for personalized health care. The miniaturization, integration, and wireless operation of sweat sensors improve the comfort and convenience while also bringing forward new challenges for power supply technology. Herein, a wireless self‐powered wearable sweat analysis system (SWSAS) is designed that effectively converts the mechanical energy of human motion into electricity through hybrid nanogenerator modules (HNGMs). The HNGM shows stable output characteristics at low frequency with a current of 15 mA and a voltage of 60 V. Through real‐time on‐body sweat analysis powered by HNGM, the SWSAS is demonstrated to selectively monitor biomarkers (Na+ and K+) in sweat and wirelessly transmit the sensing data to the user interface via Bluetooth.
Stabilizing High‐Voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathodes for High Energy Rechargeable Li Batteries by Coating With Organic Aromatic Acids and Their Li Salts
Authors: Maiti Sandipan , Sclar Hadar , Grinblat Judith , Talianker Michael , Elias Yuval , Wu Xiaohan , Kondrakov Aleksandr , Aurbach Doron
Published: September 2022

Here, three types of surface coatings based on adsorption of organic aromatic acids or their Li salts are applied as functional coating substrates to engineer the surface properties of high voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) spinel cathodes. The materials used as coating include 1,3,5‐benzene‐tricarboxylic acid (trimesic acid [TMA]), its Li‐salt, and 1,4‐benzene‐dicarboxylic acid (terephthalic acid). The surface coating involves simple ethanol liquid‐phase mixing and low‐temperature heat treatment under nitrogen flow. In typical comparative studies, TMA‐coated (3–5%) LNMO cathodes deliver >90% capacity retention after 400 cycles with significantly improved rate performance in Li‐coin cells at 30 °C compared to uncoated material with capacity retention of ≈40%. The cathode coating also prevents the rapid drop in the electrochemical activity of high voltage Li cells at 55 °C. Studies of high voltage full cells containing TMA coated cathodes versus graphite anodes also demonstrate improved electrochemical behavior, including improved cycling performance and capacity retention, increased rate capabilities, lower voltage hysteresis, and very minor direct current internal resistance evolution. In line with the highly positive effects on the electrochemical performance, it is found that these coatings reduce detrimental transition metal cations dissolution and ensure structural stability during prolonged cycling and thermal stability at elevated temperatures.
Investigation on dynamic bifurcation buckling of a composite column impacted by a mass in hygrothermal environment
Authors: Li Ji'an , Zhao Xiang , Wang Yongjun , Li Yinghui
Published: September 2022

The impacted buckling problems of the slender composite column have a particular essential engineering meaning for the civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and nuclear power engineering fields. Specifically, the contact duration time and buckling time are of importance to design nuclear reactor. This paper mainly concentrates on the dynamic buckling of a slender composite column subjected to a sudden axial load in a hygrothermal environment. In this study, the distribution of strain of the column is considered nonuniform. The humid and thermal factors are taken into account in the stress–strain relation. Employing the composite material's constitutive relation, the buckling governing equation of the composite column can be obtained. The Galerkin method and Laplace transform are applied to solve the buckling problem of the composite column. In this process, the contact duration time and the buckling time are two significant parameters that are typically considered in this research. In the numerical section, the present solutions are validated by comparing to the result in published research. The effects of the kinetic energy of the impactor, geometrical features of the column, and hygrothermal factors on the buckling solutions are studied as well.
Determination and Combination of Monthly Gravity Field Time Series from Kinematic Orbits of GRACE, GRACE-FO and Swarm
Authors: Grombein Thomas , Lasser Martin , Arnold Daniel , Meyer Ulrich , Jäggi Adrian
Published: September 2022

Dedicated gravity field missions like GRACE and GRACE-FO use ultra-precise inter-satellite ranging observations to derive time series of monthly gravity field solutions. In addition, any (non-dedicated) Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellite with a dual-frequency GNSS receiver may also serve as a gravity field sensor. To this end, GPS-derived kinematic LEO orbit positions are used as pseudo-observations for gravity field recovery. Although less sensitive, this technique can provide valuable information for the monitoring of large-scale time-variable gravity signals, particularly for those months where no inter-satellite ranging measurements are available. Due to a growing number of LEO satellites that collect continuous and mostly uninterrupted GPS data, the value of a combined multi-LEO gravity field time series is likely to increase in the near future.

In this paper, we present monthly gravity field time series derived from GPS-based kinematic orbit positions of the GRACE, GRACE-FO and Swarm missions. We analyze their individual contribution as well as the additional benefit of their combination. For this purpose, two combination strategies at solution level are studied that are based on (i) least-squares variance component estimation, and (ii) stochastic properties of the gravity field solutions. By evaluating mass variations in Greenland and the Amazon river basin, the resulting gravity field time series are assessed with respect to superior solutions based on inter-satellite ranging.
Investigating the Relationship Between Length of Day and El-Niño Using Wavelet Coherence Method
Authors: Raut Shrishail , Modiri Sadegh , Heinkelmann Robert , Balidakis Kyriakos , Belda Santiago , Kitpracha Chaiyaporn , Schuh Harald
Published: September 2022

The relationship between the length of day (LOD) and El-Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has been well studied since the 1980s. LOD is the negative time-derivative of UT1-UTC, which is directly proportional to Earth Rotation Angle (ERA), one of the Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP). The EOP can be determined using Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), which is a space geodetic technique. In addition, satellite techniques such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS) can provide Earth Rotation Parameters, i.e., polar motion and LOD. ENSO is a climate phenomenon occurring over the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean that mainly affects the tropics and the subtropics. Extreme ENSO events can cause extreme weather like flooding and droughts in many parts of the world. In this work, we investigated the effect of ENSO on the LOD from January 1979 to April 2022 using the wavelet coherence method. This method computes the coherence between the two non-stationary time-series in the time-frequency domain using the real-valued Morlet wavelet. We used the Multivariate ENSO index version 2 (MEI v.2) which is the most robust series as the climate index for the ENSO, and LOD time-series from IERS (EOP 14 C04 (IAU2000A)). We also used Oceanic Niño and Southern Oscillation index in this study for comparison. The results show strong coherence of 0.7 to 0.9 at major ENSO events for the periods 2–4 years between LOD and MEI.v2.
Bushfire smoke plume composition and toxicological assessment from the 2019–2020 Australian Black Summer
Authors: Simmons Jack B. , Paton-Walsh Clare , Mouat Asher P. , Kaiser Jennifer , Humphries Ruhi S. , Keywood Melita , Griffith David W. T. , Sutresna Adhitya , Naylor Travis , Ramirez-Gamboa Jhonathan
Published: September 2022

Many of the population centres in southeast Australia were swathed in bushfire smoke during the 2019–2020 austral summer. Bushfires burning during what is now known as the Black Summer was historically large and severe, and the fire season historically long. The chemical composition in the gas and aerosol phase of aged plumes measured near Wollongong, NSW in early 2020 is reported in this work. Enhancement ratios to carbon monoxide are presented for thirteen species (acetaldehyde, acetone, acetonitrile, black carbon aerosol, benzene, methane, methacrolein + methyl vinyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, methanol, ammonium ion PM1 fraction, nitrate ion PM1 fraction, organic PM1 fraction and PM2.5). Observed plume composition is comparable to that measured in fresh smoke from Australian fires reported in the literature. Enhancements of biogenic volatile organic compounds such as isoprene (smoke-effected period mean 1 ppb, maximum 6 ppb) were observed along with elevated concentrations of particulate variables. Enhancement ratios reported here can be used in plume modelling of landscape-scale fires and assist in concentration estimates of infrequently measured atmospheric pollutants. The relative toxicological contribution of species present in the plumes was determined for plume exposure at the measurement site and for concentrated plumes at a population centre case study. Similar results were apparent at both locations. Contributions to the toxicological loading were dominated by respirable particles (~ 52–63% total contribution), formaldehyde (~ 30–39% total contribution) and acrolein. This is a reminder to consider the toxicological contributions in the gas phase when considering health impacts of population exposure to bushfire smoke.
Measurement invariance in gender and age of the Herth Hope Index to the general spanish population across the lifespan
Authors: Robles-Bello María Auxiliadora , Sánchez-Teruel David
Published: September 2022

The Herth Hope Index (HHI) is used to measure hope. Assessing the psychometric properties of HHI in Spanish population, exploring its structural validity, the different functionalities of the items and the invariability of this measure according to the gender and age of the population. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to explore the scale’s dimensionality and test for strong measurement invariance across sex and age in a cross-sectional, multicenter, prospective study. A new scale was obtained with the structure of one factor with 9 items. Goodness-of-fit indices were excellent. The internal consistency of the one dimension proved high values. The configural invariance on gender shows that both men and women understand the new HHI items, also, this research also shows that there is no scalar invariance across age groups, revealing good levels of adjustment of the item. The Spanish version of the HHI proved to be a valid, reliable instrument to assess the hope in Spanish population.
Insight into the high-temperature tribological mechanism of VAlTiCrW high entropy alloy film: AlV3O9 from tribochemistry
Authors: Liu Xuesong , Fan Jun , Pu Jibin , Lu Zhaoxia
Published: September 2022

High-entropy alloys have made significant progress in high mechanical properties, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance properties. Excellent tribological properties, especially high-temperature lubrication, have become another sought performance. In this work, VAlTiCrW high-entropy alloy film with body-centered cubic (BCC) structure was prepared on superalloy substrate by magnetron sputtering. It is found that the VAlTiCrW film shows very low friction coefficient of 0.15 and a low wear rate of 10−5 orders of magnitude at 800 °C. After 800 °C oxidation, the film can still obtain a friction coefficient of no more than 0.2 at 700 °C. XRD and TEM revealed the formation of ternary oxide AlV3O9 with preferred orientation of (002) crystal plane with large spacing of 0.71 nm on the wear surface of the film, a high-temperature lubricating phase that has not been reported, realizes the low friction coefficient. This AlV3O9 can be formed by tribochemical reaction under the thermal-mechanical action at 700 °C, but pre-oxidation at 800 °C is the prerequisite in order to form the precursors of V-rich and Al-rich oxide layer.
Political Uncertainty and Firm Investment: Project-Level Evidence from M&A Activity
Authors: Chen Zhenhua , Cihan Mehmet , Jens Candace E. , Page T. Beau
Published: September 2022

We study how firms alter investment projects to mitigate exposure to political uncertainty. We examine deal-level merger data and find that, in addition to delaying and forgoing merger announcements, acquirers shift merger announcements earlier in time to avoid the period between announcement and effective dates overlapping an election, shift targets geographically away from election states, decrease the size of election-year deals, and shift from equity to cash financing for election-year deals. These results are stronger for acquirers with tighter financial constraints and deals more likely to be financed with equity and show financing matters to firms’ responses to election uncertainty.
The Significance of Corrections for the Examination of the Emergence of Variants
Authors: Landefeld Katrin Maria
Published: September 2022

In the course of the transmission of the text of the New Testament variants in the text emerged many times and in different ways. This article shows the importance of the study of corrections in the course of building theories about the emergence of specific variants. It presents some exemplary results of the examination of corrections of a few manuscripts of Acts. The article shows that examining all the corrections in a work in an individual manuscript can give important hints on the emergence of specific variants because it allows to make judgement about the character of the copying and the correcting.
A Volunteer-Run, Face-to-Face, Early Intervention Service for Reducing Suicidality
Authors: Smart Sophie E. , Dimes Hollie , Lumley Cordelia , Spooner Steve , Anderson Sarah , Platt Stephen , Davidson Sarah
Published: September 2022

Abstract. Background: Befriending is one of many strategies with the potential to reduce suicidal ideation and decrease the risk of suicide. Aims: To measure change in suicidal ideation and behavior among visitors (service users) supported at The Listening Place (TLP), a charity which offers volunteer-run, face-to-face befriending to people who are suicidal. Method: This study was peer reviewed and preregistered on the Open Science Framework prior to data extraction. Anonymized data were extracted for visitors at the point of referral and after 3 months of receiving support. Paired-sample tests were used to test whether self-reported suicidal ideation and behaviors changed after 3 months of support from TLP. Multivariable regressions were used to test whether change in suicidal feelings was associated with demographic characteristics or baseline self-reported suicidality. Results: TLP received 13,938 referrals from July 2016 to February 2022. Self-reported suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, and feelings of distress decreased after 3 months, while feelings of support increased. Only self-reported suicidal behavior prior to referral was associated with a lesser reduction in self-reported suicidality after 3 months. Limitations: In the absence of a control group, it cannot be concluded that TLP causes the reduction in self-reported suicidality. Conclusions: An empathetic, nonjudgmental, listening service for people who are feeling suicidal was well received by users, who experienced a reduction in suicidality.
Models Oversimplify How Melting Glaciers Deform Land
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: September 2022

When glaciers melt, the land below deforms. Sea level data show that widely used models oversimplify the process.
Unraveling the Mystery of a Rare Mineral on Mars
Authors: Wright Clarissa
Published: September 2022

The discovery of tridymite in Mars’s Gale Crater triggered debate about the rare mineral’s origins. A research team recently suggested a scenario with explosive implications.
Tracing metabolic flux to assess optimal dietary protein and amino acid consumption
Authors: Wolfe Robert R. , Kim Il-Young , Park Sanghee , Ferrando Arny
Published: September 2022

There is a general consensus that a dietary protein intake of 0.8 g protein/kg/day will prevent symptoms of protein deficiency in young, healthy individuals. However, individuals in many physiological circumstances may benefit from higher rates of dietary protein intake. Stable isotope tracer methodology enables a variety of approaches to assessing the optimal dietary protein intake in humans. In this paper, we present an overview of a variety of tracer methods, with a discussion of necessary assumptions, as well as the clinical circumstances in which different methods may be preferable. Although we discuss the nontracer method of nitrogen balance, which has historically been used to estimate dietary protein requirements, this paper primarily focuses on tracer methods for estimating dietary protein and essential amino acid requirements under different physiological conditions. We will explain the following approaches: isotopic measurement of urea production; the arterial-venous tracer balance method; measurement of the fractional synthetic and breakdown rates of muscle protein; the indicator and the direct amino acid oxidation methods; and different approaches to measuring whole-body protein synthesis and breakdown. The advantages and limitations of each method are discussed in the context of the optimal approaches for use under different circumstances.
Measurement of lipid flux to advance translational research: evolution of classic methods to the future of precision health
Authors: Salvador Amadeo F. , Shyu Chi-Ren , Parks Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2022

Over the past 70 years, the study of lipid metabolism has led to important discoveries in identifying the underlying mechanisms of chronic diseases. Advances in the use of stable isotopes and mass spectrometry in humans have expanded our knowledge of target molecules that contribute to pathologies and lipid metabolic pathways. These advances have been leveraged within two research paths, leading to the ability (1) to quantitate lipid flux to understand the fundamentals of human physiology and pathology and (2) to perform untargeted analyses of human blood and tissues derived from a single timepoint to identify lipidomic patterns that predict disease. This review describes the physiological and analytical parameters that influence these measurements and how these issues will propel the coming together of the two fields of metabolic tracing and lipidomics. The potential of data science to advance these fields is also discussed. Future developments are needed to increase the precision of lipid measurements in human samples, leading to discoveries in how individuals vary in their production, storage, and use of lipids. New techniques are critical to support clinical strategies to prevent disease and to identify mechanisms by which treatments confer health benefits with the overall goal of reducing the burden of human disease.
A personal history of research on hypertension From an encounter with hypertension to the development of hypertension practice based on out-of-clinic blood pressure measurements
Authors: Imai Yutaka
Published: September 2022

In the 1970s, many people had severe hypertension and related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases; however, antihypertensive treatments were not available at the time. The author encountered such conditions during the initial exposure to medicine. The author subsequently entered the field of hypertension medicine to prevent such conditions and engaged in hypertension research for more than 50 years. The author’s central interest was the physiological and clinical aspects of blood pressure (BP) variability. Out-of-clinic BP measurements were the focus of clinical research. It was anticipated that self-measurement of BP at home (HBP) would improve medical practice surrounding hypertension. To establish evidence-based hypertension medicine, the Ohasama study (an epidemiology based on HBP) was conducted. The study provided firm evidence of the clinical significance of HBP and diagnostic criteria for hypertension and normotension. To establish target HBP levels for antihypertensive therapy, the Hypertension Objective treatment based on Measurement by Electrical Devices of Blood Pressure (HOMED-BP) study (a prospective intervention study) was also conducted. Application of HBP measurements expanded to obstetric, clinical pharmacology, pathophysiology, and genetic studies. During these studies, crucial information on the clinical significance of BP variability (such as circadian and day-by-day variation of BP, nocturnal BP, white-coat hypertension, and masked hypertension) was established. Finally, the author described the priority of HBP over clinic-measured BP for the diagnosis of hypertension in the 2014 Japanese Society of Hypertension Guidelines. In this article, the author’s history of hypertension research, from the first encounter with hypertension to the construction of guidelines on hypertension, is reviewed.
TRFs and tiRNAs sequence in acute rejection for vascularized composite allotransplantation
Authors: Fang Yuan , Li Haibo , Chen Jingting , Xiong Yao , Li Xu , Sun Binbin , Li Shengli , Zhou Jianda , Wang Shoubao
Published: September 2022

Illumina tRFs & tiRNAs-seq analysis was used to characterize the whole transcriptomes of acute rejection caused by vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). tRFs & tiRNAs-seq information for muscle samples with VCA was obtained and compared with similar information for same age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. The expression of 16 tRFs and tiRNAs, including 5 up-regulated target genes and 11 down-regulated target genes, were significantly different. According to bioinformatics analysis and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we speculate that tiRNA-1-34-Glu-CTC-1 plays an important role in VCA-induced acute rejection by regulating the CACNA1D gene in the MAPK signaling pathway The findings provide the whole-transcriptome signatures of acute rejection for VCA, allowing further exploration of gene expression patterns/signatures associated with the various clinical symptoms of acute rejection for VCA.
AMC 12 atomic mass compilation data extrapolated for atomic masses of nuclei far from the valley of stability
Authors: Venkataramaniah K. , Rao D. S. Shreesha , Scheidenberger C.
Published: September 2022

The experimental mass data from the Atomic Mass Compilation – 2012 (AMC12) has been analyzed for two-neutron separation energies ($${{\boldsymbol{S}}}_{{\bf{2}}{\boldsymbol{n}}}$$

S

2
n

), two-proton separation energies ($${{\boldsymbol{S}}}_{{\bf{2}}{\boldsymbol{p}}}$$

S

2
p

), double-beta decay energies ($${{\boldsymbol{Q}}}_{2{{\boldsymbol{\beta }}}^{-}}$$

Q

2

β

−

), and four-beta decay energies ($${{\boldsymbol{Q}}}_{4{{\boldsymbol{\beta }}}^{-}}$$

Q

4

β

−

) and plotted against neutron number and mass number, respectively. A new weighted slope method of extrapolation, tested for known and new mass measurements, has been used to obtain the extrapolated mass values with better precision for more than 1100 nuclei far from the valley of stability, out of which more than 100 are being reported for the first time. A comparison has been made with five of the popular mass models with reference to experimental extrapolated masses from the present work and the Atomic Mass Evaluation 2016 (AME16). The extrapolated experimental atomic mass data will be very useful for both experimentalists and mass-model theoreticians, as well as in simulations of astrophysical r-processes.