bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Bioreactor Geometry on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Production in Stirred‐Tank Bioreactors
Authors: Petry Florian , Salzig Denise
Published: August 2021

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are manufactured as cell therapy products. This requires a tightly controlled and fully understood production process, usually taking place in a stirred‐tank bioreactor. In this review, the impact of bioreactor geometry as well as equipment‐related parameters is discussed. We provide a theoretical background for the engineering of hMSC spheroids with a defined size and evaluate the process parameters needed for the microcarrier‐based expansion of hMSCs. Finally, and based on experimental data, ideal bioreactor setups for each type of process are recommended.
A new approach for node centrality evaluation based on residual network performance measurement
Authors: Chen Bin , Wu Jianping
Published: August 2021

The identification of the most influential nodes has been a vibrant subject in complex network research, with many applications across informational, social or biological networks. Despite substantial empirical studies, there is still some defect in the traditional approach for evaluating nodes centralities. The traditional approach for evaluating nodes centralities is to measure network performance change before and after a node fails. To be compatible with this approach, network performance measurement indexes should be monotonic and adequate, which is a constraint condition too strong to satisfy. As a result, many indexes were actually abused in some topologies of networks and the ranking result of nodes centralities may be unreasonable in some application scenarios. To solve the problem, the fundamental rationale of this approach is studied as well as its theoretical defect. Then, a new approach is proposed for evaluating node centrality based on measurement of residual network performance after a node fails. Furthermore, a new index called comprehensive distance is presented for measuring network interconnectedness whether cascading failure is considered or not, which is suitable for not only connected networks but also unconnected networks. Finally, some cases are used to test the validity of the proposed approach. By comparison, the ranking results of nodes centralities evaluated by the proposed approach are more accurate than the results evaluated by the traditional approach. The study about how to measure performance of residual network not only advances the field in terms of node centrality evaluation but also promotes the state of the art in recent related fields such as neural network research and application.
Testing the effects of incorporating TOPMODEL into the SSiB4/TRIFFID model and simulation of the response of vegetation dynamics and surface water cycle to climate changes in a subalpine basin of southwestern China
Authors: Deng Huiping , Dan Li , Xiao Yan , Wang Qian
Published: August 2021

To investigate the response of vegetation dynamics and surface water budget to climate change on a basin scale, the biophysical/dynamic vegetation model SSiB4/TRIFFID was coupled with TOPMODEL (hereinafter referred to as SSiB4T/TRIFFID). The effects of the integration on hydrological simulations were examined and long‐term dynamic simulations of vegetation succession and the water–carbon balance were performed under different climate scenarios for a subalpine basin of southwestern China using SSiB4T/TRIFFID. The coupled model SSiB4T/TRIFFID produces higher soil wetness and evapotranspiration, lower total run‐off and more realistic partitioning of discharges between surface run‐off and base flow. All long‐term simulations for the subalpine basin show that the fraction of vegetation changes from a dominance of C3 grasses to tundra shrubs and then to forests. Annual evapotranspiration in the control run is 388.5 mm year−1 (dominance of C3 grasses), 445.3 mm year−1 (dominance of tundra shrubs) and 388.1 mm year−1 (dominance of forests). Under an increase in temperature by 5°C and in precipitation by 40%, the evapotranspiration of forests is the highest among the three vegetation types. In the humid region, Forest evapotranspiration increases the most with increases in temperature, which results in the role of forests in increasing run‐off changing to having no significant effect on run‐off, and then to reducing run‐off. In regions with water limitation, forest evapotranspiration increases the most as precipitation increases. The effect of forests in reducing run‐off increases with increased precipitation. The spatial variation in the climate exerts an important impact on spatial changes in forest–run‐off relationships.
Pd‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Transthiolation of Ar‐OTf Using Methyl 3‐(Methylthio) Propanoate as a Thiol Surrogate
Authors: Pan Dandan , Xu Shasha , Tian Qingqiang , Li Yahui
Published: August 2021

A method for the odorless synthesis of unsymmetrical sulfides via Csp2−O and Csp3−S bond activation is presented. Using methyl 3‐(methylthio) propanoate as a MeSH surrogate, a series of substituted aryl methyl sulfides have been obtained in moderate to good yields. This catalytic protocol can also tolerate methyl 3‐(methylthio)propionate derivatives to afford the corresponding aryl sulfides.
“Haliranium Ion”‐Induced Intermolecular Friedel‐Crafts Alkylation in HFIP: Synthesis of β,β‐Diaryl α‐Halo carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Bhattacharya Aditya , mani Shukla Pushpendra , Maji Biswajit
Published: August 2021

Here reports a highly regio‐ and diastereoselective haliranium ion‐induced intermolecular Friedel‐Crafts reaction of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds in HFIP. The operationally simple and mild method affords the synthetically useful β,β‐diarylated α‐halo carbonyl compounds in good yields after a very short reaction time. As an application, a few examples of β,β‐diarylated olefins are prepared in excellent yields. Based on the experimental results and a qualitative study of 1D‐NMR‐experiments, a plausible reaction mechanism is proposed.
A detailed solution framework for the out‐of‐plane displacement of circular dielectric elastomer actuators
Authors: Korn Daniel , Farmer Carson , Medina Hector
Published: August 2021

The out‐of‐plane displacement (OPD) of a circular dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) membrane has been explored in recent years for a variety of important applications. Circular DEAs consist of an elastomer membrane that is prestretched to a rigid frame and coated with compliant electrodes. Such a simple configuration has found many interesting applications such as in pumps, pulse tracking, hopping search and rescue robots, dielectric elastomer generators for renewable energy harvesting, linear actuators, and many others. Here, we present an easy‐to‐implement solution framework of the OPD for circular DEAs via a detailed numerical solution using the shooting method (SM) on a system of differential algebraic equations (DAE). The material model incorporated follows the robust Gent hyperelastic representation, and a comparison (of the OPD of a single‐cone DEA) against a neo‐Hookean based solution is included. The SM‐based numerical solution to the resulting boundary value DAE problem is applied to a practical range of values based on the reported literature. Analysis of the results and comparison against other studies are provided. The current work provides a go‐to framework for implementation in further research and development that can be useful to a broader audience including nonexperts in the field of soft robotics.
Structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of AB5 hydrogen storage alloy by mechanical alloying
Authors: Dabaki Youssef , Khaldi Chokri , ElKedim Omar , Fenineche Nouredine , Lamloumi Jilani
Published: August 2021

Mechanical alloying (MA) is one of the most promising methods in the development of intermetallic alloys and their scientific research. In this paper, elemental powder mixtures of Ca, Ni, and Mn of nominal composition CaNi5‐xMnx (with x = 0.3, 0.5, and 1) were elaborated by MA technique during different milling times (2–60 h). Structural, morphological, and electrochemical changes were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and Ec‐Lab galvanostat, respectively. The XRD test indicated that each alloy has Ni and CaNi3 or CaNi5 phases. In addition, the particle size of the ground powders is decreased with increasing milling time. Furthermore, all alloys have a very high activation capacity, whereby the activation capacity can be fully realized during the first cycle. The results showed that the most significant value of discharge capacity for all alloys was 40 h.
Catalytic pyrolysis of crofton weed: Comparison of their pyrolysis product and preliminary economic analysis
Authors: Lin Jin , Cheng Song
Published: August 2021

Pyrolysis of crofton weed with or without catalyst is investigated in a microwave furnace to determine the effect of ZnO and Na2CO3 catalyst on the yields and properties of pyrolysis products. The ZnO and Na2CO3 are found to increase the yield of bio‐oil and decrease the content of carboxylic acid in bio‐oil. The result shows that catalytic pyrolysis can improve the quality of bio‐oil. The bio‐gas produced from catalytic pyrolysis has larger content of CO and less CO2 as compared to non‐catalytic pyrolysis, particularly for ZnO catalyst pyrolysis process. ZnO and Na2CO3 improve the pore structure of bio‐char in the catalytic pyrolysis process. Bio‐char produced from ZnO catalytic pyrolysis could be used as photocatalyst to degrade dye wastewater. Besides, catalytic pyrolysis system is profitable, based on preliminary economic analysis. Our findings provide a successful example of crofton weed converting into three useful pyrolysis product, which is worthy of further study.
Experimental study of the seismic response of a structure set amongst closely adjacent structures
Authors: Barrios Gonzalo , Larkin Tam , Chouw Nawawi
Published: August 2021

The influence of soil on the dynamic response of soil‐structure systems is usually studied on a stand‐alone (SA) structure, even though closely adjacent structures form the vast majority of the population, especially in large cities. When structures are closely adjacent to each other, the wavefield in the soil, generated by the vibration of the footings, produces a complex interaction between them. Scant attention, especially by physical experiments, has been paid to this interaction. This work addresses the seismic response of a single degree‐of‐freedom structure (structure of focus) considering the influence of one and two closely adjacent neighbours. Experiments were performed using a large laminar box filled with sand sitting on a shake table. Results from utilising four recorded ground motions from the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence are analysed. The effect of adjacent structures on the acceleration and displacement of the top mass of each structure, as well as the uplift of the footings, are discussed. Changes in the fundamental frequency due to the presence of neighbouring structures are identified. The use of the SA system, without consideration of closely adjacent structures, may result in a significant error in the estimation of the response of the structure of focus. In general, acceleration, lateral displacement and uplift reduced in comparison with that of the corresponding SA case. A footing settlement mechanism, resulting from uplift of the system that reflects the influence of adjacent structures, is also revealed.
Interstory drift based scaling of earthquake ground motions
Authors: Eren Numan , Sucuoğlu Halûk , Pinho Rui
Published: August 2021

A novel amplitude scaling procedure is proposed in this study where the ground motion scaling factors are defined as the ratio of interstory drift distributions under target spectrum versus under the associated ground motion spectrum. The advantage of employing interstory drift ratio in ground motion scaling, compared to employing spectral intensity directly, is that it provides a strong theoretical link between the target spectrum intensity and the fundamental dynamic characteristics of the structure. Hence, scaling is conditioned on structural response, which is in turn a function of seismic intensity. The interstory drift‐based scaling procedure (IDS) is presented herein for planar frames for brevity. Accuracy and efficiency of the IDS procedure is assessed under a set of near fault strong motions from large magnitude events. The results revealed that the proposed procedure is accurate since the resulting bias in estimating linear elastic interstory drifts is negligibly small. Further, it is noticeably more effective as compared to the conventional procedures suggested in recent seismic codes, yet it is simpler.
A method to improve the determination of ignition probability in buildings based on Bayesian network
Authors: Hu Jun , Shu Xueming , Shen Shifei , Yan Jun , Tian Fengshi , He Sheng , Ni Xiaoyong
Published: August 2021

The traditional research of building fire probability analysis is from statistics or fire science. This paper combines the two methods and aims to improve the statistical method of building ignition probability determination according to the research conclusion of fire science. The specific factors that affect the ignition probability are divided into three aspects: humans, ignition sources and combustibles and environments. On this basis, the Bayesian network of building ignition probability is constructed, the nodes and conditional probability table in the Bayesian network are introduced in detail, according to which the ignition probability of building can be calculated quantitatively and objectively. Then some typical buildings are chosen as examples for the application of the method, the posterior probability value is calculated by obtaining the relevant building information and substituting them into the Bayesian network. The ignition probability is dynamic, and the comparison with the statistical data of building fire also proves its rationality.
Human immunodeficiency virus‐related decreases in corpus callosal integrity and corresponding increases in functional connectivity
Authors: Hall Shana A. , Bell Ryan P. , Davis Simon W. , Towe Sheri L. , Ikner Taylor P. , Meade Christina S.
Published: August 2021

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) often have neurocognitive impairment. However, findings on HIV‐related differences in brain network function underlying these impairments are inconsistent. One principle frequently absent from these reports is that brain function is largely emergent from brain structure. PLWH commonly have degraded white matter; we hypothesized that functional communities connected by degraded white matter tracts would show abnormal functional connectivity. We measured white matter integrity in 69 PLWH and 67 controls using fractional anisotropy (FA) in 24 intracerebral white matter tracts. Then, among tracts with degraded FA, we identified gray matter regions connected to these tracts and measured their functional connectivity during rest. Finally, we identified cognitive impairment related to these structural and functional connectivity systems. We found HIV‐related decreased FA in the corpus callosum body (CCb), which coordinates activity between the left and right hemispheres, and corresponding increases in functional connectivity. Finally, we found that individuals with impaired cognitive functioning have lower CCb FA and higher CCb functional connectivity. This result clarifies the functional relevance of the corpus callosum in HIV and provides a framework in which abnormal brain function can be understood in the context of abnormal brain structure, which may both contribute to cognitive impairment.
The USDA‐Agricultural Research Service's long term agro‐ecosystems Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed, Arizona, USA
Authors: Goodrich David C. , Heilman Philip , Nearing Mark , Nichols Mary , Scott Russ L. , Williams C. Jason , Biederman Joel
Published: August 2021

The Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (WGEW) is one of the premier semiarid research watersheds in the world. This data note provides background and an overview of the watershed, data collected on the watershed, and citations and links to detailed descriptions of the instruments methods to make the observations. The long title of the dataset is: USDA‐ARS WGEW Database curated by the USDA‐Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Southwest Watershed Research Center.
Symmetry and Chirality: Where Physics Shakes Hands with Chemistry and Biology
Authors: Barron Laurence D.
Published: August 2021

In reflecting the author's personal perspective, this review demonstrates how chirality is a unifying theme in modern science. Using the discrete symmetries of parity P, time reversal T and charge conjugation C to characterize chiral systems, the concepts of true and false chirality that emerge provide an extension of Lord Kelvin's definition to dynamic situations This clarifies the nature of physical influences able to induce absolute enantioselection, emphasizing the distinct behaviour of processes under thermodynamic and kinetic control. Parity violation and CP violation are suggested to be manifestations of true and false cosmic chirality, respectively, with possible roles in abiotic enantioselection. Truly chiral systems support time‐even pseudoscalar observables which endows chiroptical spectroscopies with a special sensitivity to absolute stereochemistry, exemplified by the application of vibrational Raman optical activity to small chiral organic molecules and intact viruses.
t(6; 11) renal cell carcinoma. A case report successfully diagnosed by using fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Nishizawa Hidekazu , Baba Masaya , Furuya Mitsuko , Kato Ikuma , Kurahashi Ryoma , Honda Yumi , Mikami Yoshiki , Nagashima Yoji , Eto Masatoshi , Kamba Tomomi
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Definitive diagnosis of translocation renal cell carcinoma is challenging. We herein experienced a case of translocation(6;11) renal cell carcinoma, successfully diagnosed by using fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Case presentation

During the follow‐up of a 21‐year‐old man with Crohn's disease, computed tomography revealed a 40‐mm mass in the right kidney. Since imaging could not exclude malignancy, needle biopsy was performed. The histological diagnosis from the biopsy specimen was renal cell carcinoma, but histological typing had not been done adequately. A laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was then performed. Transcription factor EB immunoreactivity was positive, transcription factor EB rearrangement was shown by break apart and fusion fluorescence in situ hybridization. As a result, a definitive diagnosis of t(6; 11) renal cell carcinoma was made. There has been no recurrence for 5 years.

Conclusion

Transcription factor EB immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization are useful diagnostic tools for renal tumors of young generation.
Recurrent hemorrhagic shock from hemorrhagic cystitis due to neurogenic bladder
Authors: Isobe Teruki , Matsui Kenji , Ishioka Kunihiro , Mochida Yasuhiro , Moriya Hidekazu , Hidaka Sumi , Ohtake Takayasu , Etani Toshiki , Yasui Takahiro , Kobayashi Shuzo
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Hemorrhagic cystitis is characterized by gross hematuria, with hemorrhagic shock a rare complication. However, to our knowledge, its exact frequency has not been reported.

Case presentation

We report a case of an 86‐year‐old woman who showed repeated hemorrhagic cystitis with massive bleeding and hemorrhagic shock. The hemorrhagic cystitis was supposedly caused by the administration of aspirin and a neurogenic bladder. A urethral catheter was indwelled and hemorrhagic cystitis subsequently ceased.

Conclusion

A review of patients with hemorrhagic cystitis at our hospital showed that only 3.3% experienced hemorrhagic shock. This case was even rarer because the patient experienced recurrent hemorrhagic shocks. A neurogenic bladder, which reduces the bladder’s ability to function as a uroepithelial barrier against recurrent bacterial infections, caused the condition in this case. This report highlights how hemorrhagic cystitis can sometimes cause hemorrhagic shock.
Electrode materials for brain–machine interface: A review
Authors: Wu Nan , Wan Shu , Su Shi , Huang Haizhou , Dou Guangbin , Sun Litao
Published: August 2021

Brain–machine interface (BMI) is a device that translates neuronal information into commands, which is capable of controlling external software or hardware, such as a computer or robotic arm. In consequence, the electrodes with desirable electrical and mechanical properties for direct interacting between neural tissues and machines serves as the crucial and critical part of BMI technology. Nowadays, the development of material science provides many advanced electrodes for neural stimulating and recording. Particularly, the widespread applications of nanotechnologies have innovatively introduced biocompatible electrode that can have similar characteristics with neural tissue. This paper reviews the existing problems and discusses the latest development of electrode materials for BMI, including conducting polymers, silicon, carbon nanowires, graphene, and hybrid organic–inorganic nanomaterials. In addition, we will inspect at the technical and scientific challenges in the development of neural electrode for a broad application of BMI with focus on the biocompatibility, mechanical mismatch, and electrical performance of electrode materials.

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Comparative study of deep neural networks with unsupervised Noise2Noise strategy for noise reduction of optical coherence tomography images
Authors: Qiu Bin , Zeng Shuang , Meng Xiangxi , Jiang Zhe , You Yunfei , Geng Mufeng , Li Ziyuan , Hu Yicheng , Huang Zhiyu , Zhou Chuanqing , Ren Qiushi , Lu Yanye
Published: August 2021

As a powerful diagnostic tool, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been widely used in various clinical setting. However, OCT images are susceptible to inherent speckle noise that may contaminate subtle structure information, due to low‐coherence interferometric imaging procedure. Many supervised learning‐based models have achieved impressive performance in reducing speckle noise of OCT images trained with a large number of noisy‐clean paired OCT images, which are not commonly feasible in clinical practice. In this article, we conducted a comparative study to investigate the denoising performance of OCT images over different deep neural networks through an unsupervised Noise2Noise (N2N) strategy, which only trained with noisy OCT samples. Four representative network architectures including U‐shaped model, multi‐information stream model, straight‐information stream model and GAN‐based model were investigated on an OCT image dataset acquired from healthy human eyes. The results demonstrated all four unsupervised N2N models offered denoised OCT images with a performance comparable with that of supervised learning models, illustrating the effectiveness of unsupervised N2N models in denoising OCT images. Furthermore, U‐shaped models and GAN‐based models using UNet network as generator are two preferred and suitable architectures for reducing speckle noise of OCT images and preserving fine structure information of retinal layers under unsupervised N2N circumstances.
Propofol protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury via regulating MALAT1/miR‐206/ATG3 axis
Authors: Jing Haijuan , Wang Chuan , Zhao Liang , Cheng Jing , Qin Pengyu , Lin Hongqi
Published: August 2021

Previous studies have shown that propofol (PPF) plays a protective role in ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) in multiple organs and tissues. This study was aimed to explore the mechanism of PPF in ameliorating myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury (MIRI). MIRI model was established with Sprague–Dawley rats, and PPF pretreatment was performed before reperfusion. Creatine kinase isoform (CK‐MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and hematoxylin and eosin stain were used to evaluate the severity of MIRI. H9c2 cells were treated with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) to simulate I/R injury in vitro. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to assess MALAT1 and microRNA (miR)−206 expressions. Autophagy‐related 3 (ATG3), LC3BⅡ/LC3BⅠ, and Beclin‐1 expression were examined by western blot. Apoptosis was monitored using flow cytometry. Interaction between MALAT1 and miR‐206 was determined by bioinformatics analysis, dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay, RIP assay, and RNA pull‐down assay. PPF pretreatment remarkably reduced CK‐MB level, LDH level, myocardial infarct size, and LC3BⅡ/LC3BⅠ ratio and Beclin‐1 expression in the rats with MIRI, and repressed the apoptosis of H9c2 cells exposed to H/R. PPF pretreatment markedly suppressed MALAT1 expression and enhanced miR‐206 expression in both in vivo and in vitro models. MiR‐206 was identified as a target of MALAT1 in cardiomyocytes, and MALAT1 could increase the expression of ATG3. Additionally, the upregulation of MALAT1 partially reversed the protective effect of PPF on cardiomyocytes in vitro. PPF modulated MALAT1/miR‐206/ATG3 axis to protect cardiomyocytes against I/R injury.
Exosomal tumor necrosis factor‐α from hepatocellular cancer cells (Huh‐7) promote osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Li Ching‐Hao , Palanisamy Kalaiselvi , Li Xin , Yu Shao‐Hua , Wang I‐Kuan , Li Chi‐Yuan , Sun Kuo‐Ting
Published: August 2021

Bone is the common extra‐hepatic site for cancer metastasis. Hepatic cancer is associated with a higher incidence of pathological fracture. However, this important regulatory mechanism remains unexplored. Thus, exosome‐mediated cell‐cell communication between hepatocellular cancer and bone might be key to osteolytic bone destruction. Huh‐7 exosomes were characterized for size and exosome marker expressions (CD63, Alix). Exosome mediated osteoclast differentiation in the RAW 264.7 cells was monitored from day 1 to 6 and multinucleated osteoclast formation and bone resorption activity were analyzed. The osteoclastogenic factor expressions in the exosomes and osteoclast differentiation markers such as tumor necrosis factor receptor 6 (TRAF6), nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB), nuclear factor of activated T‐cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), and cathepsin K (CTSK) were analyzed using western blot. Exosomes released by liver cancer cells (Huh‐7) promoted osteoclast differentiation in RAW 264.7 cells. Analysis of osteoclastogenic factors in the exosomes showed that exosomes were specifically enriched with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α). Huh‐7 exosomes promoted osteoclast differentiation by significantly increasing the number of TRAP‐positive multi nucleated osteoclasts and resorption pits. Importantly, exosomes upregulated osteoclast markers TRAF6, NF‐κB, and CTSK expressions. Further, neutralizing exosomal TNF‐α reverted exosome‐mediated osteoclast differentiation in RAW 264.7 cells. Collectively, our findings show that cellular communication of exosomal TNF‐α from hepatocellular cancer cells (Huh‐7) regulates osteoclast differentiation through NF‐κB/CTSK/TRAP expressions. Thus, exosomal TNF‐α might act as an important therapeutic target to prevent hepatocellular cancer mediated pathological bone disease.
Evolutionary theory prediction: Response rate as a joint function of reinforcement rate and reinforcer magnitude
Authors: McDowell J. J , Arashanapalli Shubhang
Published: August 2021

Artificial organisms (AOs) animated by an evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics (ETBD) worked on concurrent interval schedules with a standard reinforcer magnitude on 1 alternative and a range of reinforcer magnitudes on the other. The reinforcer magnitudes on the second alternative were hedonically scaled using the generalized matching law. The AOs then worked on single interval schedules that arranged various combinations of the scaled reinforcer magnitudes and a range of nominal schedule values. This produced bivariate response rate data to which 5 candidate equations were fitted. One equation was found to provide the best description of the bivariate data in terms of percentage of variance accounted for, information criterion value, and residual profile. This equation consisted of 2 factors, 1 entailing the scaled magnitude, 1 entailing the obtained reinforcement rate, and both expressed in the form of exponentiated hyperbolas. The theory's prediction of the bivariate equation, along with additional predictions of the theory, were tested on data from an experiment in which rats pressed levers for various concentrations of sucrose pellets. The bivariate equation predicted by the theory was confirmed, as were all the additional predictions of the theory that could be tested on this data set.
Use of proton pump inhibitors and cholangitis complicated with multi‐drug resistant bacteria
Authors: Hakuta Ryunosuke , Nakai Yousuke , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Nomura Yusuke , Saito Tomotaka , Takahara Naminatsu , Mizuno Suguru , Kogure Hirofumi , Moriya Kyoji , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: August 2021

Background

Multidrug‐resistant bacteria (MDRB) has rapidly spread worldwide and become a serious problem. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of commonly prescribed medications, but recent studies have suggested the increased risk of infection with MDRB in PPI users. We evaluated the association between PPI use and incidence of cholangitis with MDRB.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) between January 2010 and August 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The incidence of cholangitis with MDRB was compared between regular and non‐regular PPI users.

Results

A total of 1224 regular PPI users and 1528 non‐regular PPI users were identified. There was no clinically significant difference in age and sex between the groups. Indication of ERCP was different between the groups. The number of ERCP sessions during the study periods was higher in regular PPI users. The incidence of cholangitis with MDRB was significantly higher in regular PPI users (3.0% vs 1.1%; P < .001). Multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio for cholangitis with MDRB comparing regular PPI users to non‐regular users was 2.19 (95% confidence interval 1.20‐4.00; P = .01).

Conclusions

Regular PPI use was associated with a higher risk of cholangitis with MDRB.
A bibliometric and social network analysis perspective of X‐ray phase‐contrast imaging in medical imaging
Authors: Tu Jessica , Brennan Patrick C. , Lewis Sarah , Tavakoli Taba Seyedamir
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Phase‐contrast imaging (PCI) is a novel technology that can visualise variations in X‐ray refraction (phase contrast) in addition to differences in X‐ray attenuation (absorption contrast). Compared to radiography using conventional methods (i.e. absorption‐based imaging), PCI techniques can potentially produce images with higher contrast‐to‐noise ratio and superior spatial resolution at the same or lower radiation doses. This has led PCI to be explored for implementation in medical imaging. While interest in this research field is increasing, the whole body of PCI research in medical imaging has been under‐investigated. This paper provides an overview of PCI literature and then focusses on evaluating its development within the scope of medical imaging.

Methods

Bibliographic data between 1995 and 2018 were used to visualise collaboration networks between countries, institutions and authors. Social network analysis techniques were implemented to measure these networks in terms of centrality and cohesion. These techniques also assisted in the exploration of underlying research paradigms of clinical X‐ray PCI investigations.

Results

Forty‐one countries, 592 institutions and 2073 authors contributed 796 investigations towards clinical PCI research. The most influential contributors and network collaboration characteristics were identified. Italy was the most influential country, with the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility being the most influential institution. At an author level, F. Pfeiffer was found to be the most influential researcher. Among various PCI techniques, grating interferometry was the most investigated, while computed tomography was the most frequently examined modality.

Conclusions

By gaining an understanding of collaborations and trends within clinical X‐ray PCI research, the links between existing collaborators were identified, which can aid future collaborations between emerging and established collaborators. Moreover, exploring the paradigm of past investigations can shape future research – well‐researched PCI techniques may be studied to bring X‐ray PCI closer to clinical implementation, or the potential of seldom‐investigated techniques may be explored.
Case presentation and panel discussion: Critical illness
Authors: Mundi Manpreet S. , Patel Jayshil J. , Mechanick Jeffrey I. , Arabi Yaseen M. , Alverdy John , Puthucheary Zudin , McClave Stephen A.
Published: August 2021

Despite a mounting evidentiary base, controversies surrounding critical care nutrition support persist. Anchored by a case of a 60‐year‐old male with esophageal cancer who develops acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and septic shock, five panelists from the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) 2021 Pre‐Conference discuss key clinical dilemmas in critical care nutrition, including hierarchy of evidence, bedside evaluation of malnutrition, optimal protein dose, use of fiber, and therapies targeting gut function and gut microbiota .
Amorphous silicon 3‐D one‐transistor active pixel sensor enabling large area imaging
Authors: Qi Yihong , Li Anqi , Xu Yitong , Wang Kai
Published: August 2021

In large area imaging, an active pixel sensor (APS) is commonly used to achieve high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) through an in‐pixel thin‐film transistor (TFT) amplifier. Since there is a trade‐off between SNR and spatial resolution, the challenge of achieving both high resolution and high SNR remains. To resolve this, a 3‐D one‐TFT APS architecture is proposed, and a 256 × 256 image sensor array with a fill factor of ~100%, a high gain of >103, and a high resolution of 110 ppi is presented.
Political attitudes and Plog's travel personality model
Authors: Litvin Stephen W. , Guttentag Daniel , Smith Wayne W.
Published: August 2021

This research, conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic, applied Stanley Plog's seminal tourism Model of Allocentricity and Psychocentricity and discovered surprising relationships between one's Plog classification and their political attitudes and travel behaviors during the crisis. Though expecting Plog's Allocentrics to have the more politically liberal views and Psychocentrics to be more conservative, we found the opposite to be true. Two previous datasets were revisited, each confirming the relationship. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Evaluation of Sarcopenia in Older Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Authors: Orzell Susannah , Verhaaren Benjamin F. J. , Grewal Rajan , Sklar Michael , Irish Jonathan C. , Gilbert Ralph , Brown Dale , Gullane Patrick , de Almeida John R. , Yu Eugene , Su Jie , Xu Wei , Alibhai Shabbir M. H. , Goldstein David P.
Published: August 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sarcopenia is a hallmark of aging and its identification may help predict adverse postoperative events in patients undergoing head and neck surgery. The study objective was to assess the relationship between sarcopenia and postoperative complications and length of stay in patients undergoing major head and neck cancer surgery.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed of patients 50 years and older undergoing major head and neck surgery. Sarcopenia was defined as low muscle mass (determined by neck muscle cross‐sectional imaging) with either low muscle strength (grip strength) or low muscle performance (timed walk test). Logistic regression was applied on binary outcomes, and linear regression was used for log‐transformed length of hospital stay (LOS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Of the 251 patients enrolled, pre‐sarcopenia was present in 34.9% (n = 87) and sarcopenia in 15.6% (n = 39) of patients. Patients with sarcopenia were more likely to be older (P = .001), female (P = .001), have a lower body mass index (P = .001), and lower preoperative hemoglobin (P < .001). On univariate analysis, the presence and severity of sarcopenia was associated with the development of medical complications (P = .029), higher grade of complications (P = .032), LOS (P = .015), and overall survival (P = .001). On multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was associated with a longer LOS (β = 0.32 [95% CI: 0.19–0.45], P < .001) and worse overall survival (HR = 2.21 [95% CI: 1.01–4.23], P = .017).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia may aid in the prediction of prolonged hospital stay and death in patients who are candidates for major head and neck surgery.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:356–363, 2022
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings Among Individuals With Olfactory and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Yi Julie S. , Hura Nanki , Roxbury Christopher R. , Lin Sandra Y.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The underlying mechanism of the association between olfactory impairment and dementia may be explained by neurodegenerative changes detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this systematic review is to describe neurodegenerative changes on MRI in patients with olfactory impairment and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.

Study design

Systematic review.

Methods

A literature search encompassing PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies with MRI and olfactory testing among participants diagnosed with MCI or dementia was performed. Sample size, study design, cognitive impairment type, olfactory testing, and MRI findings were abstracted. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles.

Results

The search yielded 556 nonduplicate abstracts, from which 86 articles were reviewed and 24 were included. Seventeen (71%) of 24 studies reported hippocampal volume findings, with 14 studies reporting a relationship between hippocampal volume and olfactory performance. Two (50%) of four prospective studies reported the potential utility of baseline hippocampal volume as a marker of dementia conversion from MCI. Five (21%) of 24 studies reporting olfactory functional MRI (fMRI) findings highlighted the utility of olfactory fMRI to identify individuals in the early stages of cognitive decline.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests hippocampal volume correlates with olfactory performance in individuals with cognitive impairment, and that olfactory fMRI may improve early detection of AD. However, the predictive utility of these imaging markers is limited in prospective studies. MRI may be a useful modality for selecting patients at high risk of future cognitive decline for enrollment in early treatment trials. Laryngoscope, 132:177–187, 2022
Identifying the reuse patterns of coal mining subsidence areas: A case‐study of Jixi City (China)
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Du Lizhu , Liu Jian
Published: August 2021

Abandoned coal mine subsidence areas not only result in land resources wastage and ecological destruction but also disturb the order of space within the urban and rural areas, making it crucial to rehabilitate them. How to identify the best procedures for subsidence areas, which are scattered on a variety of lands rather than a single location? Our research proposes a new 'evaluation + clustering' methodology and took 95 subsidence areas in Jixi as an example. LANDSAT‐8 images and modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI) were used to identify the status of collapsed area water bodies. Reuse suitability evaluations were done in terms of ecological protection, urban construction, and agricultural production using a multi‐criteria evaluation (MCE) based on a geographic information system (GIS). Then k‐means clustering was used to classify the areas to identify their reuse pattern and model. The results show that the degree of subsidence is low with 78.25% of land scarcely wet. The suitability assessment values for rehabilitation as construction and agriculture are high, indicating the lands are suitable for reuse. 619.12 hm2 of subsidence areas located in a convenient place and surrounded by different kinds of lands are suitable for multiple uses, 1000.48 hm2 of those are appropriate for ecological reuse, namely water, land or forestry, their subsidence being severe and most of them located on mountains or near to the edge of built‐up areas. An estimated 630.18 hm2 located near the main road and inside the planning land boundary are suitable for parks, industrial land, and other construction lands. A further 11,176.94 hm2 could be used for farmland and other agricultural lands.
Elevated pCO2 enhances under light but reduces in darkness the growth rate of a diatom, with implications for the fate of phytoplankton below the photic zone
Authors: Qu Liming , Beardall John , Jiang Xiaowen , Gao Kunshan
Published: August 2021

Experimentally elevated pCO2 and the associated pH drop are known to differentially affect many aspects of the physiology of diatoms under different environmental conditions or in different regions. However, contrasting responses to elevated pCO2 in the dark and light periods of a diel cycle have not been documented. By growing the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum under 3 light levels and 2 different CO2 concentrations, we found that the elevated pCO2/pH drop projected for future ocean acidification reduced the diatom's growth rate by 8–25% during the night period but increased it by up to 9–21% in the light period, resulting in insignificant changes in growth over the diel cycle under the three different light levels. The elevated pCO2 increased the respiration rates irrespective of growth light levels and light or dark periods and enhanced its photosynthetic performance during daytime. With prolonged exposure to complete darkness, simulating the sinking process in the dark zones of the ocean, the growth rates decreased faster under elevated pCO2, along with a faster decline in quantum yield and cell size. Our results suggest that elevated pCO2 enhances the diatom's respiratory energy supplies to cope with acidic stress during the night period but enhances its death rate when the cells sink to dark regions of the oceans below the photic zone, with implications for a possible acidification‐induced reduction in vertical transport of organic carbon.
Mechanisms underlying lack of functional compensation by insect grazers after tadpole declines in a Neotropical stream
Authors: Barnum Thomas R. , Wootton John Timothy , Bixby Rebecca J. , Drake John M. , Murray‐Stoker David , Colón‐Gaud Checo , Rugenski Amanda T. , Frauendorf Therese C. , Connelly Scott , Kilham Susan S. , Whiles Matt R. , Lips Karen R. , Pringle Catherine M.
Published: August 2021

Resilience of ecosystems to the sudden decline of large‐bodied species is dependent on characteristics of surviving guild members. However, that response may also be mediated by local habitat conditions. Here, we examine the mechanisms behind the observed lack of functional compensation in the algal‐grazing guild by insect grazers following the decline of tadpole grazers in a forested Panamanian stream. We examined: (1) shifts to the individual size distribution of insect grazers between pre‐ and post‐tadpole declines in pool and riffle habitats; (2) tadpole and insect preferences for small‐, medium‐, and large‐sized diatoms; and (3) a causal explanation for why insects did not functionally compensate for tadpole declines. The size distribution of insect grazers following tadpole declines differed between habitats, becoming uniform in pools and more right skewed toward a smaller size class in riffles. In both habitats, tadpoles selectively consumed medium‐sized diatoms but avoided the largest‐sized diatoms. In contrast, grazing insects selectively consumed small‐sized diatoms, but switched to medium‐sized diatoms after tadpole declines. Tadpole declines led to the loss of the strongest interactions between consumers and diatoms. Smaller‐bodied grazing insects could not duplicate these interactions, even with a shift in resource use, providing an explanation for the lack of functional compensation. Furthermore, tadpole declines led to different community structures in each habitat indicating that local habitat conditions mediated the response of surviving guild members. This suggests that the sudden decline of a large‐bodied species does not lead to a singular outcome for the surviving community.
Enhanced Neovascularization Using Injectable and rhVEGF‐Releasing Cryogel Microparticles
Authors: Park Mihn Jeong , An Young‐Hyeon , Choi Young Hwan , Kim Hwan D. , Hwang Nathaniel S.
Published: August 2021

Cryogels are gel networks or scaffolds with a large porous structure; they can be tailored for injectability and for possessing a shape‐memory ability. Herein, a growth factor‐releasing cryogel microparticle (CMP) system is fabricated, and the therapeutic efficacy of recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF)‐loaded CMP (V‐CMP) for neovascularization is investigated. To prepare the cryogels, both methacrylated chitosan (Chi‐MA) and methacrylated chondroitin sulfate (CS‐MA) are used, and crosslinking using a radical crosslinking reaction is established. The physical, mechanical, and biological properties of the cryogels are analyzed by varying the amount of CS‐MA used. The cryogels are then pulverized, and microsized CMPs are fabricated. CMPs dispersed in saline demonstrate a shear‐thinning property, and can thus be extruded through a 23G needle. Additionally, V‐CMP exhibit a sustained release profile of rhVEGF and enhance the in vitro proliferation of endothelial cells. Finally, neovascularization and effective tissue necrosis prevention are observed when V‐CMPs are injected into a hindlimb ischemia mouse model. Thus, the injectable V‐CMP system developed herein demonstrates a high potential utility in various tissue regeneration applications based on cell or growth factor delivery.
Corporate social responsibility in the luxury sector: The role of moral foundations
Authors: Hang Haiming , Rodrigo Padmali , Ghaffari Mahsa
Published: August 2021

The academic literature on whether consumers respond positively toward corporate social responsibility (hereafter CSR) initiatives in the luxury sector is limited and contradictory. Our research contributes to this on‐going debate by exploring the role of CSR moral foundations. By differentiating individualizing moral foundations (e.g., justice) from binding moral foundations (e.g., loyalty), our three experiments jointly suggest consumers respond more positive toward CSR guided by binding (vs. individualizing) foundations. Our results further suggest perceptions of intrinsic CSR motives mediate the impact of CSR moral foundations on consumer attitude. However, this mediation is moderated by the nature of tourism destination, more evident in a nature‐based (vs. urban) destination. Taken together, our research suggests the luxury sector needs to focus on binding foundations rather than individualizing foundations to create a win‐win situation.
An Ounce of Prevention
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: August 2021

The arrival of notification from the NLRB that a union has filed an election petition is oftentimes the first time an employer pays attention to union prevention strategy. An unusual email arrives seemingly out of the blue from an “nlrb.gov” email address with dozens of pages of attachments. The site manager speaks to human resources or a chief executive to figure out what it means… and what to do. A lawyer is often called and a handful of email and phone solicitations start arriving from consultants promising to communicate with your employees about the negative realities of unionization.