bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimum Trombe wall thickness in the Mediterranean Tunisian context: An energetic and economic study
Authors: Abbassi Fakhreddine , Naili Nabiha , Dehmani Leila
Published: May 2022

Trombe walls figure among many passive devices used in the Mediterranean climate to minimize heating demands in residential buildings. The thickness of this massive wall is a critical parameter that influences the effectiveness of the system. Insufficient wall thickness conducts to an important interior temperature fluctuation, and huge wall thickness will increase costs and thermal resistance. In this paper, the optimum thickness of four different construction materials (concrete, stone, adobe, and brick), which can be used in the Trombe wall, was determined using an energetic and economic analysis. The energetic results with TRNSYS software show that the best materials, which can contribute to a reduction by 50% in heating loads of a single room, are stone and concrete. For the economic analysis, the life cycle cost and the payback period were calculated for each construction material. The results show that the optimum thickness for stone and concrete are, respectively, 34 and 32 cm with a payback period of 2.85 and 2.65 years.
Flame propagation behavior of propane–air premixed combustion in a confined space with two perforated plates at different initial pressures
Authors: Yu Yangyang , Zhang Junhong , Wang Jun , Wang Dan
Published: May 2022

The aim of this paper is to analyze local autoignition induced by secondary flame acceleration. The secondary flame acceleration process and the local autoignition formation mechanism at the condition of the secondary flame acceleration propagation were investigated by utilizing an improved designed constant volume combustion bomb (CVCB) with two perforated plates. Primary flame and secondary flame propagation were recorded via high‐speed schlieren photography. The results showed that there were three distinct stages in the process of flame propagation through two perforated plates, which were the primary jet flame stage, secondary jet flame stage, and flame‐shock interaction stage. The morphologies of the flame were analyzed by high‐speed Schlieren images, flame velocities, and pressure oscillation including primary jet propagation, secondary flame formation and acceleration, and location autoignition. Results show the effect of initial pressure on flame propagation, flame velocity, and pressure oscillation. Acceleration of secondary flame and local autoignition phenomenon was more precisely demonstrated as unburnt gases were compressed by flame waves (different velocities) with initial pressure increasing. Based on the morphology of flame, three different types of flame combustion modes were captured at different initial pressure involving turbulent flame, deflagration, and quasi‐detonation. The present work might provide a new insight for combustion science in a confined space, such as autoignition due to compression effect of secondary jet flame and primary flame interaction. It also provides the theory guidance and research direction towards further studies on propane storage vessel deflagration.
On the demand for telemedicine: Evidence from the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Busso Matias , Gonzalez Maria P. , Scartascini Carlos
Published: May 2022

Telemedicine can expand access to health care at relatively low cost. Historically, however, demand for telemedicine has remained low. Using administrative records and a difference‐in‐differences methodology, we estimate the change in demand for telemedicine experienced after the onset of the COVID‐19 epidemic and the imposition of mobility restrictions. We find that the number of telemedicine calls made during the pandemic increased by 230 percent compared to the pre‐pandemic period. The effects were mostly driven by older individuals with preexisting conditions who used the service for internal medicine consultations. The demand for telemedicine remained relatively high even after mobility restrictions were relaxed, which is consistent with telemedicine being an “experience good.” These results are a proof of concept for policy makers to use such relatively low‐cost medical consultations, made possible by new technologies, to provide needed expansion of access to health care.
Impact of viscous dissipation and Dufour on MHD natural convective flow past an accelerated vertical plate with Hall current
Authors: Rath Chinmoy , Nayak Anita , Panda Satyananda
Published: May 2022

The present research work concentrates on viscous dissipation, Dufour, and heat source on an unsteady magnetohydrodynamics natural convective flow of a viscous, incompressible, and electrically conducting fluid past an exponentially accelerated infinite vertical plate in the existence of a strong magnetic field. The presence of the Hall current induces a secondary flow in the problem. The distinguishing features of viscous dissipation and heat flux produced due to gradient of concentration included in the model along with heat source as they are known to arise in thermal‐magnetic polymeric processing. The flow equations are discretized implicitly using the finite difference method and solved using MATLAB fsolve routine. Numerical values of the primary and secondary velocities, temperature, concentration, skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are illustrated and presented via graphs and tables for various pertinent parametric values. The Dufour effect was observed to strengthen the velocity and temperature profile in the flow domain. In contrast, due to the impact of viscous dissipation, the local Nusselt number reduces. The study also reveals that the inclusion of the chemical reaction term augments the mass transfer rate and diminishes the heat transfer rate at the plate.
Spatial pattern‐based performance evaluation and uncertainty analysis of a distributed hydrological model
Authors: Gaur Srishti , Singh Bhupendra , Bandyopadhyay Arnab , Stisen Simon , Singh Rajendra
Published: May 2022

Advancement in data acquisition techniques (e.g., satellites) has provided enormous opportunities to improve the predictions of distributed hydrological models by incorporating new types of information. Moreover, such advancements have paved the way for the spatial scale evaluation rather than the conventional temporal evaluation of models for more accurate water management by considering the spatial variability. The present study focuses on the spatial pattern‐oriented model evaluation by intercomparing the satellite remote sensing data‐driven patterns of actual evapotranspiration (AET) and soil moisture with simulated patterns from a hydrological model for the 19 276 km2 Subarnarekha basin in Eastern India. Pattern comparison is carried out by incorporating three spatial performance metrics as diagnostic tools, that is, joint empirical orthogonal functions (EOF), fractional skill score (FSS), and spatial efficiency (SPAEF). Moreover, the present study made a novel contribution to spatial pattern evaluation by incorporating the uncertainty associated with the patterns through the “Quantile Regression’ technique”. The EOF analysis indicated a significant similarity between simulated and observed patterns. High scores for both the FSS and SPAEF metrics also revealed similarities between simulated and observed spatial patterns. Overall, the results show an acceptable spatial pattern performance of the hydrological model mimicking the observed spatial patterns across time. The uncertainty analysis represents reasonable predictive ranges, with a 95 per cent prediction uncertainty (PPU) band enclosing 80%–95% of AET and 79%–92% of the soil moisture observations. The present study demonstrated a framework for improving the basin's overall water balance analysis by incorporating a spatial pattern‐based evaluation of hydrological models.
Protein phosphorylation: A potential target in glioma development
Authors: Pi Yu , Fang Chang‐Le , Su Zhang‐Yu
Published: May 2022

Glioma is one of the most common primary brain tumors, and mortality due to this disease is second only to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In traditional surgery, it is difficult to eradicate glioma; often recurrence increases its malignant degree, leading to a large number of patients killed by this disease. It is one of the most important subjects to study its pathogenesis and explore effective treatment methods. Research on glioma mechanisms mainly focuses on the effect of DNA methylation in epigenetics. Although there are many studies on protein phosphorylation, there is no overall regulatory mechanism. Protein phosphorylation regulates a variety of cell functions, such as cell growth, division and differentiation, and apoptosis. As a consequence, protein phosphorylation plays a leading part in various activities of glioma, and can also be used as a target to regulate the development of glioma. This review is aimed at studying the effect of protein phosphorylation on glioma, understanding the pathological mechanism, and an in‐depth analysis of it. The following is a discussion on glioma growth, migration and invasion, resistance and death in phosphorylation, and the possibility of treating glioma by phosphorylation.
Infant feeding practices and childhood acute leukemia: Findings from the Childhood Cancer & Leukemia International Consortium
Authors: Schraw Jeremy M. , Bailey Helen D. , Bonaventure Audrey , Mora Ana M. , Roman Eve , Mueller Beth A. , Clavel Jacqueline , Petridou Eleni T. , Karalexi Maria , Ntzani Evangelia , Ezzat Sameera , Rashed Wafaa M. , Marcotte Erin L. , Spector Logan G. , Metayer Catherine , Kang Alice Y. , Magnani Corrado , Miligi Lucia , Dockerty John D. , Mejίa‐Aranguré Juan Manuel , Nuñez‐Enriquez Juan Carlos , Infante‐Rivard Claire , Milne Elizabeth , Scheurer Michael E.
Published: May 2022

Increasing evidence suggests that breastfeeding may protect from childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, most studies have limited their analyses to any breastfeeding, and only a few data have examined exclusive breastfeeding, or other exposures such as formula milk. We performed pooled analyses and individual participant data metaanalyses of data from 16 studies (N = 17 189 controls; N = 10 782 ALL and N = 1690 AML cases) from the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC) to characterize the associations of breastfeeding duration with ALL and AML, as well as exclusive breastfeeding duration and age at introduction to formula with ALL. In unconditional multivariable logistic regression analyses of pooled data, we observed decreased odds of ALL among children breastfed 4 to 6 months (0.88, 95% CI 0.81‐0.96) or 7 to 12 months (OR 0.85, 0.79‐0.92). We observed a similar inverse association between breastfeeding ≥4 months and AML (0.82, 95% CI 0.71‐0.95). Odds of ALL were reduced among children exclusively breastfed 4 to 6 months (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63‐0.85) or 7 to 12 months (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53‐0.92). Random effects metaanalyses produced similar estimates, and findings were unchanged in sensitivity analyses adjusted for race/ethnicity or mode of delivery, restricted to children diagnosed ≥1 year of age or diagnosed with B‐ALL. Our pooled analyses indicate that longer breastfeeding is associated with decreased odds of ALL and AML. Few risk factors for ALL and AML have been described, therefore our findings highlight the need to promote breastfeeding for leukemia prevention.
Microorganisms as bio‐filters to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from high‐altitude permafrost revealed by nanopore‐based metagenomics
Authors: Dang Chenyuan , Wu Ziqi , Zhang Miao , Li Xiang , Sun Yuqin , Wu Ren'an , Zheng Yan , Xia Yu
Published: May 2022

The distinct climatic and geographical conditions make high‐altitude permafrost on the Tibetan Plateau suffer more severe degradation than polar permafrost. However, the microbial responses associated with greenhouse gas production in thawing permafrost remain obscured. Here we applied nanopore‐based long‐read metagenomics and high‐throughput RNA‐seq to explore microbial functional activities within the freeze‐thaw cycle in the active layers of permafrost at the Qilian Mountain. A bioinformatic framework was established to facilitate phylogenetic and functional annotation of the unassembled nanopore metagenome. By deploying this strategy, 42% more genera could be detected and 58% more genes were annotated to nitrogen and methane cycle. With the aid of such enlarged resolution, we observed vigorous aerobic methane oxidation by Methylomonas, which could serve as a bio‐filter to mitigate CH4 emissions from permafrost. Such filtering effect could be further consolidated by both on‐site gas phase measurement and incubation experiment that CO2 was the major form of carbon released from permafrost. Despite the increased transcriptional activities of aceticlastic methanogenesis pathways in the thawed permafrost active layer, CH4 generated during the thawing process could be effectively consumed by the microbiome. Additionally, the nitrogen metabolism in permafrost tends to be a closed cycle and active N2O consumption by the topsoil community was detected in the near‐surface gas phase. Our findings reveal that although the increased thawed state facilitated the heterotrophic nitrogen and methane metabolism, effective microbial methane oxidation in the active layer could serve as a bio‐filter to relieve the overall warming potentials of greenhouse gas emitted from thawed permafrost.
Disrupted cellular calcium homeostasis is responsible for Aβ‐induced learning and memory damage and lifespan shortening in a model of Aβ transgenic fly
Authors: Cheng Kuan‐Chung , Huang Chih‐Yuan , Hsieh Tsung‐Chi , Chiang Hsueh‐Cheng
Published: May 2022

Accumulated Aβ is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Although accumulated results from in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that accumulated Aβ causes learning and memory deficit, cell death, and lifespan reduction, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In neurons, calcium dynamics is regulated by voltage‐gated calcium channel (VGCC) and endoplasmic reticulum and is important for neuron survival and formation of learning and memory. The current study employs in vivo genetics to reveal the role of calcium regulation systems in Aβ‐induced behavioral damage. Our data shows that although increased VGCC improves learning and memory in Aβ42 flies, reduction of VGCC and Inositol trisphosphate receptors extends Aβ42 flies' lifespan and improves cell viability. The complex role of calcium regulation systems in Aβ‐induced damage suggests that the imbalance of calcium dynamic is one of the main factors to trigger learning and memory deficit and cell death in the disease.
Cell division control 42 elevates during infliximab therapy, and its increment relates to treatment response in ulcerative colitis patients
Authors: Liu Lin , Liu Qinger , Chang Jian , Dong Xiaoxia , Ma Weiping
Published: May 2022

Background

Cell division control 42 (CDC42) regulates multiple processes of inflammation and/or immunity in autoimmune diseases and also relates to the treatment efficacy of biologic regimens clinically. This study aimed to explore the longitudinal change in CDC42 during infliximab (IFX) treatment and its correlation with IFX response in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.

Methods

Active UC patients (N = 48) who received IFX were recruited, and their CDC42 expressions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were detected before treatment (W0) and at 12 weeks after treatment (W12) using RT‐qPCR. Also, CDC42 in PBMCs from UC patients with remission (N = 20) and health controls (HCs) (N = 20) were detected.

Results

CDC42 was reduced in active UC patients compared with UC patients with remission (p = 0.014) and HCs (p < 0.001). Besides, CDC42 was negatively correlated with CRP (p = 0.025), TNF‐α (p = 0.024), IL‐1β (p = 0.045), IL‐17A (p = 0.039), and Mayo score (p = 0.015) in active UC patients, but did not relate to ESR, disease duration, or IL‐6 (all p > 0.05), while CDC42 was only negatively related to CRP in UC patients with remission (p = 0.046). Interestingly, CDC42 was increased at W12 after IFX treatment in active UC patients (p < 0.001). Specifically, CDC42 was elevated during treatment in active UC patients with IFX response (p < 0.001), but did not obviously change in those without IFX response (p = 0.061). Furthermore, CDC42 at W12 was higher in active UC patients with IFX response compared with those without IFX response (p = 0.049).

Conclusion

Cell division control 42 serves as a potential biomarker for monitoring disease progression and IFX response in UC patients.
Dean reported opioid and pain management curriculum in US dental schools
Authors: Sharples Holli M. , Rieck Heidi A. , Hagood Katelyn , Brummett Chad M. , Nalliah Romesh P.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Dental students learn to prescribe pain management medications in dental school, including opioids. Given the current state of opioid‐related morbidity and mortality in the US, dental schools should evaluate the context and implementation of opioid prescribing in their dental school clinics (DSCs).

Methods

A nationwide survey of deans of clinical operations at all US dental schools was conducted in 2020 related to pain management in their DSC. The Michigan Medicine Institutional Review Board deemed this study unregulated (HUM00151607).

Results

Of the 68 accredited dental schools in the United States, 26 deans of DSCs responded to the survey, yielding a 40% response rate. The survey results showed differences in the levels of education for dental students on opioid prescribing and patient education requirements. A comprehensive curriculum regarding safe opioid prescribing and patient education training was reported by 12 schools. Four dental programs did not have a single guideline or policy in relation to opioids for their dental students.

Conclusion

The implementation of opioid prescribing guidelines and the surrounding context are different among DSCs, which could result in knowledge gaps and confusion for novice providers. Although many dental programs provide extensive opioid safety training, there is room for improvement and standardization to further advance patient care.
有機リン中毒による錐体外路症状が遷延した1症例(A case of prolonged extrapyramidal symptoms caused by organophosphate poisoning)
Authors: (Mizuki Muto) 武藤 瑞希 , (Masaki Hisamura) 久村 正樹 , (Motohiro Nakamura) 中村 元洋 , (Kenichiro Sonoda) 園田 健一郎 , (Yoji Ando) 安藤 陽児 , (Kento Okawara) 大河原 健人 , (Kenji Koshimizu) 輿水 健治
Published: May 2022

症例は48歳の女性。呼びかけに反応しないところを発見された。ドクターヘリが要請され，フライトドクターが接触したときの意識はGCS E2V3M5であり，有機溶剤の臭いがあった。これにより何らかの中毒が疑われ，陸路で当院に救急搬送された。搬送中に嘔吐したため気管挿管され，来院時の意識はGCS E1VTM1であった。瞳孔径は1.5mm/1.5mmと縮瞳し，流涎していた。第2病日にガスクロマトグラフィー質量分析法（GC/MS）で血清からマラチオンが検出され，有機リン中毒と診断した。人工呼吸管理を行い，第8病日に人工呼吸器を離脱した。経過は順調であったが，第7病日から皮膚が律動する不随意運動が出現した。第12病日からは両上下肢の振戦と歯車様筋固縮を呈するようになった。有機リン中毒による錐体外路症状と診断し，自然寛解を期待して経過観察したが，遷延した。患者の苦痛が強く，クロナゼパムを開始したが改善しなかった。第51病日に錐体外路症状の改善なく転院となった。有機リン中毒による錐体外路症状は自然寛解する報告が多いが，その機序は明らかではなく，遷延する場合の鑑別方法も確立されていない。治療にはアマンタジンが奏功することが報告されている。このため有機リンによる錐体外路症状には，急性期からの適切な診断と積極的な治療を考慮する必要があると考えられた。
Microbiota and HPV: The role of viral infection on vaginal microbiota
Authors: Santella Biagio , Schettino Maria T. , Franci Gianluigi , De Franciscis Pasquale , Colacurci Nicola , Schiattarella Antonio , Galdiero Massimiliano
Published: May 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the prevalence of human papillomaviruses (HPV) infection is between 9% and 13% of the world population and only in the United States, more than 6.2 million are positive every year. There are more than 100 types of HPV, among them, two serotypes (16 and 18) are related to 70% of cervical cancers and precancerous cervical lesions. The vaginal microbiota could play a considerable role in HPV infection and the genesis of cervical tumors caused by HPV. Moreover, bacteria are strongly associated with vaginal inflammation and oncogenic mutations in human cells. We aim to investigate whether HPV infection could influence the bacterial microbiota composition in the uterine cervix. A total of 31 women were enrolled in this study. The vaginal swabs were collected; the HPV‐DNA was extracted with QIAamp DNA Microbiome. The V3–V4–V6 region of the 16S rDNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing with MiSeq Illumina. The main phylum identified in the vaginal microbiota were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. The phylum of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroides was more represented in HPV‐positive patients. Lactobacilli represented the dominant genus, with a high percentage of Lactobacilli iners, Lactobacilli jensenii, and Lactobacilli crispatus as species. Gardnerella vaginalis, Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp., and Atopobium were the most represented in HPV‐positive patients. An altered vaginal microbiota might play a functional role in HPV cervical infection, progression, and clearance. The relationship between infection and microbiota could spur the development of new probiotics. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of the vaginal microbiota in HPV infection.
Vitamin E and carotenoid profiles in leaves, stems, petioles and flowers of stinging nettle (Urtica leptophylla Kunth) from Costa Rica
Authors: Montoya‐Arroyo Alexander , Toro‐González Camilo , Sus Nadine , Warner Jorge , Esquivel Patricia , Jiménez Víctor M , Frank Jan
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Local leafy vegetables are gaining attention as affordable sources of micronutrients, including vitamins, pro‐vitamin carotenoids and other bioactive compounds. Stinging nettles (Urtica spp.) are used as source of fibers, herbal medicine and food. However, despite the relatively wide geographical spread of Urtica leptophylla on the American continent, little is known about its content of vitamin E congeners and carotenoids. We therefore investigated the particular nutritional potential of different plant structures of wild Costa Rican U. leptophylla by focusing on their vitamin E and carotenoid profiles.

RESULTS

Young, mature and herbivore‐damaged leaves, flowers, stems and petioles were collected and freeze‐dried. Vitamin E and carotenoids were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography after liquid/liquid extraction with hexane. α‐Tocopherol was the major vitamin E congener in all structures. Flowers had a high content of γ‐tocopherol. Herbivore‐damaged leaves had higher contents of vitamin E than undamaged leaves. Lutein was the major and β‐carotene the second most abundant carotenoid in U. leptophylla. No differences in carotenoid profiles were observed between damaged and undamaged leaves.

CONCLUSION

The leaves of U. leptophylla had the highest nutritional value of all analyzed structures; therefore, they might represent a potential source of α‐tocopherol, lutein and β‐carotene. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
(+)‐Limonene‐Lactam: Synthesis of a Sustainable Monomer for Ring‐Opening Polymerization to Novel, Biobased Polyamides
Authors: Kleybolte Magdalena M. , Zainer Laura , Liu Jin Y. , Stockmann Paul N. , Winnacker Malte
Published: May 2022

In this work, the synthesis of limonene lactam starting from limonene epoxide and its subsequent ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) to novel polyamides is presented. Sustainable, biobased materials are gaining interest as replacements of conventional, petroleum‐based materials, and even more important, as high‐performance materials for new applications. Terpenes—structurally advanced biobased compounds—are therefore of great interest. In this research, limonene lactam, a novel biobased monomer for preparing sustainable polyamides via ROP, can be synthesized. Limonene lactam possesses an isopropylene and a methyl side group, thus stereocenters posing special challenges and requirements for synthesis, analysis and polymerization. However, these difficult‐to‐synthesize structural elements can generate novel polymers with unique properties, e.g., functionalizability. In this work, a sustainable monomer synthesis is established, and simplified to industrial needs. For the sterically demanding in‐bulk ROP to limonene polyamides, various initiators and conditions are tested. Polyamides with more than 100 monomer units are successfully synthesized and confirmed via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gel permeations chromatography (GPC). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) are used to analyze its thermal properties. In summary, a sustainable monomer synthesis is established, and promising polyamides with intact double bond and interesting thermal properties are achieved.
Biotransformation of Barley Phenolamide by Mice and the Human Gut Microbiota and Quantitative Analysis of the Major Metabolites in Mice
Authors: Wang Weixin , Sang Shengmin
Published: May 2022

Scope

This study investigates the metabolism of p‐coumaroylagmatine (pCAA), one of the phenolamides in barley, in mice, and by human gut microbiota, and measures the concentrations of its main metabolites in mice.

Methods and results

Nine major metabolites are identified from fecal and urinary samples collected from pCAA treated mice via analysis of their LC chromatograms and tandem mass spectra compared to the commercial and synthesized standards. These nine metabolites are generated through four different biotransformation pathways: double bond reduction, amide bond hydrolyzation, cleavage of guanidine, and oxidation of guanidine. Furthermore, interindividual differences in the formation of dihydro‐pCAA (M3), high and low metabolizers, are observed in human in vitro intestinal microbial conversion. Moreover, significant amount of pCAA is detected in mice (29.33 ± 1.58 µmol g−1 in feces and 2020.44 ± 130.07 µM in urine), and the concentrations of agmatine (M1) are increased to 177.6 times and 3.2 times in mouse feces and urine, respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that pCAA is metabolized in mice and by human gut microbiota to generate potential bioactive metabolites through four major metabolic pathways. pCAA and its metabolites have the potential to be used as the exposure biomarkers to reflect the intake of whole grain barley.
Lactate saturation limits bicarbonate detection in hyperpolarized 13C‐pyruvate MRI of the brain
Authors: Bøgh Nikolaj , Grist James T. , Rasmussen Camilla W. , Bertelsen Lotte B. , Hansen Esben S. S. , Blicher Jakob U. , Tyler Damian J. , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To investigate the potential effects of [1‐13C]lactate RF saturation pulses on [13C]bicarbonate detection in hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI of the brain.

Methods

Thirteen healthy rats underwent MRI with hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate of either the brain (n = 8) or the kidneys, heart, and liver (n = 5). Dynamic, metabolite‐selective imaging was used in a cross‐over experiment in which [1‐13C]lactate was excited with either 0° or 90° flip angles. The [13C]bicarbonate SNR and apparent [1‐13C]pyruvate‐to‐[13C]bicarbonate conversion (kPB) were determined. Furthermore, simulations were performed to identify the SNR optimal flip‐angle scheme for detection of [1‐13C]lactate and [13C]bicarbonate.

Results

In the brain, the [13C]bicarbonate SNR was 64% higher when [1‐13C]lactate was not excited (5.8 ± 1.5 vs 3.6 ± 1.3; 1.2 to 3.3–point increase; p = 0.0027). The apparent kPB decreased 25% with [1‐13C]lactate saturation (0.0047 ± 0.0008 s−1 vs 0.0034 ± 0.0006 s−1; 95% confidence interval, 0.0006–0.0019 s−1 increase; p = 0.0049). These effects were not present in the kidneys, heart, or liver. Simulations suggest that the optimal [13C]bicarbonate SNR with a TR of 1 s in the brain is obtained with [13C]bicarbonate, [1‐13C]lactate, and [1‐13C]pyruvate flip angles of 60°, 15°, and 10°, respectively.

Conclusions

Radiofrequency saturation pulses on [1‐13C]lactate limit [13C]bicarbonate detection in the brain specifically, which could be due to shuttling of lactate from astrocytes to neurons. Our results have important implications for experimental design in studies in which [13C]bicarbonate detection is warranted.
Diagnostic overshadowing in sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease?
Authors: Foster Harry , Barker Amy , Nirodi Pratibha , Ahmed Yasmin
Published: May 2022

Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, progressive neurological condition of which the sporadic form is most common. It can present with a wide variety of symptoms that make its recognition difficult. In this case there was a rapid progression of neurological symptoms that presented as catatonia. The presence of a history of depression contributed to diagnostic overshadowing, delaying medical investigation of catatonia. While not included in the Euro CJD or WHO criteria, psychiatric symptoms are common in sporadic CJD and their presence therefore should not preclude thorough medical investigation.
Diagnostic status of bipolar II disorder
Authors: Nicholson Simon Dennis
Published: May 2022

Recent years have seen the expansion of the concept of bipolar disorder. In particular, two main diagnoses have been defined within DSM V. These are bipolar I (BD I) and bipolar II disorder (BD II). The former manifests with both depressive and manic episodes. The latter is characterised chiefly by depressive phases and at least one hypomanic period. A similar distinction was later made within ICD 11, which expands the description of BD II, briefly mentioned by ICD 10, its predecessor. The argument presented here is that these are really one and the same condition and the distinction between them is largely meaningless.
A nonequal gap distance dielectric barrier discharge: Between spiral‐shaped and cylinder‐shaped electrodes
Authors: Jin Shaohui , Zhao Feng , Nie Lanlan , Liu Dawei , Lu Xinpei
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a nonequal gap distance dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) between a spiral‐shaped electrode and a cylinder‐shaped electrode is reported. A spiral‐shaped plasma is generated when a nanosecond pulse voltage is applied to the two electrodes. The smaller the pitch of the spiral‐shaped electrode is, the more diffuse the plasma appears. The discharge current has a pulse width of more than 400 ns, which is much longer than that of ordinary DBDs in air. According to the high‐speed photographs of the plasma captured by an intensified charge‐coupled camera detector camera, the discharge first ignites at the position where the gap distance is smallest, then it propagates continuously along the spiral electrode with the increase of gap distance at a speed of about 106 m/s. Both the optical emission spectrum method and the electric field‐induced second harmonic method are employed for the measurement of the electric field at different locations. The obtained electric field from both methods have a good agreement and are in the range of 60–110 kV/cm depending on the gap distance of the locations, which is much higher than the breakdown voltage of air under direct current voltage. This structure can obtain diffuse plasma in a larger gap, which makes the application of DBD more extensive. And it also has a deeper understanding of DBD with nonequal gap distance.
Magnetic field effects on the structure and molecular behavior of pigeon iron–sulfur protein
Authors: Arai Shigeki , Shimizu Rumi , Adachi Motoyasu , Hirai Mitsuhiro
Published: May 2022

Pigeon iron–sulfur (Fe–S) cluster assembly 1 homolog (clISCA1) is a target protein for research into the biomagnetoreception mechanism, as the clCRY4/clISCA1 oligomer, a complex composed of the columnar clISCA1 oligomer and the magnetosensor candidate protein cryptochrome‐4 (clCRY4) oligomer, tends to orient itself along weak magnetic fields, such as geomagnetic fields, under blue light. To obtain insight into the magnetic orientation mechanism of the clCRY4/clISCA1 oligomer, we inspected magnetic field effects on the structure and molecular behavior of clISCA1 by small angle X‐ray scattering analysis. The results indicated that the clISCA1 protomer took the Fe–S cluster‐bound globular form and unbound rod‐like form. The globular clISCA1 protomer assembled to form columnar oligomers, which allowed for the binding of many Fe–S clusters at the interface between clISCA1 protomers. Moreover, the translational diffusion and the columnar oligomerization of clISCA1 were controlled by the external static magnetic field and Fe–S clusters bound to clISCA1. However, the columnar clISCA1 oligomer was not oriented along the external static magnetic field (~1 T) when clCRY4 was not bound to clISCA1. This result indicated that clCRY4 has a function to enhance the magnetic orientational property of clCRY4/clISCA1 oligomer.
Improving Thermal and Photostability of Polymer Solar Cells by Robust Interface Engineering
Authors: Su Li‐Yun , Huang Hsin‐Hsiang , Tsai Chang‐En , Hou Cheng‐Hung , Shyue Jing‐Jong , Lu Chien‐Hao , Pao Chun‐Wei , Yu Ming‐Hsuan , Wang Leeyih , Chueh Chu‐Chen
Published: May 2022

As the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) approaches 19%, increasing research attention is being paid to enhancing the device's long‐term stability. In this study, a robust interface engineering of graphene oxide nanosheets (GNS) is expounded on improving the thermal and photostability of non‐fullerene bulk‐heterojunction (NFA BHJ) OPVs to a practical level. Three distinct GNSs (GNS, N‐doped GNS (N‐GNS), and N,S‐doped GNS (NS‐GNS)) synthesized through a pyrolysis method are applied as the ZnO modifier in inverted OPVs. The results reveal that the GNS modification introduces passivation and dipole effects to enable better energy‐level alignment and to facilitate charge transfer across the ZnO/BHJ interface. Besides, it optimizes the BHJ morphology of the photoactive layer, and the N,S doping of GNS further enhances the interaction with the photoactive components to enable a more idea BHJ morphology. Consequently, the NS‐GNS device delivers enhanced performance from 14.5% (control device) to 16.5%. Moreover, the thermally/chemically stable GNS is shown to stabilize the morphology of the ZnO electron transport layer (ETL) and to endow the BHJ morphology of the photoactive layer grown atop with a more stable thermodynamic property. This largely reduces the microstructure changes and the associated charge recombination in the BHJ layer under constant thermal/light stresses. Finally, the NS‐GNS device is demonstrated to exhibit an impressive T80 lifetime (time at which PCE of the device decays to 80% of the initial PCE) of 2712 h under a constant thermal condition at 65 °C in a glovebox and an outstanding photostability with a T80 lifetime of 2000 h under constant AM1.5G 1‐sun illumination in an N2‐controlled environment.
Some Paradoxes of Infinity Revisited
Authors: Sergeyev Yaroslav D.
Published: May 2022

In this article, some classical paradoxes of infinity such as Galileo’s paradox, Hilbert’s paradox of the Grand Hotel, Thomson’s lamp paradox, and the rectangle paradox of Torricelli are considered. In addition, three paradoxes regarding divergent series and a new paradox dealing with multiplication of elements of an infinite set are also described. It is shown that the surprising counting system of an Amazonian tribe, Pirahã, working with only three numerals (one, two, many) can help us to change our perception of these paradoxes. A recently introduced methodology allowing one to work with finite, infinite, and infinitesimal numbers in a unique computational framework not only theoretically but also numerically is briefly described. This methodology is actively used nowadays in numerous applications in pure and applied mathematics and computer science as well as in teaching. It is shown in the article that this methodology also allows one to consider the paradoxes listed above in a new constructive light.
Full Reperfusion Without Functional Independence After Mechanical Thrombectomy in the Anterior Circulation
Authors: Weyland Charlotte S. , Vey Johannes A. , Mokli Yahia , Feisst Manuel , Kieser Meinhard , Herweh Christian , Schönenberge Silvia , Möhlenbruch Markus A. , Bendszus Martin , Ringleb Peter A. , Nagel Simon
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

Prediction of futile recanalization (FR), i.e. failure of long-term functional independence despite full reperfusion in mechanical thrombectomy (MT), is instrumental in patients undergoing endovascular therapy.

Methods

Retrospective single-center analysis of patients treated for anterior circulation LVO ensuing successful MT (mTICI 2c–3) between January 2014 and April 2019. FR was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 90 days after stroke onset > 2 or mRS > pre-stroke mRS. Multivariable analysis was performed with variables available before treatment initiation regarding their association with FR. Performance of the regression model was then compared with a model including parameters available after MT.

Results

Successful MT was experienced by 549/1146 patients in total. FR occurred in 262/549 (47.7%) patients. Independent predictors of FR were male sex, odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98 (1.31–3.05, p 0.001), age (OR 1.05, CI 1.03–1.07, p < 0.001), NIHSS on admission (OR 1.10, CI 1.06–1.13, p < 0.001), pre-stroke mRS (OR 1.22, CI 1.03–1.46, p 0.025), neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio (OR 1.03, CI 1.00–1.06, p 0.022), baseline ASPECTS (OR 0.77, CI 0.68–0.88, p < 0.001), and absence of bridging i.v. lysis (OR 1.62, 1.09–2.42, p 0.016). The prediction model’s Area Under the Curve was 0.78 (CI 0.74–0.82) and increased with parameters available after MT to 0.86 (CI 0.83–0.89) with failure of early neurological improvement being the most important predictor of FR (OR 15.0, CI 7.2–33.8).

Conclusion

A variety of preinterventional factors may predict FR with substantial certainty, but the prediction model can still be improved by considering parameters only available after MT, in particular early neurological improvement.
The early and long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting added to aortic valve replacement compared to isolated aortic valve replacement in elderly patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: D’Alessandro Stefano , Tuttolomondo Domenico , Singh Gurmeet , Hernandez-Vaquero Daniel , Pattuzzi Claudia , Gallingani Alan , Maestri Francesco , Nicolini Francesco , Formica Francesco
Published: May 2022

In aged population, the early and long-term outcomes of coronary revascularization (CABG) added to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) compared to isolated SAVR (i-SAVR) are conflicting. To address this limitation, a meta-analysis comparing the early and late outcomes of SAVR plus CABG with i-SAVR was performed. Electronic databases from January 2000 to November 2021 were screened. Studies reporting early-term and long-term comparison between the two treatments in patients over 75 years were analyzed. The primary endpoints were in-hospital/30-day mortality and overall long-term survival. The pooled odd ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for in-early outcome and long-term survival, respectively. Random-effect model was used in all analyses. Forty-four retrospective observational studies reporting on 74,560 patients (i-SAVR = 36,062; SAVR + CABG = 38,498) were included for comparison. The pooled analysis revealed that i-SAVR was significantly associated with lower rate of early mortality compared to SAVR plus CABG (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.66–0.75; p < 0.0001) and with lower incidence of postoperative acute renal failure (OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.50–0.91; p = 0.02), need for dialysis (OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.50–0.86; p = 0.002) and prolonged mechanical ventilation (OR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.42–0.77; p < 0.0001). Twenty-two studies reported data of long-term follow-up. No differences were reported between the two groups in long-term survival (HR = 0.95; 95% CI  0.87–1.03; p = 0.23). CABG added to SAVR is associated with worse early outcomes in terms of early mortality, postoperative acute renal failure, and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Long-term survival was comparable between the two treatments.
A machine learning approach applied to gynecological ultrasound to predict progression-free survival in ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Arezzo Francesca , Cormio Gennaro , La Forgia Daniele , Santarsiero Carla Mariaflavia , Mongelli Michele , Lombardi Claudio , Cazzato Gerardo , Cicinelli Ettore , Loizzi Vera
Published: May 2022

In a growing number of social and clinical scenarios, machine learning (ML) is emerging as a promising tool for implementing complex multi-parametric decision-making algorithms. Regarding ovarian cancer (OC), despite the standardization of features that can support the discrimination of ovarian masses into benign and malignant, there is a lack of accurate predictive modeling based on ultrasound (US) examination for progression-free survival (PFS). This retrospective observational study analyzed patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) who were followed in a tertiary center from 2018 to 2019. Demographic features, clinical characteristics, information about the surgery and post-surgery histopathology were collected. Additionally, we recorded data about US examinations according to the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) classification. Our study aimed to realize a tool to predict 12 month PFS in patients with OC based on a ML algorithm applied to gynecological ultrasound assessment. Proper feature selection was used to determine an attribute core set. Three different machine learning algorithms, namely Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RFF), and K-nearest neighbors (KNN), were then trained and validated with five-fold cross-validation to predict 12 month PFS. Our analysis included n. 64 patients and 12 month PFS was achieved by 46/64 patients (71.9%). The attribute core set used to train machine learning algorithms included age, menopause, CA-125 value, histotype, FIGO stage and US characteristics, such as major lesion diameter, side, echogenicity, color score, major solid component diameter, presence of carcinosis. RFF showed the best performance (accuracy 93.7%, precision 90%, recall 90%, area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) 0.92). We developed an accurate ML model to predict 12 month PFS.
Stability of Spherical Cavity in Hoek–Brown Rock Mass
Authors: Keawsawasvong Suraparb , Shiau Jim
Published: May 2022

Highlights

A state of art approach to evaluate the stability of Hoek–Brown rock mass with a spherical cavity.

Rigorous upper bound and lower bound solutions of stability factors are solved using advanced finite element limit analysis.

Comprehensive design charts, tables and equations are presented for stability evaluation.
Matheuristics: using mathematics for heuristic design
Authors: Boschetti Marco Antonio , Maniezzo Vittorio
Published: May 2022

Matheuristics are heuristic algorithms based on mathematical tools such as the ones provided by mathematical programming, that are structurally general enough to be applied to different problems with little adaptations to their abstract structure. The result can be metaheuristic hybrids having components derived from the mathematical model of the problems of interest, but the mathematical techniques themselves can define general heuristic solution frameworks. In this paper, we focus our attention on mathematical programming and its contributions to developing effective heuristics. We briefly describe the mathematical tools available and then some matheuristic approaches, reporting some representative examples from the literature. We also take the opportunity to provide some ideas for possible future development.
Total trade, cereals trade and undernourishment: new empirical evidence for developing countries
Authors: Marson Marta , Saccone Donatella , Vallino Elena
Published: May 2022

While trade policies are considered strategic to shape national food systems and promote food security, the ultimate impact of trade openness on hunger is still highly debated. Using a sample of 81 developing over the period 2001–2016 and principally focusing on the prevalence of undernourishment, this study provides new empirical evidence. Firstly, it estimates the impact of total trade differentiating the effects that pass through changes in real per capita income—i.e. on the economic access to food—from the residual effects that it directly has on the other dimensions of food security. Subsequently, it concentrates on cereals trade, that usually is the most affected by trade restrictions and the most correlated to undernourishment. Finally, it explores the different effects of cereals trade in terms of imports and exports. Three main conclusions emerge: (a) trade openness contributes to lower the prevalence of undernourishment in developing countries and most of this effect is not income-mediated but, rather, passes through the impacts that it directly has on the other dimensions of food security; (b) such impacts are mostly driven by the trade openness of the cereals sector where (c) its import component turns out to play the main role.
Learning different task spaces: how explored density aligns the Quiet Eye
Authors: Klostermann André , Reinbold Florian , Kredel Ralf
Published: May 2022

In the current study, predictions of a theoretical account to the explanation of the Quiet Eye (QE) were investigated. To this end, by manipulating the learning environment, participants (n = 52) learned an underhand throwing task which required to explore task-solution spaces of low vs. high density over a 4-week training phase (640 training trials). Although throwing performance was improved, surprisingly, in posttest and retention test shorter QE durations were found. It is speculated that on a short-time learning scale this effect might be explained by more efficient information processing. Moreover, a trend was observed which suggests that—in line with the inhibition hypothesis—when exploring high-density task-solution spaces longer QE durations are required. However, the rather small effect sizes necessitate further research, which will allow to manipulate the response–effect mappings more directly as, for example, in virtual environments.
Explaining BDI agent behaviour through dialogue
Authors: Dennis Louise A. , Oren Nir
Published: May 2022

BDI agents act in response to external inputs and their internal plan library. Understanding the root cause of BDI agent action is often difficult, and in this paper we present a dialogue based approach for explaining the behaviour of a BDI agent. We consider two dialogue participants who may have different views regarding the beliefs, plans and external events which drove agent action (encoded via traces). These participants make utterances which incrementally reveal their traces to each other, allowing them to identify divergences in the traces, or to conclude that their traces agree. In practice, we envision a human taking on the role of a dialogue participant, with the BDI agent itself acting as the other participant. The dialogue then facilitates explanation, understanding and debugging of BDI agent behaviour. After presenting our formalism and its properties, we describe our implementation of the system and provide an example of its use in a simple scenario.