bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orthodontic interventions as a management option for children with residual obstructive sleep apnea: a cohort study protocol
Authors: Fagundes Nathalia Carolina Fernandes , Perez-Garcia Arnaldo , Graf Daniel , Flores-Mir Carlos , Heo Giseon
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep-breathing disorder that seems likely to have long-term negative social and health consequences in children and adolescents. There are no established standard management approaches when the first line of therapy, the tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A), is not indicated or fails to address paediatric OSA (residual paediatric OSA). This protocol describes a prospective cohort study that aims to assess the effectiveness of orthodontic interventions for managing residual paediatric OSA in patients with concomitant craniofacial issues.

Methods and analysis

Children aged 6–16 years who with an OSA diagnosis and did not benefit from previous T&A or qualified for T&A will be recruited. Orthodontic intervention(s), when adequately indicated (maxillary expansion, mandibular advancement or maxillary complex advancement with skeletal anchored headgear), and a control (orthodontic intervention declined) cohorts will be involved. A sample size of 70 participants (n=35 per cohort) is planned. Effectiveness data will be assessed through nocturnal polysomnography, a craniofacial index, sleep questionnaires and medical records. Additionally, the association of residual OSA and two comorbidities, obesity and asthma, will be investigated through assessing blood, urine and saliva metabolites. The changes on body mass index will also be investigated as a secondary outcome. Other additional outcomes, including association between residual paediatric OSA and periodic limbs movement, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, and the use of abiometric shirt to sleep monitoring purposes will also be considered. All participants will be followed up for 12 months after treatment allocation. The effectiveness of the intervention will be analysed by the assessment of sleep parameters, medical history (from medical chart reviews), questionnaire responses, craniofacial characteristics and metabolomic markers using an algorithm to be developed.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Health Research Ethics Board-Health Panel, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Pro00084763). The findings will be shared with scientific and patient content-specific social network communities to maximise their impact on clinical practice and future research in the study topic.

Trial registration number

NCT03821831; Pre-results.
Type of hospitalisations and in-hospital outcomes in the Italian coronary care unit network at the time of COVID-19 pandemic: the BLITZ-COVID19 Registry
Authors: Gulizia Michele Massimo , Fabbri Gianna , Lucci Donata , Di Pasquale Giuseppe , Gabrielli Domenico , Campodonico Jeness , Mauro Andrea , Inciardi Riccardo , Di Lorenzo Emilio , Oliva Fabrizio , Nardi Federico , Colivicchi Furio , De Luca Leonardo
Published: November 2022

Objective

The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiology and outcome of patients hospitalised during the COVID-19 pandemic in intensive cardiac care units (ICCs).

Design

Non-interventional, retrospective and prospective, nationwide study.

Setting

109 private or public ICCs in Italy.

Participants

6054 consecutive patients admitted to Italian ICCs during COVID-19 pandemic.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

To obtain accurate and up-to-date information on epidemiology and outcome of patients admitted to ICCs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact that the COVID-19 infection may have determined on the organisational pathways and in-hospital management of the various clinical conditions being admitted to ICCs.

Results

Acute coronary syndromes were the most frequent ICC discharge diagnoses followed by heart failure and hypokinetic arrhythmias. The prevalence of COVID-19 positivity was approximately 3%. Most patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis at discharge (52%) arrived to ICC from other wards, in particular 22% from non-cardiology ICCs. The overall mortality was 4.2% during ICC and 5.8% during hospital stay. The cause of in-hospital death was cardiac in 74.4% of the cases, non-cardiovascular in 13.5%, vascular in 5.8% and related to COVID-19 in 6.3% of the patients.

Conclusions

This study provides a unique nationwide picture of current ICC care during COVID-19 pandemic.

Trial registration number

NCT04744415.
Study protocol: use of a smartphone application to support the implementation of a complex physical activity intervention (+Stay Active) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus—protocol for a non-randomised feasibility study
Authors: Smith Ralph , Kenworthy Yvonne , Astbury Nerys M , Birks Jacqueline , Bateman Paul , Dyson Pamela , Hirst Jane E , Jebb Susan A , Michalopoulou Moscho , Pulsford Richard , Roman Cristian , Santos Mauro , Tarassenko Lionel , Wango Nicola , Wire Amy , MacKillop Lucy H
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) interventions have a promising role in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Digital technologies can support PA at scale and remotely. The protocol describes a study designed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a complex intervention; known as +Stay Active. +Stay Active combines motivational interviewing with a bespoke behaviour change informed smartphone application (Stay-Active) to augment PA levels in women with GDM.

Methods and analysis

This is a non-randomised feasibility study using a mixed methods approach. Participants will be recruited from the GDM antenatal clinic at the Women Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. Following baseline assessments (visit 1) including self-reported and device determined PA assessment (wearing a wrist accelerometer), women will be invited to participate in an online motivational interview, then download and use the Stay-Active app (Android or iOS) (visit 2). Women will have access to Stay-Active until 36 weeks gestation, when engagement and PA levels will be reassessed (visit 3). The target sample size is 60 women. Primary outcomes are recruitment and retention rates, compliance and assessment of participant engagement and acceptability with the intervention. Secondary outcomes are assessment of blood glucose control, self-reported and device determined assessment of PA, usage and structured feedback of participant’s attitudes to +Stay Active, assessment of health costs and description of maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study will provide key insights into this complex intervention regarding engagement in smartphone technology and the wearing of accelerometers. These data will inform the development of a randomised controlled trial with refinements to intervention implementation.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received a favourable opinion from South Central—Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee; REC reference: 20/SC/0342. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conferences and seminar presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT11366562.
Peer-based Retention Of people who Use Drugs in Rural Research (PROUD-R2): a multisite, randomised, 12-month trial to compare efficacy of standard versus peer-based approaches to retain rural people who use drugs in research
Authors: Young April M , Lancaster Kathryn E , Bielavitz Sarann , Elman Miriam R , Cook Ryan R , Leichtling Gillian , Freeman Edward , Estadt Angela T , Brown Morgan , Alexander Rhonda , Barrie Caiti , Conn Kandi , Elzaghal Rhody , Maybrier Lisa , McDowell Renee , Neal Cathy , Lapidus Jodi , Waddell Elizabeth N , Korthuis P Todd
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Rural communities bear a disproportionate share of the opioid and methamphetamine use disorder epidemics. Yet, rural people who use drugs (PWUD) are rarely included in trials testing new drug use prevention and treatment strategies. Numerous barriers impede rural PWUD trial engagement and advancing research methods to better retain rural PWUD in clinical trials is needed. This paper describes the Peer-based Retention Of people who Use Drugs in Rural Research (PROUD-R2) study protocol to test the effectiveness of a peer-driven intervention to improve study retention among rural PWUD.

Methods and analysis

The PROUD-R2study is being implemented in 21 rural counties in three states (Kentucky, Ohio and Oregon). People who are 18 years or older, reside in the study area and either used opioids or injected any drug to get high in the past 30 days are eligible for study inclusion. Participants are allocated in a 1:1 ratio to two arms, stratified by site to assure balance at each geographical location. The trial compares the effectiveness of two retention strategies. Participants randomised to the control arm provide detailed contact information and receive standard retention outreach by study staff (ie, contacts for locator information updates, appointment reminders). Participants randomised to the intervention arm are asked to recruit a ‘study buddy’ in addition to receiving standard retention outreach. Study buddies are invited to participate in a video training and instructed to remind their intervention participant of follow-up appointments and encourage retention. Assessments are completed by intervention, control and study buddy participants at 6 and 12 months after enrolment.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was approved by a central Institutional Review Board (University of Utah). Results of the study will be disseminated in academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals, online and print media, and in meetings with community stakeholders.

Trial registration number

NCT03885024
Investigating the impact of oral health on pregnancy and offspring outcomes: protocol for the Lifetime Impact of ORal heAlth (LIORA) cohort study
Authors: Zhao Mei-Ling , Zhang Feng-Jing , Jiang Wen-Rong , xia yinyin , Chen Chang , Zhang Ting , Han Ting-Li , Yu Xin-Yang , Mei Peter , Zhang Hong-Mei , Jin Xin , Novakovic Boris , Leong Pamela , Thompson Murray , Saffery Richard , Cannon Richard D , Zhang Hua , Ji Ping
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Oral health is a fundamental component of well-being, and is closely associated with overall health and quality of life. Oral health may also affect the next generation. The children of mothers with poor oral health are likely to also have poor oral health as they go through life. We aim to investigate associations between maternal oral health and general health, pregnancy outcomes, offspring oral health and offspring general health.

Methods and analysis

The Lifetime Impact of Oral Health study is a prospective, observational cohort study being done at a single centre in Chongqing, China. A total of 1000 pregnant women will be recruited in their first trimester (11–14 weeks gestation). After obtaining informed consent, general and oral health assessments will be undertaken. Maternal lifestyle, demographic data and biospecimens (blood, hair, urine, nail clippings, saliva, dental plaque, buccal, vaginal and anal swabs) will be collected. Pregnancy outcomes will be recorded at the time of delivery. Cord blood and placenta samples will be collected. The offspring will be followed up for general and oral health examinations, neurodevelopmental assessments and biospecimen (dental plaque, saliva, buccal swabs, exfoliated primary dentition, urine, hair, nail clippings) collection until they are 15 years old. Biological samples will undergo comprehensive metabolomic, microbiome and epigenome analyses. Associations between maternal oral health and general health, pregnancy outcomes, offspring oral health and offspring general health will be investigated and the underlying mechanisms explored.

Ethics and dissemination

This project has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology of Chongqing Medical University (CQHS-REC-2021 LSNo.23). Participants will be required to provide informed consent to participate in the study. Dissemination of findings will take the form of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100046898.
Peer Reviewed Evaluation of Registered End-Points of Randomised Trials (the PRE-REPORT study): a stepped wedge, cluster-randomised trial
Authors: Jones Christopher W , Adams Amanda , Misemer Benjamin S , Weaver Mark A , Schroter Sara , Khan Hayat , Margolis Benyamin , Schriger David L , Platts-Mills Timothy F
Published: November 2022

Objective

To test whether providing relevant clinical trial registry information to peer reviewers evaluating trial manuscripts decreases discrepancies between registered and published trial outcomes.

Design

Stepped wedge, cluster-randomised trial, with clusters comprised of eligible manuscripts submitted to each participating journal between 1 November 2018 and 31 October 2019.

Setting

Thirteen medical journals.

Participants

Manuscripts were eligible for inclusion if they were submitted to a participating journal during the study period, presented results from the primary analysis of a clinical trial, and were peer reviewed.

Interventions

During the control phase, there were no changes to pre-existing peer review practices. After journals crossed over into the intervention phase, peer reviewers received a data sheet describing whether trials were registered, the initial registration and enrolment dates, and the registered primary outcome(s) when enrolment began.

Main outcome measure

The presence of a clearly defined, prospectively registered primary outcome consistent with the primary outcome in the published trial manuscript, as determined by two independent outcome assessors.

Results

We included 419 manuscripts (243 control and 176 intervention). Participating journals published 43% of control-phase manuscripts and 39% of intervention-phase manuscripts (model-estimated percentage difference between intervention and control trials = −10%, 95% CI −25% to 4%). Among the 173 accepted trials, published primary outcomes were consistent with clearly defined, prospectively registered primary outcomes in 40 of 105 (38%) control-phase trials and 27 of 68 (40%) intervention-phase trials. A linear mixed model did not show evidence of a statistically significant primary outcome effect from the intervention (estimated difference between intervention and control=−6% (90% CI −27% to 15%); one-sided p value=0.68).

Conclusions

These results do not support use of the tested intervention as implemented here to increase agreement between prospectively registered and published trial outcomes. Other approaches are needed to improve the quality of outcome reporting of clinical trials.

Trial registration number

NCT41225307.
Multimodality imaging of large-vessel vasculitis
Authors: Tarkin Jason M , Gopalan Deepa
Published: November 2022

Multimodality cardiovascular imaging is an essential component of the clinical management of patients with large-vessel vasculitis (LVV), a chronic, relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease of the aorta and its major branches. Imaging is needed to confirm the initial diagnosis, to survey the extent and severity of arterial involvement, to screen for cardiovascular complications and for subsequent long-term disease monitoring. Indeed, diagnosing LVV can be challenging due to the non-specific nature of the presenting symptoms, which often evoke a broad differential. Identification of disease flares and persistent residual arteritis following conventional treatments for LVV present additional clinical challenges. However, by identifying and tracking arterial inflammation and injury, multimodality imaging can help direct the use of disease-modifying treatments that suppress inflammation and prevent or slow disease progression. Each of the non-invasive imaging modalities can provide unique and complementary information, contributing to different aspects of the overall clinical assessment. This article provides a focused review of the many roles of multimodality imaging in LVV.
Single amino acid variation in MAB21L1 is dominantly associated with congenital eye defects
Authors: Meng Fanlei , Li Xin , Zhang Jinlu , Gao Zhiyang , Yang Xue , Liu Ziqi , Liu Yajie , Guo Tong , Wang Likun , Yang Liping , Wang Zhaohui
Published: November 2022

Background

Diagnosis of a genetic disease and determination of the causative molecular lesion rely on the availability of the disease-associated pedigrees. Microphthalmia is a congenital eye defect due to an insufficiently developed visual system; its prevalence is 1–3 in 10 000 live births.

Objective

We analysed a pedigree exhibiting autosomal dominant inheritance of microphthalmia to determine the genetic lesion; used AlphaFold2 to predict the changes in the protein’s 3-Dimensional structure; and compared wild-type and variant proteins in cultured cells or Drosophila model was used to explore the cellular or developmental function of the encoded product.

Results

We identified a novel missense variation, F52L, in MAB21L1 that is absent in population databases and present exclusively in the individuals diagnosed with microphthalmia in this pedigree. Common structural changes were predicted for the disease-associated variants clustered at amino acids 49–52, and these variant products were also predominantly trapped in the cytoplasm of cultured human lens epithelia. To recapitulate its dominant effect in development, we expressed the Drosophila homologue corresponding to MAB21L1F52Land caused malformation of sensory organs.

Conclusion

Mutations at the residues 49–52 of MAB21L1 compromise eye development. We recommend includingMAB21L1in the genetic testing panel for congenital eye disorders.
Musculoskeletal system injuries in the Polish Territorial Defence Forces
Authors: Gołuchowska Agnieszka , Sobieszek K
Published: November 2022

Background

Musculoskeletal system injuries (MSIs) are the major health problem of soldiers. The aim of this study was to assess the types of MSIs that occurred most frequently among soldiers and which parts of the body they generally affected.

Methods

The study included 140 Territorial Army soldiers, both men and women, serving in the Polish Territorial Defence Forces (TDF). Times and frequency of MSIs were assessed using an original questionnaire available via a web-based platform, the TDF Information Portal and the Yammer network.

Results

Among the participants, 42% reported MSIs, most often a single one (19%), incurred while doing military service. Damaged muscles and ligaments were the most common injuries in both groups (p>0.05). The knee joint was the main location of injuries for both sexes (24% in men vs 50% in women, p>0.05). Other parts of the body often affected by injuries were the shoulder joint (24%, p>0.05), head, spine, wrist, fingers, ankle and feet (19% each) in the male soldiers and the ankle (24%), spine (14%), head, chest, shoulder joint and foot (10% each) in the female soldiers. Injuries reoccurred with similar frequency in the female and male soldiers (43% vs 40%, p>0.05) and had the same location in both groups (43% vs 40%, respectively, p>0.05). Difficult terrain, too intensive military training and heavy loads were the main risk factors for MSIs in both groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions

More than half of all the participants (19% of the men and 33% of the women) reported at least one injury incurred during military service. Over 40% of all the study subjects had reinjuries. The males and females were similar in terms of the most common type and location of MSI. Occurrence of MSIs rarely required interruption in the military training/service.
Analysis of hyperbolically symmetric fluid configurations in modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Yousaf Z. , Bhatti M. Z. , Khan S.
Published: November 2022

This paper studies in detail the general physical properties inherent to the static fluid configurations possessing hyperbolic symmetry through the mechanism of modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity (GBG). The energy density of the anisotropic fluid configuration seems to be essentially negative, which indicates that any possible application of these fluid distributions needs severe physical constraints wherein quantum processes become significant. Several exact hyperbolically symmetric solutions with their corresponding generating functions are presented by imposing certain conditions (i.e., conformal flatness, vanishing complexity factor and stiff equation of state) on the fluid variables in the presence of higher-curvature GBG-corrections. Few of the provided stellar solutions exhibit the evolution of hyperbolically symmetric matter configurations whose center of symmetry is surrounded by a vacuum cavity.
Towards European standards for quantum technologies
Authors: van Deventer Oskar , Spethmann Nicolas , Loeffler Marius , Amoretti Michele , van den Brink Rob , Bruno Natalia , Comi Paolo , Farrugia Noel , Gramegna Marco , Jenet Andreas , Kassenberg Ben , Kozlowski Wojciech , Länger Thomas , Lindstrom Tobias , Martin Vicente , Neumann Niels , Papadopoulos Homer , Pascazio Saverio , Peev Momtchil , Pitwon Richard , Rol M. Adriaan , Traina Paolo , Venderbosch Pim , Wilhelm-Mauch Frank K.
Published: November 2022

The Second Quantum Revolution facilitates the engineering of new classes of sensors, communication technologies, and computers with unprecedented capabilities. Supply chains for quantum technologies are emerging, some focused on commercially available components for enabling technologies and/or quantum-technologies research infrastructures, others with already higher technology-readiness levels, near to the market.

In 2018, the European Commission has launched its large-scale and long-term Quantum Flagship research initiative to support and foster the creation and development of a competitive European quantum technologies industry, as well as the consolidation and expansion of leadership and excellence in European quantum technology research. One of the measures to achieve an accelerated development and uptake has been identified by the Quantum Flagship in its Strategic Research Agenda: The promotion of coordinated, dedicated standardisation and certification efforts.

Standardisation is indeed of paramount importance to facilitate the growth of new technologies, and the development of efficient and effective supply chains. The harmonisation of technologies, methodologies, and interfaces enables interoperable products, innovation, and competition, all leading to structuring and hence growth of markets. As quantum technologies mature, the time has come to start thinking about further standardisation needs.

This article presents insights on standardisation for quantum technologies from the perspective of the CEN-CENELEC Focus Group on Quantum Technologies (FGQT), which was established in June 2020 to coordinate and support the development of standards relevant for European industry and research.
Flow physics and boundary layer optimization over a NACA airfoil by camber morphing at subsonic speeds
Authors: Raj R. Jini , Rose J. Bruce Ralphin
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the variable camber morphing strategy is adopted in a NACA airfoil through computational investigation to enhance the lift to drag ratio ([Formula: see text] specifically for military UAV applications. The typical mission profile is also focused on enhancing the aerodynamic performance of the UAV during various flight segments by variable camber morphing. The airfoil camber is changed dynamically at different instances based on the mission profile requirements thereby altering the [Formula: see text] characteristics. The concept of bio-inspired aerodynamics has received a greater attention in recent years because of the proven nature oriented real-time application. Hence, the concept of bio-inspired variable camber morphing is proposed herein that minimizes the use of unconventional control surfaces to attain the required performance at different segments of flight. MQ9 Reaper UAV model is chosen to implement the proposed variable camber morphing strategy at the mission flight segments. NACA 4412 cambered airfoil has been considered as the baseline model airfoil for the present study because of its higher zero lift angle characteristics. The lower camber of the airfoil section is changed from 1% to 3% at different angles of attack (AoA) for the time instances such as 1[Formula: see text]s, 2[Formula: see text]s and 3[Formula: see text]s, respectively. The lift coefficient ([Formula: see text] of the airfoil is also significantly increased through camber morphing at different flight segments during each time step with negligible flow separation as observed through streamline patterns. Hence, the friction drag coefficient is also retained under optimum level as concluded through the boundary layer profiles.
Machine learning etudes in conformal field theories
Authors: Chen Heng-Yu , He Yang-Hui , Lal Shailesh , Zaz M. Zaid
Published: November 2022

We demonstrate that various aspects of Conformal Field Theory are amenable to machine learning. Relatively modest feed-forward neural networks are able to distinguish between scale and conformal invariance of a three-point function and identify a crossing-symmetric four-point function to nearly 100% accuracy. Furthermore, neural networks are also able to identify conformal blocks appearing in a putative CFT four-point function and predict the values of the corresponding operator product expansions (OPE) coefficients. Neural networks also successfully classify primary operators by their quantum numbers under discrete symmetries in the CFT from examining OPE data. We also demonstrate that neural networks are able to learn the available OPE data for scalar correlation function in the 3D Ising model and predict the twists of higher-spin operators that appear in scalar OPE channels by regression.
Coupled flow and transport modelling of a large-scale
in situ
migration experiment with
14
C-labelled natural organic matter colloids in Boom Clay
Authors: Govaerts Joan , Maes Norbert , Durce Delphine , Aertsens Marc , Brassinnes Stéphane
Published: November 2022

Twenty-five years ago, a unique long-term and large-scale
in situ
experiment with
14
C-labelled natural organic matter (NOM) was set up at the HADES underground research facility in Mol (Belgium) to study its migration behaviour. Natural organic matter plays an important role in the mobility of various safety-relevant radionuclides, which is critical in the context of Safety & Performance Assessment (SA/PA) calculations for a possible nuclear waste repository. The objective of this work is to enlarge the confidence in current NOM transport models by validating them with the
in situ
experiment, which is still continued to this day. Stepwise adding more complexity to the model resulted in a 10-parameter model with which excellent fits to the data are obtained. The model considers two different fractions that are transported by advection and diffusion and can be subject to both irreversible and reversible immobilization processes. The associated fitted parameter values compare well with values determined on small-scale migration experiments. This builds confidence in the NOM transport model, which in turn contributes to the confidence in the outcome of the radionuclide migration calculations performed in the context of SA/PA. These results again highlight the incredible value of such long-running experiments at underground research facilities like HADES.
Attention, Please! Adversarial Defense via Activation Rectification and Preservation
Authors: Wu Shangxi , Sang Jitao , Xu Kaiyuan , Zhang Jiaming , Yu Jian
Published: November 2022

This study provides a new understanding of the adversarial attack problem by examining the correlation between adversarial attack and visual attention change. In particular, we observed that: (1) images with incomplete attention regions are more vulnerable to adversarial attacks; and (2) successful adversarial attacks lead to deviated and scattered activation map. Therefore, we use the mask method to design an attention-preserving loss and a contrast method to design a loss that makes the model’s attention rectification. Accordingly, an attention-based adversarial defense framework is designed, under which better adversarial training or stronger adversarial attacks can be performed through the above constraints. We hope the attention-related data analysis and defense solution in this study will shed some light on the mechanism behind the adversarial attack and also facilitate future adversarial defense/attack model design.
Barriers and Supports to Offering Computer Science in High Schools: A Case Study of Structures and Agents
Authors: Parker Miranda C.
Published: November 2022

In the age of computing, there still exist many schools that do not offer computer science courses. The reason can be esoteric to designers of interventions, curricula, and policies. This study aims to answer the research question:What do school officials perceive as barriers to and supports for offering computer science courses at their school?This article provides a case study of four public high schools in the state of Georgia to better understand the barriers to adopting computer science. Interviews conducted with school principals, counselors, and teachers were thematically analyzed to study each case. The pattern that emerged from these themes is framed by structuration theory, wherein the structures (school policies, resources, and courses) influence the agents (teachers, students, the community), and in turn, the agents influence the structures. This framing provides insights into what attributes can be supports for or barriers against schools offering computer science courses.
Data-Driven Discovery of Robust Materials for Photocatalytic Energy Conversion
Authors: Singh Arunima K. , Gorelik Rachel , Biswas Tathagata
Published: November 2022

The solar–to–chemical energy conversion of Earth-abundant resources like water or greenhouse gas pollutants like CO2 promises an alternate energy source that is clean, renewable, and environmentally friendly. The eventual large-scale application of such photo-based energy conversion devices can be realized through the discovery of novel photocatalytic materials that are efficient, selective, and robust. In the past decade, the Materials Genome Initiative has led to a major leap in the development of materials databases, both computational and experimental. Hundreds of photocatalysts have recently been discovered for various chemical reactions, such as water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction, employing these databases and/or data informatics, machine learning, and high-throughput computational and experimental methods. In this article, we review these data-driven photocatalyst discoveries, emphasizing the methods and techniques developed in the last few years to determine the (photo)electrochemical stability of photocatalysts, leading to the discovery of photocatalysts that remain robust and durable under operational conditions.
Designing Cancer Immunotherapies That Engage T Cells and NK Cells
Authors: Kyrysyuk Oleksandr , Wucherpfennig Kai W.
Published: November 2022

T cells and natural killer (NK) cells have complementary roles in tumor immunity, and dual T cell and NK cell attack thus offers opportunities to deepen the impact of immunotherapy. Recent work has also shown that NK cells play an important role in recruiting dendritic cells to tumors and thus enhance induction of CD8 T cell responses, while IL-2 secreted by T cells activates NK cells. Targeting of immune evasion mechanisms from the activating NKG2D receptor and its MICA and MICB ligands on tumor cells offers opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Interestingly, T cells and NK cells share several important inhibitory and activating receptors that can be targeted to enhance T cell– and NK cell–mediated immunity. These inhibitory receptor-ligand systems include CD161-CLEC2D, TIGIT-CD155, and NKG2A/CD94-HLA-E. We also discuss emerging therapeutic strategies based on inhibitory and activating cytokines that profoundly impact the function of both lymphocyte populations within tumors.
Confidentiality Protection in the 2020 US Census of Population and Housing
Authors: Abowd John M. , Hawes Michael B.
Published: November 2022

In an era where external data and computational capabilities far exceed statistical agencies’ own resources and capabilities, they face the renewed challenge of protecting the confidentiality of underlying microdata when publishing statistics in very granular form and ensuring that these granular data are used for statistical purposes only. Conventional statistical disclosure limitation methods are too fragile to address this new challenge. This article discusses the deployment of a differential privacy framework for the 2020 US Census that was customized to protect confidentiality, particularly the most detailed geographic and demographic categories, and deliver controlled accuracy across the full geographic hierarchy.
Isothermal Microcalorimetry Evaluation of In Situ Prelithiation in Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Linghong , Chevrier Vincent L. , Gionet Paul , Hung Jerry , Wu Laura , Chen Xiaorui , Yu Taehwan , Williams Shawn , Krause Larry J.
Published: November 2022

Prelithiation promises higher energy density and better cycle performance by providing additional lithium into a Li-ion battery and is therefore gaining increasing attention in industry. However, to achieve extra lithium introduction, additional processes or species need to be introduced, leading to potentially new parasitic reactions. In this work, in operando isothermal microcalorimetry is used to evaluate both the prelithiation process and the associated parasitic reactions. We show with the case of cathode prelithiation using Li2O2 as the prelithiation additive, that while the prelithiation event completed on the first charge, an elevated heat signal extended beyond the first cycle, indicating continued presence of additional parasitic reactions even after the major prelithiation event. The heat signals from such additional parasitic reactions decreased over cycling. After three cycles, similar heat signals from parasitic events were observed for the prelithiation cells and the control cells, indicating stabilization and possibility of no long-term side effects from prelithiation. This first demonstration of in operando isothermal microcalorimetry method for prelithiation application provides valuable insights into heat production in prelithiation cells and offers a first look into prelithiation-associated parasitic reactions and their evolution.
One-Pot Synthesis of Ni-MOF/Co-MOF Hybrid as Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Sprengel Simon , Amiri Mandana , Bezaatpour Abolfazl , Nouhi Sima , Baues Svenja , Wittstock Gunther , Wark Michael
Published: November 2022

This approach suggests a hybrid bimetallic organic frameworks (H-biMOF) as electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under alkaline conditions. A H-biMOF including cobalt (II) and nickel (II) was synthesized with terephthalic acid (Tp) as a linker using one-pot solvothermal method. The morphological study with microscopy techniques shows hexagonal rod-like structures for pure cobalt MOF, wood-shaving-like structures for pure nickel MOF and hexagonal nanosheets coated by wood-shaving-like structures with for H-biMOF. The structure of H-biMOF was confirmed by XRD showing both pure Co and Ni MOFs in the pattern. The catalytic OER ability of all samples was evaluated using electrochemical methods. The best performance was achieved for a H-biMOF made from a 3:1 starting salt ratio of cobalt and nickel (CoTp 3:1(Ni)). The OER catalytic activity of CoTp 3:1(Ni) demonstrates a low overpotential of 371 mV and a Tafel slope of 53.6 mV dec−1 (at a current density of 10 mA cm−2). The high catalytic activity of the biMOF through OER is related to the high number of active sites and suitable mass transport properties providing reactatnts to increase the current density at a given potential.
Polarization Decomposing of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Considering Liquid Water Accumulation
Authors: Zhang Xiyuan , Zhao Yang , Xu Liangfei , Hu Zunyan , Zhao Guanlei , Sun Hanqiao , Li Jianqiu , Ouyang Minggao
Published: November 2022

To realize the high-power density of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), it is important to explain the influence of liquid water on cell voltage quantitatively, which is still not fully understood yet. This paper proposes a study on polarization decomposing of PEMFC considering effect of liquid water accumulation. The voltage model starts from oxygen transport resistance, which is described as the summation of molecular diffusion resistance, Knudsen diffusion resistance, and transport resistance in the ionomer of the catalyst layer. Then the concentration polarization on the cathodic side of the MEA is described using oxygen transport resistance and liquid water saturation ratio based on Fick’s law. Equations for the influences of liquid water saturation ratio on activation and concentration polarization are deduced mathematically. Based on the model and experiments, a comprehensive polarization decomposition method is proposed. Using this method, cell polarization can be decomposed in detail, and the liquid water saturation ratio under various operation conditions can also be estimated. This work can also be applied to the improvement of fuel cell performance and the evaluation of water content within fuel cells.
Component Analysis of Oxygen Transport Resistance Increased due to Water Accumulated in a PEFC
Authors: Iizuka Yutaka , Tabe Yutaka , Kitami Yuki , Uemura Suguru
Published: November 2022

To increase the power output of polymer electrolyte fuel cells, care in the water management is important. This study extends the limiting current analysis to evaluate the effects of condensed water in the oxygen transport resistance. The resistance increase by water accumulation is separated into pressure-dependent and -independent components by introducing two indices determining the condensed water effects. The components approximately correspond to the transport resistances outside and inside of the catalyst layer (CL) respectively. The results show that both of the components increase from the low index region at 35 °C. At 80 °C, the increase in the pressure-dependent resistance is suppressed, while the pressure-independent resistance increases gradually as the current density increases. This gradual increase is confirmed in a cell with 1.0 mm wide channels, and the increase is suppressed with 0.3 mm wide channels. The observation of water distributions by a freezing method and cryo-SEM shows that there is ice at the interface between the micro-porous layer and CL only with the wider channel at 80 °C. These suggest that poorer contact of the interface under the wider channel allows condensed water to accumulate and expand at the interface, disturbing the oxygen transport to the CL.
The expression profile of 79 genes from 107 viruses revealed new insights into disease susceptibility in rats, mice, and muskrats
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ma Yue , Zhang Wei , Liao Guangzhen , Lei Xing , Man Xin , Tong Xiaofeng , Tian Yu , Cui Yuanxi , Su Xing , Bai Suying
Published: November 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly spread over the world, resulting in a global severe pneumonia pandemic. Both the cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the breakdown of S protein by transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) are required by SARS-CoV-2 to enter the host cells. Similarly, the expression level of viral receptor genes in various organs determines the likelihood of viral infection. Several animal species have been found to be infected by the SARS-CoV-2, such as minks, posing an enormous threat to humans. Because the mice and rats were closely related to human and the fact that rats and mice have a risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 with specific variants, we investigated the expression patterns of 79 receptor genes from 107 viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, in 14 organs of the rat and mouse, and 5 organs of the muskrat, to find the most likely host organs to become infected with certain viruses. The findings of this study are anticipated to aid in prevention of zoonotic infections spread by rats, mice, muskrats, and other rodents.
The Singularity of Oriented Outerplanar Graphs with a Given Number of Inner Edges
Authors: He Borui , Geng Xianya , Wang Long
Published: November 2022

A digraph is called oriented if there is at most one arc between two distinct vertices. An oriented graph is called nonsingular (singular) if its adjacency matrix A(D) is nonsingular (singular). In this paper, we study the singularity of the oriented outerplanar graph with a given number of inner edges.
Palatable Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Solid Dispersed Fast-Dissolving Films: Formulation and In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization
Authors: Al-Kubati Sana Saleh , Ahmed Muna Abdo , Emad Nasr A.
Published: November 2022

One of the most important issues for bitter-tasting drugs such as levocetirizine dihydrochloride (LCD) is the production of palatable dosage forms. LCD also has a delayed onset of action following oral administration. In this study, solid dispersed fast-dissolving films (FDFs) of LCD using the solvent casting method for oral application were prepared and evaluated. The FDF is composed of HPMC as the film forming polymer and different types of superdisintegrants (sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium, or crospovidone). FDF containing crospovidone showed the highest percentage release of the drug (100.54% ± 1.47 within 3 min.) and was chosen for fabricating into palatable solid dispersed FDFs using different ratios of gelatine. The results of Raman and FTIR revealed that the drug’s crystalline structure has been disrupted, and the drug has intermolecular hydrogen bonds with gelatine. The solid dispersed FDF (LF-7), which contained the drug in the form of a 1 : 1 solid dispersion with gelatine, showed a rapid in vitro disintegration (25 seconds) and a burst release of the drug (99.22% ± 2.22 within one min). The in vivo studies were conducted on human participants and showed a significant (

p
<
0.05

) reduction in disintegration time (9.43 ± 2.16 sec.) and higher taste masking ability of the solid dispersed FDF (LF-7) compared to the nonsolid dispersed FDF (LF-4). The stability studies indicated that the prepared FDF remained stable over three months. Overall, FDFs of levocetirizine dihydrochloride with a palatable and rapid onset of action were developed to relieve allergic symptoms.
Presented a Framework of Computational Modeling to Identify the Patient Admission Scheduling Problem in the Healthcare System
Authors: Hosseini Rad Reza , Baniasadi Sahba , Yousefi Parisa , Morabbi Heravi Hakimeh , Shaban Al-Ani Muzhir , Asghari Ilani Mohsen
Published: November 2022

Operating room scheduling is a prominent study topic due to its complexity and significance. The increasing number of technical operating room scheduling articles produced each year calls for another evaluation of the literature to enable academics to respond to new trends more quickly. The mathematical application of a model for the patient admission scheduling issue with stochastic arrivals and departures is the subject of this study. The approach for applying our model to real-world issues is discussed here. We present a solution technique for efficient computing, a numerical model analysis, and examples to demonstrate the methodology. This study looked at the challenge of assigning procedures to operate rooms in the face of ambiguity regarding surgery length and the arrival of emergency patients based on a flexible policy (capacity reservation). We demonstrate that the proposed methods derived from deterministic models are inadequate compared to the answers produced from our stochastic model using simple numerical examples. We also use heuristics to estimate the objective function to build more complicated numerical examples for large-scale issues, demonstrating that our methodology can be applied quickly to real-world situations that often include big information sets.
Because Follower Experience Matters: The Continuance Intention to Follow Recommendation of the Influencer
Authors: Inan Dedi I. , Hidayanto Achmad Nizar , Juita Ratna , Puteri Adiva Reyhan , Romauli Irene Pixelyne , Putri Kinanti Ramadhani B. , Dwiputritaufik Taliza Ayu
Published: November 2022

In harnessing social media, for the follower to keep following recommendations from the influencer, the concerns are primarily focused on the influencer side only. However, the follower’s experience, in fact, is equally crucial as, at the end of the day, that is the follower who decides to continue following or not the recommendation from the influencer over all the influences. Therefore, this paper examines the follower experience determining the follower to keep following the influencer’s recommendation. In particular, the psychological aspects imbued by the experience that promotes well-being and inspiration affect the follower’s intention to continue to follow. A total of 292 screened respondents were gathered and analysed. The findings reveal that the psychological factors: emotional design, functionalities, and hedonism perceived by the follower enhance well-being and inspire them to continue following the influencer’s recommendation. Theoretically, this research demonstrates how well-being and inspiration are the determinants and sheds more light on how the follower experience contributes to understanding the continuance intention to follow the influencer’s recommendation. Practically, this research informs the influencer and the brand that understanding the follower experiences is also crucial for more effective influence. The limitation and future research directions are also discussed.
Resveratrol Ameliorates Trigeminal Neuralgia-Induced Cognitive Deficits by Regulating Neural Ultrastructural Remodelling and the CREB/BDNF Pathway in Rats
Authors: Zhang Li , Song Bijia , Zhang Xuan , Jin Mu , An Lixin , Han Tiandong , Liu Fan , Wang Zhiyao
Published: November 2022

Chronic pain often leads to cognitive impairment. Resveratrol (Res), a natural polyphenol existing in Polygonum cuspidatum, has been widely investigated for its antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Our aim was to explore the ameliorating effects of resveratrol on pain-related behaviors and learning and memory deficits induced by cobra venom-induced trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The TN model of rats was established by injecting cobra venom solution beneath the epineurium of the infraorbital nerve. Resveratrol was intragastrically administered at a dose of 40 mg/kg twice daily beginning on postoperative day 15. CREB inhibitor 666-15 was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg from POD 35-42 after morning resveratrol treatment. Mechanical allodynia was measured via von Frey filaments. Rat free movement was videotaped and analyzed. Spatial learning and memory were evaluated via the Morris water maze test. Ultrastructures of the hippocampal DG region and infraorbital nerve were observed by transmission electron microscopy. We found that resveratrol alleviated TN-induced allodynia, ameliorated learning and memory deficits, restored the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons and synapses, repaired the damaged myelin sheath of the infraorbital nerve, and activated the CREB/BDNF pathway in the hippocampus of TN rats. CREB inhibitor administration suppressed the resveratrol-rescued abnormal hippocampal ultrastructural changes and aggravated spatial learning and memory impairment by inhibiting CREB/BDNF pathway activation in the hippocampus. Our findings indicated that resveratrol alleviated pain and improved cognitive deficits, probably by regulating neural ultrastructure remodelling and the CREB/BDNF pathway.