bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LINC00958/miR‐627 signal axis regulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid papillary carcinoma cells by TRIM44
Authors: Li Ya‐Qiong , Wang Ling‐Cheng , Li Ai‐Xia , Huang Wei , Song Ying , Wang Wei
Published: February 2022

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has attracted much attention due to its high morbidity and severe metastasis. Long noncoding RNA ENST00000504230 (LncRNA ENST00000504230, known as LINC00958) was overexpressed in many cancers and associated with cancer development. However, its underlying mechanism in PTC remains unclear. PTC tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues were collected for measuring the expression of LINC00958 and miR‐627. MiR‐627 and TRIM44 expressions were measured in in vitro cultured PTC cell lines (B‐cpap and IHH4 cells) transfected with sh‐LINC00958 or miR‐627 mimic using RT‐qPCR and western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Transwell assays, respectively. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed to evaluate the target association between miR‐627 and TRIM44. LINC00958 was up‐regulated in PTC tissues and cells, while the expression of miR‐627 was lowly expressed. Knockdown of LINC00958 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion by elevating miR‐627 expression in PTC cells. TRIM44 was confirmed as a target of miR‐627. Overexpression of miR‐627 in PTC inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion by down‐regulating the expression of TRIM44. LINC00958 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion in PTC by down‐regulating miR‐627 and activating TRIM44, indicating the potential therapeutic effect of LINC00958 on PTC.
LncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 reduces sepsis‐induced myocardial damage by regulating miR‐421/suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 axis
Authors: Yu Min , Xie Dan , Hu Cai‐Ying , Cui Yue
Published: February 2022

Currently, sepsis‐induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) remains as one of the most critical clinical syndromes in terminally ill patients. Noncoding RNAs (including microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs) are implicated in both the onset and development of SIC. We herein investigated the functional role and molecular target of long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) in an in vitro SIC model of H9c2 myocardial cells. We used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as endotoxin to treat H9c2 cells to mimic SIC damages. Cell Counting Kit 8 and apoptosis assay were performed to assess cell proliferation and cell death. Quantitative real‐time‐PCR and Western blot were employed to examine gene expression level at mRNA and protein level. Dual luciferase assay is used to validate the functional interactions between SNHG16/mi‐R421 and miR‐421/suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5). Inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA. Superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde measurement was performed to assess oxidative stress, which was further confirmed by 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining. Our data demonstrated that in the LPS‐induced sepsis model of myocardial cells, SNHG16 overexpression downregulated the expression level of miR‐421, which sustained the expression of SOCS5 to alleviate the adverse effects of LPS, such as apoptosis, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Our data suggest that SNHG16 functions as a ceRNA to maintain SOCS5 level by targeting miR‐421, thereby attenuating LPS‐induced myocardial cell damages. Targeting miR‐421 or modulating lncRNA SNHG16 level may be leveraged as a beneficial strategy against sepsis‐induced cellular damage in cardiomyocytes.
Effects of restoration strategies on wetland: A case‐study of Xinqiang River National Wetland Park
Authors: Lin Yang , Wang Deming , Farooq Taimoor Hassan , Luo Kai , Wang Weiyue , Qin Mingxun , Chen Shiqi
Published: February 2022

Accurately understanding the characteristics of a wetland ecological restoration plant communities and their species diversity relationships is the key to improving wetland management and biodiversity protection. To see the effects of restoration strategies implemented in Xinqiang River National Wetland Park, China, we studied 4 models for ecological restoration, namely protection and conservation (PC), reasonable utilization (RU), restoration and reconstruction (RR) and the building of constructed wetland (CW). We then analyzed the features of the plant communities, species diversity and soil properties, and carried out a correlation analysis between plant communities and the species diversity. Finally, we selected four key communities and analyzed their features and soil properties using a symmetric matrix. Results showed that the soil in the PC model had the highest amount of available phosphorus, available nitrogen and pH value. The soil had higher moisture content in the RU model and CW model than the other 2 models. Based on the correlation analysis, we found that there are obvious common characteristics among different ecological restoration types, that is, the diversity characteristics of tree layer, shrub layer and herb layer have obvious differentiation characteristics. We identified four features of the community characteristics that could improve species diversity: SA, TH, HH and SCD. The results of this study have provided a theoretical basis that there is a coupling relationship between ecological community characteristics and species diversity. The above coupling results have practical significance for maintaining good ecological structure and diversity protection.
Nonlinear differential equations involving mixed fractional derivatives with functional boundary data
Authors: Zhang Shuqin , Sun Bingzhi
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to discuss the existence of solutions for resonant functional problems involving both left Riemann–Liouville and right Caputo‐type fractional derivatives. Our results rely on the coincidence degree theory due to Mawhin and constructing suitable Banach spaces and operators. An example is constructed to demonstrate the application of the derived results.
Study on the virulence evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the trend of the epidemics of COVID‐19
Authors: Wang Mengyue , Yi Jiabiao , Jiang Wen
Published: February 2022

This is the first attempt to investigate the effects of the factors related to non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and the physical condition of the public on virulence evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the trend of the epidemics of COVID‐19 under an adaptive dynamics framework. Qualitative agreement of the prediction on the epidemics of COVID‐19 with the actual situations convinced the rationality of the present model. The study showed that enhancing both NPIs (including public vigilance, quarantine measures, and hospitalization) and the physical condition of the public (including susceptibility and recovery speed) contributed to decreasing the prevalence of COVID‐19 but only increasing public vigilance and decreasing the susceptibility of the public could also reduce the virulence of SARS‐CoV‐2. Therefore, controlling the contact rate and infection rate was the key to control not only the epidemic scale of COVID‐19 but also the extent of its harm. On the other hand, the best way to control the epidemics was to increase the public vigilance and physical condition because both of them could reduce the prevalence and case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID‐19. In addition, the enhancement of quarantine measures and hospitalization could bring the (slight) increase in the CFR of COVID‐19.
Psychological distress, depression symptoms and fatigue among Quebec nursing staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Côté José , Aita Marilyn , Chouinard Maud‐Christine , Houle Julie , Lavoie‐Tremblay Mélanie , Lessard Lily , Rouleau Geneviève , Gélinas Céline
Published: February 2022

Aim

To describe the state of health of Quebec nursing staff during the pandemic according to their exposure to COVID‐19, work‐related characteristics and sociodemographic factors (gender, generational age group). State of health was captured essentially by assessing psychological distress, depression symptoms and fatigue.

Design and methods

A large‐scale cross‐sectional study was conducted with 1,708 nurses and licenced practical nurses in Quebec (87% women, mean age of 41 ± 11 years). The survey included several questionnaires and validated health‐related scales (psychological distress, depression symptoms and fatigue). The STROBE guidelines were followed in reporting the study's findings.

Results

Results showed that the prevalence of psychological distress and depression symptoms was moderate to severe. Women, generation Xers and Yers, nurses who cared for COVID‐19 patients and those with a colleague who was infected with COVID‐19 at work scored higher for fatigue, psychological distress and depression.
Can we remove tattoos with non‐thermal atmospheric plasma?
Authors: Tampieri Francesco , Araguz Ariadna G. , Canal Cristina
Published: February 2022

Current methods for tattoo removal are long, costly and have drawbacks such as scarring among others. Looking for alternatives, here we assess the feasibility of non‐thermal plasma (NTP) as a standalone method for the removal of tattoos. We report the results of atmospheric pressure plasma jet treatment of real tattoo inks suspensions in water and in gelatin (liquid or as a solid film), selected as a model of skin. Analysis of the residual color and the temperature effect in all the samples after plasma treatment reveals significant differences between water and the skin model. Kinetic considerations and the extension of our results to more realistic scenarios allow us to conclude that NTP cannot compete with the current laser technology in a real application.
Controlled deposition of plasma‐polyaniline thin film by PECVD: Understanding the influence of aniline to argon ratio
Authors: Pattyn Cedric , Sciacqua Dario , Kwiedor Lukas , Jagodar Andrea , Strunskus Thomas , Traeger Franziska , Lecas Thomas , Kovacevic Eva , Berndt Johannes
Published: February 2022

Low pressure capacitively coupled radiofrequency plasmas operated in a mixture of aniline vapor and argon are used for the deposition of thin films on silicon substrates. The influence of the aniline vapor fraction in the gas mixture upon the plasma properties and the characteristics of the deposited thin film is analyzed. Plasmas diagnostics are carried out using mass spectrometry and optical emission spectroscopy and the thin films are characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopy. Experiments highlight that the use of a low aniline/argon ratio leads to the deposition of an amorphous film whereas high‐aniline/argon ratios allow the synthesis of a plasma polymer similar to polyaniline. The properties of such plasmas and the mechanisms involved in the deposition process are discussed in detail.
Visual servoing of continuum robots: Methods, challenges, and prospects
Authors: Nazari Ali A. , Zareinia Kourosh , Janabi‐Sharifi Farrokh
Published: February 2022

Background

Recent advancements in continuum robotics have accentuated developing efficient and stable controllers to handle shape deformation and compliance. The control of continuum robots (CRs) using physical sensors attached to the robot, particularly in confined spaces, is difficult due to their limited accuracy in three‐dimensional deflections and challenging localisation. Therefore, using non‐contact imaging sensors finds noticeable importance, particularly in medical scenarios. Accordingly, given the need for direct control of the robot tip and notable uncertainties in the kinematics and dynamics of CRs, many papers have focussed on the visual servoing (VS) of CRs in recent years.

Methods

The significance of this research towards safe human‐robot interaction has fuelled our survey on the previous methods, current challenges, and future opportunities.

Results

Beginning with actuation modalities and modelling approaches, the paper investigates VS methods in medical and non‐medical scenarios.

Conclusions

Finally, challenges and prospects of VS for CRs are discussed, followed by concluding remarks.
Distributed dynamics for aggregative games: Robustness and privacy guarantees
Authors: Shakarami Mehran , De Persis Claudio , Monshizadeh Nima
Published: February 2022

This paper considers the problem of Nash equilibrium (NE) seeking in aggregative games, where the cost function of each player depends on an aggregate of all players' actions. We present a distributed continuous‐time algorithm such that the actions of the players converge to NE by communicating to each other through a connected network. As agents may deviate from their optimal strategies dictated by the NE seeking protocol, we investigate robustness of the proposed algorithm against time‐varying disturbances. In particular, we provide rigorous robustness guarantees by proving input‐to‐state stability (ISS) and ‐stability properties of the NE seeking dynamics. A major concern in communicative schemes among strategic agents is that their private information may be revealed to other agents or to a curious third party who can eavesdrop the communications. Motivated by this, we investigate privacy properties of the algorithm and identify to what extent privacy is preserved when all communicated variables are compromised. Finally, we demonstrate practical applications of our theoretical findings on two case studies; namely, on an energy consumption game and a coordinated charging of electric vehicles.
Unveiling the Redox Electrochemistry of MOF‐Derived fcc‐NiCo@GC Polyhedron as an Advanced Electrode Material for Boosting Specific Energy of the Supercapattery
Authors: Karuppasamy K. , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Hussain Sajjad , Santhoshkumar P. , Bose Ranjith , Sivakumar P. , Alfantazi Akram , Jung Jongwan , Kim Hyun‐Seok
Published: February 2022

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs), which constitute a new class of porous organic–inorganic hybrid materials, have gained considerable attention in the fields of electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices owing to their open topological structures, large surface areas, tunable morphologies, and extreme redox activity. A synthesis protocol that comprises coprecipitation followed by controlled calcination processes to design a battery‐type electrode is used. This electrode consists of three‐dimensional (3D), ant cave‐like polyhedrons of nickel–cobalt alloy on graphitic carbon (GC; NiCo@GC) nanostructures; trimesic acid is used as a potential MOF‐linker. The developed NiCo@GC sample exhibits mesoporous characteristics with the maximum surface area of 94.08 m2 g−1 at 77 K. In addition, the redox activity at different sweep rates reveals the battery‐type charge storage behavior of the NiCo@GC electrode; its three‐electrode assembly provides 444 C g−1 specific capacity at 2 A g−1 with long‐term capacity retention. The constructed supercapattery (SC) devices (i.e., AC//NiCo@GC) achieved capacity, specific energy, and specific power are 74.3 mAh g−1, 39.5 Wh kg−1, and 665 W kg−1, respectively. Owing to its reasonable electrochemical characteristics, the prepared NiCo@GC material is a promising candidate for supercapattery electrodes for portable electronic devices.
Broadband Complex Permittivity and Electric Modulus Spectra for Dielectric Materials Research
Authors: Ohki Yoshimichi
Published: February 2022

Measurement of the complex permittivity of a substance in a wide frequency range, for example, from 10 mHz to 100 kHz, provides useful information on the dielectric properties of the substance. In this regard, some of such dielectric properties can be analyzed more clearly if we pay attention to the frequency spectra of electric modulus, which is a reciprocal of complex relative permittivity. Especially, the imaginary part of the electric modulus can be a powerful tool for dielectric materials research. In this paper, this fact is demonstrated clearly by showing abundant examples acquired by the author's laboratory. First, the equations of electric modulus that hold for various dielectric relaxation processes, including their derivation, are shown in an easy‐to‐understand manner. After that, for several insulating polymers, actual measurement examples of broadband complex permittivity spectra are shown, up to frequencies of about 100 kHz and a much broader range up to several THz. In the first example of showing permittivity spectra, polyamide exhibits an incredibly high relative permittivity value of 106 at high temperatures such as 200 °C at a frequency as low as 10 mHz. This is a result of the phenomenon often called electrode polarization. In other words, if electric charge carriers accumulate in an insulator facing a nearby electrode and have the polarity opposite to that of the electrode, the permittivity of the insulator goes up. In such a case, the dielectric loss factor usually shows a very high value in the low‐frequency range and decreases in inverse proportion to the frequency. This reflects the fact that the charge carriers are transported, and the conductivity can be derived from this frequency dependence much more easily with apparently higher reliability than measuring the dc leakage current. Furthermore, it is shown that the coefficient of thermal expansion can be estimated from the permittivity spectra relatively accurately for several polymers that satisfy the necessary condition. Next, taking examples in electric modulus spectra measured in important insulating polymers such as engineering ones, it is demonstrated that the processes of dielectric polarization and relaxation, which are difficult to see in permittivity spectra, can be recognized obviously. Moreover, the effects of the addition of nanosized or microsized fillers to epoxy resin on its thermal property and filler‐induced inhomogeneity are analyzed using the electric modulus spectra measured in these samples. The effects of thermal aging treatment and simultaneous aging treatment with heat and radiation on the degradation of cross‐linked polyethylene are also analyzed by paying attention to the frequency spectra of its imaginary electric modulus. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Novel Synchronous Type Variable Speed Wind Turbine and Its Control Strategy Study
Authors: You Rui , Chai Jianyun
Published: February 2022

Compared with traditional power plants, current main stream wind turbines vary in grid connection interfaces, resulting in deficiencies like weak grid voltage and frequency support capability. In order to solve the problem, a synchronous type variable speed wind turbine is proposed in this paper. The wind turbine has the advantages such as the intrinsic properties of maintaining grid voltage and frequency, no harmonic pollution on grid, black start capability. In the wind turbine drive train, an electrically excited synchronous generator is directly coupled to the grid. A power self‐balance type electromagnetic coupling device is used to connect the synchronous generator rotor shaft and a gearbox high speed shaft. The device is composed of a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), a back‐to‐back converter and an electromagnetic coupler. The converter with small capacity, supplied by the PMSG which is coaxial with the gearbox high speed shaft, is used to apply the electromagnetic torque of the electromagnetic coupler. The matching relationship between the electromagnetic torque and the turbine mechanical torque, and the power flow in the drive train in different wind speeds are analyzed. Control strategies are proposed for the wind turbine normal operation including start, stop, maximum wind power capture, and low voltage ride through (LVRT). Compared with the main stream wind turbines, blade and tower loads can be improved greatly during LVRT. A 2 MW wind turbine model is built in Matlab/Simulink to verify the control strategies proposed and the wind turbine excellent LVRT performance. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Experimental Evaluation of Occupancy Lighting Control Using Thermal‐Based Sensor
Authors: Hayasaka Noboru , Nakajima Yuya , Futagami Takuya
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we aim to clarify the effectiveness of a thermal‐based sensor, which applies image recognition technique to thermal image to measure occupancy state. Our experiment, which was conducted at a single private office over 8 days, evaluated both energy‐saving rate of occupancy control and F‐measure, which is the comprehensive metric of measurement accuracy. The thermal‐based sensor increased the F‐measure and energy‐saving rate by 2.23% and 27.91%, respectively, compared with the passive infrared sensor, which measures the occupancy state on the basis of change in infrared temperature. Compared with an image‐based sensor, which applies image recognition technique to visible image, it can provide high privacy and security preserving capability and detect occupants under completely dark environment. However, the F‐measure and energy‐saving rate were decreased by 3.13% and 19.07%, respectively. Further results and discussion are included herein toward analysis and improvement of the thermal‐based sensor. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Nimbolide retards T cell lymphoma progression by altering apoptosis, glucose metabolism, pH regulation, and ROS homeostasis
Authors: Jaiswara Pradip Kumar , Kumar Ajay
Published: February 2022

Nimbolide is reported as one of the potential anticancer candidates of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss). The cytotoxic action of nimbolide has been well reported against a wide number of malignancies, including breast, prostate, lung, liver, and cervix cancers. Interestingly, only a few in vivo studies conducted on B cell lymphoma, glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer, and buccal pouch carcinoma have shown the in vivo antitumor efficacy of nimbolide. Therefore, it is highly needed to examine the in vivo antineoplastic activity of nimbolide on a wide variety of cancers to establish nimbolide as a promising anticancer drug. In the present study, we investigated the tumor retarding action of nimbolide in a murine model of T cell lymphoma. We noticed significantly augmented apoptosis in nimbolide‐ administered tumor‐bearing mice, possibly due to down‐regulated expression of Bcl2 and up‐regulated expression of p53, cleaved caspase‐3, Cyt c, and ROS. The nimbolide treatment‐induced ROS production by suppressing the expression of antioxidant regulatory enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase and catalase. In addition, nimbolide administration impaired glycolysis and pH homeostasis with concomitant inhibition of crucial glycolysis and pH regulatory molecules such as GLUT3, LDHA, MCT1, and V‐ATPase, CAIX and NHE1, respectively. Taken together, the present investigation provides novel insights into molecular mechanisms of nimbolide inhibited T cell lymphoma progression and directs the utility of nimbolide as a potential anticancer therapeutic drug for the treatment of T cell lymphoma.
A peripheral nerve sheath tumour in the median nerve of a dog
Authors: Anderson Oliver , Langley‐Hobbs Sorrel J.
Published: February 2022

A 6‐year‐old, female, spayed, flat‐coated retriever cross presented with a 4‐month history of progressive left thoracic limb lameness that was unresponsive to medical treatment. Initial advanced imaging with computed tomography did not identify a cause, and the dog was discharged on rest and analgesia. The dog re‐presented three weeks later with worsening lameness, discomfort and a painful, palpable mass on the medial aspect of the left thoracic limb just proximal to the elbow. Further investigations included electrodiagnostics and ultrasonography, which identified a lesion of the median nerve. A surgical biopsy was taken and histopathology diagnosed a peripheral nerve sheath tumour. The dog underwent surgery for thoracic limb amputation and nerve resection, with complete margins achieved. The dog went on to recover well with no signs of relapse 39 months later. This report describes the findings and treatment of a peripheral nerve sheath tumour in the thoracic limb of a dog.
Small Island Developing States in a post‐pandemic world: Challenges and opportunities for climate action
Authors: Foley Aideen M. , Moncada Stefano , Mycoo Michelle , Nunn Patrick , Tandrayen‐Ragoobur Verena , Evans Christopher
Published: February 2022

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have been impacted by and responded to COVID‐19 in ways that give us clues about vulnerabilities under climate change, as well as pathways to resilience. Here, we reflect on some of these experiences drawing on case study examples from the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Ocean SIDS, exploring how SIDS have responded to COVID‐19 and considering the potential for coping mechanisms enacted for the pandemic to support long‐term resilience to climate change. Island responses to the pandemic highlight both new directions, like tourist schemes that capitalize on the rise of remote working in Barbados and Mauritius, and reliance on tried and tested coping mechanisms, like bartering in Fiji. Some of the actions undertaken to respond to the pressures of the pandemic, such as visa schemes promoting “digital nomadism” and efforts to grow domestic food production, have climate resilience and equity dimensions that must be unpacked if their potential to contribute to more sustainable island futures is to be realized. Importantly, the diversity of contexts and experiences described here illustrates that there is no single “best” pathway to climate‐resilient post‐pandemic futures for SIDS. While the emerging rhetoric of COVID‐19 recovery often speaks of “roadmaps,” we argue that the journey towards a climate‐resilient COVID‐19 recovery for SIDS is likely to involve detours, as solutions emerge through innovation and experiment, and knowledge‐sharing across the wider SIDS community.

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Sustainability and Human Well‐Being

Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Assessing Climate Change in the Context of Other Issues
Osmium(IV) pyrophosphate: Synthesis, Crystallization, and Ligand‐Field Analysis of the [OsIVO6] Chromophore
Authors: Rössel Patrick , Wolfshohl Anke , Daniels Jörg , Glaum Robert
Published: February 2022

Two polymorphs of burgundy‐red OsP2O7, with cubic (ZrP2O7 structure type, Z=4, a=7.8276(4) Å, 3×3×3 superstructure with a’=3a=23.484(2) Å) and triclinic symmetry (ruby‐red crystals, single‐crystal X‐ray structure determination, GeP2O7 structure type,
(no. 2), Z=2, a=4.8072(7) Å, b=6.8993(13) Å, c=8.050(1) Å, α=91.82(2)°, β=92.92(1)°, γ=107.42(2)°, 98 parameters, R1=0.045, wR2=0.144, 3006 unique reflections with |Fo|>4σ(Fo)) have been obtained reducing OsO4 by phosphorus in sealed silica ampoules followed by subsequent chemical vapour transport. Reaction with the wall led to mixed SiIV/OsIV silicophosphates (Os1−xSix)3[Si2O(PO4)6] {x=0.84, pale orange, SiIV3[Si2O(PO4)6] structure type,
, Z=3, a=7.893(1) Å, c=24.409(5) Å, 59 parameters, R1=0.058, wR2=0.160, 1311 unique reflections with 1033 |Fo|>4σ(Fo); x=0.47, orange, GeIV3[Si2O(PO4)6] structure type,
, Z=2, a=7.9979(3) Å, c=16.4625(5) Å, 59 parameters, R1=0.040, wR2=0.094, 902 unique reflections with 749 |Fo|>4σ(Fo)}. Both structures were refined from single‐crystal data. Above 25 K triclinic OsP2O7 shows temperature independent paramagnetism with a strong temperature dependence of
pointing to
as electronic ground state for Os4+ (d4) with strong spin‐orbit coupling leading to
=0 and the non‐magnetic ground state of the octahedral [OsIVO6] chromophore.. Optical spectra of both polymorphs of OsP2O7 show similar combinations of intense sharp and broad absorption bands typical for dn electronic systems systems with both, spin‐orbit coupling and ligand field splitting, being strong. The observations are consistent with the ligand‐field parameters Δo=20000 cm−1, B=704 cm−1, and ζ=3454 cm−1 for the octahedral [OsIVO6] chromophore.
Formation and Reactivity of Non‐Stabilized Monomeric Alumoxane Intermediates
Authors: Grams Samuel , Maurer Johannes , Patel Neha , Langer Jens , Harder Sjoerd
Published: February 2022

Several methods for the oxidation of the β‐diketiminate AlI complexes (BDI)Al and (BDI*)Al with O2, Et3P=O or N2O are presented (BDI=HC[C(Me)N(DIPP)]2, DIPP=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl; BDI*=HC[C(tBu)N(DIPP)]2). The selectivity of alumoxane formation depends strongly on the nature of the β‐diketiminate ligand, the experimental procedure and the solvent. The mononuclear alumoxanes (BDI)Al=O and (BDI*)Al=O are highly reactive intermediates that cannot be isolated but either aggregate to give less reactive dimers or decompose by internal C−H activation of a backbone Me group or an iPr group. Ethereal solvents like Et2O react with alumoxanes to give (BDI)Al(OEt)OH and ethylene by β‐H elimination. In case of N2O oxidation, subsequent reaction with a second equivalent of N2O to form the hyponitrite complexes (BDI)Al(N2O2) and (BDI*)Al(N2O2) is observed. Details of the alumoxane formation, reactivity and decomposition have been obtained by DFT calculations. These calculations also underscore their rather bipolar character, represented by the resonance structure (BDI)Al+−O−, and estimate the σ‐ and π‐bond character of the Al=O bond at circa 76 % and 24 %, respectively.
Plate-associated localized osteitis in mini-pig by biofilm-forming Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): establishment of a novel experimental model
Authors: Jaekel Carina , Windolf Ceylan D. , Sager Martin , Wollschläger Lena M. , Hoffmanns Martin , Grassmann Jan P.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The increasing number of implant-associated infections during trauma and orthopedic surgery caused by biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus in combination with an increasing resistance of conventional antibiotics requires new therapeutic strategies. One possibility could be testing for different therapeutic strategies with differently coated plates. Therefore, a clinically realistic model is required. The pig offers the best comparability to the human situation, thus it was chosen for this model. The present study characterizes a novel model of a standardized low-grade acute osteitis with bone defect in the femur in mini-pigs, which is stabilized by a titanium locking plate to enable further studies with various coatings.

Methods

A bone defect was performed on the femur of 7 Aachen mini-pigs and infected with Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA ATCC 33592). The defect zone was stabilized with a titanium plate. After 14 days, a plate change, wound debridement and lavage were performed. Finally, after 42 days, the animals were lavaged and debrided again, followed by euthanasia. The fracture healing was evaluated radiologically and histologically.

Results

A local osteitis with radiologically visible lysis of the bone could be established. The unchanged high Colony-forming Units (CFU) in lavage, the significant differences in Interleukin (IL)-6 in blood compared to lavage and the lack of increase in Alkaline Phosphates (ALP) in serum over the entire observation period show the constant local infection.

Conclusion

The study shows the successful induction of local osteitis with lysis of the bone and the lack of enzymatic activity to mineralize the bone. Therefore, this standardized mini-pig model can be used in further clinical studies, to investigate various coated implants, bone healing, biofilm formation and immune response in implant-associated osteitis.
Kinetic modeling of a Sangiovese wine’s chemical and physical parameters during one-year aging in different tank materials
Authors: Guerrini Lorenzo , Maioli Francesco , Picchi Monica , Zanoni Bruno , Parenti Alessandro , Canuti Valentina
Published: February 2022

The present study aimed to model the kinetics of factors involved in wine aging to highlight the effects caused by different tank materials. It is known that materials affect wine composition through releasing of tannins, elementals and allowing different level of oxygen permeation. To monitor how the composition of a red wine was influenced by the contact with different kind of material, a Sangiovese red wine from the 2018 harvest was aged for one-year simultaneously in six different 5 hL tank materials including stainless steel, epoxy-coated concrete, uncoated concrete, raw earthenware, new and used oak wood. The registered differences were described through kinetic modeling of some wine’s chemical and physical parameters. In particular, the one-year evolution of the dissolved oxygen, redox potential and phenolic composition of the wines showed significant differences according to the tank material. Like the oak barrels, the raw earthenware amphorae and uncoated concrete tanks enhanced the polymerisation of the phenolic fraction of the wine. Instead, the stainless steel and epoxy-coated concrete proved to be the most chemically inert materials as they showed the least variability of redox potential and the lowest degree of color evolution.
Foley Catheter Balloon Tamponade for Actively Bleeding Wounds Following Penetrating Neck Injury is an Effective Technique for Controlling Non‐Compressible Junctional External Haemorrhage
Authors: Kong Victor , Ko Jonathan , Cheung Cynthia , Lee Bogo , Leow Priscilla , Thirayan Varun , Bruce John , Laing Grant , Khashram Manar , Clarke Damian
Published: February 2022

Background

The foley catheter balloon tamponade (FCBT) has been widely employed in the management of trauma. This study reviews our cumulative experience with the use of FCBT in the management of patients presenting with a penetrating neck injury (PNI).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at a major trauma centre in South Africa over a 9‐year period from January 2012 to December 2020. All patients who presented with a PNI who had FCBT were included.

Results

A total of 1581 patients with a PNI were managed by our trauma centre, and 44 (3%) patients had an FCBT. Of the 44 cases of FCBT, stab wounds accounted for 93% (41/44) and the remaining 7% were for gunshot wounds. Seventy‐five per cent of all FCBT (33/44) were inserted at a rural hospital prior to transfer to our trauma centre; the remaining 25% (11/44) were inserted in our resuscitation room. The success rate of FCBT was 80% (35/44), allowing further CT with angiography (CTA) to be performed. CTA findings were: 10/35 (29%) positive, 18/35 (51%) negative, and 7/35 (20%) equivocal. Fifteen patients required additional intervention (open surgery or endovascular intervention). The overall morbidity was 14% (6/44). Eighteen per cent required intensive care unit admission. The median length of stay was 1 day. The overall mortality rate was 11% (5/44).

Conclusion

FCBT is a simple and effective technique as an adjunct in the management of major haemorrhage from a PNI. In highly selective patients, it may also be used as definitive management.
Fractal analysis improves tumour size measurement on computed tomography in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: comparison with gross pathology and multi-parametric MRI
Authors: Michallek Florian , Haouari Mohamed Amine , Dana Ophélie , Perrot Antoine , Silvera Stéphane , Dallongeville Axel , Dewey Marc , Zins Marc
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Tumour size measurement is pivotal for staging and stratifying patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). However, computed tomography (CT) frequently underestimates tumour size due to insufficient depiction of the tumour rim. CT-derived fractal dimension (FD) maps might help to visualise perfusion chaos, thus allowing more realistic size measurement.

Methods

In 46 patients with histology-proven PDA, we compared tumour size measurements in routine multiphasic CT scans, CT-derived FD maps, multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), and, where available, gross pathology of resected specimens. Gross pathology was available as reference for diameter measurement in a discovery cohort of 10 patients. The remaining 36 patients constituted a separate validation cohort with mpMRI as reference for diameter and volume.

Results

Median RECIST diameter of all included tumours was 40 mm (range: 18–82 mm). In the discovery cohort, we found significant (p = 0.03) underestimation of tumour diameter on CT compared with gross pathology (Δdiameter3D = −5.7 mm), while realistic diameter measurements were obtained from FD maps (Δdiameter3D = 0.6 mm) and mpMRI (Δdiameter3D = −0.9 mm), with excellent correlation between the two (R2 = 0.88). In the validation cohort, CT also systematically underestimated tumour size in comparison to mpMRI (Δdiameter3D = −10.6 mm, Δvolume = −10.2 mL), especially in larger tumours. In contrast, FD map measurements agreed excellently with mpMRI (Δdiameter3D = +1.5 mm, Δvolume = −0.6 mL). Quantitative perfusion chaos was significantly (p = 0.001) higher in the tumour rim (FDrim = 4.43) compared to the core (FDcore = 4.37) and remote pancreas (FDpancreas = 4.28).

Conclusions

In PDA, fractal analysis visualises perfusion chaos in the tumour rim and improves size measurement on CT in comparison to gross pathology and mpMRI, thus compensating for size underestimation from routine CT.

Key Points

• CT-based measurement of tumour size in pancreatic adenocarcinoma systematically underestimates both tumour diameter (Δdiameter = −10.6 mm) and volume (Δvolume = −10.2 mL), especially in larger tumours.

• Fractal analysis provides maps of the fractal dimension (FD), which enable a more reliable and size-independent measurement using gross pathology or multi-parametric MRI as reference standards.

• FD quantifies perfusion chaos—the underlying pathophysiological principle—and can separate the more chaotic tumour rim from the tumour core and adjacent non-tumourous pancreas tissue.
Acute intense fatigue does not modify the effect of EVA and TPU custom foot orthoses on running mechanics, running economy and perceived comfort
Authors: Van Alsenoy Ken , Ryu Joong Hyun , Girard Olivier
Published: February 2022

We determined whether fatigue modifies the effect of custom foot orthoses manufactured from ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA) and expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials, both compared to standardized footwear (CON), on running mechanics, running economy, and perceived comfort. Eighteen well-trained, males ran on an instrumented treadmill for 6 min at the speed corresponding to their first ventilatory threshold (13.8 ± 1.1 km/h) in three footwear conditions (CON, EVA, and TPU). Immediately after completion of a repeated-sprints exercise (8 × 5 s treadmill sprints, rest = 25 s), these run tests were replicated. Running mechanics, running economy and perceived comfort were determined. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA [condition (CON, EVA, and TPU) × fatigue (fresh and fatigued)] were conducted. Flight time shortened (P = 0.026), peak braking (P = 0.016) and push-off (P = 0.032) forces decreased and vertical stiffness increased (P = 0.014) from before to after the repeated-sprint exercise, independent of footwear condition. There was a global fatigue-induced deterioration in running economy (− 1.6 ± 0.4%; P < 0.001). There was no significant condition × fatigue [except mean loading rate (P = 0.046)] for the large majority of biomechanical, cardio-respiratory [except minute ventilation (P = 0.020) and breathing frequency (P = 0.019)] and perceived comfort variables. Acute intense fatigue does not modify the effect of custom foot orthoses with different resilience characteristics on running mechanics, running economy and perceived comfort.
Automatic CT Angiography Lesion Segmentation Compared to CT Perfusion in Ischemic Stroke Detection: a Feasibility Study
Authors: Mäkelä Teemu , Öman Olli , Hokkinen Lasse , Wilppu Ulla , Salli Eero , Savolainen Sauli , Kangasniemi Marko
Published: February 2022

In stroke imaging, CT angiography (CTA) is used for detecting arterial occlusions. These images could also provide information on the extent of ischemia. The study aim was to develop and evaluate a convolutional neural network (CNN)–based algorithm for detecting and segmenting acute ischemic lesions from CTA images of patients with suspected middle cerebral artery stroke. These results were compared to volumes reported by widely used CT perfusion–based RAPID software (IschemaView). A 42-layer-deep CNN was trained on 50 CTA volumes with manually delineated targets. The lower bound for predicted lesion size to reliably discern stroke from false positives was estimated. The severity of false positives and false negatives was reviewed visually to assess the clinical applicability and to further guide the method development. The CNN model corresponded to the manual segmentations with voxel-wise sensitivity 0.54 (95% confidence interval: 0.44–0.63), precision 0.69 (0.60–0.76), and Sørensen–Dice coefficient 0.61 (0.52–0.67). Stroke/nonstroke differentiation accuracy 0.88 (0.81–0.94) was achieved when only considering the predicted lesion size (i.e., regardless of location). By visual estimation, 46% of cases showed some false findings, such as CNN highlighting chronic periventricular white matter changes or beam hardening artifacts, but only in 9% the errors were severe, translating to 0.91 accuracy. The CNN model had a moderately strong correlation to RAPID-reported Tmax > 10 s volumes (Pearson’s r = 0.76 (0.58–0.86)). The results suggest that detecting anterior circulation ischemic strokes from CTA using a CNN-based algorithm can be feasible when accompanied with physiological knowledge to rule out false positives.
Seismic fragility assessment of geotechnical seismic isolation (GSI) for bridge configuration
Authors: Forcellini Davide , Alzabeebee Saif
Published: February 2022

The seismic vulnerability of bridges may be reduced by the application of Geotechnical Seismic Isolation (GSI) below the foundations of the columns and the abutments. However, the role of GSI on the seismic response of bridges has been limitedly examined in literature. Therefore, this research has been conducted to study the effect of applying GSI on the seismic response of bridges to address the aforementioned gap in knowledge. Advanced nonlinear dynamic three-dimensional finite element analyses have been conducted using OpenSees to study the influence of the GSI. The cases of traditional and isolated bridges subjected to earthquakes have been considered to assess the GSI effects. The results showed that the GSI reduces the seismic effect on the column while its effect seems to be less significant for the abutments. In addition, fragility curves for the traditional and isolated cases have been developed and compared to provide insights with a probabilistic-based approach. The results of this paper provide a useful benchmark for design considerations regarding the use of GSI for bridges.
Developing and piloting a communication assessment tool assessing patient perspectives on communication with pharmacists (CAT-Pharm)
Authors: Scala Daniela , Mucherino Sara , Wirth Francesca , Orlando Valentina , Polidori Piera , Faggiano Maria Ernestina , Iovine Daniela , Saturnino Paola , Cattel Francesco , Costantini Alberto , Giua Corrado , Makoul Gregory , Azzopardi Lilian M. , Menditto Enrica
Published: February 2022

Background

Effective communication strategies in health care help to enhance patient empowerment and improve clinical outcomes.

Objective

Adapt the original Communication Assessment (CAT) instrument for the pharmacist profession (CAT-Pharm) and to test its validity and reliability in two different settings.

Setting

Five hospital pharmacies in Italy and five community pharmacies in Malta.

Method

Pilot study involving a standardized multi-step process adhering to internationally accepted and recommended guidelines. Corrections and adjustments to the translation addressed linguistic factors and cultural components. CAT-Pharm, compared to the original CAT, maintained 10 out of the 14 items: one was slightly modified; three were changed to better fit the pharmacist role; one was added.

Main outcome measures

CAT-Pharm development and testing its practicality to assess patient perceptions of pharmacists’ interpersonal and communication skills.

Results

CAT-Pharm was tested on 97 patients in the Italian setting and 150 patients in the Maltese setting to assess the practicality of the tool and its usefulness in investigating gaps and priorities for improving pharmacist-patient communication. Results Show reliability and internal validity of the CAT-Pharm tool. The analysis of patient perceptions of communication with the pharmacist in Italy indicated differences from that in Malta. The different settings provided insight into the utility of CAT-Pharm.

Conclusion

This study provided a valid and reliable tool that could be applied to assess patient perception of the pharmacist's communication abilities.
Online Acoustic System Identification Exploiting Kalman Filtering and an Adaptive Impulse Response Subspace Model
Authors: Haubner Thomas , Brendel Andreas , Kellermann Walter
Published: February 2022

We introduce a novel algorithm for online estimation of Acoustic Impulse Responses (AIRs) which allows for fast convergence by exploiting prior knowledge about the fundamental structure of AIRs. The proposed method assumes that the variability of AIRs of an acoustic scene is confined to a low-dimensional manifold which is embedded in a high-dimensional space of possible AIR estimates. We discuss various approaches which exploit a training data set of AIRs, e.g., high-accuracy AIR estimates from the acoustic scene, to learn a local affine subspace approximation of the AIR manifold. The model is motivated by the idea of describing the generally nonlinear AIR manifold locally by tangential hyperplanes and its validity is verified for simulated data. Subsequently, we describe how the manifold assumption can be used to enhance online AIR estimates by projecting them onto an adaptively estimated subspace. Motivated by the assumption of manifolds being locally Euclidean, the parameters determining the adaptive subspace are learned from the nearest neighbor AIR training samples to the current AIR estimate. To assess the proximity of training data AIRs to the current AIR estimate, we introduce a probabilistic extension of the Euclidean distance which improves the performance for applications with non-white excitation signals. Furthermore, we describe how model imperfections can be tackled by a soft projection of the AIR estimates. The proposed algorithm exhibits significantly faster convergence properties in comparison to a high-performance state-of-the-art algorithm. Furthermore, we show an improved steady-state performance for speech-excited system identification scenarios suffering from high-level interfering noise and nonunique solutions.