bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for foot ulcer recurrence in patients with comorbid diabetic foot osteomyelitis and diabetic nephropathy: A 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Zhang Li , Fu Guifen , Deng Yongqing , Nong Yuechou , Huang Jianhao , Huang Xiulu , Wei Fenglian , Yu Yanqing , Huang Litian , Zhang Wenjiao , Tang Meizhu , Deng Licai , Han Jiaxia , Zhou Xing , Wang Qiu , Lu Wensheng
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to explore the risk factors for foot ulcer recurrence in patients with comorbid diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) and diabetic nephropathy (DN). This is a prospective cohort study. Between May 2018 and May 2021, we selected 120 inpatients with comorbid severe diabetic foot infection (PEDIS Grade 3 or above) and DN for inclusion in our study. All cases were followed up for 36 months. The study outcomes were whether foot ulcer recurred and the time to recurrence. The risk factors of ulcer recurrence were analysed by comparing the data of the three groups. According to the recurrence of foot ulcer, the participants were divided into three groups: Group A (no foot ulcer recurrence, n = 89), Group B (foot ulcer recurrence within 12‐36 months, n = 19) and Group C (foot ulcer recurrence within 6‐12 months, n = 12). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that urine albumin‐creatinine ratio (UACR) (HR: 1.008, 95% CI: 1.005‐1.011, P < .001) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) (HR: 1.064, 95% CI: 1.032‐1.096, P < .001) were identified as independent risk factors. Kaplan‐Meier curves showed a significant positive association between UACR or VPT and the risk of foot ulcer recurrence (log rank, all P < .05). Areas under the ROC curves for UACR, VPT and the combination of UACR and VPT were 0.802, 0.799 and 0.842, respectively. The best cut‐off values of UACR and VPT were 281.51 mg/g and 25.12 V, respectively. In summary, elevated UACR and VPT were independent risk factors. The best clinical cut‐off values of UACR and VPT for prediction of foot ulcer recurrence were 281.51 mg/g and 25.12 V, respectively. Besides, our results suggested that microcirculation disorders rather than macrovascular complications play a major role in the recurrence of foot ulcer in patients with comorbid DFO and DN.
Risk factors for decline in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores in patients with acute transient ischemic attack and minor stroke
Authors: Zuo Lijun , Dong YanHong , Liao Xiaoling , Pan Yuesong , Xiang Xianglong , Meng Xia , Li Hao , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yilong , Shi Jiong , Wang Yongjun
Published: June 2022

Cognitive impairment after stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) has a high prevalence. The authors aimed to explore the risk factors for declined cognitive function with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)‐Beijing in patients with stroke/TIA at acute phase. Total 2283 patients with acute stroke/TIA without a history of dementia were assessed at 2 weeks of onset. Patients were assessed by MoCA‐Beijing on day 14 and at 3 months follow‐ups. Cognitive impairment was defined as MoCA‐Beijing ≤22. Patients’ cognitive status was considered as declined if there were a reduction of ≥2 points in MoCA‐Beijing score and patients were considered to have improved if there were an increase of ≥2 points. The score of MoCA‐Beijing was considered to be stable if there were an increase or decrease of 1 point. Most patients were in 60 s (60.96 ± 10.75 years old) with a median (interquartile range) National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score of 3.00 (4.00) and greater than primary school level of education, and 1657 participants (72.58%) were male. Cognitive evaluation was conducted in 2283 of 2625 patients (82.70%) with MoCA‐Beijing at baseline. Total 292 (12.79%) patients have a cognitive decline at 3 months, 786 (34.42%) patients were stable and 1205 (52.78%) patients were improved. In the logistic regression, a history of hypertension was associated with cognitive deterioration from baseline to 3‐month. Patients with a history of hypertension have a higher risk for cognitive deterioration from baseline to 3‐month after stroke/TIA.
Development and test of a smart multisensory device for preserved eggs
Authors: Ren Yi , Huang Xingyi , Aheto Joshua H. , Jiang Lihua , Qian Chunhua , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiaorui , Yu Shanshan , Wang Li
Published: June 2022

Preserved eggs have exceptional sensory quality traits such as pine‐needle‐like flowers on the surface, reddish‐brown and elastic albumen, dark green umami and runny yolk, ammonia smell, and so forth. In this work, a smart multisensory device equipped with a raspberry Pi, a camera, and visual sensor arrays for odor and taste perception was developed to assist in the evaluation of preserved eggs sensory quality. The feasibility of the device to nondestructively detect the maturation stages of preserved eggs during curing was conducted on preserved eggs with five different maturation stages, yielding an accuracy of 95.00%. To further increase the accuracy of identifying preserved egg brands, this study incorporated three types of intelligent sensory data. The three parts of data were combined into a two‐dimensional matrix, normalization and principal component analysis were carried out, and the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model was finally established, achieving 91.67% accuracy for brand recognition. The results demonstrated that the device could be employed to provide rapid and accurate characterization of the sensory qualities of preserved eggs, as well as provide useful reference for smart sensory characterization of other food products.

Practical Applications

Processors prioritize food safety and quality, which is why producers of preserved eggs frequently face complex and time‐consuming workflows, such as the appointment of sensory evaluators to assess the quality of preserved eggs. The sensory panel, on the other hand, is prone to fatigue.

This study presents a smart multi‐sensory device that can collect and analyze sensory data trends from preserved eggs at a speed and interconnectedness that human sensory panels cannot match. The device has an easy‐to‐use interface that allows for the real‐time collection of critical information about consumer acceptance of preserved eggs.

The results showed that the device could be used by preserved egg producers to provide rapid and accurate sensory characterization of preserved eggs, as well as a useful reference for smart sensory characterization of other food products.
At‐line monitoring of industrial corn seed classification quality by digital images analysis using smartphone
Authors: Gonzatti Camila Angela , de Souza Alexandro Ricardo Rodrigues , Faqui Demis Pessato , Molz Rolf Fredi , Santos Roberta Oliveira , Tischer Bruna , da Costa Adilson Ben
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using the PhotoMetrix PRO® application to perform the selection of good quality corn seeds from defective ones, through digital images and the multivariate analysis of color elements. An optimization of the experimental conditions was carried out. Eighteen experiments were performed varying the size of the analysis recipient, the distance of the sample from the smartphone and the size of the region of interest (ROI). A calibration model was built using a partial least squares (PLS) regression model in the determined experimental conditions, and the prediction of external samples was then performed. The conditions that provided the smallest cross‐validation error consisted of using the smaller chamber, the largest ROI, and the longest distance from the smartphone to the sample. The coefficient of determination obtained by the model was .976. In addition, the root‐mean‐square error of calibration (RMSEC) and the root‐mean‐square error of cross‐validation (RMSECV) obtained were 1.2% and 4.8%, respectively. In the prediction, two outliers were observed, and the RMSEP dropped to 2.2% when they were removed. The proposed methodology shows great potential to contribute to the industrial process of corn seed production. It is fast, accurate, and low cost, allowing the analysis to be performed 15 times faster than the current process.

Practical Applications

Corn is one of the most important commodities in Brazil's economy. During the processing of corn seeds in the industry, those of good quality are selected among the others through parameters, such as color and density, for example. The gravity table and the Color Sorter machine are equipment used for this purpose. However, even if the machine's separation is effective, an important percentage of good seeds are wasted. To reduce the waste of good seeds remaining in the tailings of these machines, the operators carry out a manual inspection of tailings samples, determining the quantity of quality seeds present there for later adjustment of the machines. This visual and manual analysis becomes time‐consuming, subjective, and imprecise. Thus, as an alternative, this study proposes the use of digital image and partial least square model built by a mobile app to determine the quantity of quality corn seeds in the machines' wastes.
Dermoscopic classification of melasma: Concordance study and correlation with the melanophages count
Authors: de Abreu Luciana , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia , Quintella Leonardo Pereira , Buçard Alice Mota , Bravo Bruna Souza Félix , de Almeida Andréia Munck , Moreira Ana Carolina Martins Serra
Published: June 2022

Background

Melasma is a common hypermelanosis characterized by symmetrical brownish macules, especially on the face. Histologic analysis demonstrates increased epidermal and dermal melanin. Dermoscopy is useful to estimate the depth of the melanin and may help in the diagnosis and classification of melasma, with therapeutic importance.

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic concordance of dermoscopic classification of epidermal or mixed subtypes of melasma and the correlation between dermoscopic and histopathological findings.

Methods

Twenty‐eight women with facial melasma, phototypes III to V, ages between 30 and 61 years were selected. Based on the evaluation of clinical and dermoscopic images, two independent observers classified melasma into epidermal or mixed subtypes. The intra and interobserver concordances were calculated. Histopathological analysis of epidermal melanin extension and maximum number of melanophages per high‐power field (400×; HPF) have been assessed. Association between the melanophages count and the dermoscopic classification was evaluated.

Results

Intraobserver agreement was 82.1%, and between observers, from 78.6% to 89.3%, according to the Kappa index. Histopathology revealed increased intraepidermal melanin and the presence of dermal melanophages in all the samples. Ten or more melanophages/HPF was significantly associated with mixed melasma.

Conclusions

Moderate to substantial concordance in the dermoscopic classification of melasma was found, and the correlation between this classification and the dermal melanophages count have been suggested. Intradermal component of every case of melasma should be considered for therapeutic and prognostic purposes.
Diagnosis of urogenital tuberculosis by multiplex-nested PCR targeting mpt64 (Rv1980c) and IS6110: comparison with multiplex PCR and GeneXpert® MTB/RIF
Authors: Kamra E. , Alam D. , Singh V. , Kumar M. , Chauhan M. , Mehta P.K.
Published: June 2022

A multiplex-nested PCR (M-nested PCR) targeting mpt64 (Rv1980c) + IS6110 was designed to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) DNA within urine (n = 35), endometrial biopsies (n = 22) and menstrual blood (n = 3) of male/female UGTB patients, and results were compared with M-PCR using the same targets. Detection limit of the purified Mtb DNA was found to be 1 fg by M-nested PCR, which was 106-fold lower than M-PCR. Moreover, sensitivities of 100% and 81·8% were obtained in confirmed (n = 5) and clinically suspected UGTB (n = 55) cases, respectively, by M-nested PCR, with a specificity of 97·1% (n = 70). Sensitivities attained by M-nested PCR were significantly higher (p < 0·05) than M-PCR in both clinically suspected and total UGTB (n = 60) cases. To confirm the true PCR-negative results, an internal amplification control, that is, human β-globin gene (hbb) was incorporated in the M-nested PCR/M-PCR assays, wherein all the clinical specimens (positive/negative for mpt64/IS6110) were found to be positive for hbb. Some UGTB specimens (n = 35) were also subjected to GeneXpert® MTB/RIF assay that revealed a significantly lower (p < 0·001) sensitivity (17·1 vs 88·6%) than M-nested PCR, although high specificity (100%) was attained with GeneXpert. After validating the results in a higher number of UGTB specimens, our M-nested PCR may be translated into an attractive diagnostic kit.
Association between the second‐ and fourth‐digit ratio and oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ying Yue , Madathil Sreenath , Nicolau Belinda
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Using an established proxy measure of intra‐utero testosterone and estrogen levels—the ratio of second‐ and fourth‐digit lengths—we estimated its association with the oral cancer risk among a population from Southern India.

Material and methods

In a hospital‐based case–control study, incident oral cancer cases (N = 350) and non‐cancer controls (N = 371), frequency‐matched by age and sex, were recruited from two major referral hospitals in Kerala, India. Structured interviews collected information on several domains of exposure via detailed life course questionnaires. Digit lengths were measured using a ruler in a standardized manner. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Second‐ and fourth‐digit ratio lower than 1, which indicates relatively higher intra‐utero level of testosterone and lower intra‐utero level of estrogen, was associated with higher oral cancer risk (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.02–2.52), after accounting for several confounders.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that intra‐utero hormonal levels measured by second‐ and fourth‐digit ratio are associated with oral cancer risk. Further studies in different population should confirm these results.
Functional roles of ALMT‐type anion channels in malate‐induced stomatal closure in tomato and Arabidopsis
Authors: Sasaki Takayuki , Ariyoshi Michiyo , Yamamoto Yoko , Mori Izumi C.
Published: June 2022

Guard‐cell‐type aluminium‐activated malate transporters (ALMTs) are involved in stomatal closure by exporting anions from guard cells. However, their physiological and electrophysiological functions are yet to be explored. Here, we analysed the physiological and electrophysiological properties of the ALMT channels in Arabidopsis and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). SlALMT11 was specifically expressed in tomato guard cells. External malate‐induced stomatal closure was impaired in ALMT‐suppressed lines of tomato and Arabidopsis, although abscisic acid did not influence the stomatal response in SlALMT11‐knock‐down tomato lines. Electrophysiological analyses in Xenopus oocytes showed that SlALMT11 and AtALMT12/QUAC1 exhibited characteristic bell‐shaped current‐voltage patterns dependent on extracellular malate, fumarate, and citrate. Both ALMTs could transport malate, fumarate, and succinate, but not citrate, suggesting that the guard‐cell‐type ALMTs are dicarboxylic anion channels activated by extracellular organic acids. The truncation of acidic amino acids, Asp or Glu, from the C‐terminal end of SlALMT11 or AtALMT12/QUAC1 led to the disappearance of the bell‐shaped current‐voltage patterns. Our findings establish that malate‐activated stomatal closure is mediated by guard‐cell‐type ALMT channels that require an acidic amino acid in the C‐terminus as a candidate voltage sensor in both tomato and Arabidopsis.
Open innovation ecosystem organizing from a process view: a longitudinal study in the making of an innovation hub
Authors: Remneland Wikhamn Björn , Styhre Alexander
Published: June 2022

This paper uses process theory as a theoretical lens to analyze AstraZeneca's enactment of an open innovation initiative with the purpose of strengthening the firm's surrounding innovation ecosystem. Based on empirical data collected over 7 years, we develop a process model of open innovation enactment and explain how the initiative gradually transformed while maintaining its guiding principles, which were set from the start. In applying a process perspective, we highlight open innovation initiatives as dynamic and evolutionary – but not deterministic – developments. As such, we provide a comprehensive and more nuanced understanding of not only what open innovationisbut also how itbecomes. This study also contributes to the innovation ecosystem literature by theorizing how firms orchestrate innovation ecosystems through open innovation initiatives over time.
Individual learning as a driver of changes in community vulnerability under repeated hurricanes and changing climate
Authors: Zhai Chengwei , Reilly Allison C. , Guikema Seth D.
Published: June 2022

The risks from singular natural hazards such as a hurricane have been extensively investigated in the literature. However, little is understood about how individual and collective responses to repeated hazards change communities and impact their preparation for future events. Individual mitigation actions may drive how a community's resilience evolves under repeated hazards. In this paper, we investigate the effect that learning by homeowners can have on household mitigation decisions and on how this influences a region's vulnerability to natural hazards over time, using hurricanes along the east coast of the United States as our case study. To do this, we build an agent‐based model (ABM) to simulate homeowners’ adaptation to repeated hurricanes and how this affects the vulnerability of the regional housing stock. Through a case study, we explore how different initial beliefs about the hurricane hazard and how the memory of recent hurricanes could change a community's vulnerability both under current and potential future hurricane scenarios under climate change. In some future hurricane environments, different initial beliefs can result in large differences in the region's long‐term vulnerability to hurricanes. We find that when some homeowners mitigate soon after a hurricane—when their memory of the event is the strongest—it can help to substantially decrease the vulnerability of a community.
El alumnado inmigrante y la mediación lingüística infantojuvenil
Authors: El Jouhri Nadya , Bagur-Pons Sara , Verger-Gelabert Sebastià , Rosselló-Ramón María Rosa
Published: June 2022

La mediación interlingüística infantojuvenil se refiere a la intervención comunicativa de individuos sin autoridad, como ejercicio normativo. Este estudio analiza las percepciones de los hijos de inmigrantes de primera generación sobre la mediación interlingüística, identificando dificultades y soluciones desde los contextos escolares y familiares. Desde un enfoque cualitativo, se desarrollaron entrevistas y grupos de discusión cuyos participantes fueron alumnos y profesionales. Los hallazgos muestran dificultades relacionadas con la dependencia parental, el estrés, la falta de empatía por parte de los profesionales, el sentimiento de incompetencia o la complejidad para la resolución de problemas por parte de los niños.
Videos y fotografías para evaluar aprendizajes durante la contingencia sanitaria
Authors: Pérez-Martínez María Guadalupe , Calvario-Ruiz Sara Sofía
Published: June 2022

Esta investigación exploró la potencialidad de los videos y las fotografías digitales para evaluar los aprendizajes en preescolar durante la contingencia sanitaria, cuando se imposibilitó la observación directa del desempeño de los estudiantes. Se realizó un estudio de caso de una docente, en el cual se analizaron videos y fotografías de actividades sobre diferentes campos curriculares, y se condujeron entrevistas semiestructuradas. Los resultados muestran la complementariedad de estos recursos: las fotografías permiten valorar productos terminados; las videograbaciones, el proceso de desarrollo, la participación familiar y el ambiente de aprendizaje. En conjunto, pueden facilitar la construcción de propósitos articulados entre escuela y hogar y la retroalimentación oportuna.
A Compressor Off-Line Washing Schedule Optimization Method With a LSTM Deep Learning Model Predicting the Fouling Trend
Authors: Chen Jinwei , Tang Xinyu , Lu Jinzhi , Zhang Huisheng
Published: June 2022

Compressor fouling is one of the most prevalent fault modes that contribute to the performance degradation of a gas turbine power plant. Off-line washing is a standard maintenance procedure to recover the fouling degradation, but with washing cost. In this paper, an off-line washing schedule optimization method with a long short-term memory (LSTM) prediction model is proposed to maximize the plant net profit. First, a mechanism model-based gas path analysis method is developed to identify the fouling indications of compressor flow rate degradation (DGC) and compressor efficiency degradation (DEC). Second, a sliding window prediction method based on LSTM is proposed to accurately predict the nonlinear fouling trends. The prediction models are trained and tested by the true trends of the DGC and DEC that are identified from the field data of a real gas turbine power plant. The comparison results prove that the LSTM algorithm outperforms other machine learning algorithms. The mean relative square error of the DGC LSTM model is 9.72 × 10−4, and DEC is 4.08 × 10−4. Finally, a detailed economic model is developed by coupling the fouling prediction model with the gas turbine performance model. On this basis, an optimization method of the washing schedule is developed to maximize the net profit. Two case studies, under full load and field data, are carried out to verify the proposed optimization method. The results show that the washing schedules of the two case studies are much similar, in which three washing tasks with gradually reduced intervals are provided. Furthermore, the comparison results of different schedules show that the proposed optimal schedule has a huge potential in saving the net profit. It can save 3.26 million Yuan compared with the practical schedule adopted by the real power plant.
Hyperfine interaction studies in the David Shirley group, 1960–1975. I. Low-temperature nuclear orientation
Authors: Krane Kenneth S.
Published: June 2022

Under the leadership of David Shirley, the hyperfine interactions group at Berkeley became one of the world’s leading laboratories for its diversity of studies of the interaction between probe nuclei and their environment. One branch of those studies, low-temperature nuclear orientation, concerned the radioactive decays of nuclei whose spins were oriented in a variety of electromagnetic environments at temperatures in the mK range. In the years 1960–1975, this group did pioneering research that produced more than 50 papers in the field, and at least 16 graduate students completed their dissertation research. The present paper gives a brief introduction to the field of low-temperature nuclear orientation, summarizes the main accomplishments of the Shirley group, and discusses examples of the variety of results obtained in the group’s research. Paper II deals with other hyperfine interaction studies by the Shirley group.
Intoxication and pitch control in tonal and non-tonal language speakers
Authors: Tang Kevin , Chang Charles B. , Green Sam , Bao Kai Xin , Hindley Michael , Kim Young Shin , Nevins Andrew
Published: June 2022

Alcohol intoxication is known to affect pitch variability in non-tonal languages. In this study, intoxication's effects on pitch were examined in tonal and non-tonal language speakers, in both their native language (L1; German, Korean, Mandarin) and nonnative language (L2; English). Intoxication significantly increased pitch variability in the German group (in L1 and L2), but not in the Korean or Mandarin groups (in L1 or L2), although there were individual differences. These results support the view that pitch control is related to the functional load of pitch and is an aspect of speech production that can be advantageously transferred across languages, overriding the expected effects of alcohol.
Neural network learning defines glioblastoma features to be of neural crest perivascular or radial glia lineages
Authors: Hu Yizhou , Jiang Yiwen , Behnan Jinan , Ribeiro Mariana Messias , Kalantzi Chrysoula , Zhang Ming-Dong , Lou Daohua , Häring Martin , Sharma Nilesh , Okawa Satoshi , Del Sol Antonio , Adameyko Igor , Svensson Mikael , Persson Oscar , Ernfors Patrik
Published: June 2022

Glioblastoma is believed to originate from nervous system cells; however, a putative origin from vessel-associated progenitor cells has not been considered. We deeply single-cell RNA–sequenced glioblastoma progenitor cells of 18 patients and integrated 710 bulk tumors and 73,495 glioma single cells of 100 patients to determine the relation of glioblastoma cells to normal brain cell types. A novel neural network–based projection of the developmental trajectory of normal brain cells uncovered two principal cell-lineage features of glioblastoma, neural crest perivascular and radial glia, carrying defining methylation patterns and survival differences. Consistently, introducing tumorigenic alterations in naïve human brain perivascular cells resulted in brain tumors. Thus, our results suggest that glioblastoma can arise from the brains’ vasculature, and patients with such glioblastoma have a significantly poorer outcome.
The role of ipRGCs in ocular growth and myopia development
Authors: Liu Ai-Lin , Liu Yun-Feng , Wang Ge , Shao Yu-Qi , Yu Chen-Xi , Yang Zhe , Zhou Zi-Rui , Han Xu , Gong Xue , Qian Kang-Wei , Wang Li-Qin , Ma Yuan-Yuan , Zhong Yong-Mei , Weng Shi-Jun , Yang Xiong-Li
Published: June 2022

The increasing global prevalence of myopia calls for elaboration of the pathogenesis of this disease. Here, we show that selective ablation and activation of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in developing mice induced myopic and hyperopic refractive shifts by modulating the corneal radius of curvature (CRC) and axial length (AL) in an opposite way. Melanopsin- and rod/cone-driven signals of ipRGCs were found to influence refractive development by affecting the AL and CRC, respectively. The role of ipRGCs in myopia progression is evidenced by attenuated form-deprivation myopia magnitudes in ipRGC-ablated and melanopsin-deficient animals and by enhanced melanopsin expression/photoresponses in form-deprived eyes. Cell subtype–specific ablation showed that M1 subtype cells, and probably M2/M3 subtype cells, are involved in ocular development. Thus, ipRGCs contribute substantially to mouse eye growth and myopia development, which may inspire novel strategies for myopia intervention.
Glucose-sensing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus regulate glucose metabolism
Authors: Huang Zhaohuan , Liu Ling , Zhang Jian , Conde Kristie , Phansalkar Jay , Li Zhongzhong , Yao Lei , Xu Zihui , Wang Wei , Zhou Jiangning , Bi Guoqiang , Wu Feng , Seeley Randy J. , Scott Michael M. , Zhan Cheng , Pang Zhiping P. , Liu Ji
Published: June 2022

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) regulates energy homeostasis via activation of the GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1Rs) in the central nervous system. However, the mechanism by which the central GLP-1 signal controls blood glucose levels, especially in different nutrient states, remains unclear. Here, we defined a population of glucose-sensing GLP-1R neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH), by which endogenous GLP-1 decreases glucose levels via the cross-talk between the hypothalamus and pancreas. Specifically, we illustrated the sufficiency and necessity of DMH
GLP-1R
in glucose regulation. The activation of the DMH
GLP-1R
neurons is mediated by a cAMP-PKA–dependent inhibition of a delayed rectifier potassium current. We also dissected a descending control of DMH
GLP-1R
–dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV)–pancreas activity that can regulate glucose levels by increasing insulin release. Thus, our results illustrate how central GLP-1 action in the DMH can induce a nutrient state–dependent reduction in blood glucose level.
Synergistic binding sites in a hybrid ultramicroporous material for one-step ethylene purification from ternary C
2
hydrocarbon mixtures
Authors: Zhang Peixin , Zhong Yao , Zhang Yan , Zhu Zhenliang , Liu Yuan , Su Yun , Chen Jingwen , Chen Shixia , Zeng Zheling , Xing Huabin , Deng Shuguang , Wang Jun
Published: June 2022

One-step separation of C
2
H
4
from ternary C
2
H
2
/C
2
H
4
/C
2
H
6
hydrocarbon mixtures is of great significance in the industry but is challenging due to the similar sizes and physical properties of C
2
H
2
, C
2
H
4
, and C
2
H
6
. Here, we report an anion-pillared hybrid ultramicroporous material, CuTiF
6
-TPPY, that has the ability of selective recognition of C
2
H
4
over C
2
H
2
and C
2
H
6
. The 4,6-connected
fsc
framework of CuTiF
6
-TPPY exhibits semi–cage-like one-dimensional channels sustained by porphyrin rings and TiF
6
2−
pillars, which demonstrates the noticeably enhanced adsorption of C
2
H
2
and C
2
H
6
over C
2
H
4
. Dynamic breakthrough experiments confirm the direct and facile high-purity C
2
H
4
(>99.9%) production from a ternary gas mixture of C
2
H
2
/C
2
H
6
/C
2
H
4
(1/9/90, v/v/v) under ambient conditions. Computational studies and in situ infrared reveal that the porphyrin moieties with large π-surfaces form multiple van der Waals interactions with C
2
H
6
; meanwhile, the polar TiF
6
2−
pillars form C–H•••F hydrogen bonding with C
2
H
2
. In contrast, the recognition sites for C
2
H
4
in the framework are less marked.
Isotropic three-dimensional dual-color super-resolution microscopy with metal-induced energy transfer
Authors: Thiele Jan Christoph , Jungblut Marvin , Helmerich Dominic A. , Tsukanov Roman , Chizhik Anna , Chizhik Alexey I. , Schnermann Martin J. , Sauer Markus , Nevskyi Oleksii , Enderlein Jörg
Published: June 2022

Over the past two decades, super-resolution microscopy has seen a tremendous development in speed and resolution, but for most of its methods, there exists a remarkable gap between lateral and axial resolution, which is by a factor of 2 to 3 worse. One recently developed method to close this gap is metal-induced energy transfer (MIET) imaging, which achieves an axial resolution down to nanometers. It exploits the distance-dependent quenching of fluorescence when a fluorescent molecule is brought close to a metal surface. In the present manuscript, we combine the extreme axial resolution of MIET imaging with the extraordinary lateral resolution of single-molecule localization microscopy, in particular with direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (
d
STORM). This combination allows us to achieve isotropic three-dimensional super-resolution imaging of subcellular structures. Moreover, we used spectral demixing for implementing dual-color MIET-
d
STORM that allows us to image and colocalize, in three dimensions, two different cellular structures simultaneously.
Haptic perception using optoelectronic robotic flesh for embodied artificially intelligent agents
Authors: Barreiros Jose A. , Xu Artemis , Pugach Sofya , Iyengar Narahari , Troxell Graeme , Cornwell Alexander , Hong Samantha , Selman Bart , Shepherd Robert F.
Published: June 2022

Flesh encodes a variety of haptic information including deformation, temperature, vibration, and damage stimuli using a multisensory array of mechanoreceptors distributed on the surface of the human body. Currently, soft sensors are capable of detecting some haptic stimuli, but whole-body multimodal perception at scales similar to a human adult (surface area ~17,000 square centimeters) is still a challenge in artificially intelligent agents due to the lack of encoding. This encoding is needed to reduce the wiring required to send the vast amount of information transmitted to the processor. We created a robotic flesh that could be further developed for use in these agents. This engineered flesh is an optical, elastomeric matrix “innervated” with stretchable lightguides that encodes haptic stimuli into light: temperature into wavelength due to thermochromic dyes and forces into intensity due to mechanical deformation. By exploiting the optical properties of the constitutive materials and using machine learning, we infer spatiotemporal, haptic information from light that is read by an image sensor. We demonstrate the capabilities of our system in various assemblies to estimate temperature, contact location, normal and shear force, gestures, and damage from temporal snapshots of light coming from the entire haptic sensor with errors <5%.
New age and lake chemistry constraints on the Aptian pre-salt carbonates of the central South Atlantic
Authors: Lawson M. , Sitgreaves J. , Rasbury T. , Wooton K. , Esch W. , Marcon V. , Henares S. , Konstantinou A. , Kneller E. , Gombosi D. , Torres V. , Silva A. , Alevato R. , Wren M. , Becker S. , Eiler J.
Published: June 2022

The Cretaceous lacustrine carbonates of the offshore Brazilian and West African presalt basins represent some of the most extensive non-marine carbonates discovered in the geologic record. Despite being intensively studied over the past decade, the age of these carbonates and the overlying regional salt sequences is highly controversial. Similarly, the conditions under which these carbonates were deposited remains poorly understood. Here, we provide the first integrated geochronology-thermometry study of these carbonates to develop an improved understanding of when and under what conditions they formed. We utilize carbonate clumped isotope and 87Sr/86Sr geochemistry alongside traditional petrographic techniques to identify samples minimally altered from burial diagenesis that may yield reliable age and lake chemistry constraints. Carbonate clumped isotope apparent temperatures for the studied carbonates range from 36 °C to 91 °C, which we infer to represent a range in sample preservation from minimally altered depositional temperatures through to those that have been overprinted by burial diagenesis. 87Sr/86Sr values of our samples are consistent with those of previous studies for Cretaceous pre-salt carbonates that have not experienced significant alteration from hydrothermal fluids. Through this approach, we measured the first high resolution isotope dilution U-Pb age constraint of 115.83 ± 1.56 Ma (2σ) on a well preserved carbonate. Combined with overlapping lower resolution laser ablation U-Pb ages for time-equivalent stratigraphy on two separate carbonate platforms of 114.46 ± 4.72 Ma and 109.73 ± 9.26 Ma, these ages provide the first robust direct age calibration for pre-salt carbonates deposited on either side of the South Atlantic during the final stages of the break-up of Gondwana in the Early Cretaceous. These ages also provide the first calibration for a combined 87Sr/86Sr-facieslog based relative age framework within the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil. We further utilize δ18O constraints on samples that yield depositional clumped isotope apparent temperatures to constrain the δ18O of the water in these ancient lakes to between 1.9 and 4.9‰Vienna standard mean ocean water. Such heavy values reveal a picture of a hot and arid environment. This is consistent with prior biostratigraphic studies of the carbonates that show a decrease in faunal diversity in these lakes prior to marine ingress and the development of open marine conditions in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Origin of low Mg# hawaiites carrying peridotite xenoliths from the Cima volcanic field, California, USA: Evidence of rapid magma mixing during ascent along intersecting fractures
Authors: Brehm Sarah K. , Lange Rebecca A.
Published: June 2022

The Cima volcanic field, in the southern Basin and Range province (California, USA), includes >70 eruptive units over the last 8 m.y. The youngest (≤1 Ma) are low Mg# (≥56) hawaiites derived from an asthenospheric mantle source. The Cima hawaiites, and adjacent Dish Hill basanites, are known for carrying large mantle xenoliths, which precludes stalling in a crustal reservoir. This raises the question of how low Mg# hawaiites, which cannot be in equilibrium with peridotite mantle, formed and differentiated while carrying dense, mantle xenoliths. Several hypotheses are evaluated and the only one shown to be viable is mixing between high-MgO basanite (with entrained mantle xenoliths and sparse olivine phenocrysts) and low-MgO mugearite liquids, which formed by partial melting of mafic lower crust under relatively dry and reducing conditions. Multiple lines of evidence, including the presence of mantle xenoliths in hawaiites, diffusion-limited growth textures in olivine and clinopyroxene, and notably thin Fe-rich rims on high-MgO olivine crystals (inherited), indicate magma mixing must have occurred rapidly (days or less) during ascent to the surface along intersecting fractures, and not in a stalled crustal reservoir. Abundant evidence points to clinopyroxene growth immediately after mixing, and application of clinopyroxene-melt barometry constrains the depth of mixing to the lower and middle crust (0.8–0.4 GPa). Results from olivinemelt thermometry/hygrometry (~1196 °C and ~1.4 wt% H2O) applied to a basanite from Dish Hill carrying 5–20 cm mantle xenoliths leads to calculated ascent velocities ≥0.3–4.9 km/h, enabling ascent through the 36 km thick crust in ≤7–119 h.
Initiating SGLT2 inhibitor therapy to improve renal outcomes for persons with diabetes eligible for an intensified glucose-lowering regimen: hypothetical intervention using parametric g-formula modeling
Authors: Takeuchi Masato , Ogura Masahito , Inagaki Nobuya , Kawakami Koji
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are now recommended in guidelines for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and at risk of advanced kidney disease as part of the glucose-lowering regimen.

Research design and methods

To explore the optimal threshold at which to initiate SGLT2 inhibitor therapy, we conducted an observational study analyzed under a counterfactual framework. This study used the electronic healthcare database in Japan, comprising data from approximately 20 million patients at approximately 160 medical institutions. Persons with T2DM with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 in April 2014 were eligible. The primary end point was the composite of renal deterioration (>40% decline in eGFR) and the development of eGFR<30 mL/min/1.73 m2. We estimated the risk of the composite end point occurring over 77 months in different scenarios, such as early or delayed intervention with SGLT2 inhibitors for uncontrolled diabetes at different hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) thresholds. The parametric g-formula was used to estimate the risk of the composite end point, adjusting for time-fixed and time-varying confounders.

Results

We analyzed data from 36 237 persons (149 346 person-years observation), of whom 4679 started SGLT2 inhibitor therapy (9470 person-years observation). Overall, initiating SGLT2 inhibitor therapy was associated with a 77-month risk reduction in the end point by 1.3–3.7%. The largest risk reduction was observed within 3 months of initiation once the HbA1c level exceeded 6.5% (risk reduction of 3.7% (95% CI 1.6% to 6.7%)) compared with a threshold of 7.0% or higher.

Conclusions

Our analyses favored early intervention with SGLT2 inhibitors to reduce the renal end point, even for persons with moderately controlled HbA1c levels. Our findings also suggest caution against clinical inertia in the care of diabetes.
Constraining scalar doublet and triplet leptoquarks with vacuum stability and perturbativity
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Priyotosh , Jangid Shilpa , Karan Anirban
Published: June 2022

We investigate the constraints on the leptoquark Yukawa couplings and the Higgs-leptoquark quartic couplings for scalar doublet leptoquark $$\widetilde{R}_2$$

R
~

2

, scalar triplet leptoquark $$\varvec{S}_3$$

S

3

and their combination with both three generations and one generation with respect to perturbative unitarity and vacuum stability. The perturbative unitarity of all the dimensionless couplings is studied via one- and two-loop beta functions. New $$SU(2)_L$$

S
U

(
2
)

L

multiplets in terms of these leptoquarks are introduced to fabricate Landau poles at the two-loop level in the gauge coupling $$g_2$$

g
2

at $$10^{19.7}$$

10

19.7

GeV and $$10^{14.4}$$

10

14.4

GeV, respectively, for the $$\varvec{S}_3$$

S

3

and $$\widetilde{R}_2+\varvec{S}_3$$

R
~

2

+

S

3

models with three generations. However, such Landau poles cease to exist for $$\widetilde{R}_2$$

R
~

2

and any of these extensions with both one and two generations up to Planck scale. The Higgs-leptoquark quartic couplings acquire severe constraints to protect Planck scale perturbativity, whereas leptoquark Yukawa couplings acquire some upper bound in order to respect Planck scale stability of Higgs vacuum. The Higgs quartic coupling at the two-loop level constrains the leptoquark Yukawa couplings for $$\widetilde{R}_2,\varvec{S}_3, \,\widetilde{R}_2+\varvec{S}_3$$

R
~

2

,

S

3

,

R
~

2

+

S

3

with values "Equation missing" with three generations. In the effective potential approach, the presence of any of these leptoquarks with any number of generations pushes the metastable vacuum of the Standard Model to the stable region.
Observation of the temperature and barometric effects on the cosmic muon flux by the DANSS detector
Authors: Alekseev I. , Belov V. , Brudanin V. , Bystryakov A. , Danilov M. , Egorov V. , Filosofov D. , Fomina M. , Kazartsev S. , Kobyakin A. , Kuznetsov A. , Machikhiliyan I. , Medvedev D. , Nesterov V. , Rozova I. , Rumyantseva N. , Rusinov V. , Samigullin E. , Shevchik Ye. , Shirchenko M. , Shitov Yu. , Skrobova N. , Starostin A. , Svirida D. , Tarkovsky E. , Yakushev E. , Zhitnikov I. , Zinatulina D.
Published: June 2022

The DANSS detector (Alekseev et al. in JINST 11:P11011, 2016) is located directly below a commercial reactor core at the Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant. Such a position provides an overburden about 50 m.w.e. in vertical direction. In terms of the cosmic rays it occupies an intermediate position between surface and underground detectors. The sensitive volume of the detector is a cubic meter of plastic scintillator with fine segmentation and combined PMT and SiPM readout, surrounded by multilayer passive and active shielding. The detector can reconstruct muon tracks passing through its sensitive volume. The main physics goal of the DANSS experiment implies the antineutrino spectra measurements at various distances from the source. This is achieved by means of a lifting platform so that the data is taken in three positions – 10.9, 11.9 and 12.9 meters from the reactor core. The muon data were collected for nearly four calendar years. The overburden parameters $$\langle E_{thr}\cos \theta \rangle $$

⟨

E

thr

cos
θ
⟩

and $$\langle E_{thr} \rangle $$

⟨

E

thr

⟩

, as well as the temperature and barometric correlation coefficients are evaluated separately for the three detector positions and, in each position, in three ranges of the zenith angle – for nearly vertical muons with $$\cos \theta >0.9$$

cos
θ
>
0.9

, for nearly horizontal muons with $$\cos \theta <0.36$$

cos
θ
<
0.36

, and for the whole upper hemisphere.
Coarse-graining and the quantum-to-classical transition
Authors: Gallego Miguel
Published: June 2022

It is usually believed that, in the macroscopic limit, coarse-graining of measurements leads to classical behavior and, in particular, that coarse-graining of quantum correlations leads to local realistic correlations, a principle known as macroscopic locality. We show that, in the most general case, the Hilbert space structure of quantum theory can be preserved in the macroscopic limit. This leads to a violation of a Bell inequality for coarse-grained collective measurements, thus breaking the principle of macroscopic locality.
Outcomes of Primary Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Open Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: JOO Min Su , KANG Hong Je , YU Hyun Kyu , LEE Jae Sung
Published: June 2022

Background: Few studies have reported the outcomes of primary volar locking plate fixation in Gustilo and Anderson type II and IIIA open distal radius fractures. We report the outcomes of treatment of Gustilo and Anderson type II and IIIA open distal radius fractures using primary volar locking plate fixation.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients with open distal radius fractures who were treated using primary volar locking plate fixation. The range of motion (ROM) and modified Mayo wrist scores were measured to assess functional outcomes. Radiological outcomes included the bone union period, radial inclination, volar tilt, radial length and ulnar variance.

Results: Functional outcomes, including mean ROM in flexion (39.1°) and extension (52.5°), improved following primary volar locking plate treatment. Radiological outcomes were as follows. Mean bone union period, radial length and ulnar variance were 7.8 months, 10.4 and 0.7 mm, respectively. Two patients had superficial wound infection 2 weeks after surgery and one patient had non-union of the radius that required implant removal, autologous iliac crest bone graft and plate re-fixation.

Conclusions: Primary volar locking plate fixation is a safe and reliable treatment option for Gustilo and Anderson type II and IIIA open distal radius fractures. By providing firm stabilisation and allowing early ROM exercise, primary volar locking plate fixation resulted in good functional and radiological outcomes.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Radiological Outcomes of the Simplified Sauvé–Kapandji Procedure for Osteoarthritis of the Distal Radioulnar Joint
Authors: SUGANUMA Seigo , TADA Kaoru , TAKAGAWA Shingo , YASUTAKE Hidetoshi , SHIMANUKI Keito , TSUCHIYA Hiroyuki
Published: June 2022

Background: We have been using a simplified Sauvé–Kapandji (SK) procedure using a headless compression screw for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ). Unlike a standard SK procedure, the simplified SK procedure does not require exposure of the DRUJ to prepare the opposing surfaces of the sigmoid fossa and the ulnar head or any procedures to stabilise the proximal stump of the ulna. The aim of this study is to report the radiological outcomes of the simplified SK procedure.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of all patients who underwent a simplified SK procedure for osteoarthritis of the DRUJ at our hospital between October 2008 and September 2020 with a follow-up of at least 25 weeks. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were investigated. We also measured radiographic parameters and performed statistical analyses to evaluate the shelf-forming region, ulnar stump and deviation of the carpal region.

Results: Our study included 10 patients with a mean follow-up of 52.3 weeks. There was no instance of complications such as nonunion of DRUJ arthrodesis, callus formation at ulnar pseudoarthrosis and painful instability at the proximal stump of the ulna. According to the Wilcoxon signed rank test, no radiographic parameters significantly changed during the follow-up period. There was a significant negative correlation between radioulnar width and the variation of ulnar translation index.

Conclusions: All radiographic parameters were well maintained, at least during the short follow-up period. There was no instance of nonunion of DRUJ arthrodesis. The simplified SK with simple headless compression screw insertion may be a reliable method for treating OA of the DRUJ.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)