bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping quantitative trait loci for aflatoxin accumulation resistance in two populations containing resistant maize inbred Mp717
Authors: Smith J. Spencer , Williams William Paul , Warburton Marilyn , Windham Gary , Xu Wenwei , Bhattramakki Dinakar
Published: December 2021

Mp717, a maize germplasm line resistant to aflatoxin accumulation, served as the resistant parent in two bi‐parental quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping populations: Mp717 × Va35 and Mp717 × PHW79. Both populations were phenotyped for concentration of total aflatoxins following artificial inoculation in replicated field trials grown in four environments. In all four environments in which the Mp717 × Va35 population was evaluated, the majority of the explained phenotypic variance was due to QTL for which the aflatoxin‐reducing allele was contributed by Va35, not Mp717. When the data were combined across environments, Mp717 contributed the beneficial allele for four QTL, but those QTL individually explained only 2.5 to 5.4% of the phenotypic variance. In contrast, Mp717 was the source of the resistance allele for the majority of the QTL observed in the Mp717 × PHW79 population in all four environments. When the data were combined across environments, Mp717 was the source of the resistance allele for eight QTL that individually explained 3.5 to 8.7% of the phenotypic variance. Three of those QTL individually explained 7.7 to 8.7% of the phenotypic variance, but none of those three QTL were observed in the Mp717 × Va35 population. Due to the small effect size of most observed QTL and the inconsistency across genetic backgrounds of the few medium‐effect QTL that were detected, it was concluded that no resistance QTL suitable for marker‐assisted introgression of the resistance present in Mp717 were detected in these two populations.
Methods used by psychologists for identifying dyslexia: A systematic review
Authors: Sadusky Andrea , Berger Emily P. , Reupert Andrea E. , Freeman Nerelie C.
Published: December 2021

Inconsistencies in the operationalisation of dyslexia in assessment practices are concerning. Variations in different countries' education contexts and education‐related legislation could contribute to continuing discrepancies between psychologists' assessment practices. However, an international “snapshot” of these practices is unavailable. An international comparison of psychologists' dyslexia assessment practices could help ascertain whether there are contextual factors that can foster converging practices. Accordingly, this study systematically reviewed the literature to capture how psychologists identify and/or diagnose dyslexia across English‐speaking countries. Quantitative and/or qualitative studies, published between 2013 and 2021, that investigated psychologists' self‐reported methods for assessing, identifying, and/or diagnosing individuals with dyslexia were included. Eleven studies (published across fourteen papers) met the inclusion criteria. Most included studies sampled school psychologists who work in the USA. Psychologists' dyslexia assessment practices were diverse (including the use of cognitive discrepancy and response‐to‐intervention methods). The results highlight an international need to develop a consensus operational definition of dyslexia and universal assessment guidelines. Future research might investigate the practices and beliefs of psychologists who work outside of the USA, and to be inclusive of adult populations. Implications for research and training are explored.
Ethical concerns arising from recruiting workers from Amazon's Mechanical Turk as research participants: Commentary on Burnette et al. (2021)
Authors: Gleibs Ilka Helene , Albayrak‐Aydemir Nihan
Published: December 2021

In this commentary, we respond to Burnette et al.'s (2021) paper, which gives significant practical recommendations to improve data quality and validity while gathering data via Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk). We argue that it is also important to acknowledge and review the specific ethical issues that might arise when recruiting MTurk workers as participants. We particularly raise three main ethical concerns that need to be addressed when recruiting research participants from participant recruitment platforms: participants’ economic vulnerability, participants’ sensitivity, and power dynamics between participants and researchers. We elaborate on these issues by discussing the ways in which they may appear and be responded to. We conclude that considering the ethical aspects of data collection and the potential impacts of data collection on those involved would complement Burnette et al.'s recommendations. Consequently, data collection processes should be transparent as well, in addition to data screening processes.
Transcriptional co‐activators YAP1–TAZ of Hippo signalling in doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Berecz Tünde , Yiu Angela , Vittay Orsolya , Orsolits Barbara , Mioulane Maxime , dos Remedios Cristobal G. , Ketteler Robin , Merkely Bela , Apáti Ágota , Harding Sian E. , Hellen Nicola , Foldes Gabor
Published: December 2021

Aims

Hippo signalling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that controls organ size by regulating apoptosis, cell proliferation, and stem cell self‐renewal. Recently, the pathway has been shown to exert powerful growth regulatory activity in cardiomyocytes. However, the functional role of this stress‐related and cell death‐related pathway in the human heart and cardiomyocytes is not known. In this study, we investigated the role of the transcriptional co‐activators of Hippo signalling, YAP and TAZ, in human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) in response to cardiotoxic agents and investigated the effects of modulating the pathway on cardiomyocyte function and survival.

Methods and results

RNA‐sequencing analysis of human heart samples with doxorubicin‐induced end‐stage heart failure and healthy controls showed that YAP and ERBB2 (HER2) as upstream regulators of differentially expressed genes correlated with doxorubicin treatment. Thus, we tested the effects of doxorubicin on hiPSC‐CMs in vitro. Using an automated high‐content screen of 96 clinically relevant antineoplastic and cardiotherapeutic drugs, we showed that doxorubicin induced the highest activation of YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation in both hiPSC‐CMs and control MCF7 breast cancer cells. The overexpression of YAP rescued doxorubicin‐induced cell loss in hiPSC‐CMs by inhibiting apoptosis and inducing proliferation. In contrast, silencing of YAP and TAZ by siRNAs resulted in elevated mitochondrial membrane potential loss in response to doxorubicin. hiPSC‐CM calcium transients did not change in response to YAP/TAZ silencing.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Hippo signalling is involved in clinical anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy. Modelling with hiPSC‐CMs in vitro showed similar responses to doxorubicin as adult cardiomyocytes and revealed a potential cardioprotective effect of YAP in doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity.
High selenium levels associate with reduced risk of mortality and new‐onset heart failure: data from PREVEND
Authors: Al‐Mubarak Ali A. , Grote Beverborg Niels , Suthahar Navin , Gansevoort Ron T. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Touw Daan J. , de Boer Rudolf A. , van der Meer Peter , Bomer Nils
Published: December 2021

Aim

To elucidate the relationship between serum selenium levels and the risk of mortality and new‐onset heart failure (HF) in the general adult population.

Methods and results

Selenium was measured in a Dutch cohort and a retrospective analysis of prospectively assessed data was performed. Main outcome measures were all‐cause mortality and incidence of new‐onset HF separately, and combined as a composite endpoint. Serum selenium was measured in 5973 subjects and mean selenium concentration was 84.6 (±19.5) µg/L. Mean age was 53.6 (±12.1) years and 3103 subjects (52%) were female. Median follow‐up was 8.4 years. Selenium levels associated positively with female sex, higher total cholesterol and glucose concentrations, and associated negatively with incidence of anaemia, iron deficiency, current smoking, increased C‐reactive protein levels, and higher body mass index. Univariate analysis on all subjects showed no association of continuous selenium concentrations, per 10 µg/L increase, with the composite endpoint (hazard ratio [HR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–1.06, p = 0.407). However, significant interaction with smoking status was observed. In non‐smoking subjects (n = 4288), continuous selenium concentrations were independently associated with reduced mortality risk (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79–0.96, p = 0.005), lower risk of new‐onset HF (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69–0.96, p = 0.017), as well as reduced risk of the composite endpoint (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.94, p = 0.001). In smoking subjects, no associations were found.

Conclusion

Serum selenium was independently associated with multiple indicators of the metabolic syndrome. In addition, high selenium levels were independently associated with reduced mortality and new‐onset HF in non‐smokers. Well‐powered interventional studies are necessary to evaluate the potential benefit of repleting selenium, especially in non‐smoking subjects.
Targeted delivery of a vaccine protein to Langerhans cells in the human skin via the C‐type lectin receptor Langerin
Authors: Bellmann Lydia , Strandt Helen , Zelle‐Rieser Claudia , Ortner Daniela , Tripp Christoph H. , Schmid Sandra , Rühl Julia , Cappellano Giuseppe , Schaffenrath Sandra , Prokopi Anastasia , Spoeck Sarah , Seretis Athanasios , Del Frari Barbara , Sigl Stephan , Krapf Johanna , Heufler Christine , Keler Tibor , Münz Christian , Romani Nikolaus , Stoitzner Patrizia
Published: December 2021

Human skin is a preferred vaccination site as it harbors multiple dendritic cell (DC) subsets, which display distinct C‐type lectin receptors (CLR) that recognize pathogens. Antigens can be delivered to CLR by antibodies or ligands to boost antigen‐specific immune responses. This concept has been established in mouse models but detailed insights into the functional consequences of antigen delivery to human skin DC in situ are sparse. In this study, we cloned and produced an anti‐human Langerin antibody conjugated to the EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1). We confirmed specific binding of anti‐Langerin‐EBNA1 to Langerhans cells (LC). This novel LC‐based vaccine was then compared to an existing anti‐DEC‐205‐EBNA1 fusion protein by loading LC in epidermal cell suspensions before coculturing them with autologous T cells. After restimulation with EBNA1‐peptides, we detected elevated levels of IFN‐γ‐ and TNF‐α‐positive CD4+ T cells with both vaccines. When we injected the fusion proteins intradermally into human skin explants, emigrated skin DC targeted via DEC‐205‐induced cytokine production by T cells, whereas the Langerin‐based vaccine failed to do so. In summary, we demonstrate that antibody‐targeting approaches via the skin are promising vaccination strategies, however, further optimizations of vaccines are required to induce potent immune responses.
PAHs Containing both Heptagon and Pentagon: Corannulene Extension by [5+2] Annulation
Authors: Schnitzlein Matthias , Mützel Carina , Shoyama Kazutaka , Farrell Jeffrey M. , Würthner Frank
Published: December 2021

Utilizing Pd‐catalyzed [5+2] annulation a series of heptagon‐extended corannulenes could be synthesized from a borinic acid precursor furnished by C−H borylation strategy. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis revealed the presence of two conformational enantiomers crystallizing in a racemic mixture. Through their embedded five‐ and seven‐membered rings these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exhibit both negative and positive curvature and UV/Vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry experiments provided insights into the influence of larger flanking aromatic systems and electron‐donating substituents encompassing the heptagonal ring. Through [5+2] annulation of acenaphthylene an azulene‐containing PAH with intriguing optoelectronical properties including a very small bandgap and absorption over the whole visible spectrum could be obtained. Theoretical calculations were employed to elucidate the long‐wavelength absorption and aromaticity.
Oligonucleotide Conjugation by Tyrosine‐Click Reaction
Authors: Meyer Albert , Baraguey Carine , Vasseur Jean‐Jacques , Morvan François
Published: December 2021

N,O‐Diacetyl tyrosine and 3‐(4‐hydroxy‐phenyl)‐propanoic acid were converted into phosphoramidite derivatives and introduced to the 5′‐end of oligonucleotides. The resulting oligonucleotides exhibiting a 4‐hydroxyphenyl alkyl group were conjugated with 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione as a model of a Y‐click reaction. The reaction is fast (<1 h) and efficient (>90 %). A partial side reaction occurred at the C8 position of deoxyguanosine in single‐stranded oligonucleotides. This side reaction does not take place on the G quadruplex and double‐stranded oligonucleotides and when N2 position of guanine is protected. This Y‐click reaction could be applied to 1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione derivatives displaying a fluorescent dye, a carbohydrate or orthogonal functions (alkyne, azide, ketone or maleimide) for the labelling of oligonucleotides.
Collective victimhood and support for joint political decision‐making in conflict regions: The role of shared territorial ownership perceptions
Authors: Storz Nora , Bilali Rezarta , Martinović Borja , Maloku Edona , Rosler Nimrod , Žeželj Iris
Published: December 2021

In territorial interethnic conflicts people often claim exclusive land ownership for their ingroup. However, they can also view the ingroup and outgroup as entitled to the land. It is unknown what explains such shared ownership perceptions and how these in turn inform opinions about conflict resolution. We focused on different types of collective victimhood as precursors of shared ownership perceptions, and on joint decision‐making as a political outcome. In the context of the Israeli–Palestinian and Kosovo disputes, using national samples of Jewish Israelis (N = 609, Study 1) and Albanians and Serbs (N = 995, Study 2), we found that inclusive victimhood was related to higher, and competitive victimhood to lower, shared ownership perceptions. Shared ownership was, in turn, related to more support for joint decision‐making. Our findings highlight the importance of collective victimhood in explaining shared ownership perceptions, which consequently inform opinions about the political route to conflict resolution.
Toward eco‐friendly and stable halide perovskite‐inspired materials for light‐emitting devices applications by dimension classification: Recent advances and opportunities
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhang Fei , Ma Jingli , Ma Zhuangzhuang , Chen Xu , Wu Di , Li Xinjian , Shi Zhifeng , Shan Chongxin
Published: December 2021

Research on lead‐halide perovskites for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications represents a rapidly developing field of optoelectronics on account of their remarkable optoelectronic properties, including large absorption coefficient, low‐temperature solution processability, tunable bandgap, high‐carrier mobility, and so on. Unfortunately, the toxicity of metal Pb and intrinsic instability of lead‐halide perovskites are still big obstacles for their practical applications and future commercial development. Therefore, various lead‐free eco‐friendly perovskites and their derivatives have been alternatively explored to overcome the above hurdles. In this review, the preparation methods, structures, optical characteristics, and stability of lead‐free metal halide perovskites are summarized according to different dimensions at molecular level. Furthermore, we emphatically introduce the optoelectronic properties of low‐dimensional lead‐free halides with broadband emission originated from the self‐trapped excitons. Then, we give a brief description of preliminary exploration results and significant achievements of optically excited white light‐emitting devices (WLEDs) and electrically excited multi‐color LEDs. Finally, this review was finished with a critical perspective into the potential challenging issues of this rapidly evolving fields.

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Femtosecond laser‐produced optical absorbers for solar‐thermal energy harvesting
Authors: Singh Subhash C. , Guo Chunlei
Published: December 2021

Optical absorbers are a key component in all solar‐thermal energy technologies. Cermet‐based solar absorbers are commonly used in solar‐thermal applications. However, due to their multilayered structures, these absorbers have limited thermal conductivity and mechanical stability at the interfaces. Femtosecond laser processing is a single‐step, environmentally friendly, and monolithic approach that can directly transform a metal surface to a solar absorber through surface patterning without adding additional weight, hazard, or complexity. In this review, we will focus on femtosecond‐laser induced broadband and selective solar absorbers and their utilizations in solar thermoelectric generators and solar‐thermal water purification. We will discuss the laser surface patterning and the procedure to control the size, distribution, and composition of the surface structures that are responsible for optical absorbance/emittance. Several multifunctional solar absorber surfaces produced by femtosecond‐laser processing and their possible energy applications are also discussed.

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Molecule‐Specific Uncertainty Quantification in Quantum Chemical Studies
Authors: Reiher Markus
Published: December 2021

Solving the electronic Schrödinger equation for changing nuclear coordinates provides access to the Born‐Oppenheimer potential energy surface. This surface is the key starting point for almost all theoretical studies of chemical processes in electronic ground and excited states (including molecular structure prediction, reaction mechanism elucidation, molecular property calculations, quantum and molecular dynamics). Electronic structure models aim at a sufficiently accurate approximation of this surface. They have therefore become a cornerstone of theoretical and computational chemistry, molecular physics, and materials science. In this work, we elaborate on general features of approximate electronic structure models such as accuracy, efficiency, and general applicability in order to arrive at a perspective for future developments, of which a vanguard has already arrived. Our quintessential proposition is that meaningful quantum mechanical predictions for chemical phenomena require system‐specific uncertainty information for each and every electronic structure calculation, if objective conclusions shall be drawn with confidence.
Risk Factors and Consequences of Lower Extremity Fracture Nonunions in Veterans With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Sinnott Bridget , Ray Cara , Weaver Frances , Gonzalez Beverly , Chu Elizabeth , Premji Sarah , Raiford Mattie , Elam Rachel , Miskevics Scott , Parada Stephen , Carbone Laura
Published: December 2021

We used Veterans Health Administration (VHA) national administrative data files to identify a cohort (fiscal years 2005–2014) of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCID) to determine risk factors for and consequences of lower extremity fracture nonunions. Odds ratios (OR) for fracture nonunion were computed using multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression models. We identified three risk factors for nonunion: (i) older age (OR = 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–4.33), (ii) longer duration of SCID (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.00–1.04), and (iii) fracture site (distal femur), with OR (comparison distal femur) including distal tibia/fibula (OR = 0.14; 95% CI 0.09–0.24), proximal tibia/fibula (OR = 0.19; 95% CI 0.09–0.38), proximal femur (OR = 0.10; 95% CI 0.04–0.21), and hip (OR = 0.13; 95% CI 0.07–0.26). Nonunions resulted in multiple complications, with upwards of 1/3 developing a pressure injury, 13% osteomyelitis, and almost 25% requiring a subsequent amputation. Our data have identified a high‐risk population for fracture nonunion of older veterans with a long duration of SCID who sustain a distal femur fracture. In view of the serious complications of these nonunions, targeted interventions in these high‐risk individuals who have any signs of delayed union should be considered. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Inorganic Reinforced Poly(ionic liquid) Microcapsules: Confined Cooling‐Assisted Phase Separation Self‐Assembly and Enhanced Electroresponsive Properties
Authors: Lei Qi , He Fang , Zhao Xiaopeng , Yin Jianbo
Published: December 2021

A simple preparation of inorganic reinforced poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) microcapsules by combining dispersion polymerization and confined cooling‐assisted phase separation self‐assembly is reported. Silane coupling agent‐modified PIL microbeads are first prepared by dispersion polymerization. Then, the microbeads are dissolved in a theta solvent composed of good solvent and non‐solvent to form hollow SiOx microcapsules at a relatively high temperature. Finally, the solution is cooled to induce the nucleation and growth of dissolved PIL chains on the inner and outer surface of hollow SiOx microcapsules to form inorganic reinforced microcapsules with asymmetric PIL/SiOx/PIL sandwich‐like shell. The morphology of microcapsules can be controlled by adjusting PIL concentration and cooling rate. The inorganic reinforced microcapsules show enhanced suspended stability and electroresponsive characteristic when used as the dispersed phase of smart suspensions.
Terpene Lactucopicrin Limits Macrophage Foam Cell Formation by a Reduction of Lectin‐Like Oxidized Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor‐1 in Lipid Rafts
Authors: Li Qing , Liu Xiuping , Zhang Xu , Du Yushi , Chen Guanyu , Xiang Panyin , Ling Wenhua , Wang Dongliang
Published: December 2021

Scope

Sustained inflammation promotes macrophage foam cell formation by promoting cholesterol influx and impairing cholesterol efflux. Terpene lactucopicrin, affluent in vegetables of the Asteraceae family (e.g., chicory, curly escarole, and lettuce) can inhibit atherogenesis in mice. However, it remains unknown whether and how lactucopicrin regulates macrophage foam cell formation.

Methods and Results

Lactucopicrin at physiologically reachable concentrations inhibits oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL)‐induced foam cell formation in inflammatory mouse bone marrow derived macrophages established by 50 pg mL–1of LPS, reachable level in patients with metabolic endotoxemia. This effect is not due to modulation of cholesterol efflux, but reliant on a reduction in lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 (LOX‐1)‐mediated cholesterol influx. Mechanistically, lactucopicrin does not affect LOX‐1 expression, cellular oxidative stress, and exocytosis, known mechanisms regulating LOX‐1 function in cholesterol influx. Strikingly, lactucopicrin selectively decreases LOX‐1 content in lipid rafts, an effect responsible for the lactucopicrin effect on cholesterol influx. Moreover, ApoE–/–mice fed a high fat diet supplemented with lactucopicrin for 12 weeks display fewer macrophage foam cells within atherosclerotic plaques relative to the control mice.

Conclusion

Lactucopicrin limits macrophage foam cell formation through a reduction of LOX‐1 distribution in lipid rafts, thus contributing to its atheroprotective effect.
COVID‐19 and mental health among at‐risk university students: A prospective study into risk and protective factors
Authors: Koelen Jurrijn A. , Mansueto Alessandra C. , Finnemann Adam , de Koning Lisa , van der Heijde Claudia M. , Vonk Peter , Wolters Nine E. , Klein Anke , Epskamp Sacha , Wiers Reinout W.
Published: December 2021

Objective

The COVID‐19 pandemic has confronted young adults with an unprecedented mental health challenge. Yet, prospective studies examining protective factors are limited.

Methods

In the present study, we focused on changes in mental health in a large sample (N = 685) of at‐risk university students, which were measured before and during the pandemic. Network modeling was applied to 20 measured variables to explore intercorrelations between mental health factors, and to identify risk and protective factors. Latent change score modeling was used on a subset of variables.

Results

The main findings indicate that (1) mental health problems increased at group level, especially depression‐anxiety and loneliness; (2) emotional support during the COVID pandemic was associated with smaller increases in loneliness and depression‐anxiety; (3) COVID‐related stress predicted increases in depression‐anxiety; (4) loneliness acted as a bridge construct between emotional support and changes in mental health.

Conclusion

To mitigate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health of young adults, is it recommended to focus on interventions that strengthen internal resources (stress‐regulating abilities) and reduce loneliness.
MR spectroscopy frequency and phase correction using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Ma David J. , Le Hortense A‐M. , Ye Yuming , Laine Andrew F. , Lieberman Jeffery A. , Rothman Douglas L. , Small Scott A. , Guo Jia
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To introduce a novel convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based approach for frequency‐and‐phase correction (FPC) of MR spectroscopy (MRS) spectra to achieve fast and accurate FPC of single‐voxel MEGA‐PRESS MRS data.

Methods

Two neural networks (one for frequency and one for phase) were trained and validated using published simulated and in vivo MEGA‐PRESS MRS dataset with wide‐range artificial frequency and phase offsets applied. The CNN‐based approach was subsequently tested and compared to the current deep learning solution: multilayer perceptrons (MLP). Furthermore, random noise was added to the original simulated dataset to further investigate the model performance at varied signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) levels (i.e., 10, 5, and 2.5). Additional frequency and phase offsets (i.e., small, moderate, large) were also applied to the in vivo dataset, and the CNN model was compared to the conventional approach SR and model‐based SR implementation (mSR).

Results

The CNN model is more robust to noise compared to the MLP‐based approach due to having smaller mean absolute errors in both frequency (0.01 ± 0.01 Hz at SNR = 10 and 0.01 ± 0.02 Hz at SNR = 2.5) and phase (0.12 ± 0.09° at SNR = 10 and −0.07 ± 0.44° at SNR = 2.5) offset prediction. Furthermore, better performance was demonstrated for FPC when compared to the MLP‐based approach, and SR when applied to the in vivo dataset for both with and without additional offsets.

Conclusion

A CNN‐based approach provides a solution to the automated preprocessing of MRS data, and the experimental results demonstrate the quantitatively improved spectra quality compared to the state‐of‐the‐art approach.
Association between emergency department length of stay and patient outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Burgess Luke , Ray‐Barruel Gillian , Kynoch Kathryn
Published: December 2021

In this review, we investigate associations between time spent in the emergency department (ED) and patient reported outcomes. ED staff provide initial assessment, treatment and referral to patients presenting with an acute status to the hospital 24 h a day. ED length of stay, including ED boarding, and treatment received in the ED may affect patient outcomes. In this review we considered published studies that explored the association of ED length of stay of individuals of any age with their subsequent outcomes, including mortality and inpatient length of stay (IPLOS). Joanna Briggs Institute methods for systematic reviews of association were followed. Search strategies were developed to identify studies published in English since 2000 for inclusion. Two reviewers assessed the studies for inclusion and methodological quality and extracted data independently. In total, 34 studies were included in the review, including one case‐control, one analytical cross‐sectional, and 32 retrospective cohort studies, with a total sample size of 2,308,840 patients. Overall, there were variable associations of time spent in the ED and mortality, IPLOS, time‐to‐treatment and adverse events. However, findings indicated that older people are at risk for longer ED stays. They may also experience higher mortality. Specific focus should be placed upon elderly people in the ED, to reduce their exposure to the ED environment where possible and to implement focused initiatives that address their specific and complex treatment needs. We conclude that the diversity of individual settings and health systems will require locally defined and relevant solutions to locally identified issues.
Association of childhood abuse with behavioral weight‐loss outcomes: Examining the mediating effect of binge eating severity
Authors: Emery Tavernier Rebecca L. , Mason Susan M. , Levy Rona L. , Seburg Elisabeth M. , Sherwood Nancy E.
Published: December 2021

Objective

The study aims were to (1) document the relationship between a history of childhood abuse and weight change during behavioral obesity treatment and (2) estimate the indirect effect of childhood abuse on weight change through binge eating severity.

Methods

Participants (n = 431) were enrolled in a behavioral weight‐loss intervention. Childhood physical and emotional abuse history and current binge eating severity were self‐reported. Percent weight loss at 6 months was calculated using measured weight. Adjusted mediation models examined whether there was an indirect effect of childhood physical and emotional abuse on 6‐month percent weight loss that operated through binge eating severity.

Results

After covariate adjustment, childhood physical abuse, but not emotional abuse, predicted a lower percent weight loss (B = −1.78%; 95% CI: −3.10% to −0.47%). Although childhood physical and emotional abuse were positively related to baseline binge eating severity, binge eating severity did not mediate the associations between either childhood abuse type and percent weight loss.

Conclusions

Individuals with a childhood physical abuse history had a lower percent weight loss than those without such histories during behavioral obesity treatment. This effect was not explained by binge eating severity. Individuals with a history of childhood abuse may benefit from trauma‐informed obesity care.
Evaluation of four phosphopeptide enrichment strategies for mass spectrometry‐based proteomic analysis
Authors: Ino Yoko , Kinoshita Eiji , Kinoshita‐Kikuta Emiko , Akiyama Tomoko , Nakai Yusuke , Nishino Kohei , Osada Makoto , Ryo Akihide , Hirano Hisashi , Koike Tohru , Kimura Yayoi
Published: December 2021

Information about phosphorylation status can be used to prioritize and characterize biological processes in the cell. Various analytical strategies have been proposed to address the complexity of phosphorylation status and comprehensively identify phosphopeptides. In this study, we evaluated four strategies for phosphopeptide enrichment, using titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Phos‐tag ligand particles from in‐gel or in‐solution digests prior to mass spectrometry‐based analysis. Using TiO2 and Phos‐tag magnetic beads, it was possible to enrich phosphopeptides from in‐gel digests of phosphorylated ovalbumin separated by Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE or in‐solution serum digests, while minimizing non‐specific adsorption. The tip‐column strategy with TiO2 particles enabled enrichment of phosphopeptides from in‐solution digests of whole‐cell lysates with high efficiency and selectivity. However, the tip‐column strategy with Phos‐tag agarose beads yielded the greatest number of identified phosphopeptides. The strategies using both types of tip columns had a high degree of overlap, although there were differences in selectivity between the identified phosphopeptides. Together, our results indicate that multi‐enrichment strategies using TiO2 particles and Phos‐tag agarose beads are useful for comprehensive phosphoproteomic analysis.
Validation of Approaches (Salt Formation & Introduction of Amino Group/s) for Imparting/Improving Thermal Stability of Explosives, Part I
Authors: Agrawal Jai Prakash , Dodke Vishal Suresh
Published: December 2021

There are 4 general approaches for imparting or improving the thermal stability of explosives – ‘Salt Formation’, ‘Introduction of Amino Group/s’, ‘Introduction of Conjugation’ & ‘Condensation with a Triazole ring’ as proposed by Agrawal which were supported by some typical examples. In this review paper, we report additional examples of explosives scattered over in the literature to validate the ‘Salt Formation’ & ‘Introduction of Amino Group/s’ approaches for imparting/improving the thermal stability of explosives. Wherever data is not available in the literature, the same has been calculated using Energetic Materials Designing Bench (EMDB), Version 1.0. The data generated on a large number of explosives bring out validation of ‘Salt Formation’ & ‘Introduction of Amino Group/s’ approaches for imparting/improving the thermal stability of explosives. Further, as the number of amino group/s increases, thermal stability also increases. In addition, density, impact sensitivity & velocity of detonation data of these explosives which are also essential from their application point of view, have been reported. This study also reveals that explosives TAHNDPA, TADTNPEDA, TADTNPATNB & KTAHNDPA (Table 2) appear to be potentially better thermally stable explosives than TATB, a benchmark thermally stable explosive at present.
Scaling of Neural‐Network Quantum States for Time Evolution
Authors: Lin Sheng-Hsuan , Pollmann Frank
Published: December 2021

Simulating quantum many‐body dynamics on classical computers is a challenging problem due to the exponential growth of the Hilbert space. Artificial neural networks have recently been introduced as a new tool to approximate quantum many‐body states. The variational power of the restricted Boltzmann machine quantum states and different shallow and deep neural autoregressive quantum states to simulate the global quench dynamics of a non‐integrable quantum Ising chain is benchmarked. It is found that the number of parameters required to represent the quantum state at a given accuracy increases exponentially in time. The growth rate is only slightly affected by the network architecture over a wide range of different design choices: shallow and deep networks, small and large filter sizes, dilated and normal convolutions, and with and without shortcut connections.
Congenital pulmonary airway malformation: A rare diagnosis in adulthood
Authors: Viana Raquel , Carvalho Lina , Santos Cláudia
Published: December 2021

Key message

This paper consists of a clinical image of a complex developmental anomaly that is usually diagnosed prenatally or during childhood. Its detection in adult life is very rare, as happened in the present case.
Mast Cell-Deficient Mice Mcpt5Cre/Dicer

Fl/Fl
Redefine the Role of Mast Cells in Experimental Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Nsiah-Dosu S. , Scholz C. , Orinska Z. , Sadik C. D. , Ludwig R. J. , Schmidt E. , Zillikens D. , Hartmann K.
Published: December 2021

Background

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequent autoimmune blistering disease of the skin affecting the elderly. BP is immunopathologically characterized by autoantibodies against BP180 and BP230. With the growing evidence of cell-mediated autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of BP, it still remains unclear whether mast cells (MCs) are involved, due to conflicting data obtained from Kit-dependent MC-deficient mouse models.

Objectives

To clarify the role of MCs in experimental BP; the dynamics in cutaneous MC numbers, associated immune cells and the development of disease in Kit-independent MC-deficient mouse model.

Methods

Employing a recently established murine adult passive transfer model of BP induced by the transfer of pathogenic immunoglobulin G (IgG), lesional skin biopsies were investigated histologically and immunohistochemically for the time-dependent MC accumulation and dermal infiltration.

Results

The numbers of cutaneous MCs increased following the induction of BP, in part, maintained by MC proliferation. Numbers of T cells, neutrophils and eosinophils in the skin also increased after BP induction, with eosinophils showing a preferential co-localization with MCs. Furthermore, clinical disease manifestation in MC-deficient Mcpt5Cre/Dicerfl/fl mice remained unchanged compared to MC-sufficient Dicerfl/fl mice. The composition of the immune cell infiltration including as T cells, neutrophils and eosinophils was largely unaffected by the absence of MCs.

Conclusion

MCs do not play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of passive IgG-transfer mediated BP model. Their increase in number may be a bystander effect following tissue injury. We therefore suggest caution regarding the selection of MCs as sole targets for the development of novel drugs for BP.
A mapping study on mutation testing for mobile applications
Authors: Silva Henrique Neves , Prado Lima Jackson , Vergilio Silvia Regina , Endo Andre Takeshi
Published: December 2021

The use of mutation testing for mobile applications (apps for short) is still a challenge. Mobile apps are usually event‐driven and encompass graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and a complex execution environment. Then, they require mutant operators to describe specific apps faults, and the automation of the mutation process phases like execution and analysis of the mutants is not an easy task. To encourage research addressing such challenges, this paper presents results from a mapping study on mutation testing for mobile apps. Following a systematic plan, we found 16 primary studies that were analysed according to three aspects: (i) trends and statistics about the field; (ii) study characteristics such as focus, proposed operators and automated support for the mutation testing phases; and (iii) evaluation aspects. The great majority of studies (98%) have been published in the last 3 years. The most addressed language is Java, and Android is the only operating system considered. Mutant operators of GUI and configuration types are prevalent in a total of 138 operators found. Most studies implement a supporting tool, but few tools support mutant execution and analysis. The evaluation conducted by the studies includes apps mainly from the finance and utility domain. Nevertheless, there is a lack of benchmarks and more rigorous experiments. Future research should address other specific types of faults, languages, and operating systems. They should offer support for mutant execution and analysis, as well as to reduce the mutation testing cost and limitations in the mobile context.
Feasibility of using self‐sensing component and response prediction model for rotation monitoring of shear wall structures
Authors: Shan Jiazeng , Jiang Zhi , Wu Weichao , Shi Zhiguo
Published: December 2021

This study presents a designed framework of structural monitoring for coupled shear wall structures by integrating a theoretical response estimation model and a prototype micro‐voltage sensing module. Inspired by the deformation mode of coupled shear walls, a supplemental self‐sensing component is proposed for predicting the target flexural deformation. The self‐sensing component is designed to include permanent magnets and cross wires and installed parallel to the coupling beam. The relative velocity between the two attached walls is obtained using electromagnetic (EM) induction and measured micro‐voltages. Accordingly, the theoretical principle of the self‐sensing prediction model is then derived, and the calculation flowchart is presented. Illustratively, a detailed finite element model was performed in ABAQUS to investigate the feasibility and robustness of the proposed self‐sensing model under different excitation scenarios, and a parametric study is performed. Then, the nonstationary excitation is adopted to further investigate the performance of the self‐sensing model. Furthermore, an EM‐based sensing module for low‐level velocity measurement is developed and the prototype is tested by utilizing a shaking table test with satisfactory performance.
Miniaturizing optical coherence tomography
Authors: Rank Elisabet A. , Agneter Anja , Schmoll Tilman , Leitgeb Rainer A. , Drexler Wolfgang
Published: December 2021

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has revolutionized ophthalmic diagnosis as a non‐invasive, cross‐sectional imaging technique in the last 30 years and hence is one of the fastest adopted advanced imaging technologies in the history of medicine. A miniaturization of OCT devices would not only reduce size but ideally also reduce costs and therefore create potential new markets. OCT systems based on photonic integrated circuits (PIC) could enable a significant miniaturization of complex systems with high degree of integration as well as low costs of goods. These therefore have a potential to enable portable, cost‐effective, high performing, real handheld OCT devices. This review identifies three main categories towards miniaturized OCT devices: Handheld imaging probes interfaced to a (mobile) base station, compact home/self‐ OCT and PIC‐based OCT. Imaging performance parameters and technical readiness levels of the identified miniaturized OCT systems for (non‐) ophthalmic applications are presented. Special attention is paid to PIC‐based OCT applications and their progress.

Picture: First in vivo human retinal tomogram using a PIC‐based subcomponent (arrayed waveguide grating, AWG) of a spectral domain OCT system. Adapted with permission from E. A. Rank et al.,Light Sci Appl.2021,10, 1, CC By 4.0. Copyright © 2021, The Author(s).
Premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea successfully managed with the Japanese traditional medicine tokito: A case report and literature review
Authors: Fukai‐Watabe Shiho , Ishibashi Satoru , Watabe Tokumu , Watabe Hirotsugu
Published: December 2021

Case

A 46‐year‐old woman suffered from decades‐long premenstrual constipation, abdominal bloating and cramping pain along with dysmenorrhea. The abdominal pain before and during menstruation was resistant to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.

Outcome

The abovementioned symptoms were concurrently resolved with a single Kampo formula, tokito, without side effects. Tokito contains 10 herbs including anti‐spasmodic, vasodilating and analgesic agents which may contribute to the beneficial‐pleiotropic effects on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and dysmenorrhea bothering women before and during menstruation.

Conclusion

Tokito may become a viable option for treating or preventing PMS symptoms and dysmenorrhea.
Triple crossing positivity bounds for multi-field theories
Authors: Du Zong-Zhe , Zhang Cen , Zhou Shuang-Yong
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We develop a formalism to extract triple crossing symmetric positivity bounds for effective field theories with multiple degrees of freedom, by making use of su symmetric dispersion relations supplemented with positivity of the partial waves, st null constraints and the generalized optical theorem. This generalizes the convex cone approach to constrain the s2 coefficient space to higher orders. Optimal positive bounds can be extracted by semi-definite programs with a continuous decision variable, compared with linear programs for the case of a single field. As an example, we explicitly compute the positivity constraints on bi-scalar theories, and find all the Wilson coefficients can be constrained in a finite region, including the coefficients with odd powers of s, which are absent in the single scalar case.
Gauged 2-form symmetries in 6D SCFTs coupled to gravity
Authors: Braun Andreas P. , Larfors Magdalena , Oehlmann Paul-Konstantin
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We study six dimensional supergravity theories with superconformal sectors (SCFTs). Instances of such theories can be engineered using type IIB strings, or more generally F-Theory, which translates field theoretic constraints to geometry. Specifically, we study the fate of the discrete 2-form global symmetries of the SCFT sectors. For both (2, 0) and (1, 0) theories we show that whenever the charge lattice of the SCFT sectors is non-primitively embedded into the charge lattice of the supergravity theory, there is a subgroup of these 2-form symmetries that remains unbroken by BPS strings. By the absence of global symmetries in quantum gravity, this subgroup much be gauged. Using the embedding of the charge lattices also allows us to determine how the gauged 2-form symmetry embeds into the 2-form global symmetries of the SCFT sectors, and we present several concrete examples, as well as some general observations. As an alternative derivation, we recover our results for a large class of models from a dual perspective upon reduction to five dimensions.
Mobility improvement in the first 6 postoperative weeks in orthogeriatric fracture patients
Authors: Keppler Alexander M. , Holzschuh Jenny , Pfeufer Daniel , Gleich Johannes , Neuerburg Carl , Kammerlander Christian , Böcker Wolfgang , Fürmetz Julian
Published: December 2021

Background

Physical activity is a relevant outcome parameter in orthopedic surgery, that can be objectively assessed. Until now, there is little information regarding objective gait parameters in the orthogeriatric population. This study focuses on the first 6 weeks of postoperative rehabilitation, and delivers objective data about gait speed and step length in typical orthogeriatric fracture patterns.

Methods

Thirty-one orthogeriatric fracture patients [pertrochanteric femur fractures (PFF), femoral neck (FN), and proximal humerus fractures (PHF)] were consecutively enrolled in a maximum care hospital in a prospective study design. All patients wore an accelerometer placed at the waist during the postoperative stay (24 h/d) and at 6-week follow-up, to measure real gait speed and step length. In addition, self-assessment of mobility (Parker mobility score) and activities of daily living (Barthel index) were collected at baseline, during the inpatient stay, and at 6-week follow-up.

Results

During postoperative hospitalization, significantly higher gait speed (m/s) was observed in the PHF group (0.52 ± 0.27) compared with the FN group (0.36 ± 0.28) and PFF group (0.19 ± 0.28) (p < 0.05). Six weeks postoperatively, gait speed improved significantly in all groups (PHF 0.90 ± 0.41; FN 0.72 ± 0.13; PFF 0.60 ± 0.23). Similarly, step length (m) differed between groups postoperatively [FN 0.16 ± 0.13; PFF 0.12 ± 0.15; PHF 0.31 ± 0.05 (p < 0.005)] and improved over time significantly (FN 0.47 ± 0.01; 0.39 ± 0.19; 0.50 ± 0.18). Self-assessment scores indicate that the majority of the patients had minor restrictions in mobility before the fracture. These values decreased immediately postoperatively and improved in the first 6 weeks, but did not reach the initial level.

Conclusions

Gait speed, step length, and self-assessment in terms of mobility and activities of daily living improve significantly in the first 6 postoperative weeks in orthogeriatric fracture patients. As very low postoperative mobility during hospitalization was observed, this collective shows great potential in postoperative rehabilitation regardless of their fracture pattern. For this reason, specific aftercare concepts similar to the “fast track” concepts in primary arthroplasty are crucial for orthogeriatric patients in clinical practice.

Level of evidence

Prospective cohort study, 2.