bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying the continuous wet mixing process based on the silica formula
Authors: Zhu Donglin , Wang Chuansheng , Xiao Yao , Wang Xiaoming , Han Shuang , Wang Zhifei , Bian Huiguang
Published: March 2021

Studies show that the mixing process is one of the most critical steps in the rubber processing, which directly affects the performance and service life of rubber products. However, unjustifiable complexity, high processing time, and low mixing quality of the conventional mixing technologies restrict the development of the rubber industry. Aiming at the deficiency of rubber mixing technology at present, the wet mixing technology and continuous mixing technology are complementary to each other, and the continuous wet mixing technology is developed. Then experiments are carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The obtained experimental results show that the wet mixing and continuous mixing technologies have synergetic effects, thereby simplifying the mixing process and improving the quality and continuity of the mixing process. It is found that the continuous wet mixing technology significantly improves the properties of the rubber compound compared with the conventional dry mixing method. The proposed method not only has reasonable processing properties but also significantly improves the physical, compressive fatigue, degree of dispersion and dynamic mechanical properties of the compound compared with those from the conventional dry mixing process.
Polypyrrole material for the electrostatic discharge sensitivity mitigation of Al/SnO2 energetic composites
Authors: Gibot Pierre , Goetz Virginie
Published: March 2021

Nanothermites are composite energetic materials made of fuel and oxidizer nanoparticles characterized by impressive exothermic reactions (highly flame temperatures and impressive heat combustion releases). However, nanothermites suffer from their high electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity that may be at the origin of accidental ignitions during handling. The present study deals with the use of doped‐polypyrrole conducting polymer in aluminum/tin (IV) oxide energetic formulation (Al/SnO2). X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, conductivity measurements, sensitivities and combustion tests were implemented to characterize the polypyrrole‐doped Al/SnO2 energetic composite. The results revealed a significant gradual ESD desensitization of the nanothermite (<0.14 mJ to 246.40 mJ) as a function of the doped‐polypyrrole amount (0 to 15 wt%). The reactive properties of the polypyrrole‐enriched Al/SnO2 nanothermite were verified and an acceptable reactive behavior was claimed. The successful adding of doped‐polypyrrole conducting polymer within energetic nanocomposites is reported for the first time.
Chemical Vapor Deposition Synthesis of Graphene over Sapphire Substrates
Authors: Shan Jingyuan , Sun Jingyu , Liu Zhongfan
Published: March 2021

Graphene grown with less grain boundaries, larger grain sizes and transfer‐free feature by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is of significant importance to fulfill practical applications. Sapphire has readily emerged as an ideal substrate for graphene growth owing to its relatively low cost, good mechanical strength and physical/chemical stability under CVD conditions. In this minireview, recent advance in the CVD preparation of graphene over sapphire substrates is summarized. The graphene growth on epitaxial metal (111) film derived from c‐plane sapphire and direct fabrication over sapphire are respectively discussed. Application sectors of graphene/sapphire hybrid materials are further reviewed. Finally, perspectives on the synthesis of graphene over sapphire are given.
Characteristics, management, and outcome of pediatric patients with post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease—A 20 years' experience from Austria
Authors: Füreder Anna , Kropshofer Gabriele , Benesch Martin , Dworzak Michael , Greil Sabine , Huber Wolf‐Dietrich , Hubmann Holger , Lawitschka Anita , Mann Georg , Michel‐Behnke Ina , Müller‐Sacherer Thomas , Pichler Herbert , Simonitsch‐Klupp Ingrid , Schwinger Wolfgang , Szepfalusi Zsolt , Crazzolara Roman , Attarbaschi Andishe ,   Austrian Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Published: March 2021

Background

Management of pediatric post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) after hematopoietic stem cell (HSCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT) is challenging.

Aim

This study of 34 PTLD patients up to 19‐years old diagnosed in Austria from 2000 to 2018 aimed at assessing initial characteristics, therapy, response, and outcome as well as prognostic markers of this rare pediatric disease.

Methods and results

A retrospective data analysis was performed. Types of allografts were kidney (n = 12), liver (n = 7), heart (n = 5), hematopoietic stem cells (n = 4), lungs (n = 2), multi‐visceral (n = 2), small intestine (n = 1), and vessels (n = 1). Eighteen/34 were classified as monomorphic PTLD, with DLBCL accounting for 15 cases. Polymorphic disease occurred in nine, and non‐destructive lesions in six cases. One patient had a non‐classifiable PTLD. Thirteen/34 patients are surviving event‐free in first remission (non‐destructive, n = 4/6; polymorphic, n = 4/9; monomorphic, n = 6/18). Fourteen/34 patients lacked complete response to first‐line therapy, of whom seven died. Four/34 patients relapsed, of whom two died. In 3/34 patients, death occurred as a first event. The 5‐year overall and event‐free survival rates were 64% ± 9% and 35% ± 9% for the whole cohort. Among all parameters analyzed, only malignant disease as the indication for transplantation had a significantly poor influence on survival.

Conclusions

This study shows PTLD still to be a major cause of mortality following SOT or HSCT in children. A continued understanding of the molecular biology of the disease shall allow to decrease treatment intensity for lower risk patients and to identify patients who may benefit from newer therapy approaches to improve outcome and decrease morbidity.
Study of the Parameters Impacting the Photocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Peng Yulan , Szeto Kai C. , Santini Catherine C. , Daniele Stéphane
Published: March 2021

To overcome the chemical inertness of CO2, one strategy consists of pre‐activating or destabilizing it, to lower the reduction barrier, by preparing a carbene‐CO2compound where the CO2is bent rather than linear. This pre‐activation has been studied in ionic liquids (IL) based on imidazolium as a cation with different anions under conditions of mild pressure, room temperature and UV/Vis light. This screening showed that only 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium acetate (C1C4ImOAc) was capable of effectively pre‐activating CO2by chemical sorption to give a more reactive 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium‐2‐carboxylate (C1C4ImCO2) species. A co‐solvent can be used to consume the photo‐generated holes in Pd/g‐C3N4as a sacrificial agent but also to provide the protons necessary to reduce CO2. In this study, the influence of several type of co‐solvents such as H2O, isopropanol (iPrOH), and 1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐3‐methyl imidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide [C1C2(OH)ImNTf2], has been tested on the activation of CO2in C1C4ImOAc. We first defined the optimal molar ratio of co‐solvent to be used in order not to compromise CO2pre‐activation for subsequent application in CO2transformation. Photocatalytic reductions of CO2to CO on Pd/g‐C3N4by varying different parameters demonstrated that CO2pre‐activation in a mixture of C1C4ImOAc and isopropanol was the most efficient to consider a prospective strategy of CO2photoreduction in an IL medium.
Tunable Photocatalytic Production of Syngas Using Co@C3N4 and Black Phosphorus
Authors: Pollak Nicholas , Huang Peipei , Bell Hannah , Li Gonghu , Caputo Christine A.
Published: March 2021

Photocatalytic syngas production is an attractive option to efficiently generate a feedstock for the Fischer‐Tropsch processes that can produce liquid fuels and other chemicals. One‐pot photocatalytic production of syngas (H2+CO) with specific and controllable ratios of H2/CO has proven to be a significant challenge to date. In this work, single Co2+ sites loaded onto carbon nitride (Co@C3N4) is combined with black phosphorus (BP) to form a hybrid material, which is capable of simultaneous photocatalytic evolution of H2 and CO. H2/CO syngas ratios can be controlled in the range from 0.30 to 5.16 by changing the % weight of BP in this system or by the addition of CoCl2 in the reaction solution. Maximum total gas evolution of 70 μmol g−1 h−1 was achieved with 20 wt % BP (BP20%/Co@C3N4) at a H2/CO ratio of 2.
Diagnosing heart failure in primary care: individual patient data meta‐analysis of two European prospective studies
Authors: Roalfe Andrea K. , Taylor Clare J. , Kelder Johannes C. , Hoes Arno W. , Hobbs F.D. Richard
Published: March 2021

Aims

Natriuretic peptides are helpful in detecting chronic heart failure (HF) in primary care; however, there are a lack of data evaluating thresholds recommended by clinical guidelines. This study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) using combined individual patient data from two studies in the UK and the Netherlands.

Methods and results

Random effects methods were used to estimate the performance characteristics of NT‐proBNP thresholds recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. New onset HF was diagnosed in 313 of 1073 (29.2%) participants. Age, sex, and atrial fibrillation‐adjusted NT‐proBNP was a better predictor of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) than HF preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), with area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 95% CI (0.78 to 0.86) vs. 0.71 (0.66 to 0.75). In persons aged 70 years and over, the ESC threshold at 125 ng/L for detection of all‐cause HF had summary negative predictive value (NPV) of 84.9% (81.6 to 88.2), positive predictive value (PPV) 68.1% (63.1 to 73.3), sensitivity 74.9% (69.5 to 80.3), and specificity 80.1% (76.9 to 83.4); the NICE threshold at 400 ng/L had summary NPV of 74.7% (72.1 to 77.2), PPV 81.8% (73.3 to 89.5), sensitivity 43.5% (37.2 to 49.8), and specificity 94.5% (92.3 to 96.7).

Conclusions

N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide is better at detecting HFrEF than HFpEF in a primary care setting. In persons aged 70 and over, the ESC threshold of 125 ng/L is more accurate at detecting and excluding HF than the higher level suggested in NICE guidelines. More prospective data are required to establish the optimal NP threshold for detecting chronic HF in general practice.
Integration of Biomass Torrefaction and Gasification based on Biomass Classification: A Review
Authors: Lu Hantao , Gong Yan , Areeprasert Chinnathan , Ding Lu , Guo Qinghua , Chen Wei-Hsin , Yu Guangsuo
Published: March 2021

Trace element migration and structure evolution are related to biomass gasification performance, which varies to a certain extent during torrefaction. This substantial summary of the integrated process based on biomass classification has practical significance for the consumption and commercialization of a bio‐refinery. Herein, biomass is divided into two categories and an understanding of the relevant variations is presented during the integrated two processes according to the classification. The effects of torrefaction on the organic (hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin) and inorganic components (trace elements), and the physicochemical structural evolution (morphology, pore structure, functional groups) of biomass are reviewed. The differences (syngas generation and tar formation) between raw and torrefied biomass gasification are compared. Meanwhile, the effects of torrefaction on gasification performance and the possible gasification mechanisms are reviewed regarding pore structure, carbon structure, surface area, and alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs). The gasification of the torrefied biomass materials on a pilot‐scale is outlined. Finally, future directions and technological challenges associated with the integrated technologies are proposed. More scaling‐up experiments should be conducted to investigate the mass and heat transfer in reactors during amplification and to improve the reactor's adaptability to biomass species in the contexts of economy and society.
Bioavailability and Ecotoxicity of Lead in Soil: Implications for Setting Ecological Soil Quality Standards
Authors: Oorts Koen , Smolders Erik , Lanno Roman , Chowdhury M. Jasim
Published: March 2021

Ecological soil quality standards for lead (Pb) that account for soil Pb bioavailability have not yet been derived. We derived such standards based on specific studies of the long-term bioavailability and toxicity of Pb to soil organisms and a compilation of field data on the bioaccumulation of Pb in earthworms. Toxicity thresholds of Pb to plants, invertebrates, or microorganisms vary over more than 2 orders of magnitude, and the lowest values overlap with the range in natural Pb background concentrations in soil. Soils freshly spiked with Pb2+ salts exhibit higher Pb bioavailability and lower toxic thresholds than long-term aged and leached equivalents. Comparative toxicity tests on leaching and aging effects suggest using a soil Pb threshold that is 4.0 higher, to correct thresholds of freshly spiked soils. Toxicity to plants and earthworms, and microbial N-transformation and bioaccumulation of Pb in earthworms increase with decreasing effective cation exchange capacity (eCEC) of the soil, and models were derived to normalize data for variation of the eCEC among soils. Suggested ecological quality standards for soil expressed as total soil Pb concentration are lower for Pb toxicity to wildlife via secondary poisoning compared with direct Pb toxicity to soil organisms. Standards for both types of receptors vary by factors of approximately 4 depending on soil eCEC. The data and models we have collated can be used for setting ecological soil quality criteria for Pb in different regulatory frameworks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1948–1961. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Astrocyte‐mediated purinergic signaling is upregulated in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome
Authors: Reynolds Kathryn E. , Wong Chloe R. , Scott Angela L.
Published: March 2021

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading monogenic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. With increasing investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying FXS, there is growing evidence that perturbations in glial signaling are widely associated with neurological pathology. Purinergic signaling, which utilizes nucleoside triphosphates as signaling molecules, provides one of the most ubiquitous signaling systems for glial‐neuronal and glial‐glial crosstalk. Here, we sought to identify whether purinergic signaling is dysregulated within the FXS mouse cortex, and whether this dysregulation contributes to aberrant intercellular communication. In primary astrocyte cultures derived from the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS, we found that application of exogenous ATP and UTP evoked elevated intracellular calcium responses compared to wildtype levels. Accordingly, purinergic P2Y2 and P2Y6 receptor expression was increased in Fmr1 KO astrocytes both in vitro and in acutely dissociated tissue, while P2Y antagonism via suramin prevented intracellular calcium elevations, suggesting a role for these receptors in aberrant FXS astrocyte activation. To investigate the impact of elevated purinergic signaling on astrocyte‐mediated synaptogenesis, we quantified synaptogenic protein TSP‐1, known to be regulated by P2Y activation. TSP‐1 secretion and expression were both heightened in Fmr1 KO vs wildtype astrocytes following UTP application, while naïve TSP‐1 cortical expression was also transiently elevated in vivo, indicating increased potential for excitatory TSP‐1‐mediated synaptogenesis in the FXS cortex. Together, our results demonstrate novel and significant purinergic signaling elevations in Fmr1 KO astrocytes, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target to mitigate the signaling aberrations observed in FXS.
Human immune deficiency virus‐related structural alterations in the brain are dependent on age
Authors: Zhao Jing , Ma Zhe , Chen Feng , Li Li , Ren Meiji , Li Aixin , Jing Bin , Li Hongjun
Published: March 2021

Currently, it is still unknown whether human immune deficiency virus (HIV)‐related structural alterations in the brain are dependent on age. With people living with HIV at different ages, we aim to investigate age‐specific structural alterations in HIV patients. Eighty‐three male HIV patients and eighty‐three age‐matched male controls were enrolled, and high‐resolution T1 weighted images were collected and analyzed with four morphological metrics. Then, statistical analyses were respectively conducted to ascertain HIV effects, age effects, and medication effects in brain structure of HIV patients, and the relationship with neuropsychological evaluations were further explored. Finally, discriminative performances of these structural abnormalities were quantitatively testified with three machine learning models. Compared with healthy controls, HIV patients displayed lower gray matter volumes (GMV), lower gyrification index, deeper sulcus depth, and larger cortical thickness (CTH). Age‐specific differences were found in GMV and CTH: young‐aged HIV patients displayed more obvious morphological alterations than middle‐aged HIV patients when comparing corresponding age‐matched healthy controls. Furthermore, age‐specific long‐term medication effect of combination antiretroviral therapy were also presented. Additionally, several subcortical structural changes were negatively associated with language, attention and motor functions. Finally, three machine learning models demonstrated young‐aged HIV patients were easier to be recognized than middle‐aged HIV patients. Our study indicated young‐aged HIV patients were more vulnerable to HIV infection in brain structure than middle‐aged patients, and future studies should not ignore the age effect in studying the HIV‐related abnormalities.
Serum C1q concentration is associated with disease activity in Chinese Takayasu arteritis patients: A case‐control study
Authors: Chen Si , Luan Haixia , He Jianxun , Wang Yan , Zeng Xiaoli , Li Yongzhe , Yuan Hui
Published: March 2021

Background

C1q is a crucial component of the classical complement pathway. This study is the first to assess the association between disease activity and serum levels of C1q in Chinese Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients.

Methods

Serum C1q levels in 198 TA patients and 154 healthy controls were assessed, and the relationship between serum C1q levels and indices of TA disease activity was analyzed. Moreover, we examined the correlation between serum C1q levels and two traditional inflammatory biomarkers; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and hypersensitive CRP (hs‐CRP).

Results

Serum C1q levels were increased in TA patients compared with healthy controls (P = .008). TA patients with active disease had higher levels of serum C1q than patients who had inactive disease (P < .0001). In addition, treatment‐naïve patients had higher serum C1q levels than those who had been treated with corticosteroids or at least one immunosuppressant (P = .001). Furthermore, a positive correlation between serum C1q levels and traditional inflammatory biomarkers in TA patients was found. The role of C1q in assessing disease activity was studied, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of C1q for predicting active disease was 0.752, and a serum cutoff value of 167.15 mg/L C1q maximized the ability of disease activity assessment, with a sensitivity/specificity of 77.80%/64.90%. When the three indicators (C1q, ESR, and hs‐CRP) were combined, the AUC increased to 0.845, and the sensitivity to 84.40%.

Conclusions

The serum C1q is associated with the disease activity of TA and the combination of three indicators (C1q, ESR, and hs‐CRP) increases the sensitivity of disease activity assessment.
The Weierbach experimental catchment in Luxembourg: A decade of critical zone monitoring in a temperate forest ‐ from hydrological investigations to ecohydrological perspectives
Authors: Hissler Christophe , Martínez‐Carreras Núria , Barnich François , Gourdol Laurent , Iffly Jean François , Juilleret Jérôme , Klaus Julian , Pfister Laurent
Published: March 2021

The Weierbach experimental catchment (0.45 km2) is the most instrumented and studied sub‐catchment in the Alzette River basin in Luxembourg. Within the last decade, it has matured towards an interdisciplinary critical zone observatory focusing on a better understanding of hydrological and hydro‐geochemical processes. The Weierbach catchment is embedded in an elevated sub‐horizontal plateau, characterized by slate bedrock and representative of the Ardennes Massif. Its climate is semi‐marine, with precipitation being rather evenly distributed throughout the year. Base flow is lowest from July to September, essentially due to higher losses through evapotranspiration in summer. The regolith is composed of Devonian slates, overlaid by Pleistocene slope deposits and entirely covered by forest with 70% deciduous and 30% coniferous trees. Since 2009, the Weierbach has been extensively equipped for continuously monitoring water fluxes and physico‐chemical parameters within different compartments of the critical zone. Additionally, these compartments are sampled fortnightly at several locations to analyze δ18O and δ2H isotopic composition of water including rainfall, throughfall, soil water, groundwater and streamwater. This ongoing monitoring and sampling programme is used for answering pressing questions related to fundamental catchment functions of water infiltration, storage, mixing and release in forest ecosystems. A recently started research line aims at investigating interactions between forest eco‐hydrosystems with the atmosphere and understanding how catchments will respond to a non‐stationary climate.
Dissolving the Complex Role Aggregation Plays in Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Croce Katherine R. , Yamamoto Ai
Published: March 2021

Prominent neuropathological hallmarks of many adult‐onset neurodegenerative diseases include the deposition and accumulation of misfolded proteins or conformers; however, their role in pathogenesis has remained unclear. This is in part due to the deceptive simplicity of the question and our limited understanding of how protein homeostasis is maintained in the compartmentalized cells of the central nervous system, especially in the context of the adult brain. Building on studies from simple cell‐based systems and invertebrate animals, we recently identified a protein central to the specific and selective turnover of aggregated proteins in the adult brain, the autophagy‐linked FYVE protein (Alfy)/Wdfy3. Depletion of Alfy levels in a mouse model of Huntington's disease showed that it accelerated the accumulation of the aggregated mutant huntingtin protein, as well as the onset of behavioral deficits. Although the motor dysfunction was accelerated in the model, this was in the absence of increasing overt cell loss, implicating protein aggregates as a modifier of circuit dysfunction rather than driving degeneration per se. We discuss these findings in the context of what is known about protein accumulation and how we can use proteins such as Alfy to determine if protein accumulation is a shared pathogenic event across different adult‐onset diseases. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Claims‐Based Frailty and Outcomes: Applying an Aging Measure to Older Adults with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Abraham Danielle S. , Pham Nguyen Thanh Phuong , Willis Allison W.
Published: March 2021

Background

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome with negative health impacts not captured by comorbidity and disability alone. The prevalence of frailty in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been described, but data on frailty‐associated outcomes are limited.

Objective

To describe the level of frailty and investigate the association between frailty and outcomes in a Medicare sample of persons diagnosed with PD.

Methods

We used the claims‐based frailty index to assess frailty in a cohort of Medicare beneficiaries with PD in 2013. Frailty was categorized as non‐frail/pre‐frail, mildly frail, moderately frail, and severely frail. Adjusted logistic regression models examined the relationship between frailty and mortality, hospitalization, emergency department visits, and fall‐related injuries through 2014.

Results

Of 62,786 beneficiaries with PD in 2013, 55.3% were frail. Frail individuals were more likely to be female, older, Black, metropolitan dwelling, without neurologist care, nursing facility residents, or multimorbid. The average daily levodopa equivalent dose initially increased, then decreased from the pre‐frail to the severely frail groups. Compared to non‐frail/pre‐frail persons, severely frail persons had higher adjusted odds of 1‐year mortality (AOR 2.74, 95% CI 1.98, 3.78), hospitalization (AOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.74, 3.14), emergency department visits (AOR 2.97, 95% CI 2.14, 4.13), and fall‐related injury (AOR 1.43, 95% CI 0.90, 2.26).

Conclusions

Frailty is common and differentially distributed among older adults with PD. Frailty in PD is associated with adverse health outcomes and death. Observational study analyses may benefit from adjustment for frailty; claims‐based frailty surveillance may identify vulnerable PD patients in health system, registry, or administrative data. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Patients’ and caregivers’ maximum acceptable risk of death for non‐curative gene therapy to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Peay Holly L. , Fischer Ryan , Mange Brennan , Paquin Ryan S. , Smith Edward C. , Sadosky Alesia , Russo Leo , Ricotti Valeria , Rensch Colin , Morris Carl , Martin Amy Strong , Ganot Annie , Beaverson Katherine , Mansfield Carol
Published: March 2021

Background

Gene therapy offers an etiologically targeted treatment for genetic disorders. Little is known about the acceptance of mortality risk among patients with progressive, fatal conditions. We assessed patients’ and caregivers’ maximum acceptable risk (MAR) of mortality for gene therapy when used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods

The threshold technique was used to assess tolerance for mortality risks using a hypothetical vignette. Gene therapy was described as non‐curative and resulting in a slowing of progression and with a 10‐year benefit duration. MAR was analyzed using interval regression for gene therapy initiated “now”; in the last year of walking well; in the last year of being able to bring arms to mouth; and in newborns (for caregivers only).

Results

Two hundred eighty‐five caregivers and 35 patients reported the greatest MAR for gene therapy initiated in last year of being able to lift arms (mean MAR 6.3%), followed by last year of walking well (mean MAR 4.4%), when used “now” (mean MAR 3.5%), and when used in the newborn period (mean MAR 2.1%, caregivers only). About 35% would accept ≥200/2000 risk in the last year of being able to lift arms. Non‐ambulatory status predicted accepting 1.8 additional points in MAR “now” compared with ambulatory status (p = 0.010). Respondent type (caregiver or patient) did not predict MAR.

Conclusion

In this first quantitative study to assess MAR associated with first‐generation DMD gene therapy, we find relatively high tolerance for mortality risk in response to a non‐curative treatment scenario. Risk tolerance increased with disease progression. Patients and caregivers did not have significantly different MAR. These results have implications for protocol development and shared decision making.
Dedicated NMR sensor to analyze relaxation and diffusion in liquids and its application to characterize lubricants
Authors: Rudszuck Thomas , Zick Klaus , Groß Dieter , Nirschl Hermann , Guthausen Gisela
Published: March 2021

A dedicated nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensor was designed for the analysis of liquids. The magnets are arranged in a V shape, creating a spatially dependent magnetic field in the gap. Measurements of samples with diverse diameters are possible underdefined magnetic field gradients at a given position. The magnet thus combines properties of single sided NMR with high static magnetic field gradients and classical time domain (TD) devices with lower to almost zero gradients. The sensor can easily be adapted to the requirements of the considered investigation; probes can be customized. On the example of lubricants and their aging, the added value and applicability of this sensor in quality control are highlighted in this publication. Relaxation and diffusion were measured by Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) while varying the echo timeτeand quantified via numerical modeling. Especially, relaxation shows a high sensitivity towards aging of lubricants such as particulate abrasion and changes in molecular dynamics induced, for example, by additive depletion. The applicability of this NMR sensor in quality control is demonstrated on the example of engine and transmission oils as well as of lubrication greases.
Genetic Structure of Maryland Brook Trout Populations: Management Implications for a Threatened Species
Authors: Morgan Raymond P. , Kazyak David C. , King Tim L. , Lubinski Barbara A. , Sell Matthew T. , Heft Alan A. , Jones Jess W.
Published: March 2021

Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis have declined across their native range due to multiple anthropogenic factors, including landscape alteration and climate change. Although coldwater streams in Maryland (eastern United States) historically supported significant Brook Trout populations, only fragmented remnant populations remain, with the exception of the upper Savage River watershed in western Maryland. Using microsatellite data from 38 collections, we defined genetic relationships of Brook Trout populations in Maryland drainages. Microsatellite analyses of Brook Trout indicated the presence of five major discrete units defined as the Youghiogheny (Ohio), Susquehanna, Patapsco/Gunpowder, Catoctin, and Upper Potomac, with a distinct genetic subunit present in the Savage River (upper Potomac). We did not observe evidence for widespread hatchery introgression with native Brook Trout. However, genetic effects due to fragmentation were evident in several Maryland Brook Trout populations, resulting in erosion of diversity that may have negative implications for their future persistence. Our current study supplements an increasing body of evidence that Brook Trout populations in Maryland are highly susceptible to multiple anthropogenic stresses, and many populations may be extirpated in the near future. Future management efforts focused on habitat protection and potential stream restoration, coupled with a comprehensive assessment framework that includes genetic considerations, may provide the best outlook for Brook Trout populations in Maryland.
A semi‐implicit material point method based on fractional‐step method for saturated soil
Authors: Kularathna Shyamini , Liang Weijian , Zhao Tianchi , Chandra Bodhinanda , Zhao Jidong , Soga Kenichi
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a new formulation of material point method (MPM) to model coupled soil deformation and pore fluid flow problems is presented within the framework of the theory of porous media. The saturated porous medium is assumed to be consisting of incompressible pore fluid and deformable soil skeleton made up of incompressible solid grains. The main difference of the proposed MPM algorithm is the implicit treatment of pore‐water pressure which satisfies its incompressibility internal constraint. The resulting solid‐fluid coupled equations are solved by using a splitting algorithm based on the Chorin's projection method. The splitting algorithm helps to mitigate numerical instabilities at the incompressibility limit when equal‐order interpolation functions are used. The key strengths of the proposed semi‐implicit coupled MPM formulation is its capability to reduce pressure oscillations as well as to increase the time step size, which is independent of the fluid incremental strain level and the soil permeability. The proposed semi‐implicit MPM is validated by comparing the numerical results with the analytical solutions of several numerical tests, including 1D and 2D plane‐strain consolidation problems. To demonstrate the capability of the proposed method in simulating practical engineering problems involving large deformations, a hydraulic process leading to slope failure is studied, and the numerical result is validated by the monitored data.
The information needs of people with COPD—The holistic approach with special reference to gender and time since diagnosis
Authors: Siltanen Hannele , Aine Tiina , Huhtala Heini , Kaunonen Marja , Paavilainen Eija
Published: March 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine what kinds of unmet information needs people with COPD have and whether there are differences in information needs between genders or based on the time since COPD diagnosis.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Data on people with COPD (N = 169) were collected from a two‐part questionnaire distributed via website. On the first part, information needs concerning the medical aspects of self‐management were measured by the Lung Information Needs Questionnaire (LINQ). On the second part, which was developed specifically for this study, a more holistic view of self‐management counselling was sought. Statistical methods were used to analyse the data.

Results

The respondents had wide‐ranging information needs in many areas of COPD self‐management. The most often reported areas of unmet information needs included exacerbations, diet, fatigue, stress and anxiety, palliative care and sexual life. The information needs varied by gender and time since COPD diagnosis.
Sex steroids and adiposity in a prospective observational cohort of youth
Authors: Kim Catherine , Harrall Kylie K. , Glueck Deborah H. , Dabelea Dana
Published: March 2021

Objective

Adiposity, particularly visceral adipose tissue (VAT), predicts adverse cardiovascular risk factor profiles in children as well as adults. Although endogenous sex steroids likely influence VAT in adults, such an association has not been established in youth. The association between childhood and adolescent sex steroids with adiposity, specifically VAT, was examined before and after adjustment for other hormone changes.

Methods

These analyses examined longitudinal associations between sex steroids (testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]) and magnetic resonance imaging assessments of VAT in 418 children, 49% of whom were non‐White, at approximately 10 years old at Visit 1 (V1) and 17 years old at Visit 2 (V2). Linear mixed effects models adjusted for maternal education, household income, child caloric intake, physical activity, fasting insulin and leptin, and hepatic fat fraction. Differences in associations by race and pubertal stage were also assessed.

Results

At V1, mean body mass index (BMI) for boys was 19.1 (4.7) kg/m2 and for girls was 18.5 (4.1) kg/m2. At V2, mean BMI for boys was 23.7 (5.5) kg/m2 and for girls was 23.6 (5.7) kg/m2. For each ng/dl (0.035 nmol/L) increase in testosterone at V1, there was a 0.25 cm2 increase in concurrent and future VAT in non‐White (p = 0.04) but not White girls (p = 0.78). Higher levels of testosterone and DHEA at V1 were associated with greater concurrent and future VAT at V2. These associations were consistent regardless of pubertal stage. In boys, higher testosterone predicted higher future VAT but lower concurrent VAT. Estradiol and DHEA did not predict future VAT in boys. In girls, DHEA predicted future subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and no sex steroids predicted future SAT in boys.

Conclusions

Testosterone levels predict VAT in boys and girls, and DHEA predicts VAT in girls, even after adjustment for other hormone changes.
In‐situ investigation of dielectric properties and reaction kinetics of a glass‐fiber‐reinforced epoxy composite material using dielectric analysis
Authors: Yan Shuang , Zeizinger Harald , Merten Clemens , Schmauder Siegfried
Published: March 2021

Monitoring the curing behavior of a thermosetting material is a key issue for ensuring a stable manufacturing process (e.g., injection molding). Dielectric analysis (DEA), which is applicable for online‐monitoring, is used to investigate the curing behavior of a glass‐fiber‐reinforced epoxy molding compound. At first, the influences of experimental settings (pressure, temperature, and frequency) on dielectric responses (dielectric loss and ion viscosity) are characterized in a fully crosslinked material. Results show a significant impact of temperature and frequency on dielectric responses. Furthermore, DEA is combined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to investigate dielectric properties depending on crosslink density under non‐isothermal and isothermal conditions. The results show that DEA can detect cure changes only for a crosslink density <80%. Finally, reaction kinetics, which can predict the crosslink density, is derived using DSC and validated through DEA for determining the best suitable kinetic expression for the investigated material. The crosslink density, estimated by reaction kinetics, can be correlated with the dielectric properties.
Extracellular vesicles in the transfusion medicine field: The potential of proteomics
Authors: Hermida‐Nogueira Lidia , García Ángel
Published: March 2021

In transfusion centres, blood components are divided and stored following specific guidelines. The storage temperature and time vary among the blood cells but all of them release extracellular vesicles (EVs) under blood bank conditions. The clinical impact of such vesicles in blood components for transfusion is an object of debate, but should be considered and is being investigated. In this context, proteomics is an excellent tool to study the cargo and composition of EVs derived from red blood cells and platelets, since such vesicles are enriched in lipids and proteins. The development of quantitative mass spectrometry techniques and the evolution of bioinformatics have allowed the identification of novel EVs biomarkers for different diseases. In this context, the application of high coverage proteomic tools to the analysis of EVs in the transfusion medicine field would provide information about storage lesions and possible transfusion adverse reactions. This viewpoint article approaches the potential of proteomics to investigate the impact of EVs in blood bank transfusion components, especially red blood cells and platelets.
Optimising remote consultations for older people during COVID‐19
Authors: Agnew Jayne , Alicehajic‐Becic Dula , Barnett Nina , Crawford Paula , Darcy Carmel , Jones Emyr , McKee Hilary , Miller Karen , Oboh Lelly , Smith Heather
Published: March 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to rethink the way the majority of patient consultations are conducted, with a move from face‐to‐face visits to remote consultations. This article, which is applicable to all primary care clinicians undertaking medication review, outlines the main principles of optimising remote consultations, with a focus on older people living with frailty during COVID‐19.
Anti‐TIF1γ antibody‐positive dermatomyositis associated with durvalumab administration in a patient with lung and oesophageal cancers
Authors: Imai Ryosuke , Ikemura Sumie , Jinta Torahiko
Published: March 2021

We report a case of anti‐transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ (TIF1γ) antibody‐positive dermatomyositis following durvalumab treatment. The patient was successfully treated with pulse steroid therapy, high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and tacrolimus. Durvalumab may induce dermatomyositis, and early diagnosis and aggressive therapy are crucial to prevent severe dermatomyositis, which is potentially treatable.
From resilience to wellbeing: Identity‐building as an alternative framework for schools’ role in promoting children’s mental health
Authors: Brown Ceri , Shay Marnee
Published: March 2021

This paper explores schools’ new role in promoting children’s mental health, as a key focus for policy makers across the global north. An education policy analysis is conducted for England and Australia, two nations advocating a ‘bottom‐up’ approach to mental health promotion, granting flexibility to schools and municipal authorities. Here it is argued that a common policy lexicon is evident where key concepts—wellbeing, resilience, character—are constructed on taken‐for‐granted assumptions. These are argued to be limited by an emphasis upon the individual constituents of mental health, which is contrasted against a broader conception of wellbeing, evident in recent non‐governmental international policy. Empirical data is then presented from two separate studies in England and Australia, where young peoples’ perspectives are used to arbitrate the efficacy of the policy construction of wellbeing, in canvassing a relational and social identity approach as a viable alternative. Both studies privilege the voices of young people on wellbeing and identity, with findings from England highlighting that the dominant schooling narrative of resilience perceived by students, misses the ontological and social dimensions of their wellbeing. Research with Indigenous young people in Australia is then evaluated for the affordances generated by identity building and affirming programmes in schools. Notwithstanding cultural differences, common aspects were evident across both datasets, revealing the centrality to young people of self‐authenticity, relatedness, and connectedness to nature, as key to their wellbeing. The paper concludes in advancing a set of principles to underpin a relational and social identity approach to schools’ wellbeing promotion strategy.
Optimization of Dephosphorization Parameter in Consteel Electric Arc Furnace Using Rule Set Model
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Nan , Chen Min
Published: March 2021

The proper process parameter of dephosphorization is a key problem in actual steelmaking production. This article presents a rule set model combining a k‐means method and a decision tree model, which can extract the rule set from the actual production data to optimize the dephosphorization process. The industrial data from Consteel electric arc furnace are selected as the sample data, and then, the phosphorus partition ratio (Lp) is calculated based on the selected data. The k‐means method is used to divide the calculated Lp into two classes (high Lp and low Lp), and meanwhile, through the data statistic, the importance variables, including oxygen consumption, lime weight, dolomite weight, smelting temperature, and scrap ratio (ratio of scrap weight and hot metal weight), are extracted and merged with the classified Lp data into the new data set. Then, the decision tree is used to extract the valuable information to obtain the rule set from new data set. From the rule set, the optimum range of scrap ratio and oxygen consumption under different smelting conditions is obtained, which can guide the adjustment of process parameters in the actual production to enhance the dephosphorization effect.
Are current practices of yak herdsmen adequate to combat Coenurosis in Laya Bhutan?
Authors: Wangdi Yeshi , Wangchuk Kesang
Published: March 2021

Background

Coenurosis, known commonly as gid, is caused by a tapeworm Taenia multiceps. It is a disease of small ruminants globally but also occurs in large ruminants, especially in yak in the Himalaya. Gid is a pathological condition in young yaks, mostly below 3 years of age. The infected animal displays a circling movement with the head tilting towards the location of the cyst of a tapeworm on the cerebral surface of the brain.

Objective

We conducted a study with the primary aim to gain an insight into yak herdsmen's practices to manage Coenurosis in the Laya administrative block of Bhutan.

Methods

All seven villages of Laya were included for sampling. Seventy‐five out of 182 households owned yaks, and 54 yak‐owning households were selected randomly. The government livestock officials of nine yak‐rearing highland districts were also included in the study. A cross‐sectional study was conducted based on a questionnaire survey and focussed mainly on herdsmen's practices to manage gid. Two sets of questionnaires were used for yak herders and livestock officials. Each predesigned questionnaire was semi‐structured and consisted of both open– and closed‐ended questions.

Results

The study revealed gid as a major cause of yak mortality. Gid occurred more in winter during migration and most herders lost one to three yaks annually. Herdsmen kept an average of two watchdogs and dewormed them once annually. Similarly, calves were also dewormed once annually. The carcasses of dead yaks were fed to dogs. Livestock officials were optimistic about controlling the disease in the future, despite the yak areas being difficult to access. Most herders had not attended the gid awareness programme. The animal health worker visited herds once annually. In absence of animal health workers, most herdsmen resorted to different practices to treat affected yaks –the most common practice being surgery. Gid was mentioned to harm herdsmen's economy.

Conclusions

The study concluded that for effective management of gid in Laya, livestock agencies must create more awareness on gid, increase the frequency of visits by animal health workers to yak herds, and increase the frequency of deworming of watchdogs and calves.
Seroprevalence and risk factors for foot‐and‐mouth disease in cattle in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan
Authors: Osmani Arash , Robertson Ian Duncan , Habib Ihab
Published: March 2021

A serological study of 376 cattle from 198 herds and a concurrent survey of farmers were undertaken in 53 villages in Khinjan, Doshi and Puli Khumri districts of Baghlan province, Afghanistan to determine the seroprevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and to identify risk factors for seropositive herds. A total of 419 cases of FMD were reported by the farmers in the year preceding the survey. The animal‐level population seroprevalence was estimated at 42.0% (95% CI, 37.0–47.2). The seroprevalence increased with age in the sampled cattle (<2 years ‐ 30.4%, 2–6 years ‐ 40.3% and >6 years ‐ 52.2%). Herds were more likely to be seropositive if the farmers: had purchased cattle in the year prior to the survey (OR = 2.6; 95% CI, 1.37–4.97); purchased ruminants from unknown (potentially risky) sources (OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.13–4.03); and sold milk to the market (OR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.09–3.63). Herds that had been vaccinated had a lower odds of being seropositive (OR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.68–0.66). This was the first epidemiological study of FMD in Baghlan province and the findings provide valuable direction for disease control on FMD in this and other provinces in Afghanistan.