bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II infusion in COVID‐19: An international, multicenter, registry‐based study
Authors: Serpa Neto Ary , Landoni Giovanni , Ostermann Marlies , Lumlertgul Nuttha , Forni Lui , Alvarez‐Belon Lucas , Trapani Tony , Alliegro Patricia V. , Zacharowski Kai , Wiedenbeck Carolin , de Backer Daniel , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: January 2022

To expand our understanding of the role of angiotensin II (ANGII) in coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID‐19), we conducted an international, multicenter registry study to assess the use of ANGII in patients with COVID‐19 compared to patients not receiving ANGII. Critically ill adult patients who were diagnosed with COVID‐19 and received ANGII were matched with COVID‐19 patients not receiving ANGII according to age, respiratory support, history of hypertension, use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and/or ANGII receptor blocker, and date of admission. All outcomes were exploratory in nature and included improvement in oxygenation, duration of organ support, and mortality. In one year, 132 patients were included (65 in the ANGII group and 67 in the control group), and patients were comparable in baseline characteristics. During the first 12 h of infusion, patients in the ANGII had a faster decrease in FiO2 and maintained similar mean arterial pressure levels. Hospital mortality was not statistically significantly different between the groups (53.8% vs. 40.3%;p = 0.226). Within the limitations of such a study design, our findings confirm previous observations of a potentially positive effect of ANGII on blood pressure and FiO2but no effect on patient‐centered outcomes.
A prospective examination of health care costs associated with posttraumatic stress disorder diagnostic status and symptom severity among veterans
Authors: Harper Kelly L. , Moshier Samantha , Ellickson‐Larew Stephanie , Andersen Martin S. , Wisco Blair E. , Mahoney Colin T. , Keane Terence M. , Marx Brian P.
Published: January 2022

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased health care costs; however, most studies exploring this association use PTSD diagnostic data in administrative records, which can contain inaccurate diagnostic information and be confounded by the quantity of service use. We used a diagnostic interview to determine PTSD diagnostic status and examined associations between PTSD symptom severity and health care costs and utilization, extracted from Veteran Health Administration (VHA) administrative databases. Using a nationwide longitudinal sample of U.S. veterans with and without PTSD (N = 1,377) enrolled in VHA health care, we determined the costs and utilization of mental health and non–mental health outpatient, pharmacy, and inpatient services for 1 year following cohort enrollment. Relative to veterans without PTSD, those with PTSD had higher total health care, B = 0.47; mental health clinic care, B = 0.72; non–mental health clinic care, B = 0.30; and pharmacy costs, B = 0.72, ps < .001. More severe PTSD symptoms were associated with mental health clinic care costs, B = 0.12; non–mental health clinic care costs, B = 0.27; and higher odds of inpatient, B = 0.63, and emergency service use, B = 0.39, p < .001–p = .012. These findings indicate that veterans’ PTSD status, determined by a clinician‐administered semistructured diagnostic interview, was associated with higher health care costs and increased use of mental health and non–mental health clinic services. The findings also suggest that more severe PTSD is associated with increased costs and utilization, including costly emergency and inpatient utilization.
The longitudinal course of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in war survivors: Insights from cross‐lagged panel network analyses
Authors: Schlechter Pascal , Hellmann Jens H. , McNally Richard J. , Morina Nexhmedin
Published: January 2022

Many war survivors suffer from chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unraveling the complexities of PTSD symptoms over time is crucial for understanding this condition. Going beyond a common pathogenic pathway perspective, we applied the network approach to psychopathology to analyze longitudinal data from war survivors with PTSD in five Balkan countries approximately 8 years after war in the region and a follow‐up assessment 1 year later (N = 698). PTSD diagnosis was established using the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Impact of Events Scale–Revised. Undirected cross‐sectional networks for baseline and follow‐up revealed no differences in the overall connectivity between these two networks. The intrusion symptom “I had waves of strong feelings about it” had the strongest expected influence centrality. Directed cross‐lagged panel network models indicated that hyperarousal symptoms predicted other PTSD symptoms from baseline to follow‐up, whereas several avoidance symptoms were predicted by other PTSD symptoms. The findings underscore the importance of emotional reactions and further suggest that hyperarousal symptoms may influence other PTSD symptoms. Future research should investigate causality and associations between between‐person and within‐person networks.
THE GREENHOUSE MODEL OF ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN
Authors: Lim Jenn
Published: January 2022

The author, co‐founder of the company Delivering Happiness, writes about “what it means to be human, happy, and alive in this unpredictable world.” Her company has “created happier company cultures, helping to build and inspire sustainable cultures in over four hundred companies globally.” She explains that in its evolution and adaption to changes in the world, the company uses a “greenhouse model” to “convey what it means to be scientifically happy and authentically whole.” She further explains that greenhouses “help stabilize ideal conditions so plants (and people) can grow, no matter what uncontrollable conditions are outside of it. We apply this concept to create these conditions within orgs that allow people to adapt, grow, and thrive.” She writes about necessary conditions under this model, such as Scientific Happiness, based on leverage of “perceived senses of control, progress, and connectedness,” and Adaptive Organizations, including four “conditions organizations need to endure in the Adaptive Age: alignment, belonging, accountability, and commitment.” Ultimately, she explains that “your impact ripples out to your COMMUNITY—your organization’s customers, clients, partners, vendors. Essentially, the entire ecosystem of people and entities you directly touch because of what you do at work.”
Self‐Healable and Recyclable Sulfur Rich Poly(vinyl chloride) by S–S Dynamic Bonding
Authors: Deliballi Zeynep , Demir‐Cakan Rezan , Kiskan Baris , Yagci Yusuf
Published: January 2022

In this work, a new approach to vulcanize commercial poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) at room temperature and in a relatively short time (4 h) by using elemental sulfur and an initiator such as Na2S.9H2O is reported. The obtained crosslinked polymer contains polysulfide linkages that facilitate recycling/self‐healing through dynamic S–S linkages. It is shown that PVC‐polysulfide networks could be reprocessed at 180 °C for three times. The thermal and spectral characterizations of the polymers before and after recycling are performed via FT‐IR, DSC, and TGA analyses. The potential use of the sulfur rich PVC‐polysulfide system as cathode material for Li‐S battery application is also investigated and the first discharge capacity is found to be around 610 mAh g−1 that later faded rapidly.
Knowledge‐based quality control of organ delineations in radiation therapy
Authors: Nourzadeh Hamidreza , Hui Cheukkai , Ahmad Mahmoud , Sadeghzadehyazdi Nasrin , Watkins William T. , Dutta Sunil W. , Alonso Clayton E. , Trifiletti Daniel M. , Siebers Jeffrey V.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To reduce the likelihood of errors in organ delineations used for radiotherapy treatment planning, a knowledge‐based quality control (KBQC) system, which discriminates between valid and anomalous delineations is developed.

Method and Materials

The KBQC is comprised of a group‐wise inference system and anomaly detection modules trained using historical priors from 296 locally advanced lung and prostate cancer patient computational tomographies (CTs). The inference system discriminates different organs based on shape, relational, and intensity features. For a given delineated image set, the inference system solves a combinatorial optimization problem that results in an organ group whose relational features follow those of the training set considering the posterior probabilities obtained from support vector machine (SVM), discriminant subspace ensemble (DSE), and artificial neural network (ANN) classifiers. These classifiers are trained on nonrelational features with a 10‐fold cross‐validation scheme. The anomaly detection module is a bank of ANN autoencoders, each corresponding with an organ, trained on nonrelational features. A heuristic rule detects anomalous organs that exceed predefined organ‐specific tolerances for the feature reconstruction error and the classifier's posterior probabilities. Independent data sets with anomalous delineations were used to test the overall performance of the KBQC system. The anomalous delineations were manually manipulated, computer‐generated, or propagated based on a transformation obtained by imperfect registrations. Both peer‐review–based scoring system and shape similarity coefficient (DSC) were used to label regions of interest (ROIs) as normal or anomalous in two independent test cohorts.

Results

The accuracy of the classifiers was 99.8%, and the minimum per‐class F1‐scores were 0.99, 0.99, and 0.98 for SVM, DSE, and ANN, respectively. The group‐wise inference system reduced the miss‐classification likelihood for the test data set with anomalous delineations compared to each individual classifier and a fused classifier that used the average posterior probability of all classifiers. For 15 independent locally advanced lung patients, the system detected 79% of the anomalous ROIs. For 1320 auto‐segmented abdominopelvic organs, the anomaly detection system identified anomalous delineations, which also had low Dice similarity coefficient values with respect to manually delineated organs in the training data set.

Conclusion

The KBQC system detected anomalous delineations with superior accuracy compared to classification methods that judge only based on posterior probabilities.
ID Asks/Joel M. Pollack
Authors: Peruvemba Sri
Published: January 2022

Scientist, Salesman, Marketer, CEO, Educator, Mentor, Board Member, and Drone Pilot
Influence of small particle surface asperities on macro and micro mechanical behavior of granular material
Authors: Pan Jin‐Hong , Zhang Jian‐Min , Wang Rui
Published: January 2022

The shape of particles can have a great impact on the mechanical behavior of granular material, which is not only limited to general shape measures such as sphericity and roundness, but also applies for small scale measures such as surface asperities. In this study, triaxial tests on 3D printed particles and DEM tests show that small surface asperities on spherical particles can contribute significantly to the peak strength and dilatancy of granular material, which cannot be reflected by simply altering the traditional contact parameters in DEM. Using polydispersed particles with artificially designed surface asperities in the form of bumps for laboratory and DEM triaxial tests, both macro and micro scale behavior of granular material are analyzed to reveal the influence of these small surface asperities. The result shows that surface asperities can change the coordination number, anisotropy, and normal contact force on the micro scale, increasing the interlocking between particles and restricting particle rotation, which leads to the increase of peak strength and dilatancy on the macro scale. Although the commonly adopted approach of introducing rolling resistance to reflect shape influence can help to enhance the simulation of stress‐strain relationship, especially for particles with relatively small artificial asperities, the micro scale influence of rolling resistance and surface asperities are found to be different as the size of the asperities increase.
A non‐inherent parametric estimation for dynamical equivalence of flexible manipulators
Authors: Bastos Guaraci
Published: January 2022

This study aims to develop a methodology for parametric estimation of flexible manipulators considering an equivalent underactuated manipulator with passive joints, which should allow better possibilities to control flexible systems when addressing challenging problems to reach a satisfactory tracking motion. Theoretically, this is achieved by a minimum number of internal dynamics variables needed for representing almost all dynamics of the system. The parametric estimation approach is based on the optimal control theory considering a robust, stable method. This methodology requires only measured/computed data that are system output. Validation occurs through a virtual plant of the flexible manipulator observing a numerical perspective. The systems studied have serial and parallel kinematics and are mounted on carts for more diverse applications and general possibilities of the methodology.
Potato tuber degradation is regulated by carbohydrate metabolism: Results of transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Jia Liguo , Hao Kai , Suyala Qiqige , Qin Yonglin , Yu Jing , Liu Kun , Fan Mingshou
Published: January 2022

Tuber number is an essential factor determining yield and commodity in potato production. The initiation number has long been considered the sole determinant of the final total tuber number. In this study, we observed that tuber numbers at harvest were lower than at the tuber bulking stage; some formed tubers that were smaller than 3 cm degraded during development. Carbohydrate metabolism plays a crucial role in tuber degradation by coordinating the source–sink relationship. The contents of starch and sucrose, and the C:N ratio, are dramatically reduced in degradating tubers. Transcriptomic study showed that “carbohydrate metabolic processes” are Gene Ontology (GO) terms associated with tuber degradation. A polysaccharide degradation‐related gene, LOC102601831, and a sugar transport gene, LOC102587850 (SWEET6a), are dramatically up‐regulated in degradating tubers according to transcriptomic analysis, as validated by qRT‐PCT. The terms “peptidase inhibitor activity” and “hydrolase activity” refer to the changes in molecular functions that degradating tubers exhibit. Nitrogen supplementation during potato development alleviates tuber degradation to a certain degree. This study provides novel insight into potato tuber development and possible management strategies for improving potato cultivation.
The effects of solvent nature and steric hindrance on the reactivity, mechanism and selectivity of the cationic imino‐Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction between cationic 2‐azadienes and arylpropene
Authors: Sadi Sabrina , Khorief Nacereddine Abdelmalek , Djerourou Abdelhafid
Published: January 2022

In this work, we have performed a computational study using the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) density functional theory (DFT) method of the solvent effects, the mechanism and the selectivity of the cationic imino‐Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction between in situ‐generated cationic 2‐azadienes and arylpropenes. This reaction proceeds via a stepwise mechanism, in which the first step is the rate determining, favouring kinetically and thermodynamically the formation of the cycloadduct generated frommeta‐exoapproach. Analysis of different solvent effects indicates that the low polar solvents are the best solvents for this kind of reaction. The global reactivity descriptors indicates that the dienimine1is a strong electrophile, whereas, ethylene2is a good nucleophile. The local reactivity descriptors explain the obtained experimentalmetaregioselectivity. The NCI analysis indicates the presence of different favourable non‐covalent interactions, while QTAIM analysis indicates that steric hindrance at themeta‐endoapproach is the origin for the experimentally observedmeta‐exostereoselectivity. The obtained results are in agreement with the experimental data.
Tracheostomy prediction model in neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia via lung and airway MRI
Authors: Adaikalam Stephanie A. , Higano Nara S. , Hysinger Erik B. , Bates Alister J. , Fleck Robert J. , Schapiro Andrew H. , House Melissa A. , Nathan Amy T. , Ahlfeld Shawn K. , Brady Jennifer M. , Woods Jason C. , Kingma Paul S.
Published: January 2022

Rationale

Clinical management of neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is often imprecise and can vary widely between different institutions and providers, due to limited objective measurements of disease pathology severity. There is critical need to improve guidance on the application and timing of interventional treatments, such as tracheostomy.

Objectives

To generate an imaging‐based clinical tool for early identification of those patients with BPD who are likely to require later tracheostomy and long‐term mechanical ventilation.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of n = 61 infants (55 BPD, 6 preterm non‐BPD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores of lung parenchymal disease were used to create a binomial logistic regression model for predicting tracheostomy requirement. This model was further investigated using clinical variables and MRI‐quantified tracheomalacia (TM).

Measurements and Main Results

A model for predicting tracheostomy requirement was created using MRI parenchymal score. This model had 89% accuracy, 100% positive predictive value (PPV), and 85% negative predictive value (NPV), compared with 84%, 60%, and 83%, respectively, when using only relevant clinical variables. In a subset of patients with airway MRI (n = 36), a model including lung and TM measurements had 83% accuracy, 92% PPV, and 78% NPV.

Conclusions

MRI‐based measurements of parenchymal disease and TM can be used to predict need for tracheostomy in infants with BPD, more accurately than clinical factors alone. This prediction model has strong potential as a clinical tool for physicians and families for early determination of tracheostomy requirement.
Contemporary N2 and SF6 multiple breath washout in infants and toddlers with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sandvik Rikke M. , Gustafsson Per M. , Lindblad Anders , Buchvald Frederik , Olesen Hanne V. , Olsen Jørgen H. , Skov Marianne , Schmidt Marika N. , Thellefsen Mette R. , Robinson Paul D. , Rubak Sune , Pressler Tacjana , Nielsen Kim G.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Multiple breath washout (MBW) is used for early detection of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, with SF6MBW commonly viewed as the reference method. The use of N2MBW in infants and toddlers has been questioned for technical and physiological reasons, but a new correction of the N2 signal has minimized the technical part. The present study aimed to assess the remaining differences and the contributing mechanisms for the differences between SF6 and N2MBW,corrected—such as tidal volume reduction during N2 washout with pure O2.

Method

This was a longitudinal multicenter cohort study. SF6MBW and N2MBW were performed prospectively at three CF centers in the same visits on 154 test occasions across 62 children with CF (mean age: 22.7 months). Offline analysis using identical algorithms to the commercially available program provided outcomes of N2,original and N2,corrected for comparison with SF6MBW.

Results

Mean functional residual capacity, FRCN2,corrected was 14.3% lower than FRCN2, original, and 1.0% different from FRCSF6. Lung clearance index, LCIN2,corrected was 25.2% lower than LCIN2,original, and 7.3% higher than LCISF6. Mean (SD) tidal volume decreased significantly during N2MBWcorrected, compared to SF6MBW (−13.1 ml [−30.7; 4.6], p < 0.0001, equal to −12.0% [−25.7; 1.73]), but this tidal volume reduction did not correlate to the differences between LCIN2,corrected and LCISF6. The absolute differences in LCI increased significantly with higher LCISF6 (0.63/LCISF6) and (0.23/LCISF6), respectively, for N2,original and N2,corrected, but the relative differences were stable across disease severity for N2,corrected, but not for N2,original.

Conclusion

Only minor residual differences between FRCN2,corrected and FRCSF6 remained to show that the two methods measure gas volumes very similar in this age range. Small differences in LCI were found. Tidal volume reduction during N2MBW did not affect differences. The corrected N2MBW can now be used with confidence in young children with CF, although not interchangeably with SF6.
“LONG COVID”—A hypothesis for understanding the biological basis and pharmacological treatment strategy
Authors: Jarrott Bevyn , Head Richard , Pringle Kirsty G. , Lumbers Eugenie R. , Martin Jennifer H.
Published: January 2022

Infection of humans with SARS‐CoV‐2 virus causes a disease known colloquially as “COVID‐19” with symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia. Initial pathology is due to the virus binding to the ACE‐2 protein on endothelial cells lining blood vessels and entering these cells in order to replicate. Viral replication causes oxidative stress due to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species. Many (~60%) of the infected people appear to have eliminated the virus from their body after 28 days and resume normal activity. However, a significant proportion (~40%) experience a variety of symptoms (loss of smell and/or taste, fatigue, cough, aching pain, “brain fog,” insomnia, shortness of breath, and tachycardia) after 12 weeks and are diagnosed with a syndrome named “LONG COVID.” Longitudinal clinical studies in a group of subjects who were infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 have been compared to a non‐infected matched group of subjects. A cohort of infected subjects can be identified by a battery of cytokine markers to have persistent, low level grade of inflammation and often self‐report two or more troubling symptoms. There is no drug that will relieve their symptoms effectively. It is hypothesized that drugs that activate the intracellular transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2 (NRF2) may increase the expression of enzymes to synthesize the intracellular antioxidant, glutathione that will quench free radicals causing oxidative stress. The hormone melatonin has been identified as an activator of NRF2 and a relatively safe chemical for most people to ingest chronically. Thus, it is an option for consideration of re‐purposing studies in “LONG COVID” subjects experiencing insomnia, depression, fatigue, and “brain fog” but not tachycardia. Appropriately designed clinical trials are required to evaluate melatonin.
Analysis of fragmentation pathways of fentanyl derivatives by electrospray ionisation high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Sekuła Karolina , Wrzesień‐Tokarczyk Wioleta , Stanaszek Roman , Byrska Bogumiła , Zuba Dariusz
Published: January 2022

Rationale

During the last decade there has been a large increase in the availability of new synthetic opioids on the European drug market. Fentanyl analogues accounted for a significant proportion of these compounds. When there is a rapid introduction of new compounds from a given chemical class onto the market, a computer‐assisted library search is not recommended and the spectra have to be interpreted individually. Therefore, the knowledge of how different groups of new psychoactive substances are fragmented can be very helpful in identifying new compounds.

Methods

In this study, the fragmentation patterns of 33 fentanyl derivatives were investigated using electrospray ionisation (ESI). The analyses were conducted using liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOFMS). Based on measurements carried out under various conditions, the fragmentation pathways of the tested compounds that were divided into groups due to their chemical structure were established.

Results

The performed study allowed for the determination of characteristic ions that were formed during the fragmentation of fentanyl derivatives using ESI. Due to the high mass accuracy of the LC/ESI‐QTOFMS technique, it was proved that the cleavage of the tested molecules occurred mostly on the bonds adjacent to the nitrogen atoms. Based on the proposed fragmentation scheme, the general structure for fentanyls, and the presence of some characteristic ions, it is possible, after applying simple mathematical operations, to calculate the masses of individual substituents in the formulas of the new fentanyl analogues, which may appear on the drug market. Furthermore, based on the exact masses, it is possible to determine the formulas of these substituents.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the specific fragments generated under ESI conditions can be used in forensic laboratories to determine the structures of novel compounds from the group of fentanyl derivatives.
Cooperative control for multiple high‐speed trains with constraints and acceleration zone under moving block system
Authors: Tian Yu , Lin Peng
Published: January 2022

This article investigates a cooperative control problem with acceleration zone and constraints for multiple high‐speed trains under moving block system. A distributed cooperative control algorithm is proposed where a switching mechanism and acceleration zone are introduced to reduce the cost of the operation adjustment and the communication between trains. Based on the properties of stochastic matrices, by selecting proper control parameters and applying the approach of model transformation and convex analysis, it is shown that the cooperative control problem can be solved if the communication topology has directed spanning trees. Finally, a numerical example is included to illustrate the obtained results.
Non‐fragile dynamic output‐feedback control for ‐gain performance of positive FM‐II model with PDT switching: An event‐triggered mechanism
Authors: Wang Jinling , Liang Jinling , Zhang Linzhong , Ding Xiaoshuai
Published: January 2022

In this article, the design problem of event‐triggered (E‐T) non‐fragile dynamic output‐feedback controller is addressed for the uncertain Fornasini‐Marchesini second (FM‐II) model with persistent dwell time (PDT) switching constraint. First of all, a novel E‐T scheme is introduced to reduce the measurement transmission ratio so as to decrease the occupancy of the communication channels. Then, by choosing a suitable co‐positive type Lyapunov function and utilizing the PDT method, sufficient conditions are obtained under which the obtained closed‐loop system is positive, robustly exponentially stable and has an ‐gain performance. The corresponding controller design issues are simultaneously discussed, and the parameterized matrices are explicitly designed by solving some linear programming inequalities. Finally, a simulation example is provided to show feasibility of the developed theoretical results.
Localized alteration of ferrihydrite natural organic matter coprecipitates following reaction with Fe(II)
Authors: Noor Nadia , Thompson Aaron
Published: January 2022

Coprecipitation of natural organic matter (NOM) with ferrihydrite (Fh) can alter the trajectory of Fe(II)‐catalyzed transformation. High C/Fe molar ratio Fh‐NOM coprecipitates are expected to resist transformation completely and preserve organic matter (OM). To explore how heterogeneous NOM would influence this process, we reacted low (0.8) and high (1.8) C/Fe molar ratio Fh‐NOM coprecipitates (synthesized with a 13C‐labeled plant litter extract) with 2 mM Fe(II) for 1 and 14 d under anoxic conditions and examined changes in the solid phase with Mössbauer spectroscopy (MBS) and secondary electron images using scanning transmission electron microscope. Mössbauer spectroscopy data suggests Fe(II) interaction with coprecipitates increases Fe mineral crystallinity, as did lower molar C/Fe ratios and longer aging times. However, de novo crystal phase development was only observed (via secondary electron images) in the Fe(II)‐reacted coprecipitates and only when the organic carbon (OC) loading was low. For example, the low C/Fe coprecipitate developed localized lath‐like crystal phases after 1 d of reaction with Fe(II), while the lath‐like phases only developed in the high C/Fe coprecipitates after they lost some NOM (C/Fe ratio decreased from 1.8 to 0.7) and reacted with Fe(II) for 14 d. In addition, partial exchange of coprecipitate 13C‐NOM for C in the media (likely the organic PIPES buffer) occurred in all treatments but was accentuated by reaction with Fe(II), suggesting coprecipitate OM composition likely evolves over time, especially when exposed to Fe(II). Our findings suggest that Fe(II) mediated Fh‐NOM transformation is highly dynamic and has the potential to influence the stability of NOM in Fh.
Mass spectrometry imaging of small molecules from live cells and tissues using nanomaterials
Authors: Kim Jae Young , Lim Heejin , Moon Dae Won
Published: January 2022

We review recently developed methods for analyzing live cells and tissues in ambient conditions without the use of harsh chemical fixation or physical freezing and drying. The first method is based on laser ablation in atmospheric pressure assisted by atmospheric pressure plasma and nanomaterials such as nanoparticles and graphene to enhance laser ablation. The second method is based on secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging of live cells in solution capped with single‐layer graphene to preserve intact and hydrated biological samples even under ultrahigh vacuum for secondary ion mass spectrometry bio‐imaging in solution with subcellular spatial resolution. Mass spectrometry imaging of small molecules from live cells and tissues can provide an innovative molecular imaging methodology for several biomedical and material research applications.
Retracted: A comparative study on predicting the rapid chloride permeability of self‐compacting concrete using meta‐heuristic algorithm and artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Yuan Jia , Zhao Ming , Esmaeili‐Falak Mahzad
Published: January 2022

Obtaining a trustworthy approach to forecast the chloride penetration into self‐compacting concrete via rapid test may lead to frugality in cost, time, and energy to provide a durable mix design. Different single and hybrid regression methods are developed to predict the results of rapid chloride penetration tests in the present study. Cement content, fly ash, and silica fume replacement percent with cement, temperature and fine and coarse aggregates are considered as input variables. All predicted values using expanded models have a good agreement with experimentally measured results. Evaluating the accuracy and precision of single and hybrid optimized models by five statistical performance criteria (, root mean square error, mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error, and performance index) illustrates that the hybrid support vector regression with optimization algorithm is a high‐accurate promising model for predicting the results of a rapid chloride penetration test.
Convective mass transfer of a binary gas mixture in an inclined channel
Authors: Kossov Vladimir , Fedorenko Olga , Zhakebayev Dauren , Mukamedenkyzy Venera , Kulzhanov Dyusembek
Published: January 2022

The influence of a slope angle on the stability of mechanical equilibrium in binary gaseous mixtures has been investigated both experimentally and numerically. Experimental studies have shown that the angle of inclination of the channel relative to the horizontal plane can be critical in convective mixing. When this angle is reached, the system performs a kinetic transition from an unstable to a stable state, that is, to diffusion. The problem is solved by the Lattice Boltzmann method using the two‐dimensional Navier‐Stokes equation, the continuity equation and the equation of concentration. Calculations are performed to study binary mixtures with different angles of inclination of the diffusion channel with respect to the vertical axis. Due to the increase of the angle of inclination, the convective flow intensity decreases. Numerical data on the structure fields of concentrations at different times depending on the increase of the slope angle are obtained.
Population Genomics of Yams: Evolution and Domestication of Dioscorea Species
Authors: Sugihara Yu , Kudoh Aoi , Oli Muluneh Tamiru , Takagi Hiroki , Natsume Satoshi , Shimizu Motoki , Abe Akira , Asiedu Robert , Asfaw Asrat , Adebola Patrick , Terauchi Ryohei
Published: January 2022

Yam is a collective name of tuber crops belonging to the genus Dioscorea. Yam is important not only as a staple food crop but also as an integral component of society and culture of the millions of people who depend on it. However, due to its regional importance, yam has long been regarded as an “orphan crop” lacking a due global attention. Although this perception is changing with recent advances in genomics technologies, domestication processes of most yam species are still ambiguous. This is mainly due to the complicated evolutionary history of Dioscorea species caused by frequent hybridization and polyploidization, which is possibly caused by dioecy that imposed obligate outcrossing to the species of Dioscorea. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the evolution of Dioscorea and address the domestication of yam from population genomics perspectives by focusing on the processes of hybridization and polyploidization. A review is given to the recent population genomics studies on the hybrid origin of D. rotundata in West and Central Africa, the global dispersion of D. alata through human migrations, and the whole-genome duplication of the South America species of D. trifida. In the end, we give a summary of current understanding of sex-determination system in Dioscorea.
Population Genomics Along With Quantitative Genetics Provides a More Efficient Valorization of Crop Plant Genetic Diversity in Breeding and Pre-breeding Programs
Authors: Civan Peter , Rincent Renaud , Danguy-Des-Deserts Alice , Elsen Jean-Michel , Bouchet Sophie
Published: January 2022

The breeding efforts of the twentieth century contributed to large increases in yield but selection may have increased vulnerability to environmental perturbations. In that context, there is a growing demand for methodology to re-introduce useful variation into cultivated germplasm. Such efforts can focus on the introduction of specific traits monitored through diagnostic molecular markers identified by QTL/association mapping or selection signature screening. A combined approach is to increase the global diversity of a crop without targeting any particular trait.

A considerable portion of the genetic diversity is conserved in genebanks. However, benefits of genetic resources (GRs) in terms of favorable alleles have to be weighed against unfavorable traits being introduced along. In order to facilitate utilization of GR, core collections are being identified and progressively characterized at the phenotypic and genomic levels. High-throughput genotyping and sequencing technologies allow to build prediction models that can estimate the genetic value of an entire genotyped collection. In a pre-breeding program, predictions can accelerate recurrent selection using rapid cycles in greenhouses by skipping some phenotyping steps. In a breeding program, reduced phenotyping characterization allows to increase the number of tested parents and crosses (and global genetic variance) for a fixed budget. Finally, the whole cross design can be optimized using progeny variance predictions to maximize short-term genetic gain or long-term genetic gain by constraining a minimum level of diversity in the germplasm. There is also a potential to further increase the accuracy of genomic predictions by taking into account genotype by environment interactions, integrating additional layers of omics and environmental information.

Here, we aim to review some relevant concepts in population genomics together with recent advances in quantitative genetics in order to discuss how the combination of both disciplines can facilitate the use of genetic diversity in plant (pre) breeding programs.
Lipoprotein(a)
Authors: Kronenberg Florian
Published: January 2022

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an atherogenic lipoprotein with a strong genetic regulation. Up to 90% of the concentrations are explained by a single gene, the LPA gene. The concentrations show a several-hundred-fold interindividual variability ranging from less than 0.1 mg/dL to more than 300 mg/dL. Lp(a) plasma concentrations above 30 mg/dL and even more above 50 mg/dL are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease including myocardial infarction, stroke, aortic valve stenosis, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, and all-cause mortality. Since concentrations above 50 mg/dL are observed in roughly 20% of the Caucasian population and in an even higher frequency in African-American and Asian-Indian ethnicities, it can be assumed that Lp(a) is one of the most important genetically determined risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Carriers of genetic variants that are associated with high Lp(a) concentrations have a markedly increased risk for cardiovascular events. Studies that used these genetic variants as a genetic instrument to support a causal role for Lp(a) as a cardiovascular risk factor are called Mendelian randomization studies. The principle of this type of studies has been introduced and tested for the first time ever with Lp(a) and its genetic determinants.

There are currently no approved pharmacologic therapies that specifically target Lp(a) concentrations. However, some therapies that target primarily LDL cholesterol have also an influence on Lp(a) concentrations. These are mainly PCSK9 inhibitors that lower LDL cholesterol by 60% and Lp(a) by 25–30%. Furthermore, lipoprotein apheresis lowers both, Lp(a) and LDL cholesterol, by about 60–70%. Some sophisticated study designs and statistical analyses provided support that lowering Lp(a) by these therapies also lowers cardiovascular events on top of the effect caused by lowering LDL cholesterol, although this was not the main target of the therapy. Currently, new therapies targeting RNA such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) against apolipoprotein(a), the main protein of the Lp(a) particle, are under examination and lower Lp(a) concentrations up to 90%. Since these therapies specifically lower Lp(a) concentrations without influencing other lipoproteins, they will serve the last piece of the puzzle whether a decrease of Lp(a) results also in a decrease of cardiovascular events.
High Density Lipoproteins: Is There a Comeback as a Therapeutic Target?
Authors: von Eckardstein Arnold
Published: January 2022

Low plasma levels of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with increased risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In cell culture and animal models, HDL particles exert multiple potentially anti-atherogenic effects. However, drugs increasing HDL-C have failed to prevent cardiovascular endpoints. Mendelian Randomization studies neither found any genetic causality for the associations of HDL-C levels with differences in cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the causal role and, hence, utility as a therapeutic target of HDL has been questioned. However, the biomarker “HDL-C” as well as the interpretation of previous data has several important limitations: First, the inverse relationship of HDL-C with risk of ASCVD is neither linear nor continuous. Hence, neither the-higher-the-better strategies of previous drug developments nor previous linear cause-effect relationships assuming Mendelian randomization approaches appear appropriate. Second, most of the drugs previously tested do not target HDL metabolism specifically so that the futile trials question the clinical utility of the investigated drugs rather than the causal role of HDL in ASCVD. Third, the cholesterol of HDL measured as HDL-C neither exerts nor reports any HDL function. Comprehensive knowledge of structure-function-disease relationships of HDL particles and associated molecules will be a pre-requisite, to test them for their physiological and pathogenic relevance and exploit them for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of individuals at HDL-associated risk of ASCVD but also other diseases, for example diabetes, chronic kidney disease, infections, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases.
Glycaemic Control in Diabetes
Authors: Müller-Wieland D. , Brandts J. , Verket M. , Marx N. , Schütt K.
Published: January 2022

Reduction of glucose is the hallmark of diabetes therapy proven to reduce micro- and macro-vascular risk in patients with type 1 diabetes. However glucose-lowering efficacy trials in type 2 diabetes didn’t show major cardiovascular benefit. Then, a paradigm change in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes has emerged due to the introduction of new blood glucose-lowering agents. Cardiovascular endpoint studies have proven HbA1c-independent cardioprotective effects for GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors. Furthermore, SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce the risk for heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Mechanisms for these blood glucose independent drug target-related effects are still an enigma. Recent research has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists might have anti-inflammatory and plaque stabilising effects whereas SGLT-2 inhibitors primarily reduce pre- and after-load of the heart and increase work load efficiency of the heart. In addition, reduction of intraglomerular pressure, improved energy supply chains and water regulation appear to be major mechanisms for renoprotection by SGLT-2 inhibitors. These studies and observations have led to recent changes in clinical recommendations and treatment guidelines for type 2 diabetes. In patients with high or very high cardio-renal risk, SGLT-2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists have a preferred recommendation independent of baseline HbA1c levels due to cardioprotection. In patients with chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease or at respective risks SGLT-2 inhibitors are the preferred choice. Therefore, the treatment paradigm of glucose control in diabetes has changed towards using diabetes drugs with evidence-based organ protection improving clinical prognosis.
Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Mitigation and Resilience in Urban Areas
Authors: Ferreira Carla Sofia Santos , Potočki Kristina , Kapović-Solomun Marijana , Kalantari Zahra
Published: January 2022

Urban areas face several environmental problems and risks related to water management, such as floods and degradation of water quality, enhancing population vulnerability and threatening urban sustainability. These problems are expected to be exacerbated with increasing urbanization and climate change, which leads to higher frequency and intensity of hydrometeorological extremes. Moving towards more flood resilient cities has proven a major challenge, particularly considering the high concentration of population and economic activities and, thus, high pressure on limited available space. Nature-based solutions (NBS) in urban areas favour stormwater retention, infiltration, and filtration, contributing to flood mitigation and enhancement of water quality. The effectiveness of different NBS on stormwater management, however, is influenced by design and placement aspects, but a network of connected NBS elements can improve flood mitigation and enhance urban resilience. Stronger evidence of the advantages of NBS, however, is still required to overcome the current challenges and barriers impairing their wider implementation in urban areas.
Extremal black holes that are not extremal: maximal warm holes
Authors: Dias Óscar J. C. , Horowitz Gary T. , Santos Jorge E.
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We study a family of four-dimensional, asymptotically flat, charged black holes that develop (charged) scalar hair as one increases their charge at fixed mass. Surprisingly, the maximum charge for given mass is a nonsingular hairy black hole with nonzero Hawking temperature. The implications for Hawking evaporation are discussed.
Processability of high-strength aluminum 6182 series alloy via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)
Authors: Riener Kirstin , Pfalz Tino , Funcke Florian , Leichtfried Gerhard
Published: January 2022

The growing demand for more materials available for the LPBF-process, in particular high-strength aluminum alloys, is evident in the market. In the present work, a systematic investigation of the processability of aluminum 6182 series alloys, using LPBF, was carried out. For this purpose, the influence of process parameters, especially of enhanced preheating by heating the substrate plate during the LPBF process, on the microstructure of EN AW 6182 specimens was studied.

Experiments were conducted at different preheating temperatures always using the same d-optimal design-of-experiments, the laser power, scanning speed, hatch distance, and laser focus position being varied over a wide range.

It was found that the preheating temperature has the strongest impact on hot cracking. Higher temperatures result in a significantly reduced number of hot cracks in the microstructure. Moreover, an equiaxed microstructure of the specimens manufactured can be observed at preheating temperatures of 500 °C. In addition to the preheating temperature, the achievable part density is most strongly affected by the laser focus position and the laser power, whereas the hatch distance shows no discernible impact on the part density. Furthermore, neither the hatch distance nor the laser focus position shows any significant effect on hot cracking.

In combination with the optimal scanning parameters, crack-free parts with a fully equiaxed grain structure and densities > 99.0% can be manufactured via LPBF at a preheating temperature of 500 °C.
Alcohol intoxication and lack of helmet use are common in electric scooter-related traumatic brain injuries: a consecutive patient series from a tertiary university hospital
Authors: Suominen Eetu N. , Sajanti Antti J. , Silver Eero A. , Koivunen Veerakaisa , Bondfolk Anton S. , Koskimäki Janne , Saarinen Antti J.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Clinicians have increasingly encountered traumatic brain injuries (TBI) related to electric scooter (ES) accidents. In this study, we aim to identify the modifiable risk factors for ES-related TBIs.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of consecutive patients treated for ES-related traumatic brain injuries in a tertiary university hospital between May 2019 and September 2021 was identified and employed for the study. The characteristics of the accidents along with the clinical and imaging findings of the injuries were collected from the patient charts.

Results

During the study period, 104 TBIs related to ES accidents were identified. There was a high occurrence of accidents late at night and on Saturdays. In four cases, the patient’s helmet use was mentioned (3.8%). Seventy-four patients (71%) were intoxicated. At the scene of the accident, seventy-seven (74%) of the patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13–15, three patients (3%) had a score of 9–12, and two patients (2%) had a score of 3–8. The majority (83%) of TBIs were diagnosed as concussions. Eighteen patients had evidence of intracranial injuries in the imagining. Two patients required neurosurgical procedures. The estimated population standardized incidence increased from 7.0/100,000 (95% CI 3.5–11/100,000) in 2019 to 27/100,000 (95% CI 20–34/100,000) in 2021.

Conclusions

Alcohol intoxication and the lack of a helmet were common in TBIs caused by ES accidents. Most of the accidents occurred late at night. Targeting these modifiable factors could decrease the incidence of ES-related TBIs.
MEG bei frontalen Epilepsien
Authors: Rampp Stefan , Kasper Burkhard , Brandner Sebastian , Hamer Hajo , Buchfelder Michael
Published: January 2022

Die Magnetenzephalographie (MEG) bietet für die prächirurgische Lokalisationsdiagnostik frontaler und allgemein extratemporaler Epilepsien wesentliche Vorteile. Eine Reihe retro- und prospektiver Studien zeigt einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die Planung invasiver Ableitungen und epilepsiechirurgischer Eingriffe mit deutlicher Verbesserung der postoperativen Anfallskontrolle. Der Artikel gibt einen kurz gefassten Überblick über den aktuellen Stand der Evidenz.