bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2021 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure
Authors:   Authors/Task Force Members:, McDonagh Theresa A. , Metra Marco , Adamo Marianna , Gardner Roy S. , Baumbach Andreas , Böhm Michael , Burri Haran , Butler Javed , Čelutkienė Jelena , Chioncel Ovidiu , Cleland John G.F. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Crespo‐Leiro Maria G. , Farmakis Dimitrios , Gilard Martine , Heymans Stephane , Hoes Arno W. , Jaarsma Tiny , Jankowska Ewa A. , Lainscak Mitja , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Lyon Alexander R. , McMurray John J.V. , Mebazaa Alexandre , Mindham Richard , Muneretto Claudio , Francesco Piepoli Massimo , Price Susanna , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Ruschitzka Frank , Kathrine Skibelund Anne ,   ESC Scientific Document Group
Published: January 2022

Document Reviewers: Rudolf A. de Boer (CPG Review Coordinator) (Netherlands), P. Christian Schulze (CPG Review Coordinator) (Germany), Magdy Abdelhamid (Egypt), Victor Aboyans (France), Stamatis Adamopoulos (Greece), Stefan D. Anker (Germany), Elena Arbelo (Spain), Riccardo Asteggiano (Italy), Johann Bauersachs (Germany), Antoni Bayes‐Genis (Spain), Michael A. Borger (Germany), Werner Budts (Belgium), Maja Cikes (Croatia), Kevin Damman (Netherlands), Victoria Delgado (Netherlands), Paul Dendale (Belgium), Polychronis Dilaveris (Greece), Heinz Drexel (Austria), Justin Ezekowitz (Canada), Volkmar Falk (Germany), Laurent Fauchier (France), Gerasimos Filippatos (Greece), Alan Fraser (United Kingdom), Norbert Frey (Germany), Chris P. Gale (United Kingdom), Finn Gustafsson (Denmark), Julie Harris (United Kingdom), Bernard Iung (France), Stefan Janssens (Belgium), Mariell Jessup (United States of America), Aleksandra Konradi (Russia), Dipak Kotecha (United Kingdom), Ekaterini Lambrinou (Cyprus), Patrizio Lancellotti (Belgium), Ulf Landmesser (Germany), Christophe Leclercq (France), Basil S. Lewis (Israel), Francisco Leyva (United Kingdom), AleVs Linhart (Czech Republic), Maja‐Lisa Løchen (Norway), Lars H. Lund (Sweden), Donna Mancini (United States of America), Josep Masip (Spain), Davor Milicic (Croatia), Christian Mueller (Switzerland), Holger Nef (Germany), Jens‐Cosedis Nielsen (Denmark), Lis Neubeck (United Kingdom), Michel Noutsias (Germany), Steffen E. Petersen (United Kingdom), Anna Sonia Petronio (Italy), Piotr Ponikowski (Poland), Eva Prescott (Denmark), Amina Rakisheva (Kazakhstan), Dimitrios J. Richter (Greece), Evgeny Schlyakhto (Russia), Petar Seferovic (Serbia), Michele Senni (Italy), Marta Sitges (Spain), Miguel Sousa‐Uva (Portugal), Carlo G. Tocchetti (Italy), Rhian M. Touyz (United Kingdom), Carsten Tschoepe (Germany), Johannes Waltenberger (Germany/Switzerland)

All experts involved in the development of these guidelines have submitted declarations of interest. These have been compiled in a report and published in a supplementary document simultaneously to the guidelines. The report is also available on the ESC website
www.escardio.org/guidelines

For the Supplementary Data which include background information and detailed discussion of the data that have provided the basis for the guidelines see European Heart Journal online
Demand‐oriented performance assessment using models of different degree of complexity
Authors: Bertero Agustin , Bertero Raúl D. , Filippou Filip C.
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a procedure for evaluating performance objectives expressed in terms of the intended exceedance rate of a certain level of seismic demand. With the purpose of keeping the computational effort at a manageable level, the procedure relies on the use of structural models of different degree of complexity: a simplified predictor model that allows conducting hundreds of response history analyzes in a small computational time, and a sophisticated reference model able to realistically simulate overall system response. The former is used for the purposes of identifying a reduced set of ground motions for evaluating the performance objective of interest, which are then used as the input motions in the latter to estimate the level of demand with the specified exceedance rate and obtain additional insight into understanding the system in case performance needs to be improved. By introducing an intermediate structure‐specific predictor model, the so‐called demand‐oriented assessment is able to provide results that are more accurate than those obtained from intensity‐based assessments, while significantly reducing the computational effort associated to rigorous probabilistic seismic demand analysis.
Performance evaluation of seismically isolated buildings near active faults
Authors: Kitayama Shoma , Constantinou Michael C.
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the collapse risk of seismically isolated buildings that are designed by the procedures of the ASCE/SEI 7‐16 standard for sites within 5 km of the active fault that controls the hazard. The study is based on six‐story perimeter frame buildings designed with special concentrically braced frames for a location in California. The seismic isolation systems considered in this study are comprised of either: (i) triple friction pendulum bearings with high friction coefficients at the sliding interfaces, (ii) triple friction pendulum bearings with low friction coefficient at the sliding surfaces and enhanced with fluid viscous dampers, or (iii) triple friction pendulum bearings with low friction coefficients at the sliding surfaces. The paper demonstrates that the seismically isolated buildings designed per Section 17.3.3 in ASCE/SEI 7‐16 standard, but with either increased isolator displacement capacity or increased superstructure strength by comparison to the minimum required, can achieve an acceptable collapse risk. It is also demonstrated that the seismic isolation systems that have the best collapse performance for far‐field motions are not necessarily the best for the near‐field pulse‐like ground motions.
Volume‐of‐fluid based two‐phase flow methods on structured multiblock and overset grids
Authors: Wang Zhaoyuan , Stern Frederick
Published: January 2022

A geometric volume‐of‐fluid (VOF) method is implemented on the static/dynamic overset grids with a new VOF interpolation algorithm developed. The VOF value cannot be directly interpolated through the overset grid boundaries since the VOF function is a discontinuous step function. In the present study, the interface is reconstructed in the fringe cells of the overset grids using the interpolated distance function and normal vector. The VOF value in the fringe cells is calculated geometrically based on the reconstructed interface on the physical domain. The gravity and surface tension forces are implemented using a VOF based ghost fluid method, where a ghost pressure interpolation scheme is developed to handle the pressure jump across the interface due to the density changes and surface tension effect. Numerical tests and application examples have been performed for the verification and validation of the numerical methods developed in the present study. The advection tests show that the effect of the VOF overset interpolation on the accuracy of the VOF method is small. The numerical test for the static pressure shows that the present VOF based ghost fluid method can greatly reduce the spurious velocity observed in the body force method. The sharp pressure profile due to the surface tension effects can be preserved across the interface. Application examples demonstrate the capability and superiority of the VOF based numerical methods for the prediction of the violent ship flows involving strong air water interface interactions and complex geometries.
Burden of Kaposi sarcoma according to HIV status: A systematic review and global analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Khalil Ahmadaye , Franceschi Silvia , de Martel Catherine , Bray Freddie , Clifford Gary M.
Published: January 2022

In 2020, over 34 000 cases of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) were estimated globally, all attributable to KS herpesvirus (KSHV). Prior to the HIV epidemic, KS already existed in KSHV endemic regions, notably in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The HIV epidemic has vastly increased the KS burden. We developed a methodology to provide global estimates of KS burden according to HIV status. A systematic review identified studies reporting HIV prevalence in consecutive KS series. Pooled estimates of HIV prevalence, by country or UN subregion, were used to calculate population‐attributable fraction (PAF) and these were applied to IARC's GLOBOCAN 2020 to estimate burden and incidence of HIV‐attributable and non‐HIV‐attributable KS. We identified 55 eligible studies, reporting HIV prevalence ranging from ≤5% to ≥95%. Approximately 80% of KS in SSA was estimated attributable to HIV, vs ~50% in the rest of the world. By applying PAFs to national GLOBOCAN estimates, an estimated 19 560 KS cases attributable to HIV were diagnosed in SSA in 2020 (~80% of the worldwide burden), vs 5064 cases of non‐HIV‐attributable KS (~60% of the worldwide burden). Incidence of HIV‐attributable KS was highest in Southern Africa (6.0 cases per 100 000) and Eastern Africa (3.4), which were also the world regions with highest incidence of non‐HIV‐attributable KS (0.4 and 1.0 cases per 100 000, respectively). This first systematic effort to produce a global picture of KS burden stratified by HIV status highlights the continuing important burden of HIV‐attributable KS in SSA, even in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy.
The apoptosis induced by CdTe quantum dots through the mitochondrial pathway in dorsal root ganglion cell line ND7/23
Authors: Bai Changcun , Wei Tingting , Zou Lingyue , Liu Na , Huang Xiaoquan , Tang Meng
Published: January 2022

Recently, the use of CdTe quantum dots in the field of biomedicine, such as biological imaging, biosensors, cell markers, and drug carriers, is increasing due to their special physical and chemical properties. However, their biosafety assessment lags far behind their rapid application. In this study, we observed that CdTe quantum dots with certain exposed doses and time decreased the cell viability and increased the apoptosis rates in ND7/23 cells. In general, CdTe quantum dots exposure could promote the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential, which led to pathological changes and subcellular organelle damages. We hypothesized that the mitochondrial pathway could be involved in CdTe quantum dots‐induced apoptosis. The results suggested that CdTe quantum dots exposure increased the expression levels of three mitochondrial pathway markers, for example, caspase‐3, cytochrome c, and Bax while decreased Bcl‐2 protein expression, following with cytochrome c falling out of the inner membrane of mitochondrial and releasing into the cytoplasm. The application of caspase‐3 protein inhibitor Ac‐DEVD‐CHO could decrease apoptosis rates in ND7/23 cells. The results, taken together, demonstrated that CdTe quantum dots could induce apoptosis of ND7/23 cells through the mitochondrial pathway. Our findings provide a novel insight for researchers to explore CdTe quantum dots' toxic mechanisms to reduce their adverse effects.
A quantum‐chemical perspective on the laser‐induced alignment and orientation dynamics of the CH3X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) molecules
Authors: Simkó Irén , Chordiya Kalyani , Császár Attila G. , Kahaly Mousumi Upadhyay , Szidarovszky Tamás
Published: January 2022

Motivated by recent experiments, the laser‐induced alignment‐and‐orientation (A&O) dynamics of the prolate symmetric top CH3X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) molecules is investigated, with particular emphasis on the effect of halogen substitution on the rotational constants, dipole moments, and polarizabilities of these species, as these quantities determine the A&O dynamics. Insight into possible control schemes for preferred A&O dynamics of halogenated molecules and best practices for A&O simulations are provided, as well. It is shown that for accurate A&O ‐dynamics simulations it is necessary to employ large basis sets and high levels of electron correlation when computing the rotational constants, dipole moments, and polarizabilities. The benchmark‐quality values of these molecular parameters, corresponding to the equilibrium, as well as the vibrationally averaged structures are obtained with the help of the focal‐point analysis (FPA) technique and explicit electronic‐structure computations utilizing the gold‐standard CCSD(T) approach, basis sets up to quintuple‐zeta quality, core‐correlation contributions and, in particular, relativistic effects for CH3Br and CH3I. It is shown that the different A&O behavior of the CH3X molecules in the optical regime is mostly caused by the differences in their polarizability anisotropy, in other terms, the size of the halogen atom. In contrast, the A&O dynamics of the CH3X series induced by an intense few‐cycle THz pulse is mostly governed by changes in the rotational constants, due to the similar dipole moments of the CH3X molecules. The A&O dynamics is most sensitive to the B rotational constant: even the difference between its equilibrium and vibrationally‐averaged values results in noticeably different A&O dynamics. The contribution of rotational states having different symmetry, weighted by nuclear‐spin statistics, to the A&O dynamics is also studied.
Association of end‐stage renal disease with HLA phenotypes and panel reactive antibodies in patients awaiting renal transplantation in Hunan Province
Authors: Long Lu , Sun Qian
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To explore the immune‐related genetic susceptibility of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and their correlation with panel reactive antibody (PRA) generation during end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) progression.

Materials and methods

Data of the expression patterns of HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DR alleles and PRAs of 347 ESRD patients awaiting renal transplantation in Hunan Province from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively studied. The polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers was used for HLA genotyping and the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for PRA detection. SPSS 21.0 software was used for all allele frequency and statistical analyses.

Results

Thirteen HLA‐A, 25 HLA‐B, and 13 HLA‐DR alleles were expressed. The allele frequencies of HLA‐A2, ‐B48, ‐B52, and ‐B55 were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (p < 0.05), whereas that of HLA‐B60 was significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.05). The frequency of HLA alleles in the PRA‐positive group was significantly higher in females than in males (p < 0.05). The allele frequencies of HLA‐A2, ‐B38, and ‐B46 were significantly higher in the PRA‐positive group than in the PRA‐negative one (p < 0.05), whereas that of HLA‐60 was significantly higher in the PRA‐negative group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

HLA‐A2, ‐B48, ‐B52, and ‐B55 may be the ESRD susceptibility alleles in Han Chinese patients in Hunan Province, whereas HLA‐B60 may be the protective allele. Patients carrying HLA‐A2, ‐B38, and ‐B46 are more likely to develop PRA positivity, whereas the opposite is true for those with HLA‐B60.
Novel N‐substituted isatin‐ampyrone Schiff bases as a new class of antiproliferative agents: Design, synthesis, molecular modeling and in vitro cytotoxic activity
Authors: Emami Leila , Khabnadideh Soghra , Faghih Zahra , Solhjoo Aida , Malek Saba , Mohammadian Amir , Divar Masoumeh , Faghih Zeinab
Published: January 2022

Thirteen novel isatin‐ampyrone Schiff bases derivatives were synthesized in only two steps of 70%–90% overall yields. In vitro cytotoxic activity of these new Schiff bases against three human tumor cell lines (MCF‐7, A549, and SCOV3) as well as normal breast cell line (MCF‐10A) were evaluated by MTT assay. Structure–activity relationship of the tested compounds revealed that chlorine group at C‐5 position of the isatin ring significantly increased the cytotoxic activity. This study generally led to introduce a highly active molecule (M12) with IC50 values of 5.12, 25.5, and 12.9 μΜ, on MCF‐7, A549, and SCOV3, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking studies of the synthesized compounds were also done to investigate their binding modes towards VEGFR‐2 and JNK3‐MAP kinase as the main targets for isatin‐containing anticancer agents. Binding free energy values of the compounds showed positive correlation with their cytotoxic activities. To confirm the docking results, molecular docking simulations of potent compound (M12) against VEGFR‐2 and JNK3 MAP kinase were also performed. According to the cytotoxic results and in silico ADMET predictions together, M12 can be considered as a potent candidate for the future anticancer studies.
Short‐Term Variability of Proton Density Fat Fraction in Pancreas and Liver Assessed by Multiecho Chemical‐Shift Encoding‐Based MRI at 3 T
Authors: Machann Jürgen , Hasenbalg Maytee , Dienes Julia , Wagner Robert , Sandforth Arvid , Fritz Victor , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Nikolaou Konstantin , Kullmann Stephanie , Schick Fritz , Heni Martin
Published: January 2022

Background

Quantification of pancreatic fat (PF) and intrahepatic lipids (IHL) is of increasing interest in subjects at risk for metabolic diseases. There is limited data available on short‐ and medium‐term variability of PF/IHL and on their dependence on nutritional status.

Purpose

To assess short‐term intraday variations of PF/IHL after a high‐fat meal as well as medium‐term changes after 5 days of high‐caloric diet.

Study Type

Prospective cohort study.

Subjects

A total of 12 subjects (six males) for intraday variations study, 15 male subjects for medium‐term high‐caloric diet study and 11 age‐ and body mass index (BMI)‐matched controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T; chemical‐shift encoded multiecho gradient echo sequence.

Assessment

For the intraday study, subjects were scanned after overnight fasting and after a high fat meal on the same day. For the medium‐term study, 26 subjects were scanned after overnight fasting with 15/11 rescanned after 5 days of high‐calorie diet/isocaloric diet. Proton density fat fraction (PDFF) maps were generated inline on the scanner. Regions of interest were manually drawn in head, body, and tail of pancreas and in the liver by a medical physicist and a doctoral student (26/4 years of experience). PF was calculated as the average of the head, body, and tail measurements.

Statistical Tests

Repeated measurements ANOVA for assessing changes in PF/IHL, linear correlation analyses for assessing relationships of PF/IHL with BMI. Significance level P < 0.05 for all.

Results

Nonsignificant changes in PF (2.6 ± 1.0 vs. 2.7 ± 0.9% after high‐fat meal, 1.4 ± 0.8 vs. 1.5 ± 0.6% [high‐caloric diet] and 1.5 ± 0.8 vs. 1.8 ± 1.0% [isocaloric control group]), nonsignificant changes in IHL after high‐fat meal (2.6 ± 1.3 vs. 2.5 ± 0.9%) and in the control group (1.1 ± 0.6 vs. 1.2 ± 1.1%), significantly increased IHL after high‐caloric diet (1.7 ± 2.2% vs. 2.7 ± 3.6%). Nonsignificant changes in PF (2.6 ± 1.0 vs. 2.7 ± 0.9% after high‐fat meal, 1.4 ± 0.8 vs. 1.5 ± 0.6% [high‐caloric diet] and 1.5 ± 0.8 vs. 1.8 ± 1.0% [isocaloric control group]), nonsignificant changes in IHL after high‐fat meal (2.6 ± 1.3 vs. 2.5 ± 0.9%) and in the control group (1.1 ± 0.6 vs. 1.2 ± 1.1%), significantly increased IHL after 5‐days of high‐caloric diet (1.7 ± 2.2% vs. 2.7 ± 3.6%).

Data Conclusion

Time of day and nutritional status have no significant influence on PF/IHL and are therefore not likely to be major confounders in epidemiologic or clinical studies.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Emerging evidence on Omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS‐CoV‐2 variant
Authors: Sharma Vineet , Rai Himanshu , Gautam Dev N. S. , Prajapati Pradeep K. , Sharma Rohit
Published: January 2022

COVID's Omicron variant has sparked a slew of concerns across the globe. This review aims to provide a brief overview of what we know about the Omicron variant right now. The new variant has been discovered in 149 countries across all six World Health Organization (WHO) regions since its discovery in South Africa on November 24, 2021 and became the dominant variant in the country in less than 3 weeks. The WHO has warned that the B.1.1.529 variant is spreading at an unprecedented rate, and has urged countries to prepare for the worst. Over the course of this time, researchers from Africa and around the world have uncovered a wealth of information about the virus's epidemiology and biological properties. Case numbers are increasing exponentially in hard‐hit areas such as South Africa, United Kingdom, and USA (overtaking the delta variant), implying that the variant is highly transmissible. Initial research has provided some insights into the efficacy of vaccines against the Omicron variant and whether it produces major illness, however, much remains unknown, and additional work is needed to investigate what the initial reports represent in real‐world situations.
One‐year follow‐up of 18 women who infected COVID‐19 while pregnant
Authors: Xianyu Yunyan , Wang Mengmei , Yue Fang , Xu Xiaoyu , Yang Haizhen , Zhao Dong , Hu Ke
Published: January 2022

Data about the sequelae of women who infected COVID‐19 while pregnant are scarce. We aimed to describe the prevalence of symptoms, pulmonary functions, and radiological changes at a follow‐up of 12 months in 18 pregnant women who developed COVID‐19 at different gestational ages. Our results showed that most women who infected COVID‐19 while pregnant experienced a progressive improvement of their symptoms within 12 months, however, some still had little COVID‐related symptoms but without a reduced quality of life. All their 18 newborns were growing up healthy.
Neuron‐glia (mis)interactions in brain energy metabolism during aging
Authors: Mayorga‐Weber Gonzalo , Rivera Francisco J. , Castro Maite A.
Published: January 2022

Life expectancy in humans is increasing, resulting in a growing aging population, that is accompanied by an increased disposition to develop cognitive deterioration. Hypometabolism is one of the multiple factors related to inefficient brain function during aging. This review emphasizes the metabolic interactions between glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) and neurons, particularly, during aging. Glial cells provide support and protection to neurons allowing adequate synaptic activity. We address metabolic coupling from the expression of transporters, availability of substrates, metabolic pathways, and mitochondrial activity. In aging, the main metabolic exchange machinery is altered with inefficient levels of nutrients and detrimental mitochondrial activity that results in high reactive oxygen species levels and reduced ATP production, generating a highly inflammatory environment that favors deregulated cell death. Here, we provide an overview of the glial‐to‐neuron mechanisms, from the molecular components to the cell types, emphasizing aging as the crucial risk factor for developing neurodegenerative/neuroinflammatory diseases.
Identification and prioritization of pigeon pea‐based products tailored to consumer preference perspective: A mixed method assessment approach
Authors: Majili Zahra , Nyaruhucha Cornelio N. , Kulwa Kissa , Mutabazi Khamaladin , Rybak Constance , Sieber Stefan
Published: January 2022

Pigeon pea is frequently consumed in Southern Tanzania but in limited value‐added recipes. The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize pigeon pea‐based products that could be developed to improve organoleptic preferences and increase the diversification of the recipes. A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 355 consumers. Quantitative and qualitative information was collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and face‐to‐face interviews. Pairwise comparison (PC) method and assigning scores in order of their preference was used in ranking pigeon pea‐based products at the group and individual levels, respectively. PC counts and Garrett rank scores were computed and ranked using the Rank command in Excel software Version 2016. Ordinal regression was used to summarize the effect between groups' overall levels of the outcome atp‐value < 0.05. Twelve and eleven pigeon pea‐based products were identified during face‐to‐face interviews and FGDs, respectively. The highest Garret mean scores were observed on pigeon pea‐based noodles (70.6), flour (61.4) and chapati (60.4). Similarly, the highest PC counts were observed on pigeon pea‐based noodles and chapati. The PC rank scores differed significantly by consumers' age categories. Pigeon pea‐based noodles, flour and chapati are the utmost prioritized products due to their perceived value, sensory attributes, convenience and attitudes about the food product. However, knowledge and skills about using pigeon peas on producing the product were mentioned as limiting factors. Hence, the provision of practical hands‐on skills on the preparation of pigeon pea‐based products will increase the chances of diversifying pigeon pea recipes at the household level for improving food security and nutrition well‐being.
Effects of annealing treatment on tribological behaviour of tungsten‐doped diamond‐like carbon film under lubrication (Part 1): Chemical composition, mechanical properties and tribological behaviour under base oil
Authors: Zhang Shaojun , Zhu Lina , Wang Yanyan , Kang Jiajie , Wang Haidou , Ma Guozheng , Huang Haipeng , Zhang Guangan , Yue Wen
Published: January 2022

Tungsten‐doped diamond‐like carbon (W‐DLC) films were prepared by magnetron sputtering, followed by annealing in the temperature range of 100–500°C. The effects of the annealing treatment on the chemical compositions, mechanical properties and tribological behaviours of annealed W‐DLC films with a base oil were tested by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction and nanoindenter tests. The results indicated that increasing the annealing temperature led to a decrease in the thicknesses and hardness values of the W‐DLC films due to the graphitization and oxidation of the film surfaces. However, the structures of the W‐DLC films annealed at 500°C were destroyed. Under poly‐alpha olefin lubrication, when the annealing temperature was lower than 300°C, the tribological properties of the W‐DLC films were stable. This occurred because the graphitization of the sample surface was conducive to the removal of abrasive particles.
Halogen‐Free Coatings Combined with the Synergistic Effect of Phytic Acid and Montmorillonite for Fire Safety Flexible Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Li Ping , Liu Chang , Jiang Qi , Tao Ye , Xu YingJun , Liu Yun , Zhu Ping
Published: January 2022

To overcome defects of some synthetic flame retardants, water‐based coatings using ammonium phytate (AP) and montmorillonite (MMT) as low‐cost renewable materials are fabricated to improve the flame retardancy of flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF). The flame‐retardant FPUF with uniform coatings can avoid melt‐dripping during the vertical flame test (UL‐94), and AP5MMT5/FPUF (flame‐retardant FPUF with the 5:5 weight ratio of AP:MMT in the solutions) reaches a UL‐94 V‐0 rating. A remarkable conclusion can be found that AP and MMT present a synergistic effect under the appropriate proportions. The thermal stabilities of flame retardant FPUF at higher temperature zones are enhanced. Furthermore, flame‐retardant samples prevent the flame from spreading on the surface of FPUF. Cone calorimetry results reveal 67% (AP5MMT5/FPUF) reduction of peak heat release rate relative to pure FPUF, and the release of toxic smoke significantly decreases. AP can catalyze the carbonation of FPUF, and MMT is heated and dehydrated to form a silicon‐containing barrier layer. AP/MMT coatings can form stable and solid physical char layers, which act as a barrier to heat and oxygen exchange, and the release of volatiles is delayed and inhibited. This work introduces a green plan for improving the fire safety of FPUF.
Facile Achievement of Complementary Resistive Switching in Block Copolymer Micelle‐Based Resistive Memories
Authors: Choi Han‐Hyeong , Kim Hyun Jin , Oh Jinwoo , Kim Minsung , Kim Youngjin , Jho Jae Young , Lee Keun Hyung , Son Jeong Gon , Park Jong Hyuk
Published: January 2022

Interest in resistive random access memory (RRAM) has grown rapidly in recent years for realizing ultrahigh density data storage devices. However, sneak currents in these devices can result in misreading of the data, thus limiting the applicability of RRAM. Complementary resistive switching (CRS) memory consisting of two antiserial RRAMs can considerably reduce sneak currents; however, complicated device architectures and manufacturing processes still remain as challenges. Herein, an effective and simple approach for fabricating CRS memory devices using self‐assembled block copolymer micelles is reported. Cu ions are selectively placed in the core of polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) spherical micelles, and a hexagonally packed micelle monolayer is prepared through spin‐coating. The micelle monolayer can be a symmetrical resistive switching layer, because the micelles and Cu act as dielectric and active metals in memory devices, respectively. The locally enhanced electric field and Joule heating achieved by the structured Cu atoms inside the micelles promote metal ionization and ion migration in a controlled manner, thus allowing for position selectivity during resistive switching. The micelle‐based memory device exhibits stable and reliable CRS behavior, with a nonoverlapping and narrow distribution of threshold voltages. Therefore, this approach is promising for fabricating CRS memory devices for high‐performance and ultrahigh‐density RRAM applications.
Ankle joint salvage surgery with an ipsilateral mid‐fibula osteocutaneous free flap and contralateral anterolateral thigh free flap: A case report and literature review
Authors: Nunez‐Villaveiran Teresa , Zamora Paul , Masia Jaume , Fernández‐Garrido Manuel
Published: January 2022

The tibiofibular joint can be reconstructed after distal fibular sarcoma salvage surgery to maintain ankle stability and achieve early gait. Classical reconstructive options include ligamentoplasties, arthrodesis, prosthetic replacement, bone grafts, and pedicled ipsilateral or free contralateral fibular bone flaps. We present a novel strategy for reconstruction of the ankle in an elderly patient and a literature review. A 68‐year‐old man presented with a high‐grade myxofibrosarcoma to his distal fibula. Wide resection of the tumor and adjacent structures left a 12 × 12 × 8 cm defect including the distal fibula (10 cm), a 2 cm fragment of the lateral cortex of the tibia, the lateral anterior and superficial posterior compartments, and the lateral compartment. A 3 cm distal fibula remnant was left in the ankle mortice. Reconstruction was performed using a free ipsilateral 13‐cm diaphyseal osteocutaneous fibular flap telescoped into the distal fibula remnant and anastomosed to the anterior tibial artery. A pre‐bent L‐shaped locking plate was used to reconstruct a syndesmotic joint. A 21 × 13 cm suprafascial ALT flap was anastomosed to the proximal stump of the peroneal artery to cover the soft tissue defect. The patient had no complications and was ambulating with full weight bearing by postoperative week 11. He received postoperative chemo and radiotherapy. Three years postoperatively, he is tumor free, has complete ankle ROM and stability, and ambulates with no restrictions. Limb sparing surgery with a functional tibiofibular joint reconstruction should be considered to attain an early functional recovery after distal fibula sarcomas resection.
Approximate analytical solution of the integro‐differential model of bulk crystallization in a metastable liquid with mass supply (heat dissipation) and crystal withdrawal mechanism
Authors: Nizovtseva Irina G. , Ivanov Alexander A. , Alexandrova Irina V.
Published: January 2022

This paper deals with an approximate analytical solution of an integro‐differential model describing nucleation and growth of particles. The model includes a thermal‐mass exchange with the environment and the removal of product crystals from a metastable medium. The method developed for solving model equations (kinetic equation for the particle‐size distribution function and balance equations for temperature/impurity concentration) is based on the saddle point technique for calculating the Laplace‐type integral. We show that the metastability degree decreases with time at a fixed mass (heat) flux. The crystal‐size distribution function is an irregular bell‐shaped curve increasing with the intensification of heat and mass exchange.
Report on the AAPM deep‐learning sparse‐view CT grand challenge
Authors: Sidky Emil Y. , Pan Xiaochuan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the challenge is to find the deep‐learning (DL) technique for sparse‐view computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction that can yield the minimum root mean square error (RMSE) under ideal conditions, thereby addressing the question of whether or not DL can solve inverse problems in imaging.

Methods

The challenge setup involves a 2D breast CT simulation, where the simulated breast phantom has random fibro‐glandular structure and high‐contrast specks. The phantom allows for arbitrarily large training sets to be generated with perfectly known truth. The training set consists of 4000 cases where each case consists of the truth image, 128‐view sinogram data, and the corresponding 128‐view filtered back‐projection (FBP) image. The networks are trained to predict the truth image from either the sinogram or FBP data. Geometry information is not provided. The participating algorithms are tested on a data set consisting of 100 new cases.

Results

About 60 groups participated in the challenge at the validation phase, and 25 groups submitted test‐phase results along with reports on their DL methodology. The winning team improved reconstruction accuracy by two orders of magnitude over our previous convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based study on a similar test problem.

Conclusions

The DL‐sparse‐view challenge provides a unique opportunity to examine the state‐of‐the‐art in DL techniques for solving the sparse‐view CT inverse problem.
Insulin sensitivity and kinetics in African American and White people with obesity: Insights from different study protocols
Authors: Koh Han‐Chow E. , Patterson Bruce W. , Reeds Dominic N. , Mittendorfer Bettina
Published: January 2022

Objective

Studies that used an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) have suggested that race is an important modulator of insulin sensitivity, β‐cell function, and insulin clearance. However, the validity of the IVGTT has been challenged.

Methods

This study assessed insulin sensitivity and insulin kinetics in non‐Hispanic White (NHW, n = 29) and African American (AA, n = 14) people with obesity by using a hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic pancreatic clamp with glucose tracer infusion, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and an IVGTT.

Results

Hepatic insulin sensitivity was better in AA participants than in NHW participants. Muscle insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion in relation to plasma glucose during the OGTT, and insulin clearance during basal conditions during the hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic pancreatic clamp and during the OGTT were not different between AA participants and NHW participants. The acute insulin response to the large glucose bolus administered during the IVGTT was double in AA participants compared with NHW participants because of increased insulin secretion and reduced insulin clearance.

Conclusions

AA individuals are not more insulin resistant than NHW individuals, and the β‐cell response to glucose ingestion and postprandial insulin clearance are not different between AA individuals and NHW individuals. However, AA individuals have greater insulin secretory capacity and reduced insulin clearance capacity than NHW individuals and might be susceptible to hyperinsulinemia after consuming very large amounts of glucose.
Building the foundation of health‐related knowledge via near‐peer education for children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Hardy Elaissa L. Trybus , Williams Brenda , Harden Christopher , Oshinowo Oluwamayokun , Copeland Renee , Carden Marcus A. , Gee Beatrice E. , Lam Wilbur A.
Published: January 2022

Health education for children with chronic illnesses (i.e., sickle cell disease [SCD]) has focused on educating adult caregivers with minimal consideration to educating the pediatric patients. We introduce a pediatric‐focused educational paradigm, health‐related knowledge (HRK), teaching pediatric patients developmentally appropriate general health literacy, and disease‐specific knowledge. Using science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education concepts, pediatric‐specific HRK interactive activities address educational gaps: (a) general STEM education; and (b) general health and disease‐specific knowledge to improve clinical outcomes. Total 144 pediatric SCD patients completed HRK activities, revealing overwhelmingly positive feedback (87%). Seventy‐five percent of participants in 6th grade and above demonstrated thorough understanding of the STEM/HRK topics taught.
Improved the surface properties of carbon fiber through hyperbranched polyaryletherketone sizing
Authors: Ma Wei , Wang Xiang , Chen Weiping , Chen Yao
Published: January 2022

A heat‐resistant soluble hyperbranched polyaryl ether ketone (HPAEK) is synthesized as the main resin of sizing agent and coated on the surface of carbon fiber (CF) with active group. As a result, the monofilament tensile strength of CF is increased by 12.00% and due to the improved fiber surface wettability and interface compatibility between CF and polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a 68.29% increase of interlaminar shear strength is achieved.
Self‐optimization of the V/P switchover and packing pressure for online viscosity compensation during injection molding
Authors: Xu Yuxuan , Xie Pengcheng , Fu Nanhong , Jiao Xiaolong , Wang Jinling , Liu Gang , Dou Xiyu , Zha Yan , Dang Kaifang , Yang Weimin
Published: January 2022

Injection molding (IM) is one of the essential forming methods for thermoplastic polymers, which is widely used in modern industries such as automobiles, electronics, and medical industries. At present, the machine parameters of the IM machine (IMM) have achieved sufficient high control accuracy and repeatability. However, the viscosity of thermoplastic melt is still easily influenced by the external environment, such as the fluctuations in batches, the compounding in recycled materials, and so on. Conventional IM equipment cannot sense and conduct adjustments correctly, which leads to the production of rejects. A real‐time monitoring and controlling model employed for viscosity compensation was established in this article, which could monitor viscosity fluctuations and implement self‐adjustment in the IM process. Three kinds of polypropylenes (PP) with different viscosity and materials with different percentages of recycled pellets were randomly added into the barrel for comparison. The results revealed that the pressure integral relative to time is able to monitor the melt viscosity and illustrate the IMM to optimize the V/P switchover and packing pressure in the current molding cycle. The part weight could achieve a higher stability and the model could bring about a decrease in weight fluctuations of 50% to 70%.
Effect of expanded glass particle size on compressive properties of vinyl ester syntactic foams
Authors: Singh Ashish Kumar , Behera Rakesh , Shishkin Andrei , Gupta Nikhil
Published: January 2022

The most common fillers for syntactic foam development are glass microballoons or fly ash cenospheres. However, the need for improved properties and reduced cost requires exploring other possibilities. In this work, syntactic foams of vinyl ester resin reinforced with expanded glass particles (EG) were fabricated and compressive properties of the composites were studied. The foam EGS was reinforced with smaller particles of size 0.04–0.125 mm in 15, 30, and 45 vol.% and EGL had larger particles of size 0.25–0.5 mm in 15 and 30 vol.%. Compression testing reveals that 45 vol.% smaller particles enhance the modulus of the EGS foam by up to 48% with a 3.4% reduction in yield strength compared to neat resin. Strain rate sensitivity was observed in both the modulus and yield strength values for all composites. Composite EGS with 15 and 30 vol.% filler showed better strength and modulus than the neat resin at 0.01 s−1 strain rate, which is an overall improvement in the material. When compared with the literature data, the foams made in the present work have the highest compressive strength and modulus for the same density.
Revisiting the surface characterization of plasma‐modified polymers
Authors: Berckmans Jorane , Demaude Annaëlle , Merche Delphine , Baert Kitty , Terryn Herman , Hauffman Tom , Reniers François
Published: January 2022

Many papers dealing with the surface analysis of plasma polymers or plasma‐modified polymers report the use of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to quantify the surface composition. However, most of the time, quantification is performed using software that includes an equation based on the assumption that the sample is homogeneous in composition. However, for plasma‐treated samples, this is often not the case. The usual analysis of XPS spectra does not allow the exact quantification in the case of an inhomogeneous sample. In this paper, we show that it is possible to obtain a depth profile of the composition, and a more accurate surface composition by using another mathematical approach for surface quantification, being QUASES Tougaard.
Photo‐Induced Discoloration and the Corresponding Mechanism of Benzotrifuroxan under UV Irradiation
Authors: Fu Xiaolin , Chen Jian‐Bo , Zhuang Siqi , Huang Bing , Liu Yu , Wang Junxia , Yang Shiyuan
Published: January 2022

Benzotrifuroxan (BTF) as a powerful and hydrogen‐free explosive discolors under UV irradiation, but the process remains unclear. Herein, we comprehensively investigated the photochemical process and mechanism of BTF under UV irradiation. A pink color is observed in BTF after irradiation with 365‐nm light, while BTF becomes brown by 254‐nm light. Besides BTF, compound 1 is detected by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography after UV irradiation. Compound 1 is prone to be yielded under 254‐nm irradiation compared to 365‐nm irradiation. Meanwhile, it is easier for the formation of compound 1 in BTF solution rather than solid BTF. Additionally, a small amount of compound 2 is found in BTF solution after 254‐nm irradiation over 120 min. A new photodegradation pathway of BTF is proposed through high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Compound 1 is produced as the main product through the isomerization of the N‐oxide of BTF, and BTF also loses NO to yield compound 2. Through the analysis of scanning electron microscopy, BTF exhibits different crystal structures between 365‐nm irradiation and 254‐nm irradiation. Nano holes are widely observed in solid BTF after 365‐nm irradiation, but these holes disappear under 254‐nm irradiation. Thus, the differences originating from the content of compound 1 and the crystal structure of BTF may lead to the discoloration of BTF under UV irradiation.
Antifungal activity of l‐azetidine‐2‐carboxylic acid isolated from Disporopsis aspera rhizomes against Podosphaera xanthii
Authors: Han Lijuan , Zhao Wangyu , Li Aijuan , Zhou Bo , Zhang Jiwen , Wu Wenjun
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Powdery mildew is one of the fungal diseases commonly occurring in the process of cucurbits protected and open cultivation. Cucumbers, melons and pumpkins are extremely susceptible. The secondary metabolites produced by plants are important sources of fungicides with low toxicity and environment‐friendly characteristics. The aim of this study was to reveal the main active ingredient in the crude extracts of Disporopsis aspera rhizomes that inhibit cucurbits powdery mildew and evaluate its activities.

RESULTS

In this study, the crude extracts of Disporopsis aspera rhizomes were found to exhibit excellent antifungal activity aganist Podosphaera xanthii, a causal agent of cucurbits powdery mildew. Based on the bioassay‐guided method, l‐azetidine‐2‐carboxylic acid (l‐Aze) was isolated from this genus for the first time. l‐Aze showed unique curative and eradicative activity against Podosphaera xanthii in vivo, which has never been reported before. Microscopic observation revealed that the curative spraying of l‐Aze could effectively inhibit the mycelial growth, resulting in hollow parts of the mycelia, not forming conidiophores, and interrupting the life cycle of powdery mildew. The eradicative spraying of l‐Aze caused the fracture of mycelia and deformity of conidiophores, which could not continue to produce conidia.

CONCLUSION

l‐Aze was the main active ingredient of D. aspera against Podosphaera xanthii, which had both curative and eradicative effects. The results provided a strong possibility of using the crude extracts of D. aspera rhizomes and its main effective component, l‐Aze as biocontrol agents to control cucurbits powdery mildew.
Optical Properties of 3‐Armchair Graphene Nanoribbons Produced by a Combination of Chemical Vapor Deposition with a Bottom‐up Approach
Authors: Fedotov Pavel Vladimirovich , Rybkovskiy Dmitry V. , Novikov Ivan V. , Obraztsova Elena D.
Published: January 2022

Narrow graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with atomically precise structure are interesting nanomaterials promising in various applications like optoelectronics, nanoelectronics, and photonics. The GNRs optical properties are barely studied due to the difficulty of their production. Herein, a new bottom‐up method based on chemical vapor deposition to scale up the production of 3‐armchair GNRs (3‐AGNRs) under low vacuum on common Ni foil is reported. The Raman study confirms the structure and high quality of the produced GNRs. The wide optical bandgap of 3‐AGNRs is demonstrated based on UV‐Vis‐IR absorption and photoluminescence (PL). Bright PL is observed in the blue spectral range with the characteristic features of 3‐AGNRs located at 430 and 456 nm. The PL excitation spectral maps are presented, containing multiple spectrum features associated with GNRs. The demonstrated results can be helpful for unveiling the optical properties of atomically precise GNRs and can be beneficial for applications of GNRs.
Crocin alleviates cognitive impairment associated with atherosclerosis via improving neuroinflammation in LDLR−/− mice fed a high‐fat/cholesterol diet
Authors: Song Ruijuan , Han Shufen , Gao Hui , Jiang Hui , Li Xinli
Published: January 2022

Crocin has been extensively investigated in treating neurodegenerative diseases. However, its effect on cognitive impairment associated with atherosclerosis remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of crocin on cognitive impairment in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. LDLR−/− mice fed a high‐fat/cholesterol diet were administered variable‐dose crocin for 56 days through gavage. Biochemical tests showed that serum triglycerides and circulating lipopolysaccharide decreased in mice treated with crocin. Behavioral tests indicated that crocin alleviated cognitive impairment by reducing latency to the platform and increasing the swimming distance in the target quadrant. This mechanism might be associated with crocin inhibiting Aβ deposition by decreasing Aβ1‐42 and tau phosphorylation. Crocin improved neuroinflammation by inhibiting the increase in reactive microglia and astrocytes, weakening NLRP3 inflammasome activation accompanied by a reduction in Caspase‐1 and IL‐1β, and blocking TLR4 signaling accompanied by a decrease in NF‐kB p65 and MyD88. In addition, crocin raised the protein expression of ZO‐1 and occludin. These findings provide experimental support that crocin attenuates cognitive impairment associated with atherosclerosis by repressing neuroinflammation, which is attributed to its suppression on the activation of microglia and astrocytes, and the production of inflammatory cytokines via targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and TLR4 signaling.