bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional, phytochemical, and antimicrobial attributes of seeds and kernels of different pumpkin cultivars
Authors: Singh Arunima , Kumar Vivek
Published: November 2021

The nutritional, phytochemical, and antimicrobial attributes were determined for kernels (shelled) and seeds of five different cultivars of pumpkin, namely Kashi Harit (KH), Narendra Upkar (NU), Pusa Vishwas (PV), Narendra Agrim (NA), and Azad Pumpkin 1 (AP1), that are grown in subtropical regions of India. Seeds and kernels of the KH cultivar showed the highest values for fat, ash, protein, and minerals such as P, Mg, Mo, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se. Among the cultivars, the KH cultivar also showed good antioxidant properties for both seeds and kernels. The tocopherols (α, β+γ) and phytosterols (β‐sitosterol and stigmasterol) content were abundantly found in the seeds and kernels of KH and AP1 cultivars. Seeds of all the cultivars scored higher values for antinutritional compounds such as oxalate, cyanide, tannin, and phytate than their kernels. The squalene content ranged from 82.19 to 86.91 mg/100 g in seeds and 69.94–77.42 mg/100 g in kernels of different cultivars. β‐carotene was found predominantly in seeds of the AP1 cultivar (7.33 μg/g) and kernels of the KH cultivar (5.58 μg/g). LC‐ESI‐MS analysis of seed extract revealed that protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid, p‐coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillin, quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, and luteolin were the major phenolic compounds present in the pumpkin seed extract. The disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial screening of seeds and kernels of the KH cultivar. A clear zone of inhibition was found with all selected bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, and fungal strains Candida albican and Aspergillus niger.
Simply red? A systematic colour‐based method for identifying archaeological fires
Authors: Ferro‐Vázquez Cruz , Mallol Carolina , Aldeias Vera
Published: November 2021

The identification and characterization of hearths is crucial for reconstructing the history of fire use and pyrotechnology. In addition to ashes and charcoals, an active fire will also produce alterations of the underlying substrate to varying degrees. To date, however, few studies have addressed how the characteristics of burned substrates relate to pyrotechnology. Here, we systematize the use of colour to identify burnt sediments by performing quantitative colour measurements in the CIELab system of experimentally heated soils and sediments. The experimental design included different temperatures, different heating durations and substrates with varied chemical and mineralogical compositions, including naturally red soils and sediments with different degrees of pedogenesis. The measured colours were analysed by multivariate statistics for diagnosing whether sediments have been heated or not, and to which temperature. We achieved an accurate identification of heated versus unheated samples independently of their composition. The determination of the temperature of heating required prior knowledge of basic mineralogy and chemical properties in the targeted sediments (silicate or carbonate material, total and secondary Fe, Ca contents and the amount and kind of organic matter). The algorithm developed can be applied to recognize burned layers and estimate burning temperatures in archaeological contexts.
Combining a new baseboard radiator with a fan coil system for improving heating performance and reduce energy consumption
Authors: Rahmati Ahmad Reza , Gheibi Ali , Karimpour Rostam
Published: November 2021

In the present work, the heating performance of a new system combined with a new modified baseboard radiator and fan coil is investigated. Using longitudinal fins with special geometry and also forced airflow at the end of the system causes that at the lower inlet water temperature compared with the conventional models, higher heat output rate be obtained. The heat output rate of the new modified system is obtained by experimental metrology based on the European Standard No. EN‐442. Temperature and velocity distribution in the room space is done by simulation of the modified system in the Flovent software. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results are validated against experimental results and there is a good agreement between them. Also, the energy consumption of the system during the winter season is calculated in TRANSYS software. Experimental results show that the heat output rate of a new modified heating system with inlet water temperature in the range of 45–55°C is on average 4.17 times higher compared with the conventional model. CFD simulation also showed that the combined system provides good thermal comfort conditions. Energy consumption of the new system reduced about 13% compared with conventional models.
Citrus‐Gene interaction and melanoma risk in the UK Biobank
Authors: Marley Andrew R. , Li Ming , Champion Victoria L. , Song Yiqing , Han Jiali , Li Xin
Published: November 2021

High citrus consumption may increase melanoma risk; however, little is known about the biological mechanisms of this association, or whether it is modified by genetic variants. We conducted a genome‐wide analysis of gene‐citrus consumption interactions on melanoma risk among 1563 melanoma cases and 193 296 controls from the UK Biobank. Both the 2‐degrees‐of‐freedom (df) joint test of genetic main effect and gene‐environment (G‐E) interaction and the standard 1‐df G‐E interaction test were performed. Three index SNPs (lowest P‐value SNP among highly correlated variants [r2 > .6]) were identified from among the 365 genome‐wide significant 2‐df test results (rs183783391 on chromosome 3 [MITF], rs869329 on chromosome 9 [MTAP] and rs11446223 on chromosome 16 [DEF8]). Although all three were statistically significant for the 2‐df test (4.25e−08, 1.98e−10 and 4.93e−13, respectively), none showed evidence of interaction according to the 1‐df test (P = .73, .24 and .12, respectively). Eight nonindex, 2‐df test significant SNPs on chromosome 16 were significant (P < .05) according to the 1‐df test, providing evidence of citrus‐gene interaction. Seven of these SNPs were mapped to AFG3L1P (rs199600347, rs111822773, rs113178244, rs3803683, rs73283867, rs78800020, rs73283871), and one SNP was mapped to GAS8 (rs74583214). We identified several genetic loci that may elucidate the association between citrus consumption and melanoma risk. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Building an agile data analytics environment to support university decision‐making: A case study of Ohio State University's rapid development of a COVID‐19 dashboard system
Authors: Zheng Henry Y. , Mayberry Eric , Stanley Leanne
Published: November 2021

Data analytics is increasingly important to the operations and strategic growth of higher education institutions. In September 2019, three higher education professional associations issued a rare joint statement calling for the accelerated investment and intensified efforts to develop and deploy data analytics in support of campus decision making. COVID‐19 disrupted the momentum generated by the joint statement. However, during the pandemic, many universities recognized data analytics as a critical asset to their response to the crisis. In this case study of Ohio State University's COVID‐19 dashboard development process, the authors demonstrate that the principles advocated by the joint statement are exactly the reasons that a successful and nationally recognized dashboard effort was possible. The case study shows that senior leadership support, strategic investment in the right technologies, and close collaboration among campus data analytics professionals are among the key factors of success.
Protective effects of agrimonolide on hypoxia‐induced H9c2 cell injury by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: Wang Cheng , Qi Changxi , Liu Mingchao , Wang Lumei , Cheng Guodong , Li Liping , Xing Yuxiao , Zhao Xiaona , Liu Jianzhu
Published: November 2021

Cardiomyocyte death caused by hypoxia is one of the main causes of myocardial infarction or heart failure, and mitochondria play an important role in this process. Agrimonolide (AM) is a monomeric component extracted from Agrimonia pilosa L. and has antioxidant, antitumor, and anti‐inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of AM in improving hypoxia‐induced H9c2 cell damage. The results showed that low AM concentrations promote H9c2 cell proliferation and increase cellular ATP content. Transcriptome sequencing showed that AM induces differential expression of genes in H9c2 cells. Gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses revealed that these genes were concentrated in mitochondrial function. Subsequent experiments confirmed that AM regulates hypoxia‐induced cell cycle arrest. AM inhibited the rate of apoptosis by regulating the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins, reducing the level of cleaved Caspase 3 and Bax, and increasing the level of Bcl2, thereby protecting H9c2 cells from hypoxia‐induced apoptosis. AM restored the mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibited the generation of ROS, maintained the normal shape of the mitochondria, improved the level of the mitochondrial functional proteins OPA1, MFN1, MFN2, Tom20, and increased the level of ATP. In conclusion, AM protects H9c2 cells from hypoxia‐induced cell damage.
Generalized pentagonal geometries
Authors: Forbes A. D. , Rutherford C. G.
Published: November 2021

A pentagonal geometry PENT() is a partial linear space, where every line is incident with points, every point is incident with lines, and for each point , there is a line incident with precisely those points that are not collinear with . Here we generalize the concept by allowing the points not collinear with to form the point set of a Steiner system whose blocks are lines of the geometry.
The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in neuroinflammation: Implications in pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches
Authors: Ebrahimi Reyhane , Golestani Abolfazl
Published: November 2021

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression in different cell processes. Due to their ability in monitoring neural development genes, these transcripts confer neurons with the potential to exert broad control over the expression of genes for performing neurobiological functions. Although the change of ncRNA expression in different neurodegenerative diseases has been reviewed elsewhere, only recent evidence drove our attention to unravel the involvement of these molecules in neuroinflammation within these devastating disorders. Remarkably, the interactions between ncRNAs and inflammatory pathways are not fully recognized. Therefore, this review has focused on the interplay between diverse inflammatory pathways and the related ncRNAs, including microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and competing endogenous RNAs in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and prion diseases. Providing novel insights in the field of combining biomarkers is a critical step for using them as diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets in clinical settings.
Investigation of the morphological and fractal behavior at nanoscale of patterning lines by scratching in an atomic force microscope
Authors: da Fonseca Filho Henrique Duarte , Pires Mauricio Pamplona , de Souza Patrícia Lustoza , Matos Robert Saraiva , Prioli Rodrigo
Published: November 2021

In this work, the topographical effect of the scratching trajectory and the feed direction on the formation of lithographed lines on the (001) InP surface was investigated using an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip‐based nanomachining approach. Nanoscratching tests were carried out using the sharp face of a diamond AFM tip in contact mode. From the topographic maps obtained by AFM, several morphological and fractal parameters were obtained and analyzed. Surface morphology presented a surface smoothing for surfaces with scratches produced in [011] and [001] directions. The height parameters confirmed this behavior because scratches in [001] direction exhibited lower roughness. Moreover, this scratch direction promoted the height distribution most symmetrical and platykurtic. The other morphological parameters revealed that this direction provided a more irregular surface (smaller Smc and Sxp), peak distribution, denser and pointed, smaller portion of material in the core, less deep furrows, higher spatial frequency components, and high isotropy. Fractal parameters revealed that FRE90 has the highest spatial complexity, it is dominated by higher spatial frequencies, and has the lowest surface percolation. Furthermore, all samples exhibited high topographic uniformity.
Risk and protective factors of acute kidney injury in decompensated cirrhotic patients with ascites on tolvaptan
Authors: Kogiso Tomomi , Ogasawara Yuri , Sagawa Takaomi , Taniai Makiko , Tokushige Katsutoshi
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life‐threatening complication of liver cirrhosis. Here, we evaluated the risk factors and characteristics of AKI in cirrhosis.

Patients/Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective study. A total of 199 Japanese patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (104 men, median age 61 years) were enrolled and received tolvaptan orally. Survival rates and new onset of AKI were monitored, and risk factors were evaluated.

Results

Forty‐six patients (23.1%) suffered an AKI complication and exhibited significantly poorer survival (P < 0.01). The rates of hepatic encephalopathy (P < 0.01) and chronic kidney disease (CKD; P = 0.02) were significantly increased in patients with AKI. The rate of proton pump inhibitor (PPI)/H2 blocker treatment (P = 0.04) was significantly lower, whereas that of ascites drainage was significantly higher in the AKI cases (P < 0.01). The AKI risk was significantly increased in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HR 4.18, 95% CI 1.618–10.771). In contrast, the incidence of AKI was significantly lower in patients with a higher serum albumin level (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.142–0.914, P = 0.03). Treatment with PPI/H2 blockers (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.126–0.711, P < 0.01) or kanamycin/rifaximin (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.075–0.929, P = 0.04) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of AKI development.

Conclusions

AKI incidence was increased in patients with decreased liver function and was associated with poor survival. PPI/H2 blocker or kanamycin/rifaximin treatment may reduce the risk of AKI.
Periodontitis prevalence and severity in an African population: A cross‐sectional study in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Authors: Hewlett Sandra Ama , Anto Francis , Blankson Paa Kwesi , Tormeti Daniel , Ayettey‐Adamafio Mary , Bayitse Phillip , Danso‐Appiah Tony , Amoah Albert G.
Published: November 2021

Background

Periodontitis is a major public health problem affecting many adults, with considerable variation in its prevalence and severity worldwide. There is little data on its prevalence or associated risk factors in Ghana making development of evidence based preventive programs challenging. This study assessed the prevalence, severity, extent, and associated risk factors of periodontitis in an adult Ghanaian population.

Methods

A population based cross‐sectional study involving adults aged ≥25 years in the Greater Accra Region (GAR) of Ghana. A random stratified two‐stage sampling method was used to select participants from rural and urban communities. Data on sociodemographic and risk factors were collected using a semi‐structured questionnaire. A full‐mouth periodontal examination was performed to diagnose and describe the severity of periodontitis following the CDC‐AAP case definition.

Results

A total of 729 participants were included in the study, with a mean age of 43.9 ± 14.6 years and 61% being female. Majority (84.8%) presented with gingivitis, 46.7% had periodontitis with 41.8% having both, and 13.9% had severe periodontitis. The mean clinical attachment loss (AL) was 1.36 ± 0.67 mm and 1.41 ± 0.57 mm for probing depth (PD). Factors associated with periodontitis included, increasing age, smoking, and alcohol use; being Muslim provided lower odds of disease. Older people, former smoking, being underweight and not having health insurance were associated with severe periodontitis.

Conclusions

This study shows a high burden of periodontitis with comparatively more severe disease. Existing sociodemographic disparities in disease burden highlights the need of developing targeted population based preventive programs.
Magnetic resonance imaging system for intraoperative margin assessment for DCIS and invasive breast cancer using the ClearSight™ system in breast‐conserving surgery—Results from a postmarketing study
Authors: Thill Marc , Szwarcfiter Iris , Kelling Katharina , van Haasteren Viviane , Kolka Eyal , Noelke Josefa , Peles Zachi , Papa Moshe , Aulmann Sebastian , Allweis Tanir
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

Breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) is followed by reoperations in approximately 25%. Reoperations lead to an increased risk of infection and wound healing problems as well as a worse cosmetic outcome. Several technical approaches for an intraoperative margin assessment to decrease the reoperation rate are under evaluation, some of them are still experimental.

Methods

A prospective single‐arm post‐marketing study with 60 patients undergoing BCS for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer was conducted. The specimen was intraoperatively examined by the ClearSight™ system, a mobile magnetic resonance imaging system that is based on a diffusion‐weighted imaging protocol. However, the results were blinded to the surgeon.

Results

The ClearSight™ system was performed for both ductal and lobular breast cancer and DCIS, with a sensitivity of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44–0.96) and a specificity of 0.84 (95% CI 0.72–0.92), with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 80%.

Conclusion

Had the ClearSight™ been known to the surgeon intraoperatively, the reoperation rate would have been reduced by 83% for invasive carcinoma, from 10% to 2%, and 50% for DCIS, from 30% to 15% reoperations. A trial designed to examine the impact on reoperation rates is currently ongoing.
A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method for determination of by‐products originating from ozonation of chlorpyrifos and diazinon spiked in cherry tomato and perilla leaf
Authors: Park Juri , Kim Yun‐Ji , Na Yun‐Cheol
Published: November 2021

In this study, sample pretreatment methods have been developed for the determination of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and their by‐products present in cherry tomato and perilla leaf using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. To optimize a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method, the recoveries at each step were evaluated. The steps improved the recoveries of chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos oxon, diazinon, diazoxon, and 2‐isopropyl‐6‐methyl‐4‐pyrimidinol up to 80% or more by removing interferents, but diethyl phosphate was almost lost during the partition procedure, and the 3,5,6‐trichloro‐2‐pyridinol recovery was below 65%. Therefore, the compounds were evaluated using different solvent compositions based on a quick polar pesticides method; note that 100% methanol showed acceptable extraction results. The optimized method provided method detection limits ranging from 0.03 to 1.22 ng/g and good linearities (R2 > 0.996). The recovery values were between 82.1 and 113.3%. The intra‐ and interday reproducibility was evaluated to be within 8.6 and 9.9%, respectively. The method was applied to determine the degradation efficiency of chlorpyrifos and diazinon and their by‐products formed during plasma treatment.
The effect of perceived life stress on posttraumatic stress disorder treatment outcome
Authors: Burton Mark S. , Marks Elizabeth H. , Bedard‐Gilligan Michele A. , Feeny Norah C. , Zoellner Lori A.
Published: November 2021

Life stress following trauma exposure is a consistent predictor of the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there is a dearth of research on the effect of life stress on PTSD treatment outcomes. The current study examined the effects of pretreatment levels of perceived life stress on treatment outcome in a sample of 200 individuals with PTSD who were randomized to receive either prolonged exposure (PE) therapy or sertraline as part of a clinical trial. Life stress over the year prior to treatment significantly interacted with treatment type to predict higher residual PTSD symptom severity, as assessed using the PTSD Symptom Scale–Interview, among participants who received sertraline but not those who received PE, β = .24, p = .017, ∆R2 = .03. These findings were similar for self‐reported depression severity, β = .27, p = .008, ∆R2 = .04. Adherence to either PE homework or sertraline compliance did not mediate this association nor did life stress predict treatment retention for either treatment arm. Higher levels of perceived life stress may serve as a prescriptive predictor of PTSD treatment outcome, with PE remaining efficacious regardless of heightened pretreatment life stress. These findings encourage clinician confidence when providing PE to individuals with higher levels of life stress. Future researchers should examine the impact of PTSD treatment on perceived and objective measures of life stress to improve treatment for individuals who experience chronic stress.
Elektrochemie mit Wechselstrom
Authors: Habekost Achim
Published: November 2021

Eine Möglichkeit, Lehramtsstudierenden die Bedeutung komplexer Zahlen in der Chemie zu vermitteln, sind Versuche zur elektrochemischen Impedanzspektroskopie.
Flüssiges Glas – optische Mikroskopie kolloidaler Suspensionen
Authors: Zumbusch Andreas
Published: November 2021

Zwanzig Jahre nach seiner Vorhersage wurde in Suspensionen kolloidaler Ellipsoide ein Zustand mit eingefrorenen Orientierungen entdeckt – flüssiges Glas. Wie teilchenaufgelöste Fluoreszenzmikroskopie zeigt, bilden längliche Kolloide eine amorphe Struktur, in der sie beweglich bleiben, aber ihre Ausrichtung nicht ändern.
Siliciumchemie: Hybridrohstoffe
Authors: Koebel Matthias
Published: November 2021

Der Aerogel‐Forscher und ehemalige Empa‐Chemiker Matthias Koebel versucht sich mit seinem Start‐up Siloxene als Unternehmer. Hier erklärt er, was es mit der neuartigen Siliciumtechnik auf sich hat.
Biotechnik: Minuten statt Stunden
Authors: Marx Andreas , Betz Karin , Welter Moritz
Published: November 2021

Wie der Weg von der Grundlagenforschung über ein Enzym zur schnellen Diagnostik des Virus Sars‐CoV‐2 mit Echtzeit‐Polymerase‐Kettenreaktion führte.
Employing phase‐field descriptions of cohesive zone placements in cohesive fracture simulations
Authors: Roth Stephan , Kiefer Björn
Published: November 2021

Cohesive zone models suffer from the fundamental problem that potential crack paths must be determined beforehand. Phase‐field models for (brittle) fracture, that have recently become immensely popular, are able to naturally handle essentially arbitrary crack patterns. However, due to their energetic nature, phase‐field approaches have difficulties to predict, for example, crack nucleation in consequence of their lack of strength criteria which are naturally incorporated in the cohesive zone model. In this contribution, an alternative approach is presented that allows the embedding of established (cyclic) cohesive laws into phase‐field modeling. Our work is conceptually in line with the ideas proposed by Verhoosel and de Borst in 2013. Since this novel approach to cohesive fracture is still in its infancy, many open challenges remain, of which the following are addressed in this article: (i) A strict separation between the description of the cohesive zone and the cohesive law itself is realized, (ii) the interplay between the different physical length‐scales inherent to the formulation is carefully investigated in order to quantify the parameters introduced in the phase‐field description, and (iii) an alternative finite element treatment is proposed, implemented, and tested that avoids spurious solutions for unstructured meshes. In this context, fatigue crack growth is simulated as a quantitative benchmark problem relevant to engineering applications.
Infill topology and shape optimization of lattice‐skin structures
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Cirak Fehmi
Published: November 2021

Lattice‐skin structures composed of a thin‐shell skin and a lattice infill are widespread in nature and large‐scale engineering due to their efficiency and exceptional mechanical properties. Recent advances in additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, make it possible to create lattice‐skin structures of almost any size with arbitrary shape and geometric complexity. We propose a novel gradient‐based approach to optimizing both the shape and infill of lattice‐skin structures to improve their efficiency further. The respective gradients are computed by fully considering the lattice‐skin coupling while the lattice topology and shape optimization problems are solved in a sequential manner. The shell is modeled as a Kirchhoff–Love shell and analyzed using isogeometric subdivision surfaces, whereas the lattice is modeled as a pin‐jointed truss. The lattice consists of many cells, possibly of different sizes, with each containing a small number of struts. We propose a penalization approach akin to the SIMP (solid isotropic material with penalization) method for topology optimization of the lattice. Furthermore, a corresponding sensitivity filter and a lattice extraction technique are introduced to ensure the stability of the optimization process and to eliminate scattered struts of small cross‐sectional areas. The developed topology optimization technique is suitable for nonperiodic, nonuniform lattices. For shape optimization of both the shell and the lattice, the geometry of the lattice‐skin structure is parameterized using the free‐form deformation technique. The topology and shape optimization problems are solved in an iterative, sequential manner. The effectiveness of the proposed approach and the influence of different algorithmic parameters are demonstrated with several numerical examples.
An experimental test of resource recovery from physical and relaxation work break activities
Authors: Hoover Coty S. , Ragsdale Jennifer M. , Ayres Thomas B.
Published: November 2021

Actual resource replenishment, a defining part of the stress‐recovery process, has hardly been studied. We address this gap in the literature within the context of work breaks to determine which resources are replenished relative to a pre‐stressor baseline. Guided by conservation of resources theory and the effort‐recovery model, we explored how two different break activities promoted recovery by looking at their effects on recovery experiences (relaxation, psychological detachment), psychological resources (self‐regulatory capacity, energy), and an indicator of insufficient recovery (fatigue). In a sample of 160 college students, we experimentally induced a state of resource depletion via mentally demanding tasks and randomly assigned people to a physical (stationary bike) or relaxation (progressive muscle relaxation) recovery break activity. The relaxation activity resulted in higher psychological detachment and relaxation experiences, the physical activity resulted in higher energy levels, and there were no differences between the break activities for self‐regulatory capacity or fatigue. Overall, post‐break resource levels improved following recovery break activities. Energy levels returned to baseline (replenishment); self‐regulatory capacity and fatigue improved beyond baseline (accumulation). These resource replenishment and accumulation findings further the development of recovery theory and help employees select a work break activity that better meets their resource‐related needs.
Prepare students for study abroad success with these strategies
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: November 2021

That course won't count. Those are the four words that every student returning from a study abroad program dreads.
Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of ‘stomach‐down’ left congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Aiello H. , Meller C. , Vázquez L. , Otaño L.
Published: November 2021

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Didier et al. Click here to view the article.
Vascular adhesion protein-1 defines a unique subpopulation of human hematopoietic stem cells and regulates their proliferation
Authors: Iftakhar-e-Khuda Imtiaz , Pessia Alberto , Zheng Shuyu , Kankainen Matti , Kontro Mika , Karikoski Marika , Laurila Juha , Gerke Heidi , Tadayon Sina , Hollmén Maija , Tang Jing , Imhof Beat A. , Salmi Marko , Jalkanen Sirpa
Published: November 2021

Although the development of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) has been studied in great detail, their heterogeneity and relationships to different cell lineages remain incompletely understood. Moreover, the role of Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 in bone marrow hematopoiesis has remained unknown. Here we show that VAP-1, an adhesin and a primary amine oxidase producing hydrogen peroxide, is expressed on a subset of human HSC and bone marrow vasculature forming a hematogenic niche. Bulk and single-cell RNAseq analyses reveal that VAP-1+ HSC represent a transcriptionally unique small subset of differentiated and proliferating HSC, while VAP-1− HSC are the most primitive HSC. VAP-1 generated hydrogen peroxide acts via the p53 signaling pathway to regulate HSC proliferation. HSC expansion and differentiation into colony-forming units are enhanced by inhibition of VAP-1. Contribution of VAP-1 to HSC proliferation was confirmed with mice deficient of VAP-1, mice expressing mutated VAP-1 and using an enzyme inhibitor. In conclusion, VAP-1 expression allows the characterization and prospective isolation of a new subset of human HSC. Since VAP-1 serves as a check point-like inhibitor in HSC differentiation, the use of VAP-1 inhibitors enables the expansion of HSC.
Improvement of summer precipitation simulation by correcting biases of spring soil moisture in the seasonal frozen-thawing zone over the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Li Kechen , Zhang Feimin , Yang Kai , Shen Jiali , Wang Chenghai
Published: November 2021

Soil moisture (SM) plays an important role in the climate system, and the effects of SM anomalies on climate can persist from month to season. The seasonal frozen-thawing zone (SFTZ) in the northern hemisphere (NH), which is associated with large inter-annual variability in spring SM, is important from land–atmosphere interaction perspective. In this study, by assimilating spring SM in the SFTZ through indirect soil nudging (ISN) in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, the effects of correcting spring SM biases in the SFTZ on subsequent summer precipitation simulations in the NH are investigated. The results indicated that correcting spring SM biases in the SFTZ improves the subsequent summer precipitation simulations in the NH. Correcting spring SM biases in the SFTZ significantly adjusts energy and moisture evolution on the land surface from spring to summer. Specifically, the correction of SM biases by assimilating SM in SFTZ in the spring can clearly reduce the biases of sensible heat flux (SH) and latent heat flux (LH) in the summer. This affects land–atmosphere interactions over NH, leading to correcting the negative biases of the geopotential height in the middle troposphere in June and July, as well as larger biases of water vapor transport and its divergence during the summer. The results imply that spring SM in the SFTZ is a potential signal for predicting summer precipitation in the NH.
Short-term outcomes in robot-assisted compared to laparoscopic colon cancer resections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cuk Pedja , Kjær Mie Dilling , Mogensen Christian Backer , Nielsen Michael Festersen , Pedersen Andreas Kristian , Ellebæk Mark Bremholm
Published: November 2021

Background

Robot-assisted surgery is increasingly adopted in colorectal surgery. However, evidence for the implementation of robot-assisted surgery for colon cancer is sparse. This study aims to evaluate the short-term outcomes of robot-assisted colon surgery (RCS) for cancer compared to laparoscopic colon surgery (LCS).

Methods

Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library were searched between January 1, 2005 and October 2, 2020. Randomized clinical trials and observational studies were included. Non-original literature was excluded. Primary endpoints were anastomotic leakage rate, conversion to open surgery, operative time, and length of hospital stay. Secondary endpoints were surgical efficacy and postoperative morbidity. We evaluated risk of bias using RoB2 and ROBINS-I quality assessment tools. We performed a pooled analysis of primary and secondary endpoints. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2, and possible causes were explored by sensitivity- and meta-regression analyses. Publication bias was evaluated by Funnel plots and Eggers linear regression test. The level of evidence was assessed by GRADE.

Results

Twenty studies enrolling 13,799 patients (RCS 1740 (12.6%) and LCS 12,059 (87.4%) were included in the meta-analysis that demonstrated RCS was superior regarding: anastomotic leakage (odds ratio (OR) = 0.54, 95% CI [0.32, 0.94]), conversion (OR = 0.31, 95% CI [0.23, 0.41]), overall complication rate (OR = 0.85, 95% CI [0.73, 1.00]) and time to regular diet (MD =  − 0.29, 95% CI [− 0.56, 0.02]). LCS proved to have a shortened operative time compared to RCS (MD = 42.99, 95% CI [28.37, 57.60]). Level of evidence was very low according to GRADE.

Conclusion

RCS showed advantages in colonic cancer surgery regarding surgical efficacy and morbidity compared to LCS despite a predominant inclusion of non-RCT with serious risk of bias assessment and a very low level of evidence.
On the periodic hierarchical Chinese postman problem
Authors: Keskin Muhammed Emre , Triki Chefi
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a mathematical formulation and a heuristic approach for a new variant of the Hierarchical Chinese Postman Problem (HCPP). Indeed, we introduce the concept of periodicity, and we define and solve, for the first time, the Periodic-HCPP, denoted as P-HCPP. Given that the resulting integer programming model makes use of a big number of binary variables and given the extended time horizon considered, 30 days in our case, the problem is characterized by a high level of complexity. However, our developed heuristic is able to solve instances having up to 40 nodes, 520 arcs and 5 hierarchies, whereas a general-purpose solver like Gurobi was not able to provide solutions for instances having more than 10 nodes. While the collected results are very encouraging, we provide at the end of this paper a set of possible future extensions of this work.
From the circular economy to the sustainable development goals in the European Union: an empirical comparison
Authors: Rodríguez-Antón José Miguel , Rubio-Andrada Luis , Celemín-Pedroche María Soledad , Ruíz-Peñalver Soraya María
Published: November 2021

The European Union (EU) is trying to accelerate the transition from the current linear economy to a circular economy (CE). In fact, the CE is considered a tool to attain sustainable development goals (SDGs). In this sense, this paper aims at analysing the interaction between the CE and SDGs in the context of the new 2030 Agenda and the European CE strategy; thus contributing to the scarce empirical literature that links the potential of the European CE strategy to the achievement of the SDGs set by the 2030 Agenda. Three specific research questions have been formulated. First, could the objectives defined in the 2030 Agenda be considered homogeneous, and could they uniquely measure the concept of sustainability? Second, are there significant correlations between the implementation of a CE in the EU and the SDGs? Finally, is the behaviour of the 28 countries that make up the EU homogeneous in terms of the results of the initiatives aimed at the implementation of a CE? From these questions, nine hypotheses are put forward concerning the possible relationships between a CE implementation and the fulfilment of SDGs in the EU. Using a correlation analysis, an exploratory factor analysis, and a cluster analysis, it has been demonstrated that (a) SDGs do not univocally measure the concept of sustainability; (b) there are significant relationships between CE and SDGs in the EU; (c) the behaviour of these European countries is not homogeneous.
The deterrence effect of real-world operational tax audits on self-employed taxpayers: evidence from Italy
Authors: Mazzolini Gabriele , Pagani Laura , Santoro Alessandro
Published: November 2021

We use a large administrative tax-returns panel dataset merged with a tax audit database to estimate the effect of real-world operational tax audits on subsequent tax behavior of a large sample of Italian self-employed taxpayers. Results from operational audits do not suffer from the fact that taxpayers are aware that they have been randomly selected for research purposes and, then, such audits are viewed as more of a signal about true audit rates by the taxpayer. Our empirical approach relies on fixed-effects difference-in-difference comparisons with an ex-ante matched sample of non-audited taxpayers. To address concerns about the endogenous selection into audit, we provide evidence for the common trends assumption. We find a positive and lasting effect of audits on subsequent reported income. However, in line with theoretical predictions, taxpayers do not increase tax compliance when the tax authority does not assess a positive additional income. Our results are robust to a variety of specifications and samples.
Influence of methodological choices on maintenance and replacement in building LCA
Authors: Francart Nicolas , Widström Torun , Malmqvist Tove
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Previous life cycle assessments (LCAs) of buildings and building components show a broad range of values for the impact of maintenance and replacement, some highlighting these operations as major hotspots while others consider them insignificant. This article highlights methodological aspects explaining this discrepancy. The influence of three aspects is investigated further in a case study of façade materials: the reference study period (RSP), service life data, and the use of a round-up number of operations or annualized impacts.

Methods

A comparative LCA of seven façade alternatives is carried out as an illustrative case study. For each alternative, global warming potential (GWP) is calculated using three possible RSPs, four possible material service lives (one from industry practitioners and low, standard and high values from a generic database), and two possible calculation methods (round-up or annualized impacts).

Results and discussion

While the same façade alternative had the lowest GWP in all cases, different methodological choices significantly affected the GWP and respective ranking of other alternatives. Some alternatives showed a significant increase in GWP over longer RSPs, while others were still dominated by the impact of initial production after 200 years. In nearly all cases, generic service life data lead to a higher GWP than data from industry practitioners. Major discrepancies were found between generic and practitioner data in some cases, e.g., for the brick façade. In most cases, annualized impacts led to a slightly lower (or equal) GWP than using a round-up number of operations. However, when a major operation happens shortly before the end of the RSP, the annualized method leads to considerably lower GWP.

Conclusions

Maintenance and replacement are rarely significant over a 50-year RSP but sometimes become hotspots over longer RSPs. Using round-up operations or annualized impacts does not make much difference in average, but leads to significantly different results in specific cases. As building LCA enters certification and regulation, there is a need to harmonize such methodological choices, as they affect LCA results, hotspot identification, and recommendations. Discrepancies in service life data also call for the gathering of reliable data.
Bereitschaft zur Impfung mit einem COVID‑19-Vakzin – Risikoeinschätzung, Impferfahrungen und Einstellung zu Behandlungsverfahren
Authors: Haug Sonja , Schnell Rainer , Scharf Anna , Altenbuchner Amelie , Weber Karsten
Published: November 2021

Hintergrund

Impfungen stellen eine bedeutende Präventionsmaßnahme dar. Grundlegend für die Eindämmung der Coronapandemie mittels Durchimpfung der Gesellschaft ist eine ausgeprägte Impfbereitschaft.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Impfbereitschaft mit einem COVID‑19-Vakzin (Impfstoff gegen das Coronavirus) und deren Einflussfaktoren werden anhand einer Zufallsstichprobe der Gesamtbevölkerung in Deutschland untersucht.

Material und Methoden

Die Studie basiert auf einer telefonischen Zufallsstichprobe und berücksichtigt ältere und vorerkrankte Personen ihrem Bevölkerungsanteil entsprechend. Die Ein-Themen-Bevölkerungsbefragung zur Impfbereitschaft (n = 2014) wurde im November/Dezember 2020 durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die Impfbereitschaft in der Stichprobe liegt bei rund 67 %. Vorerfahrungen mit Impfungen moderieren die Impfbereitschaft. Sie steigt bei Zugehörigkeit zu einer Risikogruppe. Der Glaube an die Wirksamkeit alternativer Heilmethoden und Befürwortung alternativer Behandlungsverfahren geht mit geringerer Impfbereitschaft einher. Ältere Menschen sind impfbereiter, kovariierend mit ihrer Einschätzung höherer Gefährdung bei Erkrankung. Ebenso ist die Ablehnung einer Impfung mit der Überschätzung von Nebenwirkungen assoziiert.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Impfbereitschaft hängt mit Impferfahrungen und Einstellungen zu Gesundheitsbehandlungsverfahren allgemein zusammen. Die Überschätzung der Häufigkeit ernsthafter Nebenwirkungen bei Impfungen weist auf weit verbreitete Fehlinformationen hin.
Major threats to early safety after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a contemporary cohort of real-world patients
Authors: van Ginkel D. J. , Brouwer J. , van Hemert N. D. , Kraaijeveld A. O. , Rensing B. J. W. M. , Swaans M. J. , Timmers L. , Voskuil M. , Stella P. R. , ten Berg J. M.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Despite considerable advances in the last decade, major adverse events remain a concern after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to provide a detailed overview of their underlying causes and contributing factors in order to identify key domains for quality improvement.

Methods

This observational, prospective registry included all patients undergoing TAVI between 31 December 2015 and 1 January 2020 at the St. Antonius Hospital in Nieuwegein and the University Medical Centre in Utrecht. Outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, stroke, major bleeding, life-threatening or disabling bleeding, major vascular complications, myocardial infarction, severe acute kidney injury and conduction disturbances requiring permanent pacemaker implantation within 30 days after TAVI, according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium‑2 criteria.

Results

Of the 1250 patients who underwent TAVI in the evaluated period, 146 (11.7%) developed a major complication. In 54 (4.3%) patients a thromboembolic event occurred, leading to stroke in 36 (2.9%), myocardial infarction in 13 (1.0%) and lower limb ischaemia in 11 (0.9%). Major bleeding occurred in 65 (5.2%) patients, most frequently consisting of acute cardiac tamponade (n = 25; 2.0%) and major access-site bleeding (n = 21; 1.7%). Most complications occurred within 1 day of the procedure. Within 30 days a total of 54 (4.3%) patients died, the cause being directly TAVI-related in 30 (2.4%). Of the patients who died from causes that were not directly TAVI-related, 14 (1.1%) had multiple hospital-acquired complications.

Conclusion

A variety of underlying mechanisms and causes form a wide spectrum of major threats affecting early safety in 11.7% of patients undergoing TAVI in a contemporary cohort of real-world patients.
Assessment of high enthalpy flow conditions for re-entry aerothermodynamics in the plasma wind tunnel facilities at IRS
Authors: Loehle Stefan , Zander Fabian , Eberhart Martin , Hermann Tobias , Meindl Arne , Massuti-Ballester Bartomeu , Leiser David , Hufgard Fabian , Pagan Adam S. , Herdrich Georg , Fasoulas Stefanos
Published: November 2021

This article presents the full operational experimental capabilities of the plasma wind tunnel facilities at the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart. The simulation of the aerothermodynamic environment experienced by vehicles entering the atmosphere of Earth is attempted using three different facilities. Utilizing the three different facilities, the recent improvements enable a unique range of flow conditions in relation to other known facilities. Recent performance optimisations are highlighted in this article. Based on the experimental conditions demonstrated a corresponding flight scenario is derived using a ground-to-flight extrapolation approach based on local mass-specific enthalpy, total pressure and boundary layer edge velocity gradient. This shows that the three facilities cover the challenging parts of the aerothermodynamics along the entry trajectory from Low Earth Orbit. Furthermore, the more challenging conditions arising during interplanetary return at altitudes above 70 km are as well covered.
Meshfree simulation and experimental validation of extreme thermomechanical conditions in friction stir extrusion
Authors: Li Lei , Gupta Varun , Li Xiao , Reynolds Anthony P. , Grant Glenn , Soulami Ayoub
Published: November 2021

Friction stir extrusion (FSE) is a novel solid-phase processing technique that consolidates and extrudes metal powders, flakes, chips, or billets into high-performance parts by plastic deformation, which has the potential to save substantial processing time and energy. Currently, most studies on FSE are experimental and only a few numerical models have been developed to explain and predict the complex physics of the process. In this work, a meshfree simulation framework based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) was developed for FSE. Unlike traditional grid-based methods, SPH is a Lagrangian particle-based method that can handle severe material deformations, capture moving interfaces and surfaces, and monitor the field variable histories explicitly without complicated tracking schemes. These aspects of SPH make it attractive for the FSE process, where in situ evolution of field variables is difficult to observe experimentally. To this end, a 3-D, fully thermomechanically coupled SPH model was developed to simulate the FSE of aluminum wires. The developed model was thoroughly validated by comparing the numerically predicted material flow, strain, temperature history, and extrusion force with experimental results for a certain set of process parameters. The validated SPH model can serve as an effective tool to predict and better understand the extreme thermomechanical conditions during the FSE process.