bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Average volume-assured pressure support for patients with obstructive sleep apnea with failed CPAP titration
Authors: Watanabe Naomitsu , Levri John M , Peng Victor T , Scharf Steven M , Diaz-Abad Montserrat
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease, often treated using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. In many cases, patients fail a CPAP titration study due to inadequate control of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI, events/hour) or due to treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TE-CSA). We report our experience using a mode of non-invasive ventilation for alternative treatment of these patients.

Material and Methods: We reviewed records of adults who had OSA with AHI≥15 diagnosed on polysomnography (PSG) with failed CPAP titration and in whom titrations with average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) with auto-titrating expiratory positive airway pressure were performed.

Results: Forty-five patients, age 57.9±13.1 y, 26 males, body mass index (BMI) 40.2±8.7kg/m2. Reasons for CPAP titration failure included: TE-CSA (25, 55.6%) and inadequate control of AHI at maximum CPAP of 20cm H2O (20, 44.4%). Changes noted from baseline PSG to AVAPS titration: AHI: 65.3±29.3 decreased to 22.3±16.1 (p<0.001). Median time SpO2 ≤88%: 63.7 to 6.9min (p<0.001). In 16 patients the AHI was reduced to <15 and in 16 additional patients the AHI was reduced to <30. Improvement in AHI was not related to gender, age, or opioid use, but was correlated with BMI: ∆AHI=12.2 - (1.4 * BMI); p=0.05. AVAPS resulted in improved sleep architecture: median N3 sleep increased: 1.4% to 19.6% total sleep time (TST) (p<0.001), and median R sleep increased: 6.4% to 13.6% TST (p<0.01).

Discussion: For patients with OSA for whom CPAP titration failed, titration with AVAPS may be an effective treatment.
Irisin, interleukin-33 and interleukin-37 in patients with ischemic heart disease and obesity
Authors: Kovalova Yuliia , Sukhonos Nataliia , Brek Valeriia , Smolianyk Kateryna
Published: March 2022

Objective. The aim of this work was to investigate the obesity influence on the levels of irisin and interleukins 33 and 37 in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods. The first group consisted of 36 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and obesity. The comparison group consisted of 33 patients with coronary artery disease with normal body weight. The control group included 30 basically healthy persons. The levels of irisin and interleukins were measured by ELISA. Obesity was indicated as increased body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Results. The study showed that irisin was reduced to 127.36 (107.52 - 137.88) ng / ml) in the group with stable angina pectoris compared with the controls 147.92 (139.04 - 172.55) ng / ml, p = 0.290. Patients with combined coronary artery disease and obesity had significantly increased IL-33 levels (123.56 ± 32.38 pg / ml, p = 0.004) and IL-37 (131.74 ± 24.17 pg / ml, p = 0.004). Multivariate regression analyses showed that BMI positively correlated with the serum irisin in CAD obese patients (b = 0.255, p = 0.039). Conclusion. The coexistence of obesity in patients with stable angina is suggested to be a significant factor of irisin diminishing and interleukins 33 and 37 levels increasing. Body mass index had direct correlation with irisin concentrations in obese patients with coronary artery disease.
Development and performance evaluation of integrated milling-sieving-dewatering machine for grain slurry starch production
Authors: Nwankwojike Bethrand , Onwuka Osinachi , Egwuagu Onyekachi , Chibuike Emeh
Published: March 2022

This study involves development and integration of a rotary vacuum drum filter to an existing milling and sieving machine to enable full mechanized/continuous milling, sieving, dewatering and water recycling operation in slurry starch production from cereal grains. The resulting milling-sieving-dewatering machine consists of a water dispenser, burr mill, screw press-sieve, rotary drum, 0.5hp 65 kPa vacuum pump and 4.5 HP electric motor as major components that were sequentially assembled to enable flow of material by gravity. This integrated machine operates with an average throughput and extraction efficiency of 70.44 kg/hr and 98.48% respectively while 31.52% constitutes the average moisture content of slurry starch cake processed with it. The innovation induced over 5.39 hours saving and 10% reduction in moisture content of the slurry starch while retaining less than 2% food loss associated with its seed machine. Thereby improving the shelf life/storage potential and mobility of the processed grain slurry starch cake. Water consumption during grain slurry starch production was drastically reduced with this machine because it recycles the water drained after dewatering back to its dispenser for milling and sieving. It also reduced drudgery and improved hygiene through elimination of human contact involved in loading/discharging of intermediate processed grain among the three most strenuous and time consuming unit operations in grain slurry starch processing. Therefore, the recommendation of this novel milling-sieving-dewatering machine for effective grain slurry starch production.
Integrated plastic mulch laying machine: A viable technology for sustainable agricultural production
Authors: Amin Shoaib , Dixit Jagvir , Muzamil M.
Published: March 2022

A tractor drawn mulch laying machine was developed in order to integrate the operations and fix the anomalies in terms of labour associated with conventional mulch laying operations. The prototype integrates the operations of bed making, drip line laying, mulch laying, mulch covering and punching hole on mulch in one pass. The developed prototype was evaluated at three-levels of forward speed (3.0, 5.0, 7.0 kmh-1 ), two-levels of bed width (76.2, 91.4 cm) and two-levels of dibbling hole spacing (15.2, 20.3 cm). The results of evaluation experiment for the developed machine showed that the draft requirement decreased with the increase in forward speed (3.0 to 7.0 kmh-1 ), bed width (76.2 to 91.4 cm) and dibbling hole spacing (15.2 to 20.3 cm). Field efficiency increased with increase in forward speed, bed width and spacing of dibbling holes. Although at low speed (3.0 kmh-1 ), the actual field capacity and field efficiency decreased about 57% and 5.0%, respectively while draft increased about 36 %, compared to the speed of 7.0 kmh-1 . However, at a speed of 3.0 kmh-1 , the mulch damage, un-covered mulch percentage and missing of dibbling hole decreased about 65%, 64% and 7.0 %, respectively. The standardized value of draft requirement, effective filed capacity and field efficiency were observed as 63.27 kp, 0.40 ha.h-1 and 72.7% while as percentage uncovered mulch, percentage mulch damage and percentage missing number of holes were as 3.1 %, 3.4%, 6.25%, respectively. The man-hour requirement and cost of mulching operation with developed machine reduced about 97 % and 75 % as compared to conventional method of mulch laying. Therefore, the study recommends using the developed machine to install a raised-bed, laying of plastic mulch and drip irrigation pipes on the bed and making dibbling hole for vegetable seedling transplanting at a speed of 3 kmh-1 achieved the better efficiency.
Deep learning-based underwater metal object detection using input image data and corrosion protection of mild steel used in underwater study: A case study: Part B: Corrosion protection of mild steel used in underwater study
Authors: Rajendran Dorothy , Sasilatha Thankappan , Amala Doss , Santhammal Rajendran , Lačnjevac Časlav , Singh Gurmeet
Published: March 2022

Buried metal objects in seawater may undergo corrosion because of the corrosive ions such as chloride ions present in seawater. However, a paint coating may control the corrosion of the metal objects such as robots. Corrosion resistance of mild steel in 3.5 % sodium chloride solution before and after coating with Asian guard red paint has been evaluated by polarization study and AC impedance spectra. In presence of Asian guard red paint, the linear polarization resistance increases, corrosion current decreases, charge transfer resistance increases, double layer capacitance decreases and impedance value increases. That is corrosion resistance of mild steel objects in 3.5 % sodium chloride solution increases after coating with Asian guard red paint.
Idræt i begyndelsen. Bidrag til kødets gang
Authors: Jespersen Ejgil
Published: March 2022

Af Ejgil Jespersen, Dansk Idrætshistorisk Forening - Krop og Kultur, Syddansk Universitetsforlag, 1993
Health Design Thinking
Authors: Ku Bon , Lupton Ellen
Published: March 2022

A practice-based guide to applying the principles of human-centered design to real-world health challenges; updated and expanded with post–COVID-19 innovations.

This book offers a practice-based guide to applying the principles of human-centered design to real-world health challenges that range from drug packaging to breast cancer detection. Written by pioneers in the field—Bon Ku, a physician leader in innovative health design, and Ellen Lupton, an award-winning graphic designer—the book outlines the fundamentals of design thinking and highlights important products, prototypes, and research in health design. This revised and expanded edition describes innovations developed in response to the COVID-19 crisis, including an intensive care unit in a shipping container, a rolling cart with intubation equipment, and a mask brace that gives a surgical mask a tighter seal.

The book explores the special overlap of health care and the creative process, describing the development of such products and services as a credit card–sized device that allows patients to generate their own electrocardiograms; a mask designed to be worn with a hijab; improved emergency room signage; and a map of racial disparities and COVID-19. It will be an essential volume for health care providers, educators, patients, and designers who seek to create better experiences and improved health outcomes for individuals and communities.
“Squeaky/Pain”: Cultivando experiencias perturbadoras y la transición de perspectivas para las interacciones somaestéticas
Authors:   Academia de Artes de Estonia, Escuela de Doctorado en Arte y Diseño, Dila Demir Arife , Nimkulrat Nithikul ,   Ontario College of Art & Design University, Facultad de Diseño, Kuusk Kristi ,   Academia de Artes de Estonia, Grupo de Investigación en Diseño
Published: March 2022

A través del estudio de caso de un diseño, examinamos cómo la conciencia somaesté­tica se ve amplificada por la intermediación de perturbaciones corporales y el cultivo de una transición desde una perspectiva de primera persona a una de segunda persona. El artículo se centra en el aspecto menos explorado del diseño somático: la media­ción de experiencias perturbadoras que interrumpen el flujo cotidiano, en este caso, la experiencia de dolor. El proceso de diseño ilustró una transición entre las perspectivas de primera y segunda persona para cultivar y externalizar la experiencia con el dolor en la forma de una interacción corporal vestible. La experiencia del dolor externalizado se tradujo en un dispositivo vestible interactivo, “Squeaky/Pain”, que aumenta la conciencia somaestética del usuario a través de sensa­ciones sonoras, táctiles y cinestésicas. Este artículo hace dos contribuciones principales al diseño somático: introduce las implicacio­nes de las experiencias perturbadoras a la hora de aumentar la conciencia somaestéti­ca y ejemplifica de qué manera las perturba­ciones corporales internas pueden materia­lizarse mediante el cultivo de perspectivas en primera y segunda persona.
Comparison of Absorbable versus Non Absorbable Tackers for Fixation of Mesh in Laparoscopic Midline Anterior Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair: A Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Gupta Dhruv , Agrawal Himanshu , Gupta Nikhil , Desiraju Yajushi , Yelamanchi Raghav , Durga CK
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Tackers are divided in two broad categories namely, absorbable and non absorbable. Absorbable tackers are believed to achieve sufficient tensile strength compared to conventional non absorbable tackers. It is a matter of debate that which type of tacker has an upper hand over the other especially in terms of postoperative pain and recurrences even after few years of clinical experience with these tackers and available clinical studies. Aim: To compare various aspects of absorbable versus non absorbable tackers for fixation of mesh in Laparoscopic Midline Anterior Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair for short period of follow-up. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomised clinical study from November 2016 till March 2018 at ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, India. Eighty patients of age ≥18 years with midline anterior abdominal wall hernia were included and randomised into two groups (40 patients each). Group 1: Absorbable Tackers; and Group 2: Non Absorbable Tackers. Outcomes evaluated were postoperative pain, seroma formation, paralytic ileus, early recurrence (3 months follow-up) and duration of hospital stay.The data acquired was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Comparison of ordinal paired data was done using Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. The nominal categorical data was compared using chi-squared or Fisher’sexact test as appropriate. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 80 patients included in this study with a range of 21 to 60 years, the median age was 30 years. There was no statistically significant association noted in terms of postoperative pain (p-value >0.05), seroma formation (p-value=1), paralytic ileus (p-value >0.05), length of hospital stay (p-value=0.801) and early recurrence (3 months). Conclusion: This study has shown that both non absorbable and absorbable tackers are associated with minimal postoperative complications and have similar postoperative morbidity. Both absorbable and non absorbable tackers are comparable for fixation of mesh in laparoscopic midline anterior abdominal wall hernia with respect to the above mentioned outcomes.
Exploring the Scope of Salivary Proteomics in Periodontal Diagnosis: A Narrative Review
Authors: vaturi Meghana Sri Sai I , Bhat Amitha Ramesh
Published: March 2022

Periodontal disorders are among the most widespread chronic illnesses globally which impact the tooth-supporting tissues and have a multitude of ramifications for one’s quality of life. The purpose of periodontal diagnostic methods is to offer meaningful information to clinicians about the type, location, and severity of periodontal disease so that disease monitoring and therapy may be established. Due to a lack of proper molecular diagnostic tools, their early detection is still difficult. Proteomics, the promising new “omics”, has become an important complementary tool to genomics providing novel information and greater insight into biology. The value of multidimensional peptide resolving approaches in the characterisation of complicated proteomes cannot be overstated and thus can very much be used as diagnostic biomarkers in periodontal world. Since proteomics is considered more intricate and complicated than genomics, the sound and rich facts of proteins concerned in periodontitis can be applied in the analysis, avoidance and management of periodontal diseases. Despite several novel protein markers being recently enlisted by discovery proteomics through various methods such as Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), immunoassays with Mass Spectroscopy (MS), Protein Topography and Migration Analysis platform (ProtoMap), Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption (MALDI) etc., their routine diagnostic application is hampered by the lack of validation platforms that can rapidly, accurately and simultaneous quantify multiple proteins in large populations. Furthermore, saliva contains a non invasively collected store of clinically relevant biomarkers, which, if properly employed, might aid in early illness detection and monitoring. Hence, in this context, this review aims to discuss the unravelling field of proteomics in brief and the scientific sphere of its development from laboratory to clinical practice and its implications in the field of periodontology.
Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistant Gram Negative Bacteria in the Street Vended Foods of Bangladesh: An Overview
Authors: Alim Sharmin Rumi , Smritee Lubna Jahan , Konok Ahadul Hassan Bhuiyan , Sadeque Antora , Saurab Shahriar Ahmed , Sarker Shashwata , Sarwar Sneha
Published: March 2022

Background: Street vended foods contaminated with antibiotic resistant bacteria poses a great public health concern in developing countries like Bangladesh as foodborne diseases caused by such bacteria are difficult and sometimes impossible to treat. The aim of this review is to investigate the present scenario of the antibiotic resistance status of five selected Gram negative bacteria isolated from a variety of street vended foods of Bangladesh.

Methodology: A methodical literature search was performed to identify relevant studies on Google Scholar, Science Direct and Research Gate using suitable keywords arranged in different manners to produce a meaningful search string. Weighted mean resistance was calculated to evaluate the resistance status from 20 studies selected through the PRISMA procedure.

Results: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Vibrio spp.  showed relatively low resistance towards imipenem and gentamicin, whereas the antibiotics of penicillins and macrolides classes listed in this review were mostly ineffective. Relatively high resistance was found against tetracycline, vancomycin, and rifampicin.

Conclusion: A considerable number of bacterial isolates present in the SVF are resistant to most of the commonly used antibiotics. Therefore, there is an urgent need for public awareness along with a robust national action plan to combat antibiotic resistance, before the situation worsens.
Gordonibacter
Authors: Selma María V. , Beltrán David , Cortés‐Martín Adrián , García‐Villalba Rocío , Tomás‐Barberán Francisco A. , Espín Juan C.
Published: March 2022

Gor.do.ni.bac'ter. N.L. masc. n.
bacter
, a rod; N.L. masc. n.
Gordonibacter
, a rod named after Jeffrey I. Gordon, the Dr. Robert J. Glaser Distinguished University Professor and Director of the Center for Genome Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; N.L. masc. n.
bacter
a rod; N.L. masc. n.
Gordonibacter
a rod named after Jeffrey I. Gordon.

Actinomycetota / Coriobacteriia / Eggerthellales / Eggerthellaceae / Gordonibacter

The genus
Gordonibacter
accommodates bacteria species that are part of the human gut microbiota and have the ability to metabolize dietary polyphenols such as ellagitannins into bioactive metabolites known as urolithins. Cells of this genus are Gram‐positive, obligatorily anaerobic, motile, non‐spore‐forming, and short‐rod shaped. Often, one cell end appears conical in shape with a pronounced apex ending and with subpolar flagellum insertion. Cells are oxidase‐negative, catalase‐positive, and arginine dihydrolase‐positive, and nitrate is not reduced. They are mesophilic. Growth is generally slow and can be enhanced by the supplementation of the basal medium with 1% arginine hydrochloride (w/v). The major respiratory lipoquinone present is menaquinone 6. Cellular fatty acids consist mainly (70–90%) of saturated fatty acids (predominantly C
14
, C
15
, and C
16
) and monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly C
18:1
ω9
c
). The major polar lipids are phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, and four to six glycolipids.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 65.1–66.4. The known habitat is the human intestine.

Type species
:
Gordonibacter pamelaeae
Würdemann et al. 2009
VP
.
Polymer Electrode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Du Wanrong , Du Xianfeng , Ma Mingbo , Huang Shan , Sun Xiaofei , Xiong Lilong
Published: March 2022

Polymer electrode materials (PEMs) have become a hot research topic for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their high energy density, tunable structure, and flexibility. They are regarded as a category of promising alternatives to conventional inorganic materials because of their abundant and green resources. Currently, conducting polymers, carbonyl polymers, radical polymers, sulfide polymers, and imine polymers as five kinds of PEMs are studied extensively. This review introduces the latest research progress of PEMs for LIBs from the perspectives of molecular structure, redox mechanism, and electrochemical performance. The synthesis mechanisms and methods are outlined to guide the future design of PEMs. However, the practical application of PEMs is limited by their insufficient conductivity, structural instability, and high solubility. Aiming at these obstacles, reasonable optimization strategies are discussed, including the modification of molecular structure, the control of micromorphology, and the composite of carbon materials. Finally, the development trends and prospects of PEMs are put forward.
Ternary‐Assisted Sequential Solution Deposition Enables Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cells with Tailored Vertical‐Phase Distribution
Authors: Cui Feng‐Zhe , Chen Zhi‐Hao , Qiao Jia‐Wei , Wang Tong , Lu Guang‐Hao , Yin Hang , Hao Xiao‐Tao
Published: March 2022

All‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) have received attention in recent years for their desirable properties in power conversion efficiency and long‐term operational stability. However, it is still a big challenge to acquire an “ideal” vertical‐phase distribution of polymer/polymer blends due to the non‐ideal molecular conformations and mixing behaviors. Herein, a ternary‐assisted sequential solution deposition (SSD) strategy is adopted to regulate the vertical compositional profile of all‐PSCs. A favorable acceptor(donor)‐enriched phase near the cathode(anode) can be obtained by a ternary‐assisted SSD strategy. With such a compositional profile, the exciton yield and carrier density can be enhanced by the vertical component gradient. Remarkably, the non‐geminate recombination is suppressed with an improved exciton diffusion length (15.36 nm) that delivers an outstanding power conversion efficiency over 16% of the ternary PM6/PY‐IT:PDI‐2T SSD devices. This work demonstrates the success of ternary‐assisted SSD strategy in reorganizing the vertical‐phase distribution, which provides a feasible route for a potential ternary device construction toward efficient all‐polymer photovoltaics.
Boosting Tumor Immunotherapy by Bioactive Nanoparticles via Ca2+ Interference Mediated TME Reprogramming and Specific PD‐L1 Depletion
Authors: An Jingyi , Liu Mengyuan , Zhao Ling , Lu Wenxin , Wu Sixuan , Zhang Kaixiang , Liu Junjie , Zhang Zhenzhong , Shi Jinjin
Published: March 2022

The clinical outcomes of programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) blockade are usually limited by the multiple immune evasion mechanism of the tumor, as well as the immune storm caused by “off‐target” effects of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 antibody. Here, a previously unknown strategy is proposed to synergize the “Ca2+ interference” mediated M2‐like tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) re‐education and Ca2+‐activating locally PD‐L1 depletion for immunotherapy. The authors discover that calcium‐containing nanoparticles can induce significant “Ca2+ interference” effect and simultaneously reset TAM toward the M1 phenotype through activation of multiple inflammation‐related signaling pathways, as well as NLRP3 inflammasomes, and promoting in situ tumor‐associated antigen release. In addition, a circular aptamer‐DNAzyme conjugate (cAD) is designed with a tumor‐targeting ability and its catalytic shear activity can be specifically activated by Ca2+, which reduces potential autoimmune‐like disorders of PD‐L1 antibody. By simply integrating the ultra‐high pH‐sensitive calcium peroxide nanoparticles with cAD into one nanosystem, it is demonstrated that the nanosystem not only arrest primary tumor progression and lung metastasis but also provides a long‐term immunological memory, which can protect against tumor rechallenge. Therefore, this work provides an attractive strategy for boosting tumor immunotherapy.
Nanoscale Faceting and Ligand Shell Structure Dominate the Self‐Assembly of Nonpolar Nanoparticles into Superlattices
Authors: Bo Arixin , Liu Yawei , Kuttich Björn , Kraus Tobias , Widmer‐Cooper Asaph , de Jonge Niels
Published: March 2022

Self‐assembly of nanoscale structures at liquid–solid interfaces occurs in a broad range of industrial processes and is found in various phenomena in nature. Conventional theory assumes spherical particles and homogeneous surfaces, but that model is oversimplified, and nanoscale in situ observations are needed for a more complete understanding. Liquid‐phase scanning transmission electron microscopy (LP‐STEM) is used to examine the interactions that direct the self‐assembly of superlattices formed by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in nonpolar liquids. Varying the molecular coating of the substrate modulates short‐range attraction and leads to switching between a range of different geometric structures, including hexagonal close‐packed (hcp), simple hexagonal (sh), dodecahedral quasi‐crystal (dqc), and body‐centered cubic (bcc) lattices, as well as random distributions. Langevin dynamics simulations explain the experimental results in terms of the interplay between nanoparticle faceting, ligand shell structure, and substrate–NP interactions.
Are Redox‐Active Organic Small Molecules Applicable for High‐Voltage (>4 V) Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathodes?
Authors: Katsuyama Yuto , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Iwase Kazuyuki , Gambe Yoshiyuki , Honma Itaru
Published: March 2022

While organic batteries have attracted great attention due to their high theoretical capacities, high‐voltage organic active materials (> 4 V vs Li/Li+) remain unexplored. Here, density functional theory calculations are combined with cyclic voltammetry measurements to investigate the electrochemistry of croconic acid (CA) for use as a lithium‐ion battery cathode material in both dimethyl sulfoxide and γ‐butyrolactone (GBL) electrolytes. DFT calculations demonstrate that CA dilitium salt (CA–Li2) has two enolate groups that undergo redox reactions above 4.0 V and a material‐level theoretical energy density of 1949 Wh kg–1 for storing four lithium ions in GBL—exceeding the value of both conventional inorganic and known organic cathode materials. Cyclic‐voltammetry measurements reveal a highly reversible redox reaction by the enolate group at ≈4 V in both electrolytes. Battery‐performance tests of CA as lithium‐ion battery cathode in GBL show two discharge voltage plateaus at 3.9 and 3.1 V, and a discharge capacity of 102.2 mAh g–1 with no capacity loss after five cycles. With the higher discharge voltages compared to the known, state‐of‐the‐art organic small molecules, CA promises to be a prime cathode‐material candidate for future high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion organic batteries.
Implementation of a pilot novel objective peer comparison evaluation system in an emergency medicine residency program
Authors: Schreyer Kraftin E. , Healy Megan E. , Repanshek Zachary , Satz Wayne A. , Ufberg Jacob W.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Emergency medicine (EM) residents are currently evaluated via The Milestones, which have been shown to be imperfect and subjective. There is also a need for residents to achieve competency in patient safety and quality improvement processes, which can be accomplished through provision of peer comparison metrics. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the implementation of an objective peer comparison system for metrics that quantified aspects of quality and safety, efficiency and throughput, and utilization.

Methods

This pilot study took place at an academic, tertiary care center with a 3‐year residency and 14 residents per postgraduate year (PGY) class. Metrics were compared within each PGY class using Wilcoxon signed‐rank and rank‐order analyses.

Results

Significant changes were seen in the majority of the metrics for all PGY classes. PGY3s accounted for the significant change in EKG and X‐ray reads, while PGY1s and PGY2s accounted for the significant change in disposition to final note share. Physician evaluation to disposition decision was the only metric that did not reach significance in any class.

Conclusions

These preliminary data suggest that providing objective metrics is possible. Peer comparison metrics could provide an effective objective addition to the milestone evaluation system currently in use.
Dismutation of Tricyanoboryllead Compounds: The Homoleptic Tetrakis(tricyanoboryl)plumbate Tetraanion
Authors: Häring Mathias , Kerpen Christoph , Ribbeck Tatjana , Hennig Philipp T. , Bertermann Rüdiger , Ignat'ev Nikolai V. , Finze Maik
Published: March 2022

A series of unprecedently air‐stable (tricyanoboryl)plumbate anions was obtained by the reaction of the boron‐centered nucleophile B(CN)32− with triorganyllead halides. Salts of the anions [R3PbB(CN)3]− (R=Ph, Et) were isolated and found to be stable in air at room temperature. In the case of Me3PbHal (Hal=Cl, Br), a mixture of the anions [Me4−nPb{B(CN)3}n]n− (n=1, 2) was obtained. The [Et3PbB(CN)3]− ion undergoes stepwise dismutation in aqueous solution to yield the plumbate anions [Et4−nPb{B(CN)3}n]n− (n=1–4) and PbEt4 as by‐product. The reaction rate increases with decreasing pH value of the aqueous solution or by bubbling O2 through the reaction mixture. Adjustment of the conditions allowed the selective formation and isolation of salts of all anions of the series [Et4−nPb{B(CN)3}n]n− (n=2–4) including the homoleptic tetraanion [Pb{B(CN)3}4]4−.
Anchored Palladium Complex‐Generated Clusters on Zirconia: Efficiency in Reductive N‐Alkylation of Amines with Carbonyl Compounds under Hydrogen Atmosphere
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhong , Ikeda Takuya , Murayama Haruno , Honma Tetsuo , Tokunaga Makoto , Motoyama Yukihiro
Published: March 2022

Carbon‐nitrogen bond formation is an important method on both laboratory and industrial scales because it realizes the production of valuable pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals. Direct reductive N‐alkylation of amines with carbonyl compounds via intermediary imine compounds, especially under catalytic hydrogenation conditions, is one of the most convenient, economical, and environmentally friendly methods for this process. Here we report a novel palladium species on zirconia having specific activity towards hydrogenation of imines but other carbonyl groups remaining intact. The present catalytic property offers a practical synthetic method of functionalized secondary amines by reductive N‐alkylation under mild conditions with high atom‐efficiency. Mechanistic studies revealed that the catalytically active species is the palladium cluster, which is generated in situ from molecular palladium complexes on the support by exposure to atmospheric hydrogen. These fundamental findings are expected to progress in developing novel cluster catalysts for chemical processes directed towards a sustainable society.
Designing Self‐Adaptive Donor‐Switch‐Acceptor Systems for Molecular Opto‐Electronic Conversion Based on Dimethyldihydropyrene/Cyclophanediene
Authors: Jiao Fangfang , Wei Mingzhi , Leng Jiancai , Cui Min , Liu Ziyu , Hu Wei , Zhang Yujin
Published: March 2022

The introduction of a self‐adaptive molecular switch is an appealing strategy to achieve complete charge separation (CS) in donor‐acceptor (D‐A) systems. Here, we designed donor‐switch‐acceptor (D‐S‐A) systems using a platinum(II) terpyridyl complex as the acceptor, dimethyldihydropyrene/cyclophanediene (DHP/CPD) as the bridge, and methoxybenzene, thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene, 2,2′‐bifuran, and 4,8‐dimethoxybenzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]difuran as donors, respectively. We then systematically studied the whole opto‐electronic conversion process of the donor‐DHP/CPD‐acceptor (D‐DHP/CPD‐A) systems based on time‐dependent density functional theory, time‐dependent ultrafast electron evolution, and electron transport property calculations. We first found that the substitution of −CH3by −H and −CN groups in DHP/CPD can enlarge the range of the adsorption wavenumber in opto‐electric conversion. Then the light absorption induces the cationization of DHP switch, largely accelerating the forth‐isomerization to CPD form. Once the D‐CPD‐A molecule is formed, the poor conjugation can realize the complete CS state by inhibiting the radiative and nonradiative charge recombinations. Finally, the repeatable and complete CS can be achieved through the automatic back‐isomerization of CPD to DHP. The present work provides valuable insights into design of D‐S‐A systems for practical utilization of molecule‐based solar harvesting.
Syngas Production by Dry Methane Reforming over Alumina‐Supported Noble Metals and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Karemore Ashvin L. , Sinha Renu , Chugh Parivesh , Vaidya Prakash D.
Published: March 2022

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) provides valuable syngas from two greenhouse gases, CH4 and CO2. Three alumina‐supported noble metals, Ru, Pt, and Pd, were used as catalysts for the DRM process. Using CO2/CH4 mixtures in the range of 0.5–2 mol mol−1, catalyst performance was assessed in an integral fixed‐bed reactor between 773 and 1073 K. All catalysts were stable for at least 10 h. The DRM kinetics was studied in a differential reactor in the range of 848–898 K, using the power law model. The apparent activation energy values for the consumption of CH4 (86, 89, and 95 kJ mol−1) and CO2 (84, 86, and 91 kJ mol−1) over Ru/Al2O3, Pt/Al2O3, and Pd/Al2O3 as catalysts were found. Several kinetic models of the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood type were considered. A pathway with slow surface reaction between CH4 and CO2 chemisorbed on different types of active sites was found to be most suited to describe the kinetic data.
Material Properties in Cake Filtration – Discrete Element Simulation of Compression‐Permeability Cells
Authors: Friedrich Tiaan , Kuhn Michael , Nasato Daniel Schiochet , Briesen Heiko
Published: March 2022

This simulation study investigates the impact of material properties on the behavior of compressible filter cakes. A compression‐permeability (CP) cell is used as a standard experimental technique for characterizing compressible cakes. It contains a bidisperse particle packing simulated by the discrete element method. Using this setup, a set of crucial material properties is varied and their influence on the macroscopic compression behavior as described by established fitting equations is studied. Sobol's sensitivity analysis is performed, and the results indicate that Young's modulus, the coefficient of sliding friction, and the surface energy density have the strongest impact on cake solidity and compressibility.
Biomechanical modeling of novel high expansion auxetic skin grafts
Authors: Gupta Shubham , Gupta Vivek , Chanda Arnab
Published: March 2022

Over 20 million burn injuries are reported every year, with severe cases requiring skin grafting. Traditionally, split thickness skin grafts are prepared by excising a small portion of healthy skin and its incision patterning using a suitable meshing device, which allows the graft to be expanded beyond its capacity. To date, the maximum expansion achieved through skin grafting has been reported to be less than three times, which is not sufficient for covering large burn sites with limited donor site skin. In this work, we have attempted to study skin graft expansion potential with novel auxetic patterns, which are known to exhibit negative Poisson's effect. Two‐layer skin graft models were developed using eight different auxetic incision patterns, and subjected to uniaxial and biaxial tensile strains. The Poisson's ratio, meshing ratio, and induced stresses were characterized for all graft models. The numerical results indicated expansion potentials greater than that of traditional skin grafts across all loads. Extremely high expansions (i.e., >30 times) were estimated for the I‐Shaped Re‐entrant and Rotating Triangles shaped auxetic models without rupture. Such pioneering findings are anticipated to initiate ground‐breaking advances towards skin graft research and improved outcomes in burn surgeries.
Leveraging 5G technology for robotic surgery and cancer care
Authors: Pandav Krunal , Te Austen G. , Tomer Nir , Nair Sujit S. , Tewari Ashutosh K.
Published: March 2022

Background

The field of robotic surgery has seen significant advancements in the past few years and it has been adopted in many large hospitals in the United States and worldwide as a standard for various procedures in recent years. However, the location of many hospitals in urban areas and a lack of surgical expertise in the rural areas could lead to increased travel time and treatment delays for patients in need of robotic surgical management, including cancer patients. The fifth generation (5G) networks have been deployed by various telecom companies in multiple countries worldwide. Our aim is to update the readers about the novel technology and the current scenario of surgical procedures performed using 5G technology. In this article, we also discuss how the technology could aid cancer patients requiring surgical management, the future perspectives, the potential challenges, and the limitations, which would need to overcome prior to widespread real‐life use of the technology for cancer care.

Recent findings

The expansion of 5G technology has enabled some countries to conduct remote surgical procedures, tele‐mentored and real‐time interactive procedures on animal models, cadavers, and humans, demonstrating that 5G networks could offer a potential solution to previously experienced latency and reliability hurdles during the remote surgeries performed in the 2000s.

Conclusion

New technological advancements could serve as a ground for emerging novel therapeutic applications. While limitations and challenges related to the 5G infrastructure, cost, compatibility, and security exist; researching to overcome the limitations and comprehend the potential benefits of integrating the technology into practice would be imminent before widespread clinical use. Remote and tele‐mentored 5G‐powered procedures could offer a new tool in improving the care of patients requiring robotic surgical management such as prostate cancer patients.
Longitudinal Model‐Based Meta‐Analysis of Lung Function Response to Support Phase III Study Design in Chinese Patients With Asthma
Authors: Yang Shuying , Simeoni Monica , Beerahee Misba
Published: March 2022

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs characterized by airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased airway responsiveness. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) is used as a measure of lung function and to help diagnose and monitor lung diseases, including asthma. An exponential longitudinal model has been previously developed to adequately describe the FEV1 response in asthma patients with placebo. This model was the basis of a longitudinal model‐based meta‐analysis which was undertaken to describe the trough FEV1 responses ranging up to 1 year from nine clinical studies in a population with asthma (N = 3,896), following placebo, dual combination (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol), and triple combination (fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol) given via inhalation. Numerical, graphical and simulation‐based diagnostics showed that a Weibull model adequately characterized the longitudinal trough FEV1 response with time. Automatic covariate selection supported by statistically based regression models identified a range of patient characteristics influencing the model parameters. Race was a significant covariate on baseline but not on the parameters that impact the FEV1 trajectory. Based on the trough FEV1, all active treatments were found to be significantly different when compared with placebo and showed clinically meaningful improvement in FEV1. The model was able to predict the longitudinal FEV1 response in Chinese patients with inadequately controlled asthma and was used to provide additional support with respect to the design for a shorter‐duration phase III study to the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).
Analytical model of inverse memelement with fractional order kinetic
Authors: Banchuin Rawid
Published: March 2022

In this work, the analytical model of inverse memelement with fractional order kinetic has been proposed. The classical yet noncontroversial Caputo fractional derivative has been adopted for modeling such fractional order kinetic due to its simplicity yet accuracy. Based on the proposed model, the analysis of fractional order kinetic inverse memristor has been thoroughly performed where both nonperiodic and periodic excitations have been considered. Analytical formulations of the related parameters, for example, the rate of changes of inverse memristance, area of inverse memristance loop, and area of pinched hysteresis loop, and so on, have been performed. The extension of the proposed model to the fractional inverse memelement has been performed where the fractional inverse memristor has been analyzed. We have found that the inverse memristor still behaves in an opposite manner to the memristor even with the fractional order kinetic. All obtained results have been found to be intuitively applicable to any inverse memelement. The equivalent circuit models of both fractional inverse memristor and fractional inverse memelement have also been presented. This work provides a comprehensive understanding on both inverse memelement with fractional order kinetic and fractional inverse memelement. The realization of the emulator of such inverse memelement with fractional order kinetic and the fractional inverse memelement emulator has been found to be interesting opened research questions.
Drivers and consequences of partial migration in an alpine bird species
Authors: Arnekleiv Øyvind , Eldegard Katrine , Moa Pål F. , Eriksen Lasse F. , Nilsen Erlend B.
Published: March 2022

Partial migration, where a portion of the population migrates between winter and summer (breeding) areas and the rest remain year‐round resident, is a common phenomenon across several taxonomic groups. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain why some individuals migrate while others stay resident, as well as the fitness consequences of the different strategies. Yet, the drivers and consequences of the decision to migrate or not are poorly understood.

We used data from radio‐tagged female (n = 73) willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus in an alpine study area in Central Norway to test if (i) the decision to migrate was dependent on individual state variables (age and body weight), (ii) individuals repeated migratory decisions between seasons, and (iii) the choice of migratory strategy was related to reproductive success.

Partially supporting our prediction that migratory strategy depends on individual state, we found that juvenile birds with small body sizes were more likely to migrate, whereas large juveniles remained resident. For adult females, we found no relationship between the decision to migrate or stay resident and body weight. We found evidence for high individual repeatability of migratory decision between seasons. Migratory strategy did not explain variation in clutch size or nest fate among individuals, suggesting no direct influence of the chosen strategy on reproductive success.

Our results indicate that partial migration in willow ptarmigan is related to juvenile body weight, and that migratory behavior becomes a part of the individual life history as a fixed strategy. Nesting success was not affected by migratory strategy in our study population, but future studies should assess other traits to further test potential fitness consequences.
Genome and cuticular hydrocarbon‐based species delimitation shed light on potential drivers of speciation in a Neotropical ant species complex
Authors: Meza‐Lázaro Rubi N. , Peña‐Carrillo Kenzy I. , Poteaux Chantal , Lorenzi Maria Cristina , Wetterer James K. , Zaldívar‐Riverón Alejandro
Published: March 2022

Geographic separation that leads to the evolution of reproductive isolation between populations generally is considered the most common form of speciation. However, speciation may also occur in the absence of geographic barriers due to phenotypic and genotypic factors such as chemical cue divergence, mating signal divergence, and mitonuclear conflict. Here, we performed an integrative study based on two genome‐wide techniques (3RAD and ultraconserved elements) coupled with cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) and mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequence data, to assess the species limits within the Ectatomma ruidum species complex, a widespread and conspicuous group of Neotropical ants for which heteroplasmy (i.e., presence of multiple mtDNA variants in an individual) has been recently discovered in some populations from southeast Mexico. Our analyses indicate the existence of at least five distinct species in this complex: two widely distributed across the Neotropics, and three that are restricted to southeast Mexico and that apparently have high levels of heteroplasmy. We found that species boundaries in the complex did not coincide with geographic barriers. We therefore consider possible roles of alternative drivers that may have promoted the observed patterns of speciation, including mitonuclear incompatibility, CHC differentiation, and colony structure. Our study highlights the importance of simultaneously assessing different sources of evidence to disentangle the species limits of taxa with complicated evolutionary histories.
Design and analysis of 28 GHz CMOS low power LNA with 6.4 dB gain variability for 5G applications
Authors: Roobert A. Andrew , Arunodhayamary P. Sherly , Rani D. Gracia Nirmala , Venkatesh M. , Julus L. Jerart
Published: March 2022

A 28 GHz two stage low noise amplifier (LNA) is proposed with envelope detection technique for power reduction (21.62%) and tunable negative feedback capacitor for gain variation in 40 nm CMOS technology. The envelope detection circuit turn‐on the second half of the LNA by the RF signal input received at the first stage. The default gain is increased (31.53%) by the tunable negative feedback capacitor circuit of the LNA with the control voltage from 0 to 1 V. In addition, 6.22 GHz of bandwidth is achieved with the tunable gain from 20.3 dB to 26.7 dB. The first stage of the LNA is designed with the inductive source degeneration for the noise reduction, and the multiple‐gate topology is involved in the second stage to improve the linearity. The third‐order input intercept point and the noise figure of the LNA are −7 dBm and 2.86 dB, respectively. When the second stage is turned‐on and turned‐off the LNA consumes 7.4 mW and 5.8 mW of power, respectively, from the 1 V supply. The proposed LNA requires 0.19 mm2 of core area. The performance of the LNA under process corner variation and temperature variation are analyzed.
Effect of different salt concentrations on the gamma‐aminobutyric‐acid content and glutamate decarboxylase activity in germinated sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL. Moench) grain
Authors: Elbaloula Maha F. , Hassan Amro B.
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to estimate the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) content and glutamate decarboxylase activity (GAD) in germinated sorghum grain as affected by different concentrations of NaCl, pyridoxal 5‐phosphate (PLP), and CaCl2. In general, the obtained results revealed that the addition of low doses of NaCl (40 mmol/L), PLP (90 mmol/L), and CaCl2(0.5 mmol/L) to the germination culture significantly (p < .05) enhanced the GABA content and subsequently improved the GAD activity in sorghum grains. Moreover, CaCl2played a dominant role in the extent of enzymolysis, followed by NaCl and PLP. Regarding the GABA content, the optimal concentration of the NaCl, PLP, and CaCl2was estimated as 41.07 mmol/L, 82.62 μmol/L, and 0.40 mmol/L, respectively. Under this optimal culture medium, the maximum GABA content was 0.336 mg/g. In conclusion, the findings of this work would provide a scientific basis for the industrialized production of GABA‐enriched sorghum foods.