bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of heart failure guideline‐directed medication during hospitalization: prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes
Authors: Palin Victoria , Drozd Michael , Garland Ellis , Malik Anam , Straw Sam , McGinlay Melanie , Simms Alexander , Gatenby V. Kate , Sengupta Anshuman , Levelt Eylem , Witte Klaus K. , Kearney Mark T. , Cubbon Richard M.
Published: July 2022

Aims

Optimal management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) includes titration of guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) to the highest tolerated dose within the licensed range. During hospitalization, GDMT doses are often significantly altered, although it is unknown whether the cause of hospitalization influences this.

Methods and results

We recruited 711 people with stable HFrEF from specialist heart failure clinics and prospectively assessed events occurring during first unplanned hospitalization. Dose changes of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEi/ARB), beta‐blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and loop diuretics were recorded during 414 hospitalizations, categorized as due to decompensated heart failure, other cardiovascular causes, infection, or other non‐cardiovascular causes. Most hospitalizations resulted in no change to GDMT. ACEi/ARB dose was reduced in 21% of hospitalizations and was more common during non‐cardiovascular hospitalization (25.4% vs. 13.9%; P = 0.005). ACEi/ARB dose reduction was associated with older age and lower left ventricular ejection fraction at study recruitment, and poorer renal function, lower systolic blood pressure, higher serum potassium, and less frequent care from a cardiologist during admission. People experiencing ACEi/ARB reduction had worse age‐adjusted survival after discharge, without differences in heart failure re‐hospitalization. De‐escalation of beta‐blockers occurred in 8% of hospitalizations, most often due to other non‐cardiovascular causes; this was not associated with post‐discharge survival or re‐hospitalization with heart failure.

Conclusions

De‐escalation of HFrEF GDMT is more common during non‐cardiovascular hospitalization and for ACEi/ARB is associated with reduced survival. Post‐discharge care plans should include robust plans to consider re‐escalation of GDMT in these cases.
A Short History of Fusible Metals and Alloys – Towards Room Temperature Liquid Metals
Authors: Handschuh‐Wang Stephan , Gancarz Tomasz , Uporov Sergey , Wang Tao , Gao Eryuan , Stadler Florian J. , Zhou Xuechang
Published: July 2022

Liquid metals are a class of materials with a millennia‐long history, albeit until 200 years ago, mostly centered on mercury‐based applications. The knowledge of mercury's toxicity and the discovery of it's bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the late 20th century resulted in phasing out mercury for copious application. Lead‐based, bismuth‐based, and sodium‐based technology has partially replaced mercury, but due to toxicity or reactivity issues, replacements for lead and sodium are sought. The discovery of indium and, especially, gallium has allowed for the third generation of alloys with a melting point close to room temperature. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the technological developments of fusible and liquid metals, i. e., metals and alloys with melting points below ca. 250 °C, from the early days to current research and industrial application. Special emphasis is focused on important steppingstones and recent developments of gallium‐based alloys as well as how they could be used for future applications.
Neurotransmitter receptor densities are associated with changes in regional Cerebral blood flow during clinical ongoing pain
Authors: Vamvakas Alexandros , Lawn Timothy , Veronese Mattia , Williams Steven C. R. , Tsougos Ioannis , Howard Matthew A.
Published: July 2022

Arterial spin labelling (ASL) plays an increasingly important role in neuroimaging pain research but does not provide molecular insights regarding how regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) relates to underlying neurotransmission. Here, we integrate ASL with positron emission tomography (PET) and brain transcriptome data to investigate the molecular substrates of rCBF underlying clinically relevant pain states. Two data sets, representing acute and chronic ongoing pain respectively, were utilised to quantify changes in rCBF; one examining pre‐surgical versus post‐surgical pain, and the second comparing patients with painful hand Osteoarthritis to a group of matched controls. We implemented a whole‐brain spatial correlation analysis to explore associations between change in rCBF (ΔCBF) and neurotransmitter receptor distributions derived from normative PET templates. Additionally, we utilised transcriptomic data from the Allen Brain Atlas to inform distributions of receptor expression. Both datasets presented significant correlations of ΔCBF with the μ‐opioid and dopamine‐D2 receptor expressions, which play fundamental roles in brain activity associated with pain experiences. ΔCBF also correlated with the gene expression distributions of several receptors involved in pain processing. Overall, this is the first study illustrating the molecular basis of ongoing pain ASL indices and emphasises the potential of rCBF as a biomarker in pain research.
Optimization of heat transfer performance of CuO/H2O nanofluid in Bessel‐like converging pipe using a two‐phase mixture model
Authors: Fadodun Olatomide G. , Olatinwo Adenike , Amosun Adebimpe A. , Olukotun Stephen F. , Owojori Adefope A. , Ojo Michael T.
Published: July 2022

This study investigates turbulent heat transfer performance (HTP) and entropy production rate (EPR) of CuO/H2O nanofluid flowing through Bessel‐like converging pipes. The effects of Reynold's number , nanoparticle volume ratio , and convergence index on the hydrodynamic, HTP, and EPR were examined. The results show that an increase in the convergence index enhances pressure drop, Nusselt number, and viscous EPR. However, the opposite is the case for the thermal EPR. Furthermore, the multiobjective optimization of pressure drop, Nusselt number, and EPR show that both Nusselt number and pressure drop attained the optimum value simultaneously.
EEG/MEG source imaging in the absence of subject's brain MRI scan: Perspective on co‐registration and MRI selection approach
Authors: Gohel Bakul , Khare Mahish
Published: July 2022

EEG/MEG source localization requires a subject's brain MRI to compute the sourcemodel and headmodel. As part of this computation, co‐registration of the digitized head information and brain MRI scan is the essential step. However, in the absence of a brain MRI scan, an approximated sourcemodel and headmodel can be computed from the subject's digitized head information and brain MRI scans from other subjects. In the present work, we compared the fiducial (FID)‐ and iterative closet point (ICP)‐based co‐registration approaches for computing an approximated sourcemodel using single and multiple available brain MRI scans. We also evaluated the two different template MRI selection strategies: one is based on objective registration error, and another on sourcemodel approximation error. The outcome suggests that averaged approximated solutions using multiple template brain MRI scans showed better performance than single‐template MRI‐based solutions. The FID‐based approach performed better than the ICP‐based approach for co‐registration of the digitized head surface and brain MRI scan. While selecting template MRIs, the selection approach based on objective registration error showed better performance than a sourcemodel approximation error‐based criterion. Cross‐dataset performance analysis showed a higher model approximation error than within‐dataset analysis. In conclusion, the FID‐based co‐registration approach and objective registration error‐based MRI selection criteria provide a simple, fast and more accurate solution to compute averaged approximated models compared with the ICP‐based approach. The demography of brain MRI scans should be similar to that of the query subject whose brain MRI scan was unavailable.
Women's thoughts on receiving and sharing genetic information: Considerations for genetic counseling
Authors: Pfledderer Christopher D. , Gren Lisa H. , Frost Caren J. , Andrulis Irene L. , Chung Wendy K. , Genkinger Jeanine , Glendon Gord , Hopper John L. , John Esther M. , Southey Melissa , Terry Mary Beth , Daly Mary B.
Published: July 2022

Indications for genetic testing for inherited cancer syndromes are expanding both in the academic and the community setting. However, only a fraction of individuals who are candidates for testing pursue this option. Therefore, it is important to understand those factors that impact the uptake of genetic testing in individuals affected and unaffected with cancer. A successful translation of genomic risk stratification into clinical care will require that providers of this information are aware of the attitudes, perceived risks and benefits, and concerns of individuals who will be considering testing. The purpose of this study was to assess beliefs, attitudes and preferences for genetic risk information, by personal characteristics of women affected and unaffected by breast cancer enrolled in the Breast Cancer Family Registry Cohort. Data for this analysis came from eight survey questions, which asked participants (N = 9,048, 100% female) about their opinions regarding genetic information. Women reported that conveying the accuracy of the test was important and were interested in information related to personal level of risk, finding out about diseases that could be treated, and information that could be helpful to their families. Young women were most interested in how their own health needs might be impacted by genetic test results, while older women were more interested in how genetic information would benefit other members of the family. Interest in how the genetic test was performed was highest among Asian and Hispanic women. Women affected with breast cancer were more likely to report feeling sad about possibly passing down a breast cancer gene, while unaffected women were more uncertain about their future risk of cancer. The variety of informational needs identified has implications for how genetic counselors can tailor communication to individuals considering genetic testing.
Factors associated with US and Canadian genetic counselors' testing decisions during pregnancy
Authors: Isaacs Alexandra E. , Mladucky Janessa K. , Dent Karin M. , Wallace Lauren A.
Published: July 2022

Decision‐making regarding prenatal screening and diagnostic testing has become more complex as the number of options has increased, with pregnant patients having access to more information about their pregnancies than ever before. Genetic counselors have extensive training in prenatal genetic screening and testing options, but personal decision‐making in this well‐informed population remains largely unstudied. This study describes the prenatal testing decisions genetic counselors made during their own pregnancies, and the factors identified as important when making those decisions. A web‐based, mixed‐methods survey was distributed to members of multiple professional societies for genetic counselors. A total of 318 genetic counselors across numerous specialties in the United States and Canada participated in this study. The satisfaction with decision scale was modified and applied to measure participants' decisional satisfaction. In their most recent pregnancies, most genetic counselors pursued carrier screening (77%) and aneuploidy and/or open neural tube defect screening (88%). A minority of genetic counselors (15%) utilized diagnostic testing. Common factors considered when making testing decisions included wanting information that could impact future decisions, test specifics (e.g., accuracy, methodology, and content), and knowledge gained from participants' genetic counseling background. The uptake of diagnostic testing among prenatal genetic counselors was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than the uptake among genetic counselors in other specialties. This informed study population largely self‐directed their own prenatal care, leading to high satisfaction with their decisions. Data in this study provide evidence for promoting participation in prenatal screening and testing decision‐making to maximize decisional satisfaction.
Creation of a medical procedure service in a tertiary medical center: Blueprint and procedural outcomes
Authors: Buell Kevin G. , Hayat Muhammad H. , Walsh David W. , Wooldridge Kathleene T. , Vasilevskis Eduard E. , Heller Lawrence T.
Published: July 2022

Background

Medical Procedure Services (MPS) may represent a solution to the educational gap in procedural training among internal medicine residents and the unmet need for the clinical provision of non‐urgent inpatient procedures. However, there is little guidance available to help launch an MPS. Furthermore, procedural outcomes from a newly initiated MPS, including those comparing trainees versus attending physicians, are lacking.

Objective

To describe the blueprint used in the design, implementation, and ongoing oversight of an MPS and to report its procedural outcomes.

Design, Settings and Participants

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, Tennessee.

Intervention

The launch of an MPS at a large tertiary academic hospital.

Main Outcome and Measures

6,152 procedural consultations resulting in 5,320 attempted procedures over a four‐and‐a‐half year period.

Results

The primary proceduralist was a supervised resident in 58.7% (3124 /5,320) and an attending in 41.3% (2,196/5,320) of procedures. The overall success rate was 91.1% (95% CI: 90.3‐91.9%) and the major complication rate was 0.7% (95% CI: 0.5‐1.0%). There was no difference in the mean number of attempts required to complete a procedure (1.6 vs 1.5 attempts, p=0.68) and the complication rates between supervised residents and attending proceduralists, respectively (20/3,124 vs 20/2,196, p=0.26).

Conclusion

At a tertiary academic medical center, the implementation and maintenance of MPS is feasible, safe, and results in high rates of successful procedures performed by supervised residents. Procedures performed by supervised residents require comparable number of attempts for completion and carry similar risks as those performed alone by attendings.
Associations of gender identity with sexual behaviours, social stigma and sexually transmitted infections among adults who have sex with men in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: LeeVan Elyse , Hu Fengming , Mitchell Andrew B. , Kokogho Afoke , Adebajo Sylvia , Garges Eric C. , Qian Haoyu , Ake Julie A. , Robb Merlin L. , Charurat Manhattan E. , Baral Stefan D. , Nowak Rebecca G. , Crowell Trevor A. ,   for the TRUST/RV368 Study Group
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Sexual and gender minority populations are disproportionately affected by the global syndemic of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We hypothesized that transgender women (TGW) and non‐binary individuals in Nigeria have more STIs than cis‐gender men who have sex with men (cis‐MSM), and that experiences of stigma and sexual practices differ between these three groups.

Methods

From 2013 to 2020, TRUST/RV368 enrolled adults assigned male sex at birth who reported anal sex with men in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. Participants were tested for STIs and completed questionnaires about sexual behaviours and social stigma every 3 months. Participants were categorized as cis‐MSM, TGW or non‐binary/other based on self‐reported gender identity. Gender group comparisons were made of HIV, gonorrhoea and chlamydia prevalence and incidence; stigma indicators; and condom use during anal sex.

Results

Among 2795 participants, there were 2260 (80.8%) cis‐MSM, 284 (10.2%) TGW and 251 (9.0%) non‐binary/other individuals with median age of 23 years (interquartile range 20–27). HIV prevalence among cis‐MSM, TGW and non‐binary/other participants was 40.8%, 51.5% and 47.6%, respectively (p= 0.002). HIV incidence was 8.7 cases per 100 person‐years (PY) (95% confidence interval[CI] 6.9–10.8), 13.1 cases/100 PY (95% CI 6.5–23.4) and 17.6 cases/100 PY (95% CI 9.8–29.0,p= 0.025), respectively. Anorectal gonorrhoea incidence was lower in cis‐MSM than TGW (22.2 [95% CI 19.6–25.0] vs. 35.9 [95% CI 27.3–46.3]). TGW were more likely than cis‐MSM to report being affected by stigma, including assault (47.2% vs. 32.3%), fear of walking around (32.4% vs. 19.2%) and healthcare avoidance (25.0% vs. 19.1%; allp< 0.05). TGW were more likely to report always using condoms than non‐binary/other individuals (35.3% vs. 26.2%,p= 0.041) during receptive anal sex.

Conclusions

Sexual and gender minorities in Nigeria have heterogeneous sexual behaviours and experiences of social stigma that may influence the vulnerability to HIV and other STIs. There is a need for tailored interventions that acknowledge and are informed by gender. Further research is needed, particularly among understudied non‐binary individuals, to better understand disparities and inform tailored interventions to improve outcomes among these communities.
Glutamine energy substrate anaplerosis increases bone density in the Pahenu2 classical PKU mouse in the absence of phenylalanine restriction
Authors: Dobrowolski Steven F. , Phua Yu Leng , Tourkova Irina L. , Sudano Cayla , Vockley Jerry , Larrouture Quitterie C. , Blair Harry C.
Published: July 2022

Osteopenia is an under‐investigated clinical presentation of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH)‐deficient phenylketonuria (PKU). While osteopenia is not fully penetrant in human PKU, the Pahenu2 mouse is universally osteopenic and ideal to study the phenotype. We determined Pahenu2 mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are developmentally impaired in the osteoblast lineage. Moreover, we determined energy dysregulation and oxidative stress contribute to the osteoblast developmental deficit. The MSC preferred substrate glutamine (Gln) was applied to enhance energy homeostasis. In vitro Pahenu2 MSCs, in the context of 1200 μM Phe, respond to Gln with increased in situ alkaline phosphatase activity indicating augmented osteoblast differentiation. Oximetry applied to Pahenu2 MSCs in osteoblast differentiation show Gln energy substrate increases oxygen consumption, specifically maximum respiration and respiratory reserve. For 60 days post‐weaning, Pahenu2 animals received either no intervention (standard lab chow), amino acid defined chow maintaining plasma Phe at ~200 μM, or standard lab chow where ad libitum water was a 2% Gln solution. Bone density was assessed by microcomputed tomography and bone growth assessed by dye labeling. Bone density and dye labeling in Phe‐restricted Pahenu2 was indistinguishable from untreated Pahenu2. Gln energy substrate provided to Pahenu2, in the context of uncontrolled hyperphenylalaninemia, present increased bone density and dye labeling. These data provide further evidence that Pahenu2 MSCs experience a secondary energy deficit that is responsive both in vitro and in vivo to Gln energy substrate and independent of hyperphenylalaninemia. Energy support may have effect to treat human PKU osteopenia and elements of PKU neurologic disease resistant to standard of care systemic Phe reduction. Glutamine energy substrate anaplerosis increased Pahenu2 bone density and improved in vitro MSC function in the context of hyperphenylalaninemia in the classical PKU range.
Radiocarbon and stable isotope evidence of early to mid‐Holocene wet events from fluvial tufa deposits in Santa Cruz, CA
Authors: Kanner Maura C. , Cortes Luis , Ibarra Yadira
Published: July 2022

It is increasingly important to document past records of hydrologic change in areas that are drought‐prone to better predict the region's future vulnerability to recharge and water supply. Holocene spring‐associated carbonate deposits serve as terrestrial records of water balance that can complement other local, high‐resolution proxies that are moisture‐sensitive. Here we examine two carbonate deposits (one inactive perched tufa site and one active fluvial tufa site) that form from ambient‐temperature freshwater springs, as proxies of their depositional conditions. Radiocarbon (14C) analyses of charcoal fragments from the inactive perched tufa record depositional ages of 6.2 ± 0.06 (2σ) cal ka
bp and 8.0 ± 0.04 (2σ) cal ka
bp and agree with the age models from other proxies of past pluvial periods in the region (~16 to 5 ka). The active fluvial tufas date to 853 ± 0.4 cal
bp, representing conditions similar to modern flow. Geomorphologic and radiocarbon results indicate the perched tufa reflects wetter conditions fed by a higher water table. Stable isotopic analyses of carbonate (δ13C, δ18O) reveal distinct isotopic values between modern and early–mid‐Holocene tufa. This work underscores potential for the analysis of other moisture‐sensitive tufa deposits in coastal central California.
Effect of macronutrient fertilization on olive oil composition and quality under irrigated, intensive cultivation management
Authors: Zipori Isaac , Yermiyahu Uri , Dag Arnon , Erel Ran , Ben‐Gal Alon , Quan Liu , Kerem Zohar
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Intensive olive (Olea europaea L.) orchards are fertilized, mostly with the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The effects of different application levels of these nutrients on olive oil composition and quality were studied over 6 years in a commercial intensively cultivated ‘Barnea’ olive orchard in Israel.

RESULTS

Oil quality and composition were affected by N, but not P or K availability. Elevated N levels increased free fatty acid content and reduced polyphenol level in the oil. Peroxide value was not affected by N, P or K levels. The relative concentrations of palmitoleic, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids increased with increasing levels of N application, whereas that of oleic acid, monounsaturated‐to‐polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio and oleic‐to‐linoleic ratio decreased.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that intensive olive orchard fertilization should be carried out carefully, especially where N application is concerned, to avoid a decrease in oil quality due to over‐fertilization. Informed application of macronutrients requires leaf and fruit analyses to establish good agricultural practices, especially in view of the expansion of olive cultivation to new agricultural regions and soils. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Gender differences in medication prescribing patterns for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: A 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Hadlandsmyth Katherine , Bernardy Nancy C. , Lund Brian C.
Published: July 2022

Women veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have historically received more psychiatric medications than men. The current analysis identified prescribing trends of medications recommended for (i.e., select antidepressants) and against (i.e., benzodiazepines, select antidepressants, antipsychotics, and select anticonvulsants) use in PTSD treatment among women and men in 2010–2019. All veterans receiving care for PTSD in 2019 were identified using national U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative data. Multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusted for demographic characteristics and psychiatric comorbidities, were used to contrast the likelihood of receiving a medication class across genders. Sensitivity analyses using identical selection methods were conducted for the calendar years 2010, 2013, and 2016. In 2019, 877,785 veterans received treatment for PTSD within the VA, 13.5% of whom were women. Across medication classes and years, women were more likely to receive all psychiatric medications of interest. Relative to men, women were slightly more likely to receive antidepressants recommended for PTSD in 2019, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.07, 95% CI [1.06, 1.09]. However, gender differences for medications recommended against use for PTSD were notably larger, including benzodiazepines, aOR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.59, 1.65]; anticonvulsants. aOR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.38, 1.44]; and antidepressants recommended against use for PTSD, aOR = 1.26, 95% CI [1.19, 1.33]. To inform tailored intervention strategies, future work is needed to fully understand why women receive more medications recommended against use for PTSD.
Practical application of high‐sodicity wasteland reclamation with flue gas desulfurization gypsum in the Songnen Plain of China
Authors: Zhang Wenchao , Zhang Wenxin , Zhao Yonggan , Wang Shujuan , Liu Jia , Li Yan , Zhou Yuqun , Xu Lizhen
Published: July 2022

Based on global food supply demands and the need for sustainable development, it is necessary to rapidly reclaim saline‐sodic wasteland as productive land on a large scale. However, the large‐scale application of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum for the reclamation of high‐sodicity wasteland to obtain productive fields still lacks quick and concise evaluation indicators. Therefore, four FGD gypsum reclamation practices were applied in high sodicity‐affected wastelands. After 6 months, the topsoil (0–20 cm) pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), electrical conductivity (EC), and paddy rice yield were evaluated. During the rice harvest, the topsoil pH, ESP, and SAR significantly decreased by 0.9–1.9 units, 29.3–67.2% and 2.3–53.7 (mmolc L−1)1/2, respectively, below initial values. Across the application sites, the interquartile range of the rice yield ranged from 1.7 to 5.8 Mg ha−1 with a median yield of 3.7 Mg ha−1. Correlation analysis between the rice yield and topsoil chemical parameters indicated that the soil pH was the primary factor of rice yield reduction, followed by ESP and SAR. To achieve a median yield, we propose that the pH, ESP and SAR of reclaimed topsoil should be lower than 8.7, 27.5%, and 8.5 (mmolc L−1)1/2, respectively, during the first season. This study provides a practical template and reference values for the salinity and sodicity of topsoil when reclaiming high sodicity‐affected wastelands via large‐scale FGD gypsum application.
3D Contour Printing of Anatomically Mimetic Cartilage Grafts with Microfiber‐Reinforced Double‐Network Bioink
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhao Jianping , Luo Yixuan , Liang Qianyi , Liu Yisi , Zhong Gang , Yu Yin , Chen Fei
Published: July 2022

Bioprinting is an emerging technology for fabricating cell‐laden scaffolds with custom shapes that resemble the complex architecture of human tissues, however, construction of mechanically competent tissue grafts which mimic irregular cartilage defect is still a big challenge. Here, 3D printing of short fiber‐reinforced double‐network bioink to generate anatomically accurate and mechanical tunable scaffold for cartilage regeneration is reported. Poly(lactic acid) (PLLA) short fibers are first prepared by electrospinning and then fragmented through aminolysis reaction. Composite inks are constructed with an incorporation of fragmented microfibers with varied amounts and lengths into oxidized alginate bioink. The results show that incorporation of PLLA short fibers not only improves the printing fidelity but also facilitates in generating mechanically strong constructs. By incorporating gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and optimizing the bioink composition, the fabricated constructs with a compressive stress of ≈150 kPa even after 100 cyclical compression loading (up to 40% of strain) are achieved. In addition, this mechanically reinforced alginate/GelMA double‐network bioink displays good biocompatibility and supports bone marrow‐derived stromal cell chondrogenesis in vitro. Collectively, these findings demonstrate this approach is capable of printing engineered grafts which resemble the irregular size and mechanical properties of cartilage and thus hold potential for functional tissue regeneration.
Theory and application of labelling techniques for interpretability logics
Authors: Goris Evan , Bílková Marta , Joosten Joost J. , Mikec Luka
Published: July 2022

The notion of a critical successor [5] in relational semantics has been central to most classic modal completeness proofs in interpretability logics. In this paper we shall work with a more general notion, that of an assuring successor. This will enable more concisely formulated completeness proofs, both with respect to ordinary and generalised Veltman semantics. Due to their interesting theoretical properties, we will devote some space to the study of a particular kind of assuring labels, the so‐called full labels and maximal labels. After a general treatment of assuringness, we shall apply it to obtain a completeness result for the modal logic w.r.t. generalised semantics for a restricted class of frames.
Nontraditional Redox Active Aliphatic Luminescent Polymer for Ratiometric pH Sensing and Sensing‐Removal‐Reduction of Cu(II): Strategic Optimization of Composition
Authors: Deb Mousumi , Hassan Nadira , Chowdhury Deepak , Sanfui MD Hussain , Roy Shrestha , Bhattacharjee Chiranjib , Majumdar Swapan , Chattopadhyay Pijush Kanti , Singha Nayan Ranjan
Published: July 2022

Here, redox active aliphatic luminescent polymers (ALPs) are synthesized via polymerization of N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐propenamide (DMPA) and 2‐methyl‐2‐propenoic acid (MPA). The structures and properties of the optimum ALP3, ALP3‐aggregate and Cu(I)‐ALP3, ratiometric pH sensing, redox activity, aggregation enhanced emission (AEE), Stokes shift, and oxygen‐donor selective coordination‐reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) are explored via spectroscopic, microscopic, density functional theory‐reduced density gradient (DFT‐RDG), fluorescence quenching, adsorption isotherm‐thermodynamics, and electrochemical methods. The intense blue and green fluorescence of ALP3 emerges at pH = 7.0 and 9.0, respectively, due to alteration of fluorophores from –C(═O)N(CH3)2/ –C(═O)OH to –C(O−)═N+(CH3)2/ –C(═O)O−, inferred from binding energies at 401.32 eV (–C(O−)═N+(CH3)2) and 533.08 eV (–C(═O)O–), significant red shifting in absorption and emission spectra, and peak at 2154 cm−1. The n−π* communications in ALP3‐aggregate, hydrogen bondings within 2.34–2.93 Å (intramolecular) in ALP3 and within 1.66–2.89 Å (intermolecular) in ALP3‐aggregate, respectively, contribute significantly in fluorescence, confirmed from NMR titration, ratiometric pH sensing, AEE, excitation dependent emission, and Stokes shift and DFT‐RDG analyses. For ALP3, Stokes shift, excellent limit of detection, adsorption capacity, and redox potentials are 13561 cm−1/1.68 eV, 0.137 ppb, 122.93 mg g−1, and 0.33/−1.04 V at pH 7.0, respectively.
Asymptotic analysis of an interior optimal control problem governed by Stokes equations
Authors: Garg Swati , Sardar Bidhan Chandra
Published: July 2022

This article introduces an interior optimal control problem (OCP) in a two‐dimensional domain with a highly oscillatory boundary governed by the stationary Stokes equations. We consider the periodic controls in the oscillating region of the domain and use the unfolding operators to characterize the optimal controls. We establish the convergences of optimal control, state, and pressure in a suitable space to the ones of the limit system in a fixed domain.
Wideband high‐efficiency extended continuous Class F power amplifier using a new wideband bandstop network
Authors: Jia Minshi , Cheng Zhiqun , Shi Yongre , Li Hang , Zhao Xiaomei , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: July 2022

In this letter, we propose a novel methodology for designing high‐efficiency broadband harmonic‐controlled power amplifiers (PAs) using a new wideband bandstop network. This network consists of many parallel open circuit microstrip lines, each corresponding to a quarter of wavelength for different frequencies. This topology can improve efficiency and bandwidth by controlling harmonic match impedance. The harmonic and the fundamental matching networks can be designed simultaneously to reduce the mutual effect between them. We also design and fabricate a highly efficient PA with more than an octave bandwidth to verify the validity of the proposed network structure. The measured results show that the fractional bandwidth is 82.9% from 1.2 to 2.9 GHz. The drain efficiency that can be achieved is 86.06% and the maximum output power is 42.97 dBm when the input power is 30 dBm between 1.2 and 2.9 GHz.
Exploring the impact of anterior chest wall scars from implantable venous ports in adolescent survivors of cancer
Authors: Connolly Bairbre L. , Amirabadi Afsaneh , Goman Simal , Aloia Adri‐Anna , Fish Joel , Alexander Natasha , Nathan Paul C.
Published: July 2022

Background

In children with cancer, port‐a‐caths (ports) are commonly placed in the right anterior chest wall, leaving a visible scar when removed. The psychological impact of port scars on survivors is unknown. It is unclear whether alternative sites should be considered. We assessed the impact of port scars on pediatric cancer survivors to determine whether a change in location is indicated.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional single‐center study of pediatric cancer survivors aged 13–18 years. A questionnaire explored participants’ perceptions of their port scars. Four additional validated tools were used: Fitzpatrick scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index, and a Distress Thermometer.

Results

Among 100 participants (median age 15.8 years [13–18], median duration since treatment 8 years [1.5–14.8]), 75 ‘never/occasionally’ thought about their port scars, 85 were not bothered by its location and 87 would not have preferred another site. Eleven participants were highly impacted by their scars: six thought about their scar ‘everyday/all the time’, four were highly bothered by its location, and nine would have preferred a different location. There was an association between the desire for different scar location and how much the location bothered participants (p < 0.0001), female sex (p = 0.03) and Patient POSAS score (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

A port scar on the anterior chest wall was not a major concern for the majority of this cohort. A minority of participants were highly impacted by the scar and its location. Advance identification of those likely to be impacted by their scars may not be possible.
Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as a high‐throughput phenotyping tool for quantifying protein quality in pulse crops
Authors: Madurapperumage Amod , Johnson Nathan , Thavarajah Pushparajah , Tang Leung , Thavarajah Dil
Published: July 2022

Fourier‐transform mid‐infrared (FT‐MIR) spectroscopy is a high‐throughput, cost‐effective method to quantify nutritional traits, such as total protein and sulfur‐containing amino acid (SAA) concentrations, in plant matter. This study used the spectroscopic technique FT‐MIR coupled with attenuated total internal reflectance sampling interface to develop multivariate models for total protein concentration in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), dry pea (Pisum sativum L.), and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), in addition to SAA concentration in lentil. Total nitrogen data from combustion analysis and SAA data from high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis following acid hydrolysis were used for model calibration and validation. Models for the total protein concentration of chickpea (calibration root mean square error [RMSE] = 0.093, R2 = 0.948, prediction RMSE = 0.10), dry pea (calibration RMSE = 0.096, R2 = 0.845, prediction RMSE = 0.093), and lentil (calibration RMSE = 0.13, R2 = 0.845, prediction RMSE = 0.11) utilized infrared regions associated with protein structures, namely amide bands A, I, and II. In sulfur‐related models for lentil total SAA (calibration RMSE = 0.014, R2 = 0.827, prediction RMSE = 0.022) and methionine (calibration RMSE = 0.0075, R2 = 0.815, prediction RMSE = 0.014) models utilized the C‐S and S‐CH3 stretching and bending bands. Study findings support the conclusion that FT‐MIR spectroscopy is a promising high‐throughput and cost‐effective phenotyping technique that will allow quantifying protein traits quickly and easily in pulse crops.
Vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of chronic lung disease in premature infants: A cost‐utility analysis
Authors: Buendía Jefferson A. , Guerrero Patiño Diana , Lindarte Erika Fernanda
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Despite the growing evidence on efficacy, little is known regarding the efficiency of Vitamin A supplementation to decrease the probability of chronic lung disease (CLD) in preterm infants. This study aims to determine the cost‐utility of Vitamin A to prevent CLD in preterm infants in Colombia.

Methods

A decision tree model was used to estimate the cost and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) of Vitamin A supplementation in preterm infants. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the model. Cost‐effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness‐to‐pay value of US$5180.

Results

Vitamin A was associated with lower costs and higher QALYs. The expected annual cost per patient with Vitamin A was US$1579 (95% CI US$1555–US$1585) and without Vitamin A was US$1913 (95% CI US$1891–US$1934). The QALYs per person estimated with Vitamin A was 0.66 (95% CI 0.66–0.67) and without Vitamin A was 0.61 (95% CI 0.60–0.61). This position of absolute dominance (Vitamin A has lower costs and higher QALYs than without Vitamin A) is unnecessary to estimate the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio.

Conclusion

Our economic evaluation shows that Vitamin A is cost‐effective to reduce the incidence rate of CLD in premature infants in Colombia. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision‐makers to improve clinical practice guidelines.
Self‐Healing of HTPB Based Polyurethane Binder via Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Dhas Akash M , Ghosh Kavita , Banerjee Shaibal
Published: July 2022

The self‐healing capability of Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene (HTPB) based polyurethane binder via Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization(ROMP) is reported. Microencapsulated healing agent Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and wax protected Ru‐based Grubbs catalyst were incorporated in binder matrix (i.e,HTPB) uniformly to heal the cracks. These healing agents were also incorporated into HTPB matrix individually to check healing properties on their own and thereafter cured for five days. The incorporation of these healing agents in binder matrix did not affect the curing of matrix. It was found out that cuts when applied to the matrix were self‐healed at room temperature. Mechanical testing have revealed that around 50 % of tensile strength was regained in the healed specimen.
Insight into substrate‐assisted catalytic mechanism and stereoselectivity of bifunctional nocardicin thioesterase
Authors: Yu Qian , Lu Wei , Li Daixi , Shi Ting
Published: July 2022

The inversion from L‐ to D‐stereochemistry endows peptides improved bioactivity and enhanced resistance to many proteases and peptidases. To strengthen the biostability and bioavailability of peptide drugs, enzymatic epimerization becomes an important way to incorporate D‐amino acid into peptide backbones. Recently, a bifunctional thioesterase NocTE, which is responsible for the epimerization and hydrolysis of the C‐terminal (p‐hydroxyphenyl)glycine residue of β‐lactam antibiotic nocardicin A, exclusively directs to the generation of D‐diastereomers. Different from other epimerases, NocTE exhibits unique stereochemical selectivity. Herein, we investigated the catalytic mechanism of NocTE via molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and quantum mechanical/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations. Through structural analyses, two key water molecules around the reaction site were found to serve as proton mediators in epimerization. The structural characteristics inspired us to propose a substrate‐assisted mechanism for the epimerization, where multi‐step proton transfers were mediated by water molecules and β‐lactam ring, and the free energy barrier was calculated to be 20.3 kcal/mol. After that, the hydrolysis of D‐configured substrate was energetically feasible with the energy barrier of 14.3 kcal/mol. As a comparison, the energy barrier for the direct hydrolysis of L‐configured substrate was obtained to be 24.0 kcal/mol. Our study provides mechanistic insights into catalytic activities of bifunctional thioesterase NocTE, uncovers more clues to the molecular basis for stereochemical selectivity and paves the way for the directed biosynthesis of novel peptide drugs with various stereostructural characteristics by enzyme rational design.
Chiroptical detection of self‐aggregating fluorescent rhodamine conjugates: Mistakes and prospects
Authors: Zsila Ferenc
Published: July 2022

Fluorescent conjugation can be considered as the chromophoric derivatization of the target, and as such, it may provide additional structure‐related information available by using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. In this essay, peculiar CD spectroscopic data reported earlier for thyroid hormone–rhodamine conjugates have been re‐evaluated. Contrary to the original proposal on the intramolecular folding of the labelled hormone, the bisignate motif observed in the CD spectrum is a clear evidence of dye–dye intermolecular chiral exciton coupling, indicating supramolecular self‐association of the conjugates. This anomalous solution behaviour undermines the credibility of experimental results reported with such conjugates still being used in the laboratory practice. The extension of routine far‐ultraviolet (UV) CD spectroscopic scans of chiral fluorophore conjugates into the near‐UV and visible spectral region is strongly recommended.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of Ag–Ga–S Quantum Dots
Authors: Azhniuk Yuriy , Lopushanska Bohdana , Selyshchev Oleksandr , Havryliuk Yevhenii , Pogodin Artem , Kokhan Oleksandr , Ehm Alexander , Lopushansky Vasyl , Studenyak Ihor , Zahn Dietrich R.T.
Published: July 2022

Ag–Ga–S quantum dots (QDs) are obtained by colloidal synthesis in aqueous solutions with glutathione ligands at mild conditions. The QDs can be assigned to metastable orthorhombic, rhombohedral, or rocksalt‐type phases, assuming a significant internal pressure within crystallites, while the conventional tetragonal AgGaS2 phase is less likely formed. Similarly to these metastable phases, the QDs reveal a relatively narrow indirect bandgap contrary to the wide and direct bandgap of tetragonal AgGaS2. Size‐selected fractions of the colloidal solutions are separated by repeated centrifuging with addition of 2‐propanol. The QD size is evaluated from atomic force microscopy, while the crystallite size determined using the Scherrer formula is underestimated. X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy reveals that the QD composition changes from nearly stoichiometric for the fraction with the largest QDs toward Ag deficient and S rich for smaller QDs. The synthesized QDs are characterized by the absorption edge blueshift with decreasing QD size. A blueshift of the photoluminescence (PL) peak with decreasing QD size is observed as well as a nonmonotonous size dependence of the PL intensity. Raman spectra of the Ag–Ga–S QDs are discussed compared to those of bulk crystals and a strong contribution of surface phonons is revealed.
Declining interest in science in lower secondary school classes: Quasi‐experimental and longitudinal evidence on the role of teaching and teaching quality
Authors: Steidtmann Lena , Kleickmann Thilo , Steffensky Mirjam
Published: July 2022

Although promoting student interest is a pivotal educational goal, student interest in science, and particularly in physics, declines substantially during secondary school. This study focused on the long‐term development of interest in physics at the lower secondary level (grades 5–7) and examined the role of teaching and teaching quality on the development. In particular, the study investigated the role of whether or not physics was taught in class and the role of perceived teaching quality for classes' interest trajectories. The results provide evidence of declining interest in physics from Grade 5 to 7, with stronger declines from Grade 5 to 6. Whether classes participated in physics teaching or not neither notably reduced nor increased interest in physics. However, several dimensions of perceived teaching quality (in particular, cognitive activation and cognitive support) mitigated the decline in interest.
Efficient Non‐Compression Auto‐Encoder for Driving Noise‐Based Road Surface Anomaly Detection
Authors: Park YeongHyeon , Jung JongHee
Published: July 2022

Wet weather makes water film over the road and that film causes lower friction between tire and road surface. When a vehicle passes the low‐friction road, the accident can occur up to 35% higher frequency than a normal condition road. In order to prevent accidents as above, identifying the road condition in real‐time is essential. Thus, we propose a convolutional auto‐encoder‐based anomaly detection model for taking both less computational resources and achieving higher anomaly detection performance. The proposed model adopts a non‐compression method rather than a conventional bottleneck structured auto‐encoder. As a result, the computational cost of the neural network is reduced up to 1 over 25 compared with the conventional models, and the anomaly detection performance is improved by up to 7.72%. Thus, we conclude the proposed model as a cutting‐edge algorithm for real‐time anomaly detection. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Improving antenatal detection of small‐for‐gestational‐age fetus: economic evaluation of Growth Assessment Protocol
Authors: Relph S. , Vieira M. C. , Copas A. , Coxon K. , Alagna A. , Briley A. , Johnson M. , Page L. , Peebles D. , Shennan A. , Thilaganathan B. , Marlow N. , Lees C. , Lawlor D. A. , Khalil A. , Sandall J. , Pasupathy D. , Healey A. ,   on behalf of the DESiGN Trial Team
Published: July 2022

Objective

To determine whether the Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP), as implemented in theDESiGNtrial, is cost‐effective in terms of antenatal detection of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonate, when compared with standard care.

Methods

This was an incremental cost‐effectiveness analysis undertaken from the perspective of aUKNational Health Service hospital provider. Thirteen maternity units from England,UK, were recruited to theDESiGN(DEtectionof Small forGestatioNalage fetus) trial, a cluster randomized controlled trial. Singleton, non‐anomalous pregnancies which delivered after 24 + 0 gestational weeks between November 2015 and February 2019 were analyzed. Probabilistic decision modeling using clinical trial data was undertaken. The main outcomes of the study were the expected incremental cost, the additional number ofSGAneonates identified antenatally and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) (cost per additionalSGAneonate identified) of implementingGAP. Secondary analysis focused on theICERper infant quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained.

Results

The expected incremental cost (including hospital care and implementation costs) ofGAPover standard care was £34 559 per 1000 births, with a 68% probability that implementation ofGAPwould be associated with increased costs to sustain program delivery.GAPidentified an additional 1.77SGAneonates per 1000 births (55% probability of it being more clinically effective). TheICERforGAPwas £19 525 per additionalSGAneonate identified, with a 44% probability thatGAPwould both increase cost and identify moreSGAneonates compared with standard care. The probability ofGAPbeing the dominant clinical strategy was low (11%). The expected incremental cost per infantQALYgained ranged from £68 242 to £545 940, depending on assumptions regarding theQALYvalue of detection ofSGA.

Conclusion

The economic case for replacing standard care withGAPis weak based on the analysis reported in our study. However, this conclusion should be viewed taking into account that cost‐effectiveness analyses are always limited by the assumptions made. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.