bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced Smooth Muscle Contractile Capacity Facilitates Maladaptive Arterial Remodeling
Authors: Eberth John F. , Humphrey Jay D.
Published: November 2021

Albeit seldom considered explicitly, the vasoactive state of a central artery can contribute to luminal control and thereby affect the in vivo values of flow-induced wall shear stress and pressure-induced intramural stress, which in turn are strong determinants of wall growth and remodeling. Here, we test the hypothesis that diminished vasoactive capacity compromises effective mechano-adaptations of central arteries. Toward this end, we use consistent methods to re-interpret published data on common carotid artery remodeling in a nonpharmacologic mouse model of induced hypertension and a model of connective tissue disorder that results in Marfan syndrome. The mice have identical genetic backgrounds and, in both cases, the data are consistent with the hypothesis considered. In particular, carotid arteries with strong (normal) vasoactive capacity tend to maintain wall thickness and in vivo axial stretch closer to homeostatic, thus resulting in passive circumferential wall stress and energy storage close to normal. We conclude that effective vasoactivity helps to control the biomechanical state in which the cells and matrix turnover, thus helping to delineate mechano-adaptive from maladaptive remodeling. Future analyses of experimental data and computational models of growth and remodeling should account for this strong coupling between smooth muscle contractile capacity and central arterial remodeling.
Reconstruction of Flight Parameters of a Bat for Flapping Robots
Authors: Singh Sudeep Kumar , Zhang Li-Biao , Zhao Jing-Shan
Published: November 2021

The flight of bats is comparatively less documented and understood than birds and insects and may provide novel inspiration for the design of flapping flight robots. This study captured the natural flight of short-nosed fruit bats (Cynopterus sphinx) by an optical motion capture system, “OptiTrack”, with pasted markers on the wings and body to reconstruct the flight parameters. Due to the self-occlusion at some moments, points on the membrane wings cannot be captured by any cameras. To draw a smooth trajectory, it is desired to reconstruct all missing data. Therefore, an algorithm is proposed by using numerical techniques, accompanied by modern mathematical and computational tools, to envisage the missing data from the captured flight. The least-square fitted polynomial engendered the parameter equations for x-, y-, and z-coordinates of marked points which were used to reconstruct the trajectory of the flight. The parameter equations of position coordinates were also used to compute the morphological and aerodynamic characteristics of the flight. The most outstanding contribution of the work is that not only the trajectory, velocity, and velocity field but also the morphing areas of the membrane wings were recreated using the reconstructed data. These data and reconstructed curves of trajectory and velocity field will be used for the further aerodynamic analysis and mechanism design of the flapping robot. This method can also be generalized to reconstruct the performance parameters of any other animals for bionic design.
Numerical Investigations Into the Local Behavior of Condensing R134a Flows in a Horizontal Pipe
Authors: Juggurnath D. , Elahee M. K. , Khoodaruth A.
Published: November 2021

The local characteristics and behavior of condensing R134a flows in a horizontal pipe, at mass fluxes of 100, 200, and 400 kg m−2 s−1, saturation temperature of 40 °C, and mean vapor qualities of 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75, are investigated numerically. The local results demonstrate an increase in condensate film thickness from a particular angular position, which is influenced by the vapor quality of the flow to the bottom of the pipe. The heat transfer coefficient decreases around the pipe circumference from the top to the bottom of the pipe. The results indicate the existence of a particular angular position where the film thickness and the heat transfer coefficient change significantly due to the stratified condensate layer. Furthermore, the velocity profiles of the condensing flows are noted to be asymmetrical due to the stratified condensate layer at the bottom of the pipe. The mean flow velocity and the heat transfer coefficient decrease along the condensation length. The local results demonstrate that the heat transfer coefficient is not merely affected by the condensate film thickness but also by the effective thermal conductivity of the flow. The findings demonstrate the capacity of local measurements in capturing fine features of condensing flows.
Development of a pO2-Guided Fine Needle Tumor Biopsy Device
Authors: McDonald Robert C.
Published: November 2021

Tumor biopsies are an important aspect of oncology providing a guide for medical treatment and evaluation of disease progression. Highly heterogenous tumors have complex regions of active cancer cells interdigitated with necrotic tissue and healthy noncancerous tissue. The reliable access to tumor tissue pathology is therefore challenging and usually requires multiple needle insertions with accompanying patient discomfort and risk of infection. Oxygen levels provide a means of detecting and evaluating tumor tissue with levels reduced by 2-fold to 22-fold, depending on the type of organ. However, if the biopsy needle is placed in an area of normal tissue, there is always a chance that no diagnostic cells will be acquired for meaningful pathology and molecular analysis. While not the case in all tumors, there are cases where the in vivo oxygen levels differ with tumor cells having a value of pO2 lying between the anoxic necrotic tissue and normoxic normal tissue. The level of oxygen in tumor cells can also vary with time as related to complex biochemical pathways. The efficacy of radiation therapy is also sensitive to oxygen levels in tumors. Lower levels of oxygen present greater resistance to treatment. To address these concerns, a pO2-guided biopsy needle (OGBN) was developed to determine oxygen levels and fluctuations in highly resolved regions of tumors, in order to aide in determining the optimal region for cell sampling help in determining medical treatment options.
Effect of Leaflet Type and Leaflet-Stent Attachment Height on Transcatheter Aortic Valve Leaflet Thrombosis Potential
Authors: Ncho Beatrice E. , Siefert Andrew W. , Sadri Vahid , Ortner Jillian , Yoganathan Ajit P.
Published: November 2021

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement devices vary in leaflet material and in the height for which leaflets attach to the stented valve frame. Combinations of these features can influence leaflet dynamics, neo-sinus geometries, and fluid dynamics, thereby reducing or exacerbating the potential for blood flow stasis and leaflet thrombosis. To investigate these interconnected relationships, this study evaluated the effects of transcatheter valve leaflet type [porcine versus bovine pericardium] and the leaflet-stent attachment height (low, mid, and high) on flow stasis and potential for leaflet thrombosis. Transcatheter valve models were manufactured and tested within an aortic simulator under pulsatile left heart hemodynamic conditions. Transvalvular hemodynamics, leaflet kinematics, and flow structures were evaluated by direct measurement, high-speed imaging, and two differing techniques of particle image velocimetry. Transcatheter valves with porcine pericardial leaflets were observed to be less stiff, exhibit a lesser resistance to flow, were associated with reduced regions of neo-sinus flow stasis, and superior sinus washout times. More elevated attachments of the leaflets were associated with less neo-sinus flow stasis. These initial results and observations suggest combinations of leaflet type and stent attachment height may reduce transcatheter aortic valve flow stasis and the potential for leaflet thrombosis.
Ablation Threshold and Interaction of Cemented Carbide Ablated by Ultrafast Laser
Authors: Shin Young-Gwan , Choi Wonsuk , Choi Junha , Cho Sung-Hak
Published: November 2021

In this study, we used an ultrafast laser with a wavelength of 1026 nm with the aim of analyzing the ablation threshold and morphologies of the irradiated surfaces of cemented carbide by varying the pulse duration and number of laser pulses. Specifically, we used pulse durations of 0.2, 2, and 10 ps and performed both gentle and strong ablations. For the same wavelength, laser pulse energy, and number of laser pulses, the lowest ablation threshold was 0.2 ps. When we performed a gentle ablation, we observed laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSSs) on the entire irradiated surface for all pulse durations. Thus, the pulse duration did not appear to affect the formation of LIPSSs. Strong ablation caused ridges to form at irradiated area outside. When the pulse duration increased, larger ridges were formed, whereas when the pulse duration decreased, coarser ridges were formed. The results obtained by using the ultrafast laser is expected to be helpful in the machining of cemented carbide.
Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Based on Vorticity: Application in a Two-Phase Slug Flow
Authors: Munir Shahzad , Siddiqui Muhammad Israr , Abdul Aziz Abdul Rashid bin , Heikal Morgan , Farooq Umer
Published: November 2021

Large-scale turbulent flow features in liquid (water) and gas (air) phases in the film region of two-phase slug flow are identified by using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of the vorticity fields. Linear combination of POD vorticity modes is used for the qualitative visualization of coherent structures. The vorticity fields are computed from the instantaneous two-dimensional velocity fields measured using a combined particle image velocimetry and laser-induced fluorescence technique (PIV-LIF). Vorticity modes are calculated and compared with the curl of POD velocity mode. POD analysis revealed the presence of dominant vortical structures embedded in both liquid and the gas phases. It is also observed that the gas phase revealed more eddies than the liquid phase. The proportion of enstrophy is higher in the gas phase as first POD vorticity mode contained 7.5% of the total enstrophy, while for the liquid phase; the first mode captured 6.8%. Linear combination of vorticity modes provided effective qualitative information of the coherent structures in both phases. POD-vorticity modes when compared with POD-velocity modes revealed few similarities among the pair of identified vortical structures. Based on the results, it is concluded that POD vorticity revealed hidden flow features of both phases of slug flow, which eventually provides in-depth and comprehensive description of this complex slug flow phenomenon.
Suppression of Cavitation Surge in Turbopump With Inducer by Reduced-Diameter Suction Pipe With Swirl Brake
Authors: Tanaka Yohei , Kitabata Takahiro , Nasu Koichi , Watanabe Satoshi , Sakata Akira
Published: November 2021

Downsizing and high power density of turbopumps is achieved by increasing their rotational speed. Cavitation often becomes a problem while the influence of cavitation will be generally relieved by employing an inducer before the impeller. For general-use turbopumps with an inducer, instability-free operation, as well as high suction performance is required in a wide flow rate range including extremely low flow rate. However, the cavitation surge phenomenon with low frequency and large amplitude is often to be a serious problem even with inducer when operated at very low flow rates. In this study, a reduced-diameter suction pipe (RSP) equipped with swirl brake (SB) was proposed for a suppression device of the inlet backflow as well as of the cavitation surge through removing the swirling velocity component. The effectiveness of this device was investigated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experiments. First, several geometries of RSP with SB were examined by CFD, and it was found that the extension of inlet backflow was stopped at this device provided that the swirl brake had a sufficient radial or axial length. Then, one of the proposed RSP with SB was manufactured, and the experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of this device was conducted. It seemed that RSP with SB could well prevent the extension of inlet backflow. The cavitation surge was completely suppressed even at extremely low flow rates. As a result, the suction performance was also improved at low flow rates.
Weber Equation Model of Flow Through a Variable-Permeability Porous Core Bounded by Fluid Layers
Authors: Abu Zaytoon M. S. , Hamdan M. H.
Published: November 2021

Flow-through and over a Brinkman porous layer of variable permeability, immersed in a fluid-filled channel, is modeled. The model governing equation through the porous layer inevitably gives rise to an inhomogeneous Weber's differential equation, solved in this work and solutions expressed in terms of parabolic cylindrical functions. Using state-of-the-art computational techniques and a body of knowledge, the parabolic cylindrical functions are evaluated for a range of flow and medium parameters in order to illustrate intrinsic characteristics of the flow quantities. The approach followed in this work is novel and sets precedent in the study of flow through general porous media configurations and flow domains with variable permeability.
Infrared reflection spectroscopy of adsorbed intermediates in real time during chemical vapor deposition of oxides
Authors: Zhang Zhejun V. , Girolami Gregory S. , Abelson John R.
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we develop multilayer optical theory to model the real-time (in operando) optical response of a growing dielectric film being deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), with a particular emphasis on understanding the deposition mechanism through direct detection of the adsorbates responsible for film growth by infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS). The model involves a four-layer stack consisting of a vacuum over a monolayer or submonolayer of molecules adsorbed on the surface of a dielectric thin film, which, in turn, is growing on a metal substrate. It is well known that, in IRRAS, the sensitivity of p-polarized light to absorption by the molecular adsorbates is a function of the incident angle of the IR beam: at high angles, the sensitivity is highest. We show that, for incident beam angles above 70° (which are typically used in IRRAS experiments), the sensitivity also depends on the thickness and refractive index of the insulating thin film; as a result, the sensitivity changes dynamically during the growth of the dielectric layer. Our analysis shows that, at incident beam angles of ∼60°–70°, the sensitivity to molecular adsorbates is somewhat lower, but is almost independent of the oxide thickness from 0 to 100 nm and also independent of the oxide refractive index from 1.0 to 2.5. Despite the loss of sensitivity relative to that achievable at higher incident beam angles, 1000 scans at an incident angle of 60° are sufficient to obtain IR spectra of the adsorbed molecules with reasonable signal-to-noise ratios even at submonolayer coverages. Because the sensitivity at this incident beam angle is not thickness dependent, it is not an issue (as it is at higher beam angles) that additional oxide grows during the time required to acquire 1000 scans. Experiments can be performed using a conventional vacuum deposition system, in which the internal beam path is tens of cm. We demonstrate the use of these smaller incident beam angles to study the mechanism of a CVD process in real time by polarization-modulation IRRAS, obtained by subtracting the s-polarized from the p-polarized infrared spectra in order to eliminate the unpolarized component due to molecules in the beam path and on windows. We explore the surface coverage of various adsorbed intermediates during CVD of HfO2 from tetrakis-(dimethylamido)-hafnium (TDMAH) and water in the presence of the consumable inhibitor magnesium N,N-dimethylamino-diboranate [Mg(DMADB)2]. We find that the addition of the Mg(DMADB)2 inhibitor causes a decrease in the IR absorption from the adsorbed TDMAH precursor that correlates with the observed decrease in the HfO2 growth rate; this result indicates that the mechanism of inhibition involves Mg(DMADB)2 acting as a dynamic site-blocker that lowers the surface coverage of TDMAH.
Sound pressure and particle motion components of the snaps produced by two snapping shrimp species (Alpheus heterochaelis and Alpheus angulosus)
Authors: Song Zhongchang , Salas Andria K. , Montie Eric W. , Laferriere Alison , Zhang Yu , Aran Mooney T.
Published: November 2021

Snapping shrimps are pervasive generators of underwater sound in temperate and tropical coastal seas across oceans of the world. Shrimp snaps can act as signals to conspecifics and provide acoustic information to other species and even to humans for habitat monitoring. Despite this, there are few controlled measurements of the acoustic parameters of these abundant acoustic stimuli. Here, the characteristics of snaps produced by 35 individuals of two species, Alpheus heterochaelis and Alpheus angulosus, are examined to evaluate the variability within and between the species. Animals were collected from the wild and the sound pressure and particle acceleration were measured at 0.2, 0.5, and 1 m from individual shrimp in controlled laboratory conditions to address the snap properties at communication-relevant distances. The source and sound exposure levels (at 1 m) were not significantly different between these two species. The frequency spectra were broadband with peak frequencies consistently below 10 kHz. The particle acceleration, the sound component likely detectable by shrimp, was measured across three axes. The directional amplitude variation suggests that the particle motion of snaps could act as a localization cue. The amplitudes of the snap pressure and acceleration decreased with distance, yet the levels remained sufficient for the predicted detection range by nearby conspecifics.
Integrator enforces the fidelity of transcriptional termination at protein-coding genes
Authors: Dasilva Lucas Ferreira , Blumenthal Ezra , Beckedorff Felipe , Cingaram Pradeep Reddy , Gomes Dos Santos Helena , Edupuganti Raghu Ram , Zhang Anda , Dokaneheifard Sadat , Aoi Yuki , Yue Jingyin , Kirstein Nina , Tayari Mina Masoumeh , Shilatifard Ali , Shiekhattar Ramin
Published: November 2021

Integrator directly binds and terminates protein-coding transcripts enriched in alternative polyadenylation sequences.
Virus self-assembly proceeds through contact-rich energy minima
Authors: Buzón Pedro , Maity Sourav , Christodoulis Panagiotis , Wiertsema Monique J. , Dunkelbarger Steven , Kim Christine , Wuite Gijs J.L. , Zlotnick Adam , Roos Wouter H.
Published: November 2021

Single-molecule fluorescence optical tweezers studies combined with high-speed AFM reveal early events in the HBV life cycle.
Lipid-induced DRAM recruits STOM to lysosomes and induces LMP to promote exosome release from hepatocytes in NAFLD
Authors: Zhang Jie , Tan Jie , Wang Mengke , Wang Yifen , Dong Mengzhen , Ma Xuefeng , Sun Baokai , Liu Shousheng , Zhao Zhenzhen , Chen Lizhen , Liu Kai , Xin Yongning , Zhuang Likun
Published: November 2021

DRAM-mediated mechanism participates in lipid-induced exosome secretion from hepatic cells in NAFLD.
Tectonic influence on Cenozoic mammal richness and sedimentation history of the Basin and Range, western North America
Authors: Loughney Katharine M. , Badgley Catherine , Bahadori Alireza , Holt William E. , Rasbury E. Troy
Published: November 2021

Sedimentary and mammalian fossil records of the Basin and Range show differing responses to landscape change.
Robotic end-to-end fusion of microtubules powered by kinesin
Authors: Saper Gadiel , Tsitkov Stanislav , Katira Parag , Hess Henry
Published: November 2021

A nanorobot induces a nonequilibrium state that accelerates end-to-end assembly of microtubules.
MEF2 is a key regulator of cognitive potential and confers resilience to neurodegeneration
Authors: Barker Scarlett J. , Raju Ravikiran M. , Milman Noah E.P. , Wang Jun , Davila-Velderrain Jose , Gunter-Rahman Fatima , Parro Cameron C. , Bozzelli P. Lorenzo , Abdurrob Fatema , Abdelaal Karim , Bennett David A. , Kellis Manolis , Tsai Li-Huei
Published: November 2021

Mef2 is induced after enrichment in mice, reduces disease-associated hyperexcitability, and is a feature of cognitive resilience in patients with AD.
Diversification of a Fucosyllactose Transporter within the Genus
Bifidobacterium
Authors: Ojima Miriam N. , Asao Yuya , Nakajima Aruto , Katoh Toshihiko , Kitaoka Motomitsu , Gotoh Aina , Hirose Junko , Urashima Tadasu , Fukiya Satoru , Yokota Atsushi , Abou Hachem Maher , Sakanaka Mikiyasu , Katayama Takane
Published: November 2021

The gut of breastfed infants is generally dominated by health-promoting bifidobacteria. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) from breast milk selectively promote the growth of specific taxa such as bifidobacteria, thus forming an HMO-mediated host-microbe symbiosis.
Loss of the Acetate Switch in Vibrio vulnificus Enhances Predation Defense against Tetrahymena pyriformis
Authors: Rasheedkhan Regina Viduthalai , Noorian Parisa , Sim Clarence Bo Wen , Constancias Florentin , Kaliyamoorthy Eganathan , Booth Sean C. , Espinoza-Vergara Gustavo , Rice Scott A. , McDougald Diane
Published: November 2021

Bacteria in the environment, including
Vibrio
spp., interact with protozoan predators. To defend against predation, bacteria evolve antipredator mechanisms ranging from changing morphology, biofilm formation, and secretion of toxins or virulence factors.
A Type IX Secretion System Substrate Involved in Crystalline Cellulose Degradation by Affecting Crucial Cellulose Binding Proteins in Cytophaga hutchinsonii
Authors: Gao Lijuan , Su Yaru , Song Wenxia , Zhang Weican , Qi Qingsheng , Lu Xuemei
Published: November 2021

The widespread aerobic cellulolytic bacterium
Cytophaga hutchinsonii
, belonging to the phylum
Bacteroidetes
, utilizes a novel mechanism to degrade crystalline cellulose. No genes encoding proteins specialized in loosening or disruption the crystalline structure of cellulose were identified in the genome of
C. hutchinsonii
, except for
chu_3220
and
chu_1557
.
Transporter Gene-Mediated Typing for Detection and Genome Mining of Lipopeptide-Producing Pseudomonas
Authors: Girard Léa , Geudens Niels , Pauwels Brent , Höfte Monica , Martins José C. , De Mot René
Published: November 2021

Pseudomonas
spp. are ubiquitous bacteria able to thrive in a wide range of ecological niches, and lipopeptides often support their lifestyle but also their interaction with other micro- and macro-organisms. Therefore, the production of lipopeptides is widespread among
Pseudomonas
strains.
Insights into the Degradation of Medium-Chain-Length Dicarboxylic Acids in Cupriavidus necator H16 Reveal β-Oxidation Differences between Dicarboxylic Acids and Fatty Acids
Authors: Strittmatter Carl Simon , Eggers Jessica , Biesgen Vanessa , Hengsbach Jan-Niklas , Sakatoku Akihiro , Albrecht Dirk , Riedel Katharina , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: November 2021

The biotechnologically interesting bacterium
Cupriavidus necator
H16 was thoroughly investigated. Fifteen years ago, it was sequenced entirely and annotated (A.
Clinical and Infection Prevention Applications of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Genotyping: an Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Society for Microbiology Consensus Review Document
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , Dien Bard Jennifer , Colgrove Robert C. , Graf Erin H. , Hanson Kimberly E. , Hayden Mary K. , Humphries Romney M. , Lowe Christopher F. , Miller Melissa B. , Pillai Dylan R. , Rhoads Daniel D. , Yao Joseph D. , Lee Francesca M.
Published: November 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged into a world of maturing pathogen genomics, with more than 2 million genomes sequenced at the time of writing. The rise of more transmissible variants of concern that impact vaccine and therapeutic effectiveness has led to widespread interest in SARS-CoV-2 evolution.
Internalization of HIV-1 by Phagocytes Is Increased When Virions Are Opsonized with Multimeric Antibody in the Presence of Complement
Authors: Gach Johannes S. , Matsuno Stephanie Y. , Mercado Mayalen , Hangartner Lars , Forthal Donald N.
Published: November 2021

Antibody-mediated internalization of HIV-1 by phagocytes, a potential mechanism for clearing virus, is very inefficient. In an effort to improve viral clearance, we produced a multimeric form of the broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody VRC01.
Variability in the Responses of Hepatitis B Virus D-Subgenotypes to Antiviral Therapy: Designing Pan-D-Subgenotypic Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Authors: Khatun Mousumi , Kumar Krishna , Baidya Ayana , Mondal Rajiv Kumar , Baszczyňski Ondřej , Kalčic Filip , Banerjee Soma , Dhali Gopal Krishna , Das Kausik , Chowdhury Abhijit , Janeba Zlatko , Chakrabarti Saikat , Datta Simanti
Published: November 2021

Current treatment of chronic hepatitis B relies heavily on nucleotide/nucleoside analogs in particular, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) to keep HBV replication under control and prevent end-stage liver diseases. However, it was unclear whether the therapeutic effects of TDF/ETV differ among patients infected with different HBV genotypes and subgenotypes.
Nasopharyngeal Expression of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 in Children within SARS-CoV-2-Infected Family Clusters
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Rubayet , Ahmad Muneera Naseer , Dargham Soha Roger , Zayed Hatem , Al Hashemi Alaa , Ngwabi Nonhlanhla , Perez Lopez Andres , Dobson Simon , Abu Raddad Laith Jamal , Tang Patrick
Published: November 2021

ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are well established in the literature as SARS-CoV-2 entry factors. Recent data suggest that lower levels of nasal ACE2 in children may be associated with their lower incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of the Zoonotic Enteric Protozoans
Cryptosporidium
spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and
Blastocystis
from Pallas’s Squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus) in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Masuda Aya , Wada Minami , Saho Haruka , Tokunaga Kako , Kikuchi Yuto , Yamasaki Fumiaki , Matsumoto Jun
Published: November 2021

Pallas’s squirrel is designated a “regulated organism” under the Invasive Alien Species Act in Japan, and municipal authorities are introducing control measures to reduce its populations. It has been suggested that wild mammals may play a role in contaminating the environment with zoonotic pathogens.
Characteristics of new adult users of mepolizumab with asthma in the USA
Authors: Wu Ann Chen , McMahon Pamela M , Welch Emily , McMahill-Walraven Cheryl N , Jamal-Allial Aziza , Gallagher Mia , Zhang Tancy , Draper Christine , Kline Anne Marie , Koerner Leslie , Brown Jeffrey S , Van Dyke Melissa K
Published: November 2021

Background

In the USA, over 25 million people have asthma; 5%–10% of cases are severe. Mepolizumab (Nucala) is an interleukin-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody; it was approved by the FDA in 2015 as add-on maintenance treatment of severe asthma for patients aged ≥12 years with an eosinophilic phenotype.

Objectives

(1) Describe baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of new US adult mepolizumab users 2015–2019, (2) describe asthma medication use in the 12 months preceding initiation of and concomitant with mepolizumab and (3) assess mepolizumab adherence, persistence and discontinuation patterns in 12 months postinitiation.

Methods

We conducted a new-user observational cohort study using data from Aetna, a CVS Health Company, HealthCore (Anthem), Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, and IBM MarketScan Research Databases. Curated administrative claims data in the FDA Sentinel System common data model format and publicly available Sentinel analytical tools were used to query the databases. We included adults who initiated mepolizumab in 2015–2019 with an asthma diagnosis in the preceding 12 months and no evidence of cystic fibrosis. We examined age, sex, comorbid conditions, asthma medication use and severe asthma exacerbations.

Results

We identified 3496 adults (mean age 54.2 years, SD 12.5 years) who initiated mepolizumab. In the 12 months before mepolizumab initiation, 22% had received inhaled corticosteroids, 46% had inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta agonists, 72.6% had leukotriene antagonists, 38% had long-acting muscarinic antagonist, 18% had omalizumab,<1% had reslizumab, dupilumab or benralizumab. In the previous 12 months, 70% had a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, 32% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 17% eosinophilia and 3% eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Further, 56% had an asthma-related ambulatory visit, 73%≥1 course of oral corticosteroids lasting 3–27 days, 10% an asthma-related emergency department visit and 22% an asthma-related hospitalisation. In the 12 months following initiation, the mean proportion of days covered was 70%, and reductions in the average mean dispensings of rescue oral corticosteriods (35%) and omalizumab (61%) were observed.

Conclusions

Adults with asthma treated with mepolizumab had varying levels of healthcare utilisation and we observed evidence of mepolizumab use in patients without severe asthma.
Early lowering of blood pressure after acute intracerebral haemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data
Authors: Moullaali Tom J , Wang Xia , Sandset Else Charlotte , Woodhouse Lisa J , Law Zhe Kang , Arima Hisatomi , Butcher Kenneth S , Chalmers John , Delcourt Candice , Edwards Leon , Gupta Salil , Jiang Wen , Koch Sebastian , Potter John , Qureshi Adnan I , Robinson Thompson G , Al-Shahi Salman Rustam , Saver Jeffrey L , Sprigg Nikola , Wardlaw Joanna M , Anderson Craig S , Bath Philip M
Published: November 2021

Objective

To summarise evidence of the effects of blood pressure (BP)-lowering interventions after acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

A prespecified systematic review of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception to 23 June 2020 to identify randomised controlled trials that compared active BP-lowering agents versus placebo or intensive versus guideline BP-lowering targets for adults <7 days after ICH onset. The primary outcome was function (distribution of scores on the modified Rankin scale) 90 days after randomisation. Radiological outcomes were absolute (>6 mL) and proportional (>33%) haematoma growth at 24 hours. Meta-analysis used a one-stage approach, adjusted using generalised linear mixed models with prespecified covariables and trial as a random effect.

Results

Of 7094 studies identified, 50 trials involving 11 494 patients were eligible and 16 (32.0%) shared patient-level data from 6221 (54.1%) patients (mean age 64.2 [SD 12.9], 2266 [36.4%] females) with a median time from symptom onset to randomisation of 3.8 hours (IQR 2.6–5.3). Active/intensive BP-lowering interventions had no effect on the primary outcome compared with placebo/guideline treatment (adjusted OR for unfavourable shift in modified Rankin scale scores: 0.97, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.06; p=0.50), but there was significant heterogeneity by strategy (pinteraction=0.031) and agent (pinteraction<0.0001). Active/intensive BP-lowering interventions clearly reduced absolute (>6 ml, adjusted OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.60 to 0.92; p=0.0077) and relative (≥33%, adjusted OR 0.82, 95%CI 0.68 to 0.99; p=0.034) haematoma growth.

Interpretation

Overall, a broad range of interventions to lower BP within 7 days of ICH onset had no overall benefit on functional recovery, despite reducing bleeding. The treatment effect appeared to vary according to strategy and agent.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019141136.
Systemic biomarkers of exposure associated with ENDS use: a scoping review
Authors: Hiler Marzena , Weidner Anna-Sophie , Hull Lynn C , Kurti Allison N , Mishina Elena V
Published: November 2021

Objective

This scoping review provides an overview of the existing literature on biomarkers of exposure from electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use and identifies gaps in existing knowledge.

Data sources

We searched two international databases (PubMed and Web of Science) to identify relevant studies published from August 2013 to February 2021.

Data selection

Studies were included if they assessed and compared biomarkers of exposure between exclusive ENDS users, non-users, exclusive cigarette smokers, dual users of ENDS and cigarettes or cigarette smokers who switch to ENDS.

Data extraction and synthesis

Of the 5074 studies identified, 188 studies met criteria and were selected for full-text screening. Of these, 27 studies were selected for inclusion and data extraction.

Conclusions

Consistent, although limited, evidence shows that exclusive ENDS users have elevated levels of biomarkers of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs; eg, acrylamide and acrylonitrile), metals (eg, cadmium and selenium) and propylene glycol compared with non-users; however, evidence for biomarkers of other toxicants (eg, acrolein, benzene and chromium) is mixed. Biomarkers of most VOCs are lower in ENDS users compared with cigarette smokers, and cigarette smokers who switch to ENDS consistently show reductions in VOC biomarkers. Evidence comparing metal exposures from exclusive ENDS use, cigarette smoking and dual use is mixed and depends on the metal. ENDS and e-liquid characteristics as well as use patterns may be associated with elevated exposure to VOCs and metals. Additional rigorous, controlled studies can assess biomarker exposures from ENDS use and inform the overall risk–benefit of ENDS use for different user populations.
Ontology-Driven Approach for Liver MRI Classification and HCC Detection
Authors: Messaoudi Rim , Jaziri Faouzi , Mtibaa Achraf , Gargouri Faïez , Vacavant Antoine
Published: November 2021

Reading and interpreting the medical image still remains the most challenging task in radiology. Through the important achievement of deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) in the context of medical image classification, various clinical applications have been provided to detect lesions from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans. In the diagnosis process for the liver cancer from Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), radiologists consider three phases during contrast injection: before injection, arterial phase, and portal phase for instance. Even if the contrast agent helps in enhancing the tumoral tissues, the diagnosis may be very difficult due to the possible low contrast and pathological tissues surrounding the tumors (cirrhosis). Alongside, in the medical field, ontologies have proven their effectiveness to solve several clinical problems such as offering shareable terminologies, vocabularies, and databases. In this article, we propose a multi-label CNN classification approach based on a parallel preprocessing algorithm. This algorithm is an extension of our previous work cited in the International Conference on Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence (ICPRAI) 2020. The aim of our approach is to ameliorate the detection of HCC lesions and to extract more information about the detected tumor such as the stage, the localization, the size, and the type thanks to the use of ontologies. Moreover, the integration of such information has improved the detection process. In fact, experiments conducted by testing with real patient cases have shown that the proposed approach reached an accuracy of 93% using MRI patches of [Formula: see text] pixels, which is an improvement compared with our previous works.
Optimization of Interval Type-2 Intuitionistic Fuzzy Logic System for Prediction Problems
Authors: Eyoh Imo , Eyoh Jeremiah , Umoh Uduak , Kalawsky Roy
Published: November 2021

Derivative-based algorithms have been adopted in the literature for the optimization of membership and non-membership function parameters of interval type-2 (T2) intuitionistic fuzzy logic systems (FLSs). In this study, a non-derivative-based algorithm called sliding mode control learning algorithm is proposed to tune the parameters of interval T2 intuitionistic FLS for the first time. The proposed rule-based learning system employs the Takagi–Sugeno–Kang inference with artificial neural network to pilot the learning process. The new learning system is evaluated using some nonlinear prediction problems. Analyses of results reveal that the proposed learning apparatus outperforms its type-1 version and many existing solutions in the literature and competes favorably with others on the investigated problem instances with low cost in terms of running time.
Human Emotion Recognition using Polar-Based Lagged Poincare Plot Indices of Eye-Blinking Data
Authors: Goshvarpour Atefeh , Goshvarpour Ateke
Published: November 2021

Emotion recognition using bio-signals is currently a hot and challenging topic in human–computer interferences, robotics, and affective computing. A broad range of literature has been published by analyzing the internal/external behaviors of the subjects in confronting emotional events/stimuli. Eye movements, as an external behavior, are frequently used in the multi-modal emotion recognition system. On the other hand, classic statistical features of the signal have generally been assessed, and the evaluation of its dynamics has been neglected so far. For the first time, the dynamics of single-modal eye-blinking data are characterized. Novel polar-based indices of the lagged Poincare plots were introduced. The optimum lag was estimated using mutual information. After reconstruction of the plot, the polar measures of all points were characterized using statistical measures. The support vector machine (SVM), decision tree, and Naïve Bayes were implemented to complete the process of classification. The highest accuracy of 100% with an average accuracy of 84.17% was achieved for fear/sad discrimination using SVM. The suggested framework provided outstanding performances in terms of recognition rates, simplicity of the methodology, and less computational cost. Our results also showed that eye-blinking data possesses the potential for emotion recognition, especially in classifying fear emotion.
Kintsugi Imaging of Battery Electrodes: Unambiguously Distinguishing Pores from the Carbon Binder Domain using Pt Deposition
Authors: Cooper Samuel John , Roberts Scott Alan , Liu Zhao , Winiarski Bartłomiej
Published: November 2021

The mesostructure of porous electrodes used in lithium-ion batteries strongly influences cell performance. Accurate imaging of the distribution of phases in these electrodes would allow this relationship to be better understood through simulation. However, imaging the nanoscale features in these components is challenging. While scanning electron microscopy is able to achieve the required resolution, it has well established difficulties imaging porous media. This is because the flat imaging planes prepared using focused ion beam milling will intersect with the pores, which makes the images hard to interpret as the inside walls of the pores are observed. It is common to infiltrate porous media with resin prior to imaging to help resolve this issue, but both the nanoscale porosity and the chemical similarity of the resins to the battery materials undermine the utility of this approach for most electrodes. In this study, a technique is demonstrated which uses in situ infiltration of platinum to fill the pores and thus enhance their contrast during imaging. Reminiscent of the Japanese art of repairing cracked ceramics with precious metals, this technique is referred to as the kintsugi method. The images resulting from applying this technique to a conventional porous cathode are presented and then segmented using a multi-channel convolutional method. We show that while some cracks in active material particles were empty, others appear to be filled (perhaps with the carbon binder phase), which will have implications for the rate performance of the cell. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to validate the distribution of phases resulting from image analysis, which also suggested a graded distribution of the binder relative to the carbon additive. The equipment required to use the kintsugi method is commonly available in major research facilities and so we hope that this method will be rapidly adopted to improve the imaging of electrode materials and porous media in general.
Motor Imagery-Based Brain-Computer Interface Combined with Multimodal Feedback to Promote Upper Limb Motor Function after Stroke: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Hu Yi-Qian , Gao Tian-Hao , Li Jie , Tao Jia-Chao , Bai Yu-Long , Lu Rong-Rong
Published: November 2021

Background. Recently, the brain-computer interface (BCI) has seen rapid development, which may promote the recovery of motor function in chronic stroke patients. Methods. Twelve stroke patients with severe upper limb and hand motor impairment were enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups: motor imagery (MI)-based BCI training with multimodal feedback (BCI group, n = 7) and classical motor imagery training (control group, n = 5). Motor function and electrophysiology were evaluated before and after the intervention. The Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE) is the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures include an increase in wrist active extension or surface electromyography (the amplitude and cocontraction of extensor carpi radialis during movement), the action research arm test (ARAT), the motor status scale (MSS), and Barthel index (BI). Time-frequency analysis and power spectral analysis were used to reflect the electroencephalogram (EEG) change before and after the intervention. Results. Compared with the baseline, the FMA-UE score increased significantly in the BCI group (

p

 = 0.006). MSS scores improved significantly in both groups, while ARAT did not improve significantly. In addition, before the intervention, all patients could not actively extend their wrists or just had muscle contractions. After the intervention, four patients regained the ability to extend their paretic wrists (two in each group). The amplitude and area under the curve of extensor carpi radialis improved to some extent, but there was no statistical significance between the groups. Conclusion. MI-based BCI combined with sensory and visual feedback might improve severe upper limb and hand impairment in chronic stroke patients, showing the potential for application in rehabilitation medicine.
Weak Hopf Algebra and Its Quiver Representation
Authors: Naseer Khan Muhammad , Munir Ahmed , Arshad Muhammad , Alsanad Ahmed , Al-Hadhrami Suheer
Published: November 2021

This study induced a weak Hopf algebra from the path coalgebra of a weak Hopf quiver. Moreover, it gave a quiver representation of the said algebra which gives rise to the various structures of the so-called weak Hopf algebra through the quiver. Furthermore, it also showed the canonical representation for each weak Hopf quiver. It was further observed that a Cayley digraph of a Clifford monoid can be embedded in its corresponding weak Hopf quiver of a Clifford monoid. This lead to the development of the foundation structures of weak Hopf algebra. Such quiver representation is useful for the classification of its path coalgebra. Additionally, some structures of module theory of algebra were also given. Such algebras can also be applied for obtaining the solutions of “quantum Yang–Baxter equation” that has many applications in the dynamical systems for finding interesting results.
Investigating the Effectiveness of Using a Situated Simulation-Based Program to Improve Occupational Therapy Students’ Interactions and Observation Skills with Children
Authors: Hung Chia-Hui , Ho Tzu-Hua , Lin Chen-Yung
Published: November 2021

Purpose. Interaction and observation are critical skills for occupational therapists who work with pediatric clients. The objective of this study was to investigate whether using standardized child patients within a situated simulation-based (SSB) program increases students’ knowledge and clinical skills when working with children in occupational therapy. Materials and Methods. This controlled trial with multiple measures recruited students from the pediatric occupational therapy curriculum enrolled in an SSB program in consecutive academic years (

n
=
62

). Experimental group students participated in a simulation experience with video training sessions, followed by an SSB exam with standardized child patients; the control group performed the video training simultaneously. Quantitative outcomes included quizzes to measure clinical knowledge, video training scores, and a situated simulation exam to assess clinical skills. Results. The experimental group had a significantly higher postwritten quiz scores than the control group; the video training scores were not significantly different between groups. Linear regression analysis showed a significant association between the SSB exam and postwritten quiz scores (

β
=
0.487

,

p
=
0.017

). The experimental group had a total pass rate of 65.6% for the SSB exam. The communication and interaction pass rate was 53.1%; the basic evaluation rate was 68.8%, implying that communication/interaction skills are hard to simulate from video training alone; therefore, the authentic fidelity of the SSB program needs to improve further to enhance learning. Conclusions. The SSB program with standardized child patients improved students’ clinical knowledge and skills more than lectures and practice alone. Using standardized child patients in programs or exams appears to positively influence students’ performance. Situated simulation-based learning that allows the realistic practice of observation and communication skills may enhance students’ clinical competency. Future research should develop standard training methods and evaluation processes in high-fidelity simulations for generalized use in other occupational therapy programs.
Study on a Novel Water-Soluble Hydrophobically Associating Polymer as an Enhanced Heavy Oil Recovery Agent
Authors: Qiao Dongyu , Ye Zhongbin , Wang Xindong , Zheng Yiping , Tang Lei , Lai Nanjun
Published: November 2021

In this study, emulsion-free radical reaction was applied to synthesize a novel sulfomethylating hydrophobically associating copolymer (HPDS) by using acrylamide, acrylic acid, NaHSO3, HCHO, and a laboratory-made N,N-divinylnonadeca-1,10-dien-2-amine to enhance heavy-oil recovery. The structure and properties of HPDS were characterized by a range of experiments, which showed that HPDS had better stability and enhanced heavy-oil recovery capacity than hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM). One-dimensional flooding experiments illustrated that HPDS performed better in establishing resistance factor (RF) and residual RF (RRF), and approximately 19.8% oil recovery could be enhanced by injecting 1500 mg/L of HPDS solution compared with that of HPAM at only 14.1%. HPDS has a promising application prospect in enhancing heavy-oil recovery.