bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Textile color formulation using linear programming based on Kubelka‐Munk and Duncan theories
Authors: Moussa Ali
Published: February 2021

In this article, a new approach based on linear programming optimization is proposed to solve the textile color formulation problem. The principle aims to find the appropriate dyes to mix and their exact concentrations, which, when applied correctly, produce the required color. Two ranges of reactive dyes were used for dyeing cotton fabrics. The objective function and all the constraints of the model are expressed linearly according to the decision variables. The objective function is to minimize the differences between the K/S spectra of the sample dyed with the proposed mixture and the target color. The constraints of the model are formulated based on Kubelka‐Munk and Duncan theories in the same way as those of the single‐constant model. The relevance of the method developed using linear programming optimization was evaluated and proven by calculating errors between the proposed and actual recipes, errors in K/S spectra, and Colour Measurement Committee CMC(2:1) differences between the reproduced and target colors. The proposed program showed very good results with very small values of errors and color differences.
A predictive replication for multi‐tenant databases using deep learning
Authors: Abdel Raouf Ahmed E. , Abo‐alian Alshaimaa , Badr Nagwa L.
Published: February 2021

The service level agreement (SLA) is an agreement between clients and the service provider, which defines the minimum performance and availability requirements for software. The service provider should have effective strategies for placement, migration, and replication of the tenants to reduce their operational costs, maximize the utilization of their hardware and software resources and accordingly meet the SLA requirements with slight SLA violations. In this research, a clustered‐based multi‐tenant database management system (CB‐MT DBMS) is proposed. Additionally, a dynamic proactive provisioning technique is built using three different prediction models: The Recursive Window Forecasting Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model, Exponential Moving Average (EMA) model, and the proposed Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) with Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) cells model. Various experimental scenarios with different datasets have been conducted to prove that the RNN model with LSTM cells is a promising solution in multi‐tenant environments, where the tenants have irregular workload patterns. Experimental results firstly show that the RNN model accuracy is superior to their counterparts (i.e., ARIMA and EMA models) when applied to multi‐tenant database workloads generated using TPC benchmarks, as it reduces the prediction error value which is computed using the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) metrics. Secondly, Experimental results prove that the RNN prediction model accuracy is superior to their counterparts for detecting SLA violation values and windows using different SLA values.
X‐waiver battle over buprenorphine heats up
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2021

As buprenorphine — a schedule III medication approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder when provided in a combination product (that includes naloxone), such as Suboxone — has special prescribing requirements. No matter how thorough your training as a clinician, you have to receive an X‐waiver from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in addition to your DEA license, in order to be able to prescribe it.
Children with acute COVID‐19 most likely to have CNS imaging abnormalities
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2021

Central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities in children related to COVID‐19 occur in acute and delayed manifestations, a recent study has found. Previously, such manifestations were described mainly in case reports. But in order to understand the full spectrum of the disease in children and adolescents, it's important to have enough cases in aggregate to look at neuroimaging manifestations.
Flow Cytometric Evaluation of the Ongoing Angiogenic Response in Rat Cardiac Tissue Following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hoeeg Cecilie , Ringgaard Lars , Christensen Esben , Follin Bjarke , Bentsen Simon , Ripa Rasmus Sejersten , Kjaer Andreas
Published: February 2021

Angiogenesis is involved in regeneration of cardiac tissue following acute myocardial infarction (MI), a disease often investigated in rat models. Therefore, the ability to thoroughly evaluate the angiogenic response following experimentally induced MI in rats, and distinguish it from inflammation, is desired. This would enable evaluation of the angiogenic potential of new therapeutics and improve knowledge on MI pathophysiology. Due to the complex response to MI involving multiple cell types and the limited selection of rat‐specific antibodies, careful optimization is crucial to capture this complexity. Here, we present an 8‐color flow cytometry‐based multicolor panel that will enable quantification of the ongoing angiogenic response as well as characterize the cells involved. A detailed description of tissue preparation, immunostaining, and gating strategy is provided. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 26 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol: Cardiac tissue preparation and staining to investigate the ongoing angiogenic response in rat cardiac tissue following myocardial infarction

Support Protocol: Titration of all antibodies in the presented panel
Effect of Sodium Sulfate on Nucleation Behavior and the Crystal Morphology of Taurine
Authors: Wu Di , Zhang Bei , Luo Weijia , Zhu Huaxiang , Xu Jun , Zhou Lina , Hou Baohong , Chen Wei
Published: February 2021

Two theoretical methods, self‐consistent Nývlt‐like approach and Sangwal's classical 3D nucleation theory‐based method, are employed to analyze the effects of additives (sodium sulfate) on the nucleation behavior of taurine. By correlating the measured metastable zone width of taurine containing different sodium sulfate concentrations, with saturation temperature and cooling rate, nucleation kinetic parameters in both two methods are determined. Fitting results demonstrate that higher sodium sulfate concentration results in the increase of solid–liquid interfacial energy γ, contrarily higher saturation temperature has the opposite effect thus changing of nucleation rate. The molecular modeling techniques are then applied to investigate the changes in the morphology of taurine which caused by the presence of sodium sulfate. Through molecular dynamic simulations, the interaction energy of sodium sulfate with taurine crystal faces are obviously larger than those of taurine and these differences on the (011) and (11‐1) are more significant than those on (021) and (111) faces. As a result, the growth of (011) and (11‐1) faces is inhibited and the morphology of taurine crystal is modified from needle to columnar. The influence of sodium sulfate on taurine studied in this work provides theoretical guidance for industrial production.
A novel wireless underground transceiver for landslide internal parameter monitoring based on magnetic induction
Authors: Wang Honghui , Zhuo Tianxiang , Zhong Pan , Wei Chaoyu , Zou Dingkang , Zhong Yunshun
Published: February 2021

This article introduces a magnetic induction communication transceiver MI‐S125‐III, which can be buried in a landslide body and can be used to transmit the internal characteristic parameters of landslide mass (such as inclination angle). The device is based on the Manchester code, and the working frequency is 125 kHz. Its data transmission distance can reach 5.28 m in the soil. We built a physical landslide model, in which three MI‐S125‐III nodes with a tilting sensor were embedded, and the angle monitoring curve was obtained by human triggering. The angle monitoring curve can reflect the sliding process, indicating that MI‐S125‐III can be used for landslide monitoring and early warning in the future.
The complex interplay between endoplasmic reticulum stress and the NLRP3 inflammasome: a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory disorders
Authors: Chong Wai Chin , Shastri Madhur D , Peterson Gregory M , Patel Rahul P , Pathinayake Prabuddha S , Dua Kamal , Hansbro Nicole G , Hsu Alan C , Wark Peter A , Shukla Shakti Dhar , Johansen Matt D , Schroder Kate , Hansbro Philip M
Published: February 2021

Inflammation is the result of a complex network of cellular and molecular interactions and mechanisms that facilitate immune protection against intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, particularly pathogens, to maintain homeostasis and promote tissue healing. However, dysregulation in the immune system elicits excess/abnormal inflammation resulting in unintended tissue damage and causes major inflammatory diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is now widely accepted that both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammasomes play critical roles in activating inflammatory signalling cascades. Notably, evidence is mounting for the involvement of ER stress in exacerbating inflammasome‐induced inflammatory cascades, which may provide a new axis for therapeutic targeting in a range of inflammatory disorders. Here, we comprehensively review the roles, mechanisms and interactions of both ER stress and inflammasomes, as well as their interconnected relationships in inflammatory signalling cascades. We also discuss novel therapeutic strategies that are being developed to treat ER stress‐ and inflammasome‐related inflammatory disorders.
MiR‐378a‐3p as a putative biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and prognosis: Computational screening with experimental validation
Authors: Qian Fuliang , Wang Jinghan , Wang Ying , Gao Qian , Yan Wenying , Lin Yuxin , Shen Li , Xie Yufeng , Jiang Xiaoqing , Shen Bairong
Published: February 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant disease with high morbidity and mortality, and the molecular mechanism for the genesis and progression is complex and heterogeneous. Biomarker discovery is crucial for the personalized and precision treatment of HCC. The accumulation of reported microRNA biomarkers makes it possible to combine computational identification with experimental validation to accelerate the discovery of novel biomarker.

Results

In the present work, we applied a rational computer‐aided biomarker discovery model to screen for the HCC diagnosis biomarker. Two HCC‐associated networks were constructed based on the microRNA and mRNA expression profiles, and the potential microRNA biomarkers were identified based on their unique regulatory and influential power in the network. These putative biomarkers were then experimentally validated. One prominent example among these identified biomarkers is MiR‐378a‐3p: It was shown to independently regulate several important transcription factors such as PLAGL2 and β‐catenin, affecting the β‐catenin signaling. Such mechanism may indicate a potential tumor suppressor role of MiR‐378a‐3p and the impact of its abnormal expression on the cell growth and invasion of HCC.

Conclusions

A bioinformatics model with network topological and functional characterization was successfully applied to the identification of HCC biomarkers. The predicted microRNA biomarkers were than validated with experiments using human HCC cell lines, model animal, and clinical specimens. The results confirmed the prediction by our proposed model that miR‐378a‐3p was a putative biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
FAM83H‐AS1 is a noncoding oncogenic driver and therapeutic target of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Siwei , Han Chencheng , Liu Tongyan , Ma Zhifei , Qiu Mantang , Wang Jie , You Qingjun , Zheng Xiufen , Xu Weizhang , Xia Wenjia , Xu Youtao , Hu Jingwen , Xu Lin , Yin Rong
Published: February 2021

Background

Little is known about noncoding oncogenes of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and these potential drivers might provide novel therapeutic targets.

Methods

Since abnormally overexpression of oncogenic drivers is induced by genomic variation, we here utilized genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical prognosis data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) LUAD datasets to discover novel drivers from long noncoding RNAs. We further used zebrafish models to validate the biological function of candidates in vivo. The full length of FAM83H‐AS1 was obtained by rapid amplification of the cDNA ends assay. RNA pull‐down, RNA immunoprecipitation, quantitative mass spectrometry, and RNA sequencing assays were conducted to explore the potential mechanisms. Additionally, we used CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) method and patient‐derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) model to evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting FAM83H‐AS1.

Results

The results suggest that FAM83H‐AS1 is a potential oncogenic driver due to chromosome 8q24 amplification. Upregulation of FAM83H‐AS1 results in poor prognosis of LUAD patients in both Jiangsu Cancer Hospital (JSCH) and TCGA cohorts. Functional assays revealed that FAM83H‐AS1 promotes malignant progression and inhibits apoptosis. Mechanistically, FAM83H‐AS1 binds HNRNPK to enhance the translation of antiapoptotic oncogenes RAB8B and RAB14. Experiments using CRISPRi‐mediated xenografts and PDTX models indicated that targeting FAM83H‐AS1 inhibited LUAD progression in vivo.

Conclusions

Our work demonstrates that FAM83H‐AS1 is a noncoding oncogenic driver that inhibits LUAD apoptosis via the FAM83H‐AS1–HNRNPK–RAB8B/RAB14 axis, which highlights the importance and potential roles that FAM83H‐AS1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for LUAD.
Spannungs‐Dehnungs‐Linien von Porenbeton bei hohen Temperaturen: ein erster Schritt zur versuchsbasierten Bemessung gemäß EN 1996‐1‐2
Authors: Andreini Marco , Miccoli Lorenzo
Published: February 2021

In diesem Beitrag wird ein Ansatz für die Bemessung von Mauerwerk aus Porenbeton unter Brandeinwirkung vorgestellt. Dabei wird die Problematik der Berechnungsmethoden in der aktuellen Fassung der EN 1996‐1‐2 für die Bemessung von tragenden Porenbetonwänden erläutert. Die aktuelle Version der EN 1996‐1‐2 bietet nur tabellarische Daten als verlässliche Methode für die Bewertung von Tragwerken im Brandfall. Die Inhalte der aktuellen Anhänge C und D gelten allgemein als nicht verlässlich für die Bemessung, da ein ausreichender Nachweis durch Versuche fehlt. Deshalb wird in diesem Beitrag eine Optimierung der Eingabegrößen für mechanische Modelle vorgeschlagen, die auf Prüfungen von Porenbetonmauerwerk basiert. Auf dieser Grundlage werden hier neue Spannungs‐Dehnungs‐Linien in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur vorgeschlagen und anschließend mit den derzeit im Anhang D der EN 1996‐1‐2 enthaltenen Spannungs‐Dehnungs‐Linien verglichen. Die Resultate dieser Vergleiche zeigen, dass die derzeitigen Kennlinien nicht dem tatsächlichen Verhalten von Porenbetonmauerwerk im Brandfall entsprechen. Die hier vorgestellten Kennlinien können als Grundlage für die Umsetzung in der neuen Version der EN 1996‐1‐2 verwendet werden.
Einfluss des Hellbezugswertes auf die Risssicherheit von Außenwänden aus Porenbeton
Authors: Schoch Torsten , Loderer Franz , Trümer André
Published: February 2021

Die Helligkeit einer Oberfläche beeinflusst die thermische Belastung einer Beschichtung und des darunter liegenden Mauerwerks oder Dämmstoffs. Vor allem dunkle Flächen mit niedrigem Hellbezugswert (HBW) heizen sich unter Sonneneinstrahlung stark auf. Bei Anwendung auf hochwärmedämmenden Untergründen wie Porenbeton kann die entstehende Wärme nicht ausreichend schnell abgegeben werden. Die Folge sind thermisch bedingte Spannungen zwischen Beschichtung und Untergrund. Aus diesem Grund empfehlen Hersteller eine Limitierung des Hellbezugswertes. Untersuchungen der Xella Technologie‐ und Forschungsgesellschaft mbH zeigen jedoch, dass auch dunkle Beschichtungen mit äußerst geringem HBW unter extremen Klimabedingungen weder selbst Schaden nehmen noch Schaden an der Porenbeton‐Tragschicht verursachen. Somit scheint der HBW als Referenz zur Begrenzung der thermischen Spannungen ungeeignet. Für dunkle Flächen empfehlen Hersteller von Beschichtungen daher weiterhin die Berücksichtigung des solaren Reflexionsvermögens (TSR‐Wert). Dieser Wert erfasst im Gegensatz zum HBW das gesamte Energiespektrum des Sonnenlichts und stellt somit eine pigmentunabhängige Kenngröße zur Beurteilung des Erwärmungspotenzials einer Beschichtung dar. Entsprechende Grenzwertbetrachtungen sind Gegenstand aktueller Untersuchungen.
Xenopus to the rescue: A model to validate and characterize candidate ciliopathy genes
Authors: Rao Venkatramanan G. , Kulkarni Saurabh S.
Published: February 2021

Cilia are present on most vertebrate cells and play a central role in development, growth, and homeostasis. Thus, cilia dysfunction can manifest into an array of diseases, collectively termed ciliopathies, affecting millions of lives worldwide. Yet, our understanding of the gene regulatory networks that control cilia assembly and functions remain incomplete. With the advances in next‐generation sequencing technologies, we can now rapidly predict pathogenic variants from hundreds of ciliopathy patients. While the pace of candidate gene discovery is exciting, most of these genes have never been previously implicated in cilia assembly or function. This makes assigning the disease causality difficult. This review discusses how Xenopus, a genetically tractable and high‐throughput vertebrate model, has played a central role in identifying, validating, and characterizing candidate ciliopathy genes. The review is focused on multiciliated cells (MCCs) and diseases associated with MCC dysfunction. MCCs harbor multiple motile cilia on their apical surface to generate extracellular fluid flow inside the airway, the brain ventricles, and the oviduct. In Xenopus, these cells are external and present on the embryonic epidermal epithelia, facilitating candidate genes analysis in MCC development in vivo. The ability to introduce patient variants to study their effects on disease progression makes Xenopus a powerful model to improve our understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms and explain the patient phenotype.
The excess insulin requirement in severe COVID‐19 compared to non‐COVID‐19 viral pneumonitis is related to the severity of respiratory failure and pre‐existing diabetes
Authors: Lockhart Sam M. , Griffiths Harry , Petrisor Bogdan , Usman Ammara , Calvo‐Latorre Julia , Heales Laura , Bansiya Vishakha , Mahroof Razeen , Conway Morris Andrew
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Severe COVID‐19 has been anecdotally associated with high insulin requirements. It has been proposed that this may be driven by a direct diabetogenic effect of the virus that is unique to SARS‐CoV‐2, but evidence to support this is limited. To explore this, we compared insulin requirements in patients with severe COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 viral pneumonitis.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with severe COVID‐19 admitted to our intensive care unit between March and June 2020. A historical control cohort of non‐COVID‐19 viral pneumonitis patients was identified from routinely collected audit data.

Results

Insulin requirements were similar in patients with COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 viral pneumonitis after adjustment for pre‐existing diabetes and severity of respiratory failure.

Conclusions

In this single‐centre study, we could not find evidence of a unique diabetogenic effect of COVID‐19. We suggest that high insulin requirements in this disease relate to its propensity to cause severe respiratory failure in patients with pre‐existing metabolic disease.
Tracking mammals in a Lebanese protected area using environmental DNA‐based approach
Authors: Boukhdoud Liliane , Saliba Carole , Kahale Rhea , Bou Dagher Kharrat Magda
Published: February 2021

Mediterranean forest mammals are still poorly known, and few localities have been properly studied in the East Mediterranean Region (EMR). According to the IUCN Red List, many recorded species in this region are listed as threatened or endangered. Despite all threats, better management and more investments in species monitoring would surely improve the efficiency of biodiversity conservation projects to protect Mediterranean forest mammals. Protected reserves are of utmost importance for the conservation of native flora and fauna. Hereby, we provide a survey of mammals through a noninvasive technique based on environmental DNA extracted from scats. Samples were collected over 1 year covering all seasons from an important site for biodiversity conservation and scientific researches, the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve. A total of 18 vertebrate species were recorded, many of them are endemic for the region and/or threatened especially in Lebanon. The use of noninvasive sampling method combined with genetic analysis of scats proved to be a powerful tool for species detection in a highly biodiverse protected area and can be easily replicated in any region around the world to rapidly assess species richness and therefore to apply direct conservation and management strategies toward species of interest.
Novel modulation technique to reduce acoustic noise and switching loss
Authors: Ayano Hideki , Kitada Masayoshi , Iguchi Yuki , Matsui Yoshihiro , Itoh Jun‐ichi
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes a novel modulation technique that reduces both motor acoustic noise and switching loss. The conventional discontinuous PWM method can reduce the switching loss to a greater extent compared to the conventional three‐phase modulation method; however, the acoustic noise of the motor increases. The proposed technique adjusts the zero‐sequence voltage given to the voltage references in such a way that the discontinuous part of the conventional discontinuous PWM method is changed smoothly. The switching loss with the proposed technique can be reduced to 58% of that with the conventional three‐phase modulation method. The experimental results show that the acoustic noise can be reduced to a greater extent with the proposed technique compared to that with the conventional discontinuous PWM method.
Self‐feeding assistive 7‐DOF robotic arm simulator using solving method of inverse kinematics
Authors: Shimabukuro Yuichi , Gushi Shotaro , Matayoshi Junji , Higa Hiroki
Published: February 2021

In order to help people with disabilities of the upper extremities drink and eat, a simulator for self‐feeding assistive robotic arm using solving method of inverse kinematics has been developed in this paper. Using inverse kinematics equations of 7 degrees of freedom (DOF) with an arm angle parameter, the robotic arm model was implemented in the simulator and its controller with mouse device was also designed. The arm angle parameter defined the angle between the arm plane and a reference plane was used to resolve the robotic arm redundancy. Three able‐bodied persons participated in simulation experiments. They manipulated the robotic arm model in a virtual space using mouse device. It was found from the simulation results they successfully performed the drinking and eating tasks in our simulator.
Charge/discharge control of wayside batteries via reinforcement learning for energy‐conservation in electrified railway systems
Authors: Yoshida Yasuhiro , Arai Sachiyo , Kobayashi Hiroyasu , Kondo Keiichiro
Published: February 2021

The effective utilization of regenerative power generated by trains has attracted the attention of engineers due to its promising potential in energy conservation for electrified railways. Charge control by wayside battery batteries is an effective method of utilizing this regenerative power. Wayside batteries requires saving energy by utilizing the minimum storage capacity of energy storage devices. However, because current control policies are rule‐based, based on human empirical knowledge, it is difficult to decide the rules appropriately considering the battery's state of charge. Therefore, in this paper, we introduce reinforcement learning with an actor‐critic algorithm to acquire an effective control policy, which had been previously difficult to derive as rules using experts’ knowledge. The proposed algorithm, which can autonomously learn the control policy, stabilizes the balance of power supply and demand. Through several computational simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits a superior performance compared to existing ones.
Circulating multimarker approach to identify patients with preclinical left ventricular remodelling and/or diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Huttin Olivier , Kobayashi Masatake , Ferreira João Pedro , Coiro Stefano , Bozec Erwan , Selton‐Suty Christine , Filipetti Laura , Lamiral Zohra , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Girerd Nicolas
Published: February 2021

Aims

Biomarkers reflecting myocardial fibrosis and inflammation have been individually associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction (DD). However, the added value of a fibrosis‐inflammation multimarker approach in a populational setting is yet to be studied. We evaluated the value of a multimarker approach to detect LVH and DD in a large population‐based cohort.

Methods and results

In a prespecified analysis (BioSe‐PreIC study) of the 4th visit of the STANISLAS cohort (1705 subjects, 47 ± 14 years, 47.4% men), we evaluated the ability of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), Galectin‐3 (GAL3), N‐terminal propeptide of procollagen type III (P3NP), and soluble ST2 to predict LVH (LV mass > 116/100 g/m2 for men/women) and DD using discrimination (C‐index) and reclassification analysis (NRI).

Participants with LVH and/or DD had significantly higher levels of BNP, GAL3, and ST2. Overall, the predictive value of clinical variables for LVH and/or DD was good (C‐index ranging from 0.76 to 0.82) and the addition of BNP, Gal3, P3NP, and ST2 moderately but significantly improved predictive value (delta C‐index = 0.03, P = 0.03 for LVH and 0.01, P = 0.01 for DD) and reclassification (NRI = 25.3, P = 0.02 for LVH and NRI = 32.7 for DD, P < 0.0001). Gal3, P3NP, and ST2 significantly improved predictive value (delta C‐index = 0.01, P = 0.01) and reclassification (NRI = 31.3, P < 0.0001) for DD of top of clinical variables and BNP.

Conclusions

As the measurement of Gal3, P3NP, and ST2 results in marginal (even if significant) increase in the prediction of DD/LVH on top of routine evaluation, their systematic use should not be promoted in unselected healthy individuals to screen for preclinical DD. Further research is needed to determine whether a more personalized medicine approach combing proteomic and clinical scoring can amplify the added value of biomarkers to identify preclinical DD.
Comparison of left ventricular longitudinal systolic function parameters in the prediction of adverse outcome in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Gozdzik Anna , Marwick Thomas H. , Przewlocka‐Kosmala Monika , Jankowska Ewa A. , Ponikowski Piotr , Kosmala Wojciech
Published: February 2021

Aims

Several different diagnostic parameters can be used to assess left ventricular (LV) longitudinal systolic function, but no studies comparing their predictive value have been conducted. We sought to compare the prognostic value of LV long‐axis function parameters at rest and exercise using the population with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods and results

Clinical and biochemical variables were collected at baseline in 201 patients with HFpEF. Echocardiography was performed at rest and immediately after exercise, with measurement of mitral annular plane systolic excursion, systolic tissue velocity (s′), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR). Participants were followed for 48 (24–60) months for heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death. Seventy‐four patients (36.8%) met the study endpoint. Cox regression analysis revealed that after adjustment for Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure risk score, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and peak VO2, heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death were significantly associated with GLS at rest [hazard ratio (HR) 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–0.98; P = 0.016], GLS after exercise (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.77–0.91; P < 0.001), and GLSR after exercise (HR 0.13; 95% CI 0.04–0.48; P = 0.002). The addition of each of the following: exercise GLS and GLSR and resting GLS to the base model including Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure, BNP, and peak VO2 improved predictive power for the study endpoint [net reclassification improvement (NRI) = 49%, P < 0.001; NRI = 42%, P = 0.004; and NRI = 38%, P = 0.009, respectively]. Exercise GLS was the only longitudinal parameter significantly improving c‐statistics of the base model (0.68 vs. 0.73; P = 0.047).

Conclusions

Echocardiographic parameters of LV longitudinal function are not equipotential in predicting adverse outcomes in HFpEF. LV deformation indices, especially assessed with exercise, show the highest predictive utility independent from and incremental to clinical data and BNP.
Can APIs that are Poorly Water‐ and Oil‐Soluble Benefit from Incorporation into SMEDDS? The Case of Dipyridamole
Authors: Rede Katarina , Bolko Seljak Katarina , Bogataj Marija , Gašperlin Mirjana
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is to develop a self‐microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) for the model active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dipyridamole using exclusively excipients suitable for oral administration and nonvolatile cosolvents. Dipyridamole is a poorly water‐soluble and poorly oil‐soluble compound, which made it an atypical candidate for development of a lipid‐based drug delivery system (LBDDS). Four SMEDDS are successfully formulated, and dipyridamole has up to 1750‐fold higher solubility in the SMEDDS compared to water. Incorporation of 0.6–1% of dipyridamole into the SMEDDS does not considerably affect the droplet size, uniformity of droplet size distribution, and self‐emulsifying properties of the SMEDDS. The applicability of hard capsules for developing a final solid dosage form is tested by dissolution studies of dipyridamole from SMEDDS filled in gelatin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) hard capsules. In addition, empty SMEDDS are filled into gelatin and HPMC hard capsules. They are stored for 16 weeks at ambient conditions and at 40 °C and 75% relative humidity. The dissolution properties and solubility of dipyridamole are considerably enhanced by incorporating dipyridamole into the SMEDDS; however, development of a final dosage form with hard capsules that are leak‐free for an extended period and at higher temperatures/humidity is still pending.

Practical Applications: This study suggests that substances with low water solubility and low oil solubility can also benefit from incorporation into SMEDDS. Excipient selection needs to be considered carefully for such cases to maximize API incorporation and to ensure the self‐emulsifying properties of the formulation. In addition, only nonvolatile and orally acceptable excipients are used for preparation of SMEDDS, which is important when developing a formulation aimed for oral application. Hard capsules are a common approach for preparation of final dosage forms; however, obtaining leak‐free capsules can be challenging when liquid SMEDDS are used as filling. Storage for prolonged period and at higher temperatures/humidity is necessary for evaluation of liquid SMEDDS‐filled hard capsules.
The role of comparative victim beliefs in predicting support for hostile versus prosocial intergroup outcomes
Authors: Vollhardt Johanna Ray , Cohrs J. Christopher , Szabó Zsolt Péter , Winiewski Mikołaj , Twali Michelle S. , Hadjiandreou Eliana , McNeill Andrew
Published: February 2021

Collective memories of historical ingroup victimization can be linked to prosocial or hostile intergroup outcomes. We hypothesize that such discrepant responses are predicted by different construals of the ingroup's victimization in relation to other groups (i.e., comparative victim beliefs). Using improved measures of inclusive and exclusive victim beliefs, with a global or regional reference group, multigroup structural equation modeling showed across four different groups (Armenian Americans [N = 265], Jewish Americans [N = 297], Hungarians [N = 301], Poles [N = 468]) that inclusive victim beliefs predict prosocial, conciliatory attitudes, while exclusive victim beliefs predict hostile attitudes towards historical perpetrator groups and (in the Polish and Hungarian samples) religious and ethnic outgroups targeted in the present. Moreover, comparative victim beliefs mediated effects of more general psychological orientations (ingroup superiority, universal orientation, perspective‐taking) on intergroup outcomes. These findings suggest the importance of considering distinct collective victim beliefs, and different contexts in research on collective victimhood.
Political and policy dilemmas of euro adoption in CEE countries: What next when crisis hits?
Authors: Bod Péter Ákos , Pócsik Orsolya , Neszmélyi György Iván
Published: February 2021

Successive crises and shifts in geopolitics necessitate a more coherent Europe, with the euro as a key instrument, yet the enlargement of the euro area is unfinished. The paper reconstructs diverging trends in non‐EA countries, and considers the motivations of key stakeholders in countries without commitment to enter. The approach applied is dual: we reconsider economic arguments of a currency reform and conduct political economy analysis with the underlying hypothesis that euro adoption, for businesses, is a cost/benefit issue, while for governments, parties, and voters it is a sovereignty issue with cost/benefit aspects attached. The authors conclude that macroeconomic and business considerations would support Eurozone entry in all CEE countries concerned. As for key stakeholders, society and the business community support the euro, but particular government interests are at stake. Post‐pandemic realities would reconfirm rational arguments for euro entry; to make that happen, economic nationalist and state developmental concepts need be discarded.
Sensory disruption and sensory inequities in the Anthropocene
Authors: Hoover Kara C.
Published: February 2021

Anthropogenic disruptions to animal sensory ecology are as old as our species. But what about the effect on human sensory ecology? Human sensory dysfunction is increasing globally at great economic and health costs (mental, physical, and social). Contemporary sensory problems are directly tied to human behavioral changes and activity as well as anthropogenic pollution. The evolutionary sensory ecology and anthropogenic disruptions to three human senses (vision, audition, olfaction) are examined along with the economic and health costs of functionally reduced senses and demographic risk factors contributing to impairment. The primary goals of the paper are (a) to sew an evolutionary and ecological thread through clinical narratives on sensory dysfunction that highlights the impact of the built environment on the senses, and (b) to highlight structural, demographic, and environmental injustices that create sensory inequities in risk and that promote health disparities.
Effects of layered double hydroxides on the thermal and flame retardant properties of intumescent flame retardant high density polyethylene composites
Authors: Khanal Santosh , Lu Yunhua , Jin Dandan , Xu Shiai
Published: February 2021

In this study, two layered double hydroxides (LDHs), ZnAl‐LDH, and MgAl‐LDH, were combined with intumescent flame retardant (IFR) consisting of ammonium polyphosphate and tris (2‐hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate to prepare flame retardant high density polyethylene composites. The thermal and flame retardant properties of these composites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index measurement, and cone calorimetry, while the morphology and chemical structure of the char residue were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, and laser Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) of both HD/IFR/Zn‐LDH and HD/IFR/Mg‐LDH composites was 52.0% and 12.0% lower than that of HD and HD/IFR, respectively, suggesting that there was no difference in the reduction of PHRR between the two LDHs. The use of LDHs resulted in the formation of compact char residue with a high graphitic degree, but no significant increase in tensile strength.
Specific amino acids but not total protein attenuate postpartum weight gain among Hispanic women from Southern California
Authors: Wild Laura E. , Alderete Tanya L. , Naik Noopur C. , Patterson William B. , Berger Paige K. , Jones Roshonda B. , Plows Jasmine F. , Goran Michael I.
Published: February 2021

There is a high prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the United States, particularly among Hispanic women, which may be partly explained by failure to lose gestational weight during the postpartum period. Previous work indicates that protein and amino acids may protect against weight gain; therefore, this study examined the impact of dietary protein and amino acid intake on changes in postpartum weight and the percent of women meeting the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for these dietary variables among Hispanic women from the Southern California Mother's Milk Study (n = 99). Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between protein and amino acid intake with change in weight after adjusting for maternal age, height, and energy intake. Women's weight increased from prepregnancy to 1‐month and 6‐months postpartum (71.1 ± 14.6 vs. 73.1 ± 13.1 vs. 74.5 ± 14.6 kg, p < .0001). Although dietary protein was not associated with weight change (β = −1.09; p = .13), phenylalanine (β = −1.46; p = .04), tryptophan (β = −1.71; p = .009), valine (β = −1.34; p = .04), isoleucine (β = −1.26; p = .045), and cysteine (β = −1.52; p = .02) intake were inversely associated with weight change. Additionally, fewer women met the EAR values for cysteine (11.1%), phenylalanine (60.6%), and methionine (69.7%), whereas most women met the EAR values for tryptophan (92.9%), valine (96.0%), and isoleucine (94.9%). Study results indicate that several essential and conditionally essential amino acids were associated with postpartum weight loss, with a significant portion of women not meeting recommended intake levels for some of these amino acids. These results highlight the importance of postpartum maternal diet as a potential modifiable risk factor.
Barium effect on germination, plant growth, and antioxidant enzymes in Cucumis sativus L. plants
Authors: Sleimi Noomene , Kouki Rim , Hadj Ammar Maryem , Ferreira Renata , Pérez‐Clemente Rosa
Published: February 2021

Barium (Ba) is a nonessential element that can cause several deleterious effects in most organisms. Elevated Ba concentrations can be toxic for plants and may affect growth and disturbances in homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate the Ba stress, the plant‐tolerance limits, and the detoxification strategy adopted by Cucumis sativus L. The effect of Ba on seed's germination and vegetative development of this species was evaluated. For germination test, different Ba concentrations were used (0, 200, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 μM). Results showed that germination was stimulated with 500 and 2,000 µM of Ba. The toxicity effect on plant development was studied by treating the plants with increasing doses of Ba (100, 200, 300, and 500 μM) during 45 days. Shoot and root dry biomass production decreased significantly with elevated Ba concentrations, although water content enhanced in the roots. The concentration of Ba, 500 µM, induced high Ba accumulation in shoots and roots (9 times higher than in the control plants). Moreover, results showed that catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities were stimulated in the different tissues of cucumber plants which highlight the occurring of an oxidative damage through Ba treatments and the involvement of the plant enzymatic antioxidant defense system.
Getting to the Truth: Ethics, Trust, and Triage in the United States versus Europe during the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Orfali Kristina
Published: February 2021

Ethical issues around triage have been at the forefront of debates during the Covid‐19 pandemic. This essay compares both discussion and guidelines around triage and the reality of what happened in the United States and in Europe, both in anticipation of and during the first wave of the pandemic. Why did the issue generate so many vivid debates in the United States and so few in most European countries, although the latter were also affected by the rationing of health care resources? Are countries with socialized health care systems better equipped to face the hard choices of triaging? Important lessons in transparency, trust, and accountability for policy‐makers can be drawn from this comparison, demonstrating that fostering public involvement and ethical debate remains a critical element for the sustained acceptance of any triage plan.
The variability of MR axon radii estimates in the human white matter
Authors: Veraart Jelle , Raven Erika P. , Edwards Luke J. , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Jones Derek K.
Published: February 2021

The noninvasive quantification of axonal morphology is an exciting avenue for gaining understanding of the function and structure of the central nervous system. Accurate non‐invasive mapping of micron‐sized axon radii using commonly applied neuroimaging techniques, that is, diffusion‐weighted MRI, has been bolstered by recent hardware developments, specifically MR gradient design. Here the whole brain characterization of the effective MR axon radius is presented and the inter‐ and intra‐scanner test–retest repeatability and reproducibility are evaluated to promote the further development of the effective MR axon radius as a neuroimaging biomarker. A coefficient‐of‐variability of approximately 10% in the voxelwise estimation of the effective MR radius is observed in the test–retest analysis, but it is shown that the performance can be improved fourfold using a customized along‐tract analysis.
Ghost trains: Australian rail in the early stages of the global COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Naweed Anjum , Jackson Janet E. , Read Gemma J. M.
Published: February 2021

The rail industry, as with all sectors worldwide, has faced disruptions due to the global COVID‐19 pandemic. This commentary considers how rail organizations in Australia have engaged within the early stages of the crisis, outlining the challenges faced and how they were addressed. Relying on our observations, and anecdotes obtained from others across the Australian rail industry, we identified a range of impacts including determining service delivery levels (and the associated running of “ghost trains”), implementing hygiene measures and social distancing, managing training and medical assessments, and changes in the behavior of passengers and members of the public (including aggression toward staff and increased instances of trespass). Within rail organizations, we saw changes to communication and control structures, new challenges related to balancing priorities (managing risk of rail accidents vs. virus transmission risk), and negative impacts on job design offset by increased informal support for frontline workers. Importantly, from the crisis, we gained new insights about culture. Finally, we provide recommendations regarding how the Human Factors and Ergonomics discipline can support safe and effective rail operations in the context of both widespread crises such as pandemics as well as the less dramatic, but ever present, shifts in the physical, social, economic, and political environments in which rail organizations operate.
Validating Operator Event Sequence Diagrams: The case of an automated vehicle to human driver handovers
Authors: Stanton Neville A. , Brown James , Revell Kirsten M. A. , Langdon Pat , Bradley Mike , Politis Ioannis , Skrypchuk Lee , Thompson Simon , Mouzakitis Alexandros
Published: February 2021

Predicting what drivers will do as vehicle control is handed over to them from automation is a relatively new challenge for the motor vehicle industry. Operator Event Sequence Diagrams (OESDs) offer a way of modeling the interactions between the driver and vehicle automation in the handover of control. In this paper, two studies are presented in which a range of handover strategies are tested. The anticipated driver strategies were modeled using OESDs to serve as predictions of driver behavior. Drivers were then observed in two separate studies: (1) using a Lower‐Fidelity (vehicle seat and controls) simulator and (2) using a Higher‐Fidelity (whole vehicle) simulator. Driver behavior during a takeover task was categorized according to the signal detection paradigm into hits, misses, false alarms, and correct rejections. The results showed that for all strategies in both sets of studies, the median criterion for validity was exceeded ( > 0.8), suggesting that OESDs made good predictions of driver behavior during the handover of the vehicle from automation to manual control.
Sodium salicylate enhances neural excitation via reducing GABAergic transmission in the dentate gyrus area of rat hippocampus in vivo
Authors: Tang Hui‐Ping , Gong Hua‐Rui , Zhang Xu‐Lai , Huang Yi‐Na , Wu Chuan‐Yun , Tang Zheng‐Quan , Chen Lin , Wang Ming
Published: February 2021

Sodium salicylate, one of the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, is widely prescribed in the clinic, but a high dose of usage can cause hyperactivity in the central nervous system, including the hippocampus. At present, the neural mechanism underlying the induced hyperactivity is not fully understood, in particular, in the hippocampus under an in vivo condition. In this study, we found that systemic administration of sodium salicylate increased the field excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and the population spike amplitude in a dose‐dependent manner in the hippocampal dentate gyrus area of rats with in vivo field potential extracellular recordings, which indicates that sodium salicylate enhances basal synaptic transmission and neural excitation. In the presence of picrotoxin, a GABA‐A receptor antagonist, sodium salicylate failed to increase the initial slope of the field excitatory postsynaptic potential and the amplitude of the population spike in vivo. To further explore how sodium salicylate enhances the neural excitation, we made whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings from hippocampal slices. We found that perfusion of the slice with sodium salicylate decreased electrically evoked GABA receptor‐mediated currents, increased paired‐pulse ratio, and lowered frequency and amplitude of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Together, these results demonstrate that sodium salicylate enhances the neural excitation through suppressing GABAergic synaptic transmission in presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms in the hippocampal dentate gyrus area. Our findings may help understand the side effects caused by sodium salicylate in the central nervous system.