bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Scoping Review on Body Fluid Biomarkers for Prognosis and Disease Activity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Barizzone Nadia , Leone Maurizio , Pizzino Alessandro , Kockum Ingrid , Martinelli-Boneschi Filippo , D’Alfonso Sandra
Published: September 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, presenting with different clinical forms, including clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), which is a first clinical episode suggestive of demyelination. Several molecules have been proposed as prognostic biomarkers in MS. We aimed to perform a scoping review of the potential use of prognostic biomarkers in MS clinical practice. We searched MEDLINE up to 25 November 2021 for review articles assessing body fluid biomarkers for prognostic purposes, including any type of biomarkers, cell types and tissues. Original articles were obtained to confirm and detail the data reported by the review authors. We evaluated the reliability of the biomarkers based on the sample size used by various studies. Fifty-two review articles were included. We identified 110 molecules proposed as prognostic biomarkers. Only six studies had an adequate sample size to explore the risk of conversion from CIS to MS. These confirm the role of oligoclonal bands, immunoglobulin free light chain and chitinase CHI3L1 in CSF and of serum vitamin D in the prediction of conversion from CIS to clinically definite MS. Other prognostic markers are not yet explored in adequately powered samples. Serum and CSF levels of neurofilaments represent a promising biomarker.
Problem-Solving Treatment for People Recently Diagnosed with Visual Impairment: Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Riazi Afsane , Aspden Trefor , Rubin Gary , Ambler Gareth , Jichi Fatima , Mynors-Wallice Laurence , O’Driscoll Miriam , Walters Kate
Published: September 2022

Background: Problem-Solving Treatment (PST) has been used to treat and prevent depression in a variety of settings. However, the impact of PST on improving psychological well-being in those with recent vision loss remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether PST may lead to better psychological well-being in people with recent vision loss through a pilot parallel-group randomised controlled trial. Methods: Participants who were diagnosed with visual impairment during the previous 3 months were randomly allocated to either an 8-week PST or treatment as usual (N = 61). Outcome measures were administered at baseline, 3, 6, and 9-months. Results: A linear mixed model demonstrated that PST significantly improved psychological well-being (measured by the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale) (treatment effect = 2.44; 95% CI = 0.40–4.47; p = 0.019). Significant improvements in the PST group for symptoms of distress, quality of life and self-efficacy were also observed. There was no significant difference in mobility. The treatment effect was consistent at all follow-ups. Attrition rate was low (13%). Conclusions: PST was associated with a significant and sustained improvement in a range of outcomes in people with recent vision loss. Further large scale RCT is now required.
The Effects of Surgical Approaches and Enhanced Recovery Protocols on the Cost Effectiveness of Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Kord Eyal , Leshno Moshe , Haifler Miki
Published: September 2022

Enhanced recovery protocols and robotic approaches to radical cystectomy are known to reduce perioperative complications; however, the most cost-effective strategy is unknown. We aim to assess the cost effectiveness of radical cystectomy with different surgical techniques and perioperative treatment protocols. We performed a meta-analysis of studies comparing open radical cystectomy (ORC), robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) using extracorporeal (ECUD) or intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. Operative time, transfusion, complication, Ileus, length of stay and re-admission rates were extracted. US costs for surgery, treatment, hospitalization and complications were obtained from the literature. Israeli costs were obtained from hospital administrative data. Two cost effectiveness models (US and Israel) were developed. The two most cost-effective strategies in both models were ORC with ERAS and RARC with ICUD and ERAS. RARC with ERAS produced the two most effective strategies with ICUD being dominant over ECUD. All strategies implementing the ERAS protocol were more effective than their parallel non-ERAS strategies. RARC with ICUD and ERAS is cost effective compared to ORC. ERAS protocol improves treatment effectiveness and lowers overall costs. ICUD was shown to be more effective and less costly in comparison to ECUD.
Does miR-197 Represent a Valid Prognostic Biomarker in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)? A Systematic Review and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Dioguardi Mario , Cantore Stefania , Sovereto Diego , La Femina Lucia , Spirito Francesca , Caloro Giorgia Apollonia , Caroprese Marino , Maci Marta , Scacco Salvatore , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Di Cosola Michele , Troiano Giuseppe , Ballini Andrea
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Between tumors of the head and neck region, the squamous cell variant (HNSCC) is the most common and represents one of the main neoplasms affecting humans. At the base of carcinogenesis processes, there are genetic alterations whose regulation can be influenced by changes in the expression of microRNA (miR). Consequently, despite recent studies indicating miR-197 as a potential prognostic biomarker of survival for many varieties of cancer, there are currently no systematic reviews and trial sequential/bioinformatics/meta-analysis regarding the role of miR-197 in HNSCC. Our hypothesis was that with the existing literature, it is possible to clarify whether the different expressions of miR-197 in neoplastic tissues can represent a prognostic biomarker of survival in head and neck tumors. (2) Methods: The systematic review was reported following the indications of PRISMA and by consulting six electronic databases (including one register). Moreover, this review was carried out using the Kaplan–Meier plotter database portal, and hazard ratio (HR) data were extracted. Finally, a trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted to test the robustness of the proposed meta-analysis. (3) Results: This search identified 1119 articles and outcomes of the meta-analysis, reporting an aggregate HR for overall survival (OS) between the highest and lowest miR-197 expression of 1.01, 95% CI: [1.00, 1.02]. (4) Conclusions: We can state that, from the literature data included in the present meta-analysis, and from the TSA and bioinformatics analysis data, miR-197 does not currently represent a valid prognostic biomarker for HNSCC, although the data provided by the Kaplan–Meier plotter suggest that miR-197 can serve as a putative biomarker in short-term (5 years) survival.
Three Pathways of Cancer Cachexia: Inflammation, Changes in Adipose Tissue and Loss of Muscle Mass—The Role of miRNAs
Authors: Homa-Mlak Iwona , Pigoń-Zając Dominika , Wawrejko Paweł , Małecka-Massalska Teresa , Mlak Radosław
Published: September 2022

According to the World Health Organization, in 2018, cancers, along with over 18 million new cases and over 9.5 million deaths remained one of the main causes of mortality globally. Cancer-cachexia, also called wasting syndrome is a complex, multifactorial disorder characterized by progressive skeletal muscle mass loss, with or without adipose tissue atrophy. It is considered as a state of cancer-related malnutrition (CRM) accompanied by inflammation, that is irreversible despite the introduction of nutritional support. Indication of markers of pre-cachectic state seems to be urgently needed. Moreover, such markers have also potential to be used in the assessment of the effects of anti-cachexia treatment, and prognosis. miRNAs are non-coding RNA molecules that are about 20–30 nucleotides long. Single miRNA has the potential to control from few dozen to several hundred different genes. Despite the fact, that the number of miRNAs keep growing. we are making steady progress in establishing regulatory targets and their physiological levels. In this review we described the current knowledge on the impact of miRNAs on processes involved in cancer cachexia development: inflammation, adipose tissue remodelling, and loss of muscle mass both in animal models and the human cohorts. The available studies suggest that miRNAs, due to their properties, e.g., the possibility of regulating even hundreds of different genes, signalling pathways, and biological processes by one molecule, but also due their stability in biological material, the fact, that the change in their level reflects the disease status or the response to the applied treatment, they have great potential to be used as valuable biomarkers in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cancer cachexia.
A Fourier Interpolation Method for Numerical Solution of FBSDEs: Global Convergence, Stability, and Higher Order Discretizations
Authors: Oyono Ngou Polynice , Hyndman Cody
Published: September 2022

The convolution method for the numerical solution of forward-backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) was originally formulated using Euler time discretizations and a uniform space grid. In this paper, we utilize a tree-like spatial discretization that approximates the BSDE on the tree, so that no spatial interpolation procedure is necessary. In addition to suppressing extrapolation error, leading to a globally convergent numerical solution for the FBSDE, we provide explicit convergence rates. On this alternative grid the conditional expectations involved in the time discretization of the BSDE are computed using Fourier analysis and the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm. The method is then extended to higher-order time discretizations of FBSDEs. Numerical results demonstrating convergence are presented using a commodity price model, incorporating seasonality, and forward prices.
Considerations for Children’s Nature Connection and Park Environmental Justice in Western Societies
Authors: VanSickle Melissa , Coutts Christopher
Published: September 2022

Nature provides multiple physical, mental, and social health benefits to children. Although green spaces in cities can provide these health benefits, in many Western societies, children are spending less time outdoors and access to green spaces and related factors are not evenly distributed spatially and demographically. In addition, recent literature points to new greening projects furthering inequities due to processes of green gentrification. Several studies have provided insight into distributional, interactional, and procedural environmental justice issues related to green spaces. Through a narrative review of the literature, this paper explores these components of environmental justice as they relate to children’s nature connection and play in local city parks. When planning for local parks, historical and context-specific social and environmental factors that influence caretaker and children’s ability to access green spaces that promote nature connection should be considered.
Exploring the Spillover Effects of Urban Renewal on Local House Prices Using Multi-Source Data and Machine Learning: The Case of Shenzhen, China
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Wang Jieyu , Luo Ke , Liang Yuanling , Wang Shaojian
Published: September 2022

Urban renewal is a current hotspot for research in the field of urban geography and urban planning. However, few studies have been able to quantify the impact of urban renewal on local house prices. Taking Shenzhen as an example, this paper measures the added premium effect of urban renewal on local house prices through econometric models and multi-source data and explores the spillover effect of urban renewal on house prices using an integrated model based on machine learning and Geo-detector analysis. The main findings are: (1) Shenzhen’s urban renewal had a significant positive premium effect on the unit transaction price of local housing. (2) The population characteristics and the accessibility to transport in the context of urban renewal are the main drivers for premiums on house prices. (3) There is spatial heterogeneity with respect to the housing premium effect due to urban renewal, among which optimization of the density of the road network is most closely associated with the premium effects. The interaction of the road density network and the population density of particular streets drives the medium premium effect. Our findings have important implications for refinements in management practices for urban renewal in the context of the housing market.
Understanding the Accessibility of Urban Parks and Connectivity of Green Spaces in Single-Person Household Distribution: Case Study of Incheon, South Korea
Authors: Kim Kichan , Lee Chang Kil , Kim Hyun Woo
Published: September 2022

Given the rapidly increasing need for policies with regard to single-person households in Korea, this study examines the effects of park accessibility and the connectivity of green spaces on the spatial distribution of single-person households. SK-Tmap API and Conefor 2.6 are used to analyze park accessibility and green space connectivity, respectively. Multiple and spatial regression analyses are conducted using variables for the following three characteristics: park and green space, housing, and region. The findings show that generalized Betweenness Centrality–Integral Index of Connectivity based index (dBC_IIC), apartments, studio apartments, housings larger than 85 m2, distance to welfare facilities, and population density had a positive association with the spatial distribution of single-person households, while park accessibility, difference in Number of Links (dNL), generalized Betweenness Centrality–Probability of Connectivity based index (dBC_PC), and housing sale prices had a negative relationship. Regression analyses are further conducted for different age groups (10–20 years, 30–50 years, and over 60 years). In terms of park connectivity, dBC_PC showed a negative effect and dBC_IIC had a positive effect for the 10–20 age groups, while the 30–50 age group showed the same result as that of all single-person households. For single-person households over 60 years of age, no connectivity index was found to be significant. Policy implications are made in the short- and mid- to long-term for strengthening the connectivity of parks and green spaces in the study area. The results of this study can be used as an important guideline for establishing park and green space plans in consideration of single-person households in the future.
Revisiting the Relationship between Arguing and Convincing: Towards a New Pragmatic Account
Authors: Popa Eugen Octav
Published: September 2022

How do individuals change their minds as a result of argumentation? It is generally assumed the speech act of argumentation can trigger a change of mind in the other party—the perlocutionary act of convincing. This means that a discussant changes her commitment relative to the proposition under scrutiny when the other party presents argumentation that is in some way convincing or persuasive. I challenge this received view by showing that argumentation cannot trigger this change of commitment in the way that scholars commonly assume. Convincing cannot be triggered by assertives that are already in the listener’s commitment set, nor can it be triggered by assertives that are newly introduced in the discussion. Using the notion of “joint commitment” I propose an alternative account according to which change of mind is the result of two speakers jointly experiencing facts as stipulated by a joint commitment. I conclude the paper by sketching the impact of such an approach in the study of argumentation and provide suggestions for further developments.
Correction: Coppock et al. Pharmacologic Ascorbic Acid as Early Therapy for Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Life 2022, 12, 453
Authors: Coppock Dagan , Violet Pierre-Christian , Vasquez Gustavo , Belden Katherine , Foster Michael , Mullin Bret , Magee Devon , Mikell Isabelle , Shah Lokesh , Powers Victoria , Curcio Brian , Monti Daniel , Levine Mark
Published: September 2022

The authors wish to make a change to the author names (deleting one author—Constantine Daskalakis) for this paper [...]
Members of SIAMESE-RELATED Class Inhibitor Proteins of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Retard G2 Progression and Increase Cell Size in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yamada Kesuke J. , Takatsuka Hirotomo , Hirota Junya , Mineta Keto , Nomoto Yuji , Ito Masaki
Published: September 2022

Cell size requires strict and flexible control as it significantly impacts plant growth and development. Unveiling the molecular mechanism underlying cell size control would provide fundamental insights into plants’ nature as sessile organisms. Recently, a GRAS family transcription factor SCARECROW-LIKE28 (SCL28) was identified as a determinant of cell size in plants; specifically, SCL28 directly induces a subset of SIAMESE-RELATED (SMR) family genes encoding plant-specific inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases (i.e., SMR1, SMR2, SMR6, SMR8, SMR9, SMR13, and SMR14), thereby slowing down G2 phase progression to provide the time to increase cell volume. Of the SMR genes regulated by SCL28, genetic analysis has demonstrated that SMR1, SMR2, and SMR13 cooperatively regulate the cell size downstream of SCL28 in roots and leaves, whereas other SMR members’ contribution remains unexplored. This study shows that in root meristematic cells, SMR9 redundantly participates in cell size control with SMR1, SMR2, and SMR13. Moreover, our cell cycle analysis provides the first experimental evidence that SMR proteins inhibit the G2 progression of proliferating cells. Overall, these findings illuminate the diverse yet overlapping roles of SMR proteins in cell cycle regulation while reinforcing that SMRs are essential downstream effectors of SCL28 to modulate G2 progression and cell size.
The Automatic Algorithm of the Auto-CPAP Device as a Tool for the Assessment of the Treatment Efficacy of CPAP in Patients with Moderate and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Brajer-Luftmann Beata , Trafas Tomasz , Mardas Marcin , Stelmach-Mardas Marta , Batura-Gabryel Halina , Piorunek Tomasz
Published: September 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder where precise treatment assessment is of high importance. We aimed to validate an automatic algorithm of the auto-CPAP device and reveal polygraph usefulness in the OSAS diagnosis and treatment of outpatients. One hundred patients with moderate OSAS, severe OSAS, and excessive daytime sleepiness qualified for CPAP treatment were included. The study was conducted in three stages. The first stage included a minimum 6-hour polysomnographic examination to select moderate and severe OSAS. The second stage involved an auto-CPAP treatment lasting at least 4 h with simultaneous polygraph recording. The third stage was a titration of at least 4 h with auto-CPAP. The Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) were calculated under auto-CPAP treatment, simultaneously using polygraph (stage two), and as a result of treatment with auto-CPAP (stage three). The mean AHI was 40.0 ± 20.9 for OSAS. Auto-CPAP treatment was effective in 97.5%. The mean residual AHI was 8.6 ± 4.8; there was no significant difference between the AHI CPAP, and the AHI polygraph values were assessed with an accuracy of 3.94/h. The sensitivity and specificity of calculated cut point 8.2 event/hour were: 55% and 82%, respectively. The calculated AUC for the AHI CPAP parameter was 0.633. Presented data confirmed that the automatic algorithm of auto-CPAP is a good tool for the assessment of the treatment efficacy of CPAP in patients, i.e., home setting, with a moderate or severe stage OSAS-presented high sleepiness.
Sorghum Allelopathy: Alternative Weed Management Strategy and Its Impact on Mung Bean Productivity and Soil Rhizosphere Properties
Authors: Ullah Raza , Aslam Zubair , Attia Houneida , Sultan Khawar , Alamer Khalid H. , Mansha Muhammad Zeeshan , Althobaiti Ashwaq T. , Al Kashgry Najla Amin T. , Algethami Badreyah , Zaman Qamar uz
Published: September 2022

The reduction of herbicide use and herbicide-resistant weeds through allelopathy can be a sustainable strategy to combat the concerns of environmental degradation. Allelopathic crop residues carry great potential both as weed suppressers and soil quality enhancers. The influence of sorghum crop residues and water extracts on the weed population, soil enzyme activities, the microbial community, and mung bean crop productivity was investigated in a two-year experiment at the Student Research Farm, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. The experimental treatments comprised two levels of sorghum water extract (10 and 20 L ha−1) and two residue application rates (4 and 6 t ha−1), and no sorghum water extract and residues were used as the control. The results indicated that the incorporation of sorghum water extract and residue resulted in significant changes in weed dynamics and the soil quality indices. Significant reduction in weed density (62%) and in the dry weight of weeds (65%) was observed in T5. After the harvest, better soil quality indices in terms of the microbial population (72–90%) and microbial activity (32–50%) were observed in the rhizosphere (0–15 cm) by the same treatment. After cropping, improved soil properties in terms of available potassium, available phosphorus soil organic matter, and total nitrogen were higher after the treatment of residue was incorporated, i.e., 52–65%, 29–45%, 62–84%, and 59–91%, respectively. In the case of soil enzymes, alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenase levels in the soil were 35–41% and 52–77% higher, respectively. However, residue incorporation at 6 t ha−1 had the greatest effect in improving the soil quality indices, mung bean productivity, and reduction of weed density. In conclusion, the incorporation of 6 t ha−1 sorghum residues may be opted to improve soil quality indices, suppress weeds, harvest a better seed yield (37%), and achieve higher profitability (306 $ ha−1) by weed suppression, yield, and rhizospheric properties of spring-planted mung beans. This strategy can provide a probable substitute for instigating sustainable weed control and significant improvement of soil properties in the mung bean crop, which can be a part of eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture.
Xenorhabdus spp.: An Overview of the Useful Facets of Mutualistic Bacteria of Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Authors: Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz M. M.
Published: September 2022

Mounting concern over the misuse of chemical pesticides has sparked broad interest for safe and effective alternatives to control plant pests and pathogens. Xenorhabdus bacteria, as pesticidal symbionts of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema species, can contribute to this solution with a treasure trove of insecticidal compounds and an ability to suppress a variety of plant pathogens. As many challenges face sound exploitation of plant–phytonematode interactions, a full useful spectrum of such interactions should address nematicidal activity of Xenorhabdus. Steinernema–Xenorhabdus complex or Xenorhabdus individually should be involved in mechanisms underlying the favorable side of plant–nematode interactions in emerging cropping systems. Using Xenorhabdus bacteria should earnestly be harnessed to control not only phytonematodes, but also other plant pests and pathogens within integrated pest management plans. This review highlights the significance of fitting Xenorhabdus-obtained insecticidal, nematicidal, fungicidal, acaricidal, pharmaceutical, antimicrobial, and toxic compounds into existing, or arising, holistic strategies, for controlling many pests/pathogens. The widespread utilization of Xenorhabdus bacteria, however, has been slow-going, due to costs and some issues with their commercial processing. Yet, advances have been ongoing via further mastering of genome sequencing, discovering more of the beneficial Xenorhabdus species/strains, and their successful experimentations for pest control. Their documented pathogenicity to a broad range of arthropods and pathogens and versatility bode well for useful industrial products. The numerous beneficial traits of Xenorhabdus bacteria can facilitate their integration with other tactics for better pest/disease management programs.
Associations of Peak-Width Skeletonized Mean Diffusivity and Post-Stroke Cognition
Authors: Jochems Angela C. C. , Muñoz Maniega Susana , Clancy Una , Jaime Garcia Daniela , Arteaga Carmen , Hewins Will , Penman Rachel , Hamilton Olivia K. L. , Czechoń Agnieszka , Backhouse Ellen V. , Thrippleton Michael J. , Stringer Michael S. , Bastin Mark. E. , Valdés Hernández Maria del C. , Wiseman Stewart , Chappell Francesca M. , Doubal Fergus N. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: September 2022

Post-stroke cognitive impairment is common and can have major impact on life after stroke. Peak-width of Skeletonized Mean Diffusivity (PSMD) is a diffusion imaging marker of white matter microstructure and is also associated with cognition. Here, we examined associations between PSMD and post-stroke global cognition in an ongoing study of mild ischemic stroke patients. We studied cross-sectional associations between PSMD and cognition at both 3-months (N = 229) and 1-year (N = 173) post-stroke, adjusted for premorbid IQ, sex, age, stroke severity and disability, as well as the association between baseline PSMD and 1-year cognition. At baseline, (mean age = 65.9 years (SD = 11.1); 34% female), lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were associated with older age, lower premorbid IQ and higher stroke severity, but not with PSMD (βstandardized = −0.116, 95% CI −0.241, 0.009; p = 0.069). At 1-year, premorbid IQ, older age, higher stroke severity and higher PSMD (βstandardized = −0.301, 95% CI −0.434, −0.168; p < 0.001) were associated with lower MoCA. Higher baseline PSMD was associated with lower 1-year MoCA (βstandardized = −0.182, 95% CI −0.308, −0.056; p = 0.005). PSMD becomes more associated with global cognition at 1-year post-stroke, possibly once acute effects have settled. Additionally, PSMD in the subacute phase after a mild stroke could help predict long-term cognitive impairment.
Prognostic Factors Analysis for Intracranial Cavernous Malformations Treated with Linear Accelerator Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Authors: Chung Meng-Wu , Chuang Chi-Cheng , Wang Chun-Chieh , Chen Hsien-Chih , Hsu Peng-Wei
Published: September 2022

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is generally considered a substitute for cranial cavernous malformations (CCMs). However, prognostic factors for post-radiosurgery CCM rebleeding and adverse radiation effects have not been well evaluated, and the effect of timing and optimal treatment remains controversial. Therefore, this study evaluated prognostic factors for post-radiosurgical rebleeding and focal edematous changes in 30 patients who developed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage due to solitary non-brainstem CCM and received linear accelerator (LINAC) SRS in a single medical center from October 2002 to June 2018. An overall post-radiosurgical annual hemorrhage rate with 4.5% was determined in this study. In addition, a higher marginal dose of >1600 centigray and earlier LINAC SRS intervention were correlated with a significantly lower post-radiosurgical annual hemorrhage rate. A lesion size larger than 3 cm3 and a coexisting developmental venous anomaly were significant risk factors for post-radiosurgical focal brain edema but mostly resulted in no symptoms and were temporary. This study demonstrated the efficacy of LINAC SRS in preventing CCM rebleeding and suggests that earlier radiosurgery treatment with a higher dose for non-brainstem symptomatic CCMs be considered.
Using High-Definition Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation to Treat Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Study
Authors: Lin Ashleigh Peng , Chiu Chun-Chieh , Chen Shih-Ching , Huang Yi-Jing , Lai Chien-Hung , Kang Jiunn-Horng
Published: September 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) to the left primary motor cortex (M1) in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM) patients. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial, patients with FM were recruited in a teaching hospital. Thirty-eight patients were randomized to active HD-tACS (n = 19) or sham stimulation (n = 19). Active stimulation included a daily session of 20-min stimulation of 1 mA HD-tACS over the left M1 for ten sessions in two weeks. The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity and quality of life, assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) at baseline and after two weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes included other core symptoms of FM (psychological distress, sleep quality, hyperalgesia measured by pressure pain threshold) and changes in biomarkers’ total Tau and Aβ1-42. All analyses were based on intention-to-treat for a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Of the 38 randomized patients, 35 completed the study. After two weeks, HD-tACS induced a significant reduction in FIQ score post-treatment. However, there were no significant differences in NRS and FIQ scores compared to sham stimulation. Most adverse events were mild in severity. Nevertheless, one patient receiving HD-tACS attempted suicide during the trial. Conclusions: These results suggest that HD-tACS may effectively reduce pain, psychological distress, and symptom impacts in FM patients. However, we found no significant differences between the two groups. Future studies investigating HD-tACS in FM are warranted.
Established Liver Cell Lines: Are You Sure to Have the Right Ones?
Authors: Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: September 2022

In liver research, immortalized cell lines have assumed an important role in studying general physiological and pathological processes. However, misidentification and cross-contamination of cell lines is a widespread problem in biomedical sciences resulting in irreproducible results and false conclusions. Although the huge impact of working with wrong cell lines on life science research and publication has been well recognized, there are only limited efforts and strategies to prevent cell misidentification. This commentary provides a catalogue of the most important cell lines used in hepatology research, examples of misidentified cell lines, and short guidelines to be considered when working with continuous lines.
Novel Efficient Reduction Route for Magnesium Production Using Silicothermic Process
Authors: Chen Yongqiang , Mai Gengpeng , Che Yusi , He Jilin
Published: September 2022

A novel efficient reduction route was developed for preparing porous pellets to enhance mass transfer during magnesium production, which can improve the reactivity of pellet reaction to improve the reduction efficiency. A porous pellet precursor was prepared at 150 MPa using NH4HCO3 as a pore-forming agent, and the reaction characteristics of the pellets with 0, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% pore-forming agents were measured under a high vacuum of approximately 10 Pa heat-treated from 100 °C to 1400 °C. The results showed that the instantaneous maximum reduction rate first increased and then decreased with the increase in pore-forming agents. When the reduction conversion was 80%, the reduction efficiency of pellets with 5% pore-forming agent was 36% greater than that without pore-forming agent pellets. When the reduction conversion was 90%, the reduction efficiency of pellets with 5% pore-forming agent was 29% greater than that without pore-forming agent pellets. The results indicate that the diffusion rate of magnesium vapor in pellets is significantly increased; the time of chemical reaction reaching equilibrium is shortened; the chemical reaction rate and the magnesium production efficiency are increased by adding a proper ratio of NH4HCO3 compared to that obtained without NH4HCO3 at the identical reduction temperature.
Double-Resolved Beam Steering by Metagrating-Based Tamm Plasmon Polariton
Authors: Bikbaev Rashid G. , Maksimov Dmitrii N. , Chen Kuo-Ping , Timofeev Ivan V.
Published: September 2022

We consider Tamm plasmon polariton in a subwavelength grating patterned on top of a Bragg reflector. We demonstrate dynamic control of the phase and amplitude of a plane wave reflected from such metagrating due to resonant coupling with the Tamm plasmon polariton. The tunability of the phase and amplitude of the reflected wave arises from modulation of the refractive index of a transparent conductive oxide layer by applying the bias voltage. The electrical switching of diffracted beams of the ±1st order is shown. The possibility of doubling the angular resolution of beam steering by using asymmetric reflected phase distribution with integer and half-integer periods of the metagrating is demonstrated.
Fracture Performance of Cementitious Composites Based on Quaternary Blended Cements
Authors: Golewski Grzegorz Ludwik
Published: September 2022

This study presents test results and in-depth discussion regarding the measurement of the fracture mechanics parameters of new concrete composites based on quaternary blended cements (QBC). A composition of the two most commonly used mineral additives, i.e., fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF), in combination with nanosilica (nS), has been proposed as a partial replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) binder. Four series of concrete were made, one of which was the reference concrete (REF) and the remaining three were QBC. During the research, the main mechanical parameters of compressive strength (fcm) and splitting tensile strength (fctm), as well as fracture mechanics parameters and the critical stress intensity factor KIcS, along with critical crack-tip opening displacements (CTODc) were investigated. Based on the tests, it was found that the total addition of siliceous materials, i.e., SF + nS without FA, increases the strength and fracture parameters of concrete by approximately 40%. On the other hand, supplementing the composition of the binder with SF and nS with 5% of FA additive causes an increase in all mechanical parameters by approximately 10%, whereas an increase by another 10% in the FA content in the concrete mix causes a significant decrease in all the analyzed factors by 10%, compared to the composite with the addition of silica modifiers only.
The Combined Effect of Ambient Conditions and Diluting Salt on the Degradation of Picric Acid: An In Situ DRIFT Study
Authors: Sanchirico Roberto , Lisi Luciana , Di Sarli Valeria
Published: September 2022

An unexpected promoting effect of KBr, used as a diluting salt, on the degradation of picric acid (PA) was observed during in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy experiments performed here under accelerated ageing conditions—at 80 °C and under an inert or oxidative atmosphere. While the formation of potassium picrate was excluded, this promoting effect—which is undesired as it masks the possible effects of test conditions on the ageing process of the material—was assumed to favor a first step of the decomposition mechanism of PA, which involves the inter- or intramolecular transfer of hydrogen to the nitro group, and possibly proceeds up to the formation of an amino group. An alternative diluting salt, ZnSe, which is much less commonly used in infrared spectroscopy than KBr, was then proposed in order to avoid misleading interpretation of the results. ZnSe was found to act as a truly inert diluting salt, preventing the promoting effect of KBr. The much more chemically inert nature (towards PA) of ZnSe compared to KBr was also confirmed, at much higher temperatures than DRIFT experiments, by dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) runs carried out on pure PA (i.e., PA without salt) and PA/salt (ZnSe or KBr) solid mixtures.
Investigation of the Kinetics of Hysteresis Effects in Silica Gel
Authors: Pöllmann Alexander , Reinelt Matthias , Briesen Heiko
Published: September 2022

Mathematical models can provide estimates for the shelf life of water-sensitive products like food or pharmaceuticals. This study presents a simple kinetic model using two first-order reactions for the evaporation and condensation of water. Furthermore, the model can be simplified to contain only one free parameter, the reaction rate constant k, which has been validated for silica gel at a relative humidity between 0% and 80% with experimental data. The experimental data shows the hysteresis effect of the silica gel in the region between 30% and 80% relative humidity and its dependence on the relative humidity earlier in the process. It also shows there are multiple equilibrium water contents at a relative humidity of 40%, depending on the previous relative humidity. The relative humidity barely influences the fitted reaction rate constant during adsorption. However, during the desorption process, not only the current relative humidity but also the history of relative humidity have an influence. A higher relative humidity in the previous step can slow down the desorption rate in the following step.
A Novel Rotor Position Observer for Sensorless Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Based on Adaptive Generalized Second-Order Integrator
Authors: Gao Jie , Wang Yanyang , Xu Meng , Mi Yanqing
Published: September 2022

In order to realize sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with high performance in low speed region, a novel rotor position observer scheme based on finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) is presented in this paper. Firstly, the FCS-MPC is used to predict the current and drive the PMSM by selecting the optimal control quantity that minimizes the cost function. Next, an adaptive second-order generalized integrator (ASOGI) with adaptive center frequency adjustment was designed to replace the band-pass filter (BPF) in the rotor position observer. The ASOGI can calculate the high frequency value that can be used for position estimation by the controller switching frequency. The current ripple inherent in the FCS-MPC is considered as the response current obtained by the high frequency injection (HFI) method. The current ripple after ASOGI filtering is input to the phase-locked loop (PLL) for phase locking to obtain the estimated rotor position. In addition, adaptive linear (Adaline) neural networks are used to identify sensitive motor parameters online to avoid mismatch of model parameters, which causes degradation of control performance. Simulation experiments and hardware experiments show that this scheme is excellent in both static and dynamic conditions.
Vulnerability Evaluation for a Smartphone Digital Twin Workshop under Temporal and Spatial Disruptions
Authors: Zhang Ding , Pei Yu , Liu Qiang
Published: September 2022

Dynamic performance analysis is essential for production systems facing random disturbances. In this paper, a vulnerability evaluation approach is proposed for smartphone assembly production systems with finite buffers under a resilient system analytic frame. Firstly, four important vulnerability indicators, namely Terminal Time Delay (TTD), Terminal Time Window (TTW), Bottleneck Time Delay (BTD), and Bottleneck Time Window (BTW), are defined to expound temporal and spatial attributes caused by disruptive events. Then, a recursive derivation approach of the queuing network model is presented to obtain a state-transition matrix, wherein machine reliability is also considered in the model. Afterward, the exact solutions of steady and transient vulnerability are evaluated based on state probabilities inference. Finally, numerical studies are carried out to validate the proposed method and translate it into a practical tool. An application program with vulnerability analysis and disturbance control functions is developed, embedded in the digital twin system independently developed by our team to solve practical problems.
An Experimental and Numerical Study of Damage Due to Particle Impact on Sapphire Orifices Used in High-Pressure Water Jet Cutting
Authors: Mlinaric Markus , Jemaa Hassen , Hassel Thomas , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: September 2022

In the present study, the damage mechanisms that cause premature failure of sapphire water jet orifices were analyzed using a combined experimental and finite element modeling (FEM) approach. Depending on the operating behavior and local conditions, the service life of orifices for high-pressure water jet cutting often deviates considerably from the manufacturer’s specifications. Literature states a typical service life of 50 to 100 h, while in some cases, premature failure after a few hours or even minutes of operation can be observed. The focus of this paper is on the interaction of particles that impact the orifice surface but also the effect of faulty orifice assembly is taken into account. To estimate the risk of failure, the stress distribution in critical parts of the orifice were calculated via FEM, which is fed with experimental data. The modified Mohr failure criterion was then used to evaluate the stress distributions with respect to the possible failure of the orifice jewel. The results revealed that the risk of damage caused by excessive assembly preload forces is marginal. The stress caused by the impact of particles of different sizes is up to four orders of magnitude higher than the stress caused by assembly forces and is therefore identified as the main risk for orifices to fail prematurely. Experimental data shows mainly particles of calcium carbonate and iron–aluminum silicates, which are compounds that originate from the process water itself. It is demonstrated that particles are more critical than formerly assumed in the literature. This paper identifies particles with a diameter of more than 10 µm as critical when there are no other loads present. In operation, even particles as small as 2 µm in diameter can cause damage to the orifice jewel. To prevent premature orifice failure due to foreign particles, water filtration with a 2 µm mesh is recommended, while future research needs to focus on the interior cutting head design to prevent precipitation from the process water.
Hermite-Hadamard-Type Integral Inequalities for Convex Functions and Their Applications
Authors: Srivastava Hari M. , Mehrez Sana , Sitnik Sergei M.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we establish new generalizations of the Hermite-Hadamard-type inequalities. These inequalities are formulated in terms of modules of certain powers of proper functions. Generalizations for convex functions are also considered. As applications, some new inequalities for the digamma function in terms of the trigamma function and some inequalities involving special means of real numbers are given. The results also include estimates via arithmetic, geometric and logarithmic means. The examples are derived in order to demonstrate that some of our results in this paper are more exact than the existing ones and some improve several known results available in the literature. The constants in the derived inequalities are calculated; some of these constants are sharp. As a visual example, graphs of some technically important functions are included in the text.
Research on the Dynamic Characteristics of the Double Slings System with Elastic Connection Considering Boundary Conditions
Authors: Liao Xia , Dan Danhui , Han Fei , Zhao Rui
Published: September 2022

As the length of single sling increases, double slings with transverse connections are gradually becoming one of the effective measures to control the undesirable vibration of single slings. In the analysis of the dynamic characteristics of the double sling system, this paper firstly deduces the dynamic stiffness matrix of the elastically connected double sling system by the dynamic stiffness method (DSM), solves the frequency equation evolved from the dynamic stiffness matrix by using the Wittrick-Williams (W-W) algorithm, and obtains the systematic analysis and calculation of the dynamic characteristics of the double sling system under arbitrary boundary conditions. Secondly, a complete and accurate analysis method of the dynamic characteristics of the double sling system is obtained by comprehensively considering the bending stiffness and boundary conditions of the sling, and the accuracy of the calculation can be verified by the actual measurement data. Finally, the best installation position and quantity of transverse sling clamps in the double sling system are obtained by the parametric analysis of transverse sling clamps. The analysis of this paper will provide a theoretical basis for the design and optimization of slings, and further promote the wide application of the double sling system.
Potential Use of 3D CORAGRAF-Loaded PDGF-BB in PLGA Microsphere Seeded Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Enhancing the Repair of Calvaria Critical-Size Bone Defect in Rat Model
Authors: Mohan Saktiswaren , Karunanithi Puvanan , Raman Murali Malliga , Anwar Ayob Khairul , Megala Jayaraman , Genasan Krishnamurithy , Kamarul Tunku , Balaji Raghavendran Hanumantha Rao
Published: September 2022

Our previous study evidenced that the 3D CORAGRAF loaded with PLGA microsphere constitutes PDGF-BB can support cell attachment and proliferation and can induce an osteogenic commitment of mesenchymal stromal cells in the in vitro condition. However, how this construct can perform in pathophysiological conditions in terms of repairing critical bone defects is yet to be understood. A study was therefore conducted to investigate the regeneration potential of calvaria critical-size defects using CORAGRAF + PLGA with PDGF-BB + mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in a rat model. A 5 mm critical bone defect was created on calvaria of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats. CORAGRAF incorporated either with or without PDGF-BB and seeded with rat bone-marrow-derived MSCs was implanted at the defect region. The bone regeneration potential of implanted constructs was assessed using micro-CT imaging and histological staining in weeks 4 and 8. The micro-CT images indicated a significant closure of defects in the cranial bone of the rats treated with 3D CORAGRAF + PLGA with PDGF-BB + MSCs on week 4 and 8 post-implantation. This finding, further supported with the histology outcome where the rat cranial defect treated with CORAGRAF + PLGA with PDGF-BB + MSCs indicated neo-bony ingrowth with organized and mature bone-like morphology as compared with other groups. The previous in vitro results substantiated with our pre-clinical findings demonstrate that the combination of CORAGRAF + PLGA with PDGF-BB + MSCs could be an ideal construct to support bone regeneration in critical bone defects. Hence, this construct can be further investigated for its safety and efficacy in large animal models, or it can be skipped to human trial prior for commercialization.