bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waveform conversion and validation of transient magnetic field due to ESD using equivalent circuit of magnetic near‐field probe
Authors: Wang Jianqing , Kawamata Ken , Ishigami Shinobu , Ishida Takeshi , Fujiwara Osamu
Published: February 2022

With a 6 GHz band high resolution magnetic near‐field probe (XF‐R 3‐1) produced by Langer, the transient magnetic fields due to collision ESDs (electrostatic discharges) between metal balls at a charging voltage of 600 V were measured near the spark point to investigate a dipole radiation mechanism. In this study, as an object of considering the measured magnetic field waveforms, two different equivalent circuits of the magnetic near‐field probe are derived based on the probe response waveform observed by a TDR (time domain reflectometer) with a 10 ps rise‐time pulse and the probe reflection coefficient measured with a 26 GHz network analyzer. Waveform conversion formulae from the probe output voltage to the magnetic field are given. The validity of the conversion methods is verified by comparing the measured conversion waveforms and their frequency spectra in addition to the converted spectra by the Langer field correction curve with the calculated waveforms of the transient magnetic far‐fields from a dipole model consisting of image charge pairs and the Rompe‐Weizel spark resistance formula. The probe conversion formulae presented here are valid within the frequency range of the 6 GHz probe band, however, beyond the band the resonance peaks at multiple frequencies over 8 GHz appear on the spectra, which causes damping oscillations peculiar to the probe with multiple frequencies to the time domain waveform.
Calculations of complex chemical reaction equilibria using stoichiometric and non‐stoichiometric approaches in combination with arc‐length continuation
Authors: Binous Housam , Bellagi Ahmed
Published: February 2022

Chemical equilibrium calculations—as they are required to evaluate the evolution limits of any reactive system—are fundamentally performed using either a reaction based stoichiometric (S) approach or a non‐stoichiometric (NS) method. One objective of the present paper is to check and discuss whether both methods lead to comparable solutions in the case of complex chemical equilibria encountered in high temperature and pressure combustion of hydrazine and propane and in steam gasification of glucose and cellulose. Within both calculation models various numerical methods can be used. We apply several techniques for each approach and discuss their easiness of implementation and usage, in particular when chemical equilibria are computed for reacting systems under a multitude of temperature and pressure conditions and feed compositions. In addition, we present a novel approach to perform sensitivity analyses based on a combination of S or NS methods and arc‐length continuation technique. For this purpose, three industrially relevant case studies are exposed: (1) synthesis of ammonia using the Haber process, (2) steam gasification of a typical biomass surrogate, glucose, and (3) steam gasification of cellulose. For all the above reacting systems, our results are benchmarked against their counterparts obtained either from the ubiquitous process simulator: ASPEN‐Plus® or from data available in the open literature.
Quantile based modeling of diurnal temperature range with the five‐parameter lambda distribution
Authors: Vandeskog Silius M. , Thorarinsdottir Thordis L. , Steinsland Ingelin , Lindgren Finn
Published: February 2022

Diurnal temperature range is an important variable in climate science that can provide information regarding climate variability and climate change. Changes in diurnal temperature range can have implications for hydrology, human health and ecology, among others. Yet, the statistical literature on modeling diurnal temperature range is lacking. In this article we propose to model the distribution of diurnal temperature range using the five‐parameter lambda (FPL) distribution. Additionally, in order to model diurnal temperature range with explanatory variables, we propose a distributional quantile regression model that combines quantile regression with marginal modeling using the FPL distribution. Inference is performed using the method of quantiles. The models are fitted to 30 years of daily observations of diurnal temperature range from 112 weather stations in the southern part of Norway. The flexible FPL distribution shows great promise as a model for diurnal temperature range, and performs well against competing models. The distributional quantile regression model is fitted to diurnal temperature range data using geographic, orographic, and climatological explanatory variables. It performs well and captures much of the spatial variation in the distribution of diurnal temperature range in Norway.
Simplified modelling and pushover analysis of infilled frame structures accounting for strut flexibility
Authors: Akan Onur Deniz , O'Reilly Gerard J. , Monteiro Ricardo
Published: February 2022

Seismic assessment of structures is often performed using their force–displacement capacity or pushover curve computed via non‐linear static analysis. However, these analyses' reliability depends on the numerical model's detail and its ability to capture salient failure mechanisms. Simplified analysis methods offer effective means of identifying structural deficiencies and provide analysts with a sound understanding of key structural characteristics, such as the strength hierarchy, status of the structural damage in terms of limit state exceedance or the progression of the inelastic mechanism, in addition to providing a method with which to check numerical analysis results. This work builds upon the existing literature for simplified analysis of moment frame structures and describes a simplified pushover‐based analysis procedure for infilled frame structures. Individual storey responses are obtained by combining the flexural resistance of the frame and accounting for the axial resistance of the infill (modelled as an equivalent axial strut) and the boundary frame members, assuming both systems work in parallel. Then, the displaced shape of the structure is iteratively calculated for a given base shear, which can be repeated until a pushover curve is obtained with relative ease. The proposed procedure is tested and evaluated versus other available methods by analysing several infilled reinforced concrete frames. It is shown that the method can perform simplified pushover analysis with a high degree of fidelity while improving over the other similar methods currently available.
Optimal arch forms under in‐plane seismic loading in different gravitational environments
Authors: Málaga‐Chuquitaype C. , McLean T. , Kalapodis N. , Kolonas C. , Kampas G.
Published: February 2022

This paper is motivated by the renewed interest in space exploration and the need to provide structurally sound and resource‐efficient shielding solutions for valuable assets and future habitable modules. We present, implement and test a methodology for the preliminary design and assessment of optimal arch forms subjected to self‐weight as well as seismically induced loads. The numerical framework, built around a limit thrust‐line analysis, previously published by the authors, is summarized first. This is followed by a detailed account of the form‐finding algorithm for arches of variable thickness. Special attention is placed on the physical feasibility of our assumptions and the justification of the engineering inputs adopted. The newly form‐found arches achieve material efficiencies between 10% and 50% in comparison with their constant minimum‐thickness circular or elliptical counterparts, depending on the relative intensity of the seismic action. The influence of the initial input geometry and the stabilising presence of additional shielding material against extreme radiation are also evaluated with emphasis on the effects of low‐gravity conditions. Finally, a case study is presented and Discrete Element Models of constant and varying thickness arches (VTAs) are assessed under a set of representative ground‐motions on a lunar setting. The significant over‐conservatism of constant thickness arches (CTAs) is made manifest and potential improvements of the optimally found arch shape are highlighted. Although developed with extraterrestrial applications in mind, the results and methods we present herein are also applicable to terrestrial conditions when material efficiency is of utmost concern.
Interplaying coordination and ligand effects to break or make adsorption‐energy scaling relations
Authors: Brito‐Ravicini Alvaro , Calle‐Vallejo Federico
Published: February 2022

The linear relations between adsorption energies are one of the cornerstones of contemporary catalysis in view of the simplicity and predictive power of the computational models built upon them. Despite their extensive use, the exact nature of scaling relations is not yet fully understood, and a comprehensive theory of scaling relations is yet to be elaborated. So far, it is known that scalability is dictated by the degree of resemblance of the adsorbed species. In this work, density functional theory calculations show that CO and OH, two dissimilar species, scale or not depending on the surface facet where they adsorb at Pt alloys. This peculiar behavior arises from an interplay of ligand and geometric effects that can be used to modulate adsorption‐energy scalability. This study opens new possibilities in catalysis, as it shows that surface coordination is a versatile tool to either balance or unbalance the similarities among adsorbates at alloy surfaces.
Coherent structures in turbulent mixed convection flows through channels with differentially heated walls
Authors: Wagner Claus , Wetzel Tim
Published: February 2022

The occurrence and shape of turbulent structures in mixed convection flows through a differently heated vertical channel are investigated in terms of thermally induced attenuation and amplification of turbulent velocity, pressure, and temperature fluctuations using direct numerical simulations. It is shown that the wall‐normal momentum transport is decreased and increased near the heated and cooled wall, respectively, and that this leads to a reduced and elevated production of turbulent velocity fluctuations in the streamwise velocity component in the aiding and opposing flow, respectively. The corresponding flow structures are smoother, faster and warmer in the aiding flow and aligned along the main flow, while the colder structures in the opposing flow are more frayed and less directed. The warmer flow structures in the aiding flow are overall more stable than the colder structures in the opposing flow. Besides, the study reveals that the position of the maximum temperature fluctuations moves toward the heated wall, so that the sweeps produced at the two walls are affected differently by the former. As a consequence, the distance and time period over which the fluctuations develop in the aiding flow are shorter than in the opposing flow. It is further shown that vortex structures oriented in the streamwise direction usually arise with an offset to the right or left above a sweep or an ejection, whereby the decreasing values of the correlation coefficients with increasing Grashof number indicate a weakening of the vortex structures. Since none of the evaluated vortex criteria, that is, the distributions of the vorticity, ‐ value or Rortex‐value correlate well with the evaluated minima of the pressure fluctuations, they do not allow a clear identification of the vortex structures. Finally, analyzing the budget of the turbulent kinetic energy it is confirmed that the velocity fluctuations are only indirectly influenced by the buoyancy force. Thus, the attenuation and amplification of the turbulent velocity fluctuations is reflected in the reduction and exaggeration of the Reynolds shear stresses in the aiding and opposing flow, respectively.
Design of chemically defined synthetic substrate surfaces for the in vitro maintenance of human pluripotent stem cells: A review
Authors: Zhou Ping , Qin Liying , Ge Zhangjie , Xie Biyao , Huang Hongxin , He Fei , Ma Shengqin , Ren Lina , Shi Jiamin , Pei Suying , Dong Genxi , Qi Yongmei , Lan Feng
Published: February 2022

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have the potential of long‐term self‐renewal and differentiation into nearly all cell types in vitro. Prior to the downstream applications, the design of chemically defined synthetic substrates for the large‐scale proliferation of quality‐controlled hPSCs is critical. Although great achievements have been made, Matrigel and recombinant proteins are still widely used in the fundamental research and clinical applications. Therefore, much effort is still needed to improve the performance of synthetic substrates in the culture of hPSCs, realizing their commercial applications. In this review, we summarized the design of reported synthetic substrates and especially their limitations in terms of cell culture. Moreover, much attention was paid to the development of promising peptide displaying surfaces. Besides, the biophysical regulation of synthetic substrate surfaces as well as the three‐dimensional culture systems were described.
Partial orthomorphisms and Latin squares based on parts of a group
Authors: Gagola Stephen M. , Gagola Stephen M.
Published: February 2022

A finite group of even order which has a cyclic Sylow 2‐subgroup is known not to possess an orthomorphism. Nevertheless, we prove here that if is the normalizer of a Sylow 2‐subgroup of such a group, then a partial orthomorphism exists on the set theoretic complement . Moreover, even though the multiplication table of is not a Latin square (because it is not closed), we identify necessary and sufficient conditions on which allow for elements of in this table to be changed out so that the resulting table becomes a Latin square.
Bias, Repeatability and Reproducibility of Liver T1 Mapping With Variable Flip Angles
Authors: Tadimalla Sirisha , Wilson Daniel J. , Shelley David , Bainbridge Gavin , Saysell Margaret , Mendichovszky Iosif A. , Graves Martin J. , Guthrie J. Ashley , Waterton John C. , Parker Geoffrey J.M. , Sourbron Steven P.
Published: February 2022

Background

Three‐dimensional variable flip angle (VFA) methods are commonly used for T1 mapping of the liver, but there is no data on the accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility of this technique in this organ in a multivendor setting.

Purpose

To measure bias, repeatability, and reproducibility of VFA T1 mapping in the liver.

Study Type

Prospective observational.

Population

Eight healthy volunteers, four women, with no known liver disease.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5‐T and 3.0‐T; three‐dimensional steady‐state spoiled gradient echo with VFAs; Look‐Locker.

Assessment

Traveling volunteers were scanned twice each (30 minutes to 3 months apart) on six MRI scanners from three vendors (GE Healthcare, Philips Medical Systems, and Siemens Healthineers) at two field strengths. The maximum period between the first and last scans among all volunteers was 9 months. Volunteers were instructed to abstain from alcohol intake for at least 72 hours prior to each scan and avoid high cholesterol foods on the day of the scan.

Statistical Tests

Repeated measures ANOVA, Student t‐test, Levene's test of variances, and 95% significance level. The percent error relative to literature liver T1 in healthy volunteers was used to assess bias. The relative error (RE) due to intrascanner and interscanner variation in T1 measurements was used to assess repeatability and reproducibility.

Results

The 95% confidence interval (CI) on the mean bias and mean repeatability RE of VFA T1 in the healthy liver was 34 ± 6% and 10 ± 3%, respectively. The 95% CI on the mean reproducibility RE at 1.5 T and 3.0 T was 29 ± 7% and 25 ± 4%, respectively.

Data Conclusion

Bias, repeatability, and reproducibility of VFA T1 mapping in the liver in a multivendor setting are similar to those reported for breast, prostate, and brain.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Conceptualizing Culture and Creativity: Perspectives on Creativity by Japanese Secondary School Students
Authors: Karnilowicz Mizuno Cassie , Xu Lihua
Published: February 2022

Creativity is generally considered a personal attribute, which is individualist and cognitive and less as a relational construct situated culturally and collectively. Past comparative cultural studies of creativity involving East Asian contexts focus on an individualist and cognitive perspective with relatively limited research investigating the cultural and collective aspects of creativity. This is a phenomenographic investigation of how creativity in the Visual Arts is conceptualized by Japanese adolescents. Participants included 14 students of Art and Shodo (Traditional Japanese Calligraphy) attending a co‐educational school in Tokyo. Students were interviewed individually or within a focus group to explore their understanding of creativity. Creativity in this context was associated primarily with “thinking” as a process rather than product‐orientated notions of creativity typical in the Western context. Our findings challenge understandings of creativity as a set of characteristics predominantly associated with tangible and quantitatively measurable cognitions regardless of context and suggest that understanding the richness of creativity should engage the socio‐cultural environment. In particular, Japanese cultural norms and language significantly influence how creativity is constituted and discerned. Students’ complex, varied, and personal conceptualizations of creativity were mediated through their experiences with traditional or non‐traditional art.
This is My Fairy Tale: How Emotional Intelligence Interacts with a Training Intervention in Enhancing Children's Creative Potential
Authors: Agnoli Sergio , Pozzoli Tiziana , Mancini Giacomo , Franchin Laura , Mastria Serena , Corazza Giovanni Emanuele
Published: February 2022

Creative potential is a set of multidimensional resources concerning the latent ability to produce original and adaptive work. Confluent theoretical models, in particular, stated that, in order to express creative potential in an effective way, resources should converge and interact efficiently. Within such a confluent framework, the present study explored whether the increase in specific cognitive resources defining creative potential during childhood, as induced through a newly developed training intervention based on the creation of fairy tales, could be affected by another constitutional dimension, that is, children’s emotional resources and, in particular, their trait emotional intelligence (EI). A total of 410 children from 3rd to 5th grade of primary school was involved in the study, equally divided in a training group and in a control group. Results showed that the fairy tale–based training protocol was effective in increasing children’s creative potential. More importantly, results showed that the training intervention was particularly effective in increasing the ability to generate original contents in children with low‐to‐medium trait EI levels. These findings showed that emotional intelligence is a central factor to be considered when exploring the efficacy of a training intervention aimed at increasing children’s creative potential.
The Posterior Septal Nasal Floor Mucosal Flap for Cranial Base Reconstruction
Authors: Bowen Andrew Jay , Eltahir Ahmed , Goates Andrew J. , Rezende Natalia , Leonel Luciano , Graepel Stephen , Xie Katherine Z. , Van Gompel Jamie , Peris‐Celda Maria , Choby Garret , Pinheiro‐Neto Carlos D.
Published: February 2022

Objective

While pedicled intranasal flaps, such as the nasoseptal flap (NSF), successfully reduce postoperative CSF leaks following endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) to the skull base, morbidity remains prevalent. This study describes the first cadaveric description and radiographic analysis of the posterior septal nasal floor mucosal flap (PSNF) designed to reduce pedicled nasal flap morbidity. A case series is also detailed.

Study Design

Cadaveric dissection, radiographic analysis, and case series.

Methods

Seven cadaver specimens underwent harvest of the PSNF. PSNF flap dimensions were measured on the thirty deidentified sinus computed tomography (CT) scans. A retrospective case series was performed on the first set of patients who received the PSNF for reconstruction of a sellar base defect. Information concerning complications, symptoms, and the appearance of the flap was recorded from records of the patient's postoperative inpatient stay, 1‐week postop visit, and 1‐month postop visit.

Results

Cadaver dissection of the PSNF flap demonstrated good arc rotation along its pedicle with ability to cover both sellar and planum defects. Cadaveric flap measurements and CT‐derived measurements estimated a mean surface area of 16.7 and 18.3 cm2, respectively. 15 patients underwent reconstruction of a sellar or planum defect using the PSNF technique. Only one CSF leak was encountered postoperatively. Minimal crusting of the flap and donor site was seen 1 month postoperatively.

Conclusion

The PSNF flap provides a sizeable pedicled region for reconstruction comparable to other pedicled nasal flaps. Our case series demonstrated good postoperative outcomes without reduced donor site morbidity.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:1561–1568, 2022
Comparison of SNOT‐25 and ENS6Q in evaluating patients with empty nose syndrome
Authors: Huang Chien‐Chia , Wu Pei‐Wen , Lee Cheng‐Chi , Huang Chi‐Che , Fu Chia‐Hsiang , Chang Po‐Hung , Lee Ta‐Jen
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Patients with empty nose syndrome (ENS) experience paradoxical nasal obstruction and various psychological burdens. This study aimed to compare ENS‐specific questionnaires of sino‐nasal outcome test‐25 (SNOT‐25) and empty nose syndrome 6‐item questionnaire (ENS6Q) in the peri‐operative evaluation of ENS.

Methods

This was a prospective case series study. Patients with ENS were recruited and evaluated with the SNOT‐25, ENS6Q, beck depression inventory‐II (BDI‐II), and beck anxiety inventory (BAI) before and 6 months after nasal reconstruction surgery.

Results

Seventy‐four ENS patients were enrolled during the study period. All four evaluations revealed significant improvements after surgery. Pre‐operative SNOT‐25 scores exhibited a significant correlation with pre‐operative ENS6Q (r = 0.682), BDI‐II (r = 0.485), and BAI scores (r = 0.608) (p < 0.001), as well as a weak correlation with post‐operative SNOT‐25 (r = 0.336), BDI‐II (r = 0.266), and BAI scores (r = 0.235) (p < 0.05). Additionally, pre‐operative ENS6Q scores were significantly correlated with pre‐operative BDI‐II (r = 0.434), BAI (r = 0.521) (p < 0.001), and post‐operative ENS6Q scores (r = 0.262, p < 0.05). However, there was no correlation between pre‐operative ENS6Q scores and post‐operative BDI‐II and BAI scores.

Conclusions

Both SNOT‐25 and ENS6Q were helpful in evaluating peri‐operative symptoms for patients with ENS. Although the ENS6Q score had a good correlation with the BDI‐II and BAI scores preoperatively, it was not associated with post‐operative BDI‐II and BAI scores. Hence, a simultaneous psychological assessment is necessary when evaluating patients using the ENS6Q.

Level of Evidence: 2c
Use of neural network models to predict liver transplantation waitlist mortality
Authors: Nagai Shunji , Nallabasannagari Anubhav Reddy , Moonka Dilip , Reddiboina Madhu , Yeddula Sirisha , Kitajima Toshihiro , Francis Iman , Abouljoud Marwan
Published: February 2022

Current liver transplantation (LT) organ allocation relies on Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease–sodium scores to predict mortality in patients awaiting LT. This study aims to develop neural network (NN) models that more accurately predict LT waitlist mortality. The study evaluates patients listed for LT between February 27, 2002, and June 30, 2021, using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing registry. We excluded patients listed with Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) exception scores and those listed for multiorgan transplant, except for liver–kidney transplant. A subset of data from the waiting list was used to create a mortality prediction model at 90 days after listing with 105,140 patients. A total of 28 variables were selected for model creation. The data were split using random sampling into training, validation, and test data sets in a 60:20:20 ratio. The performance of the model was assessed using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC‐ROC) and area under the precision‐recall curve (AUC‐PR). AUC‐ROC for 90‐day mortality was 0.936 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.934–0.937), and AUC‐PR was 0.758 (95% CI, 0.754–0.762). The NN 90‐day mortality model outperformed MELD‐based models for both AUC‐ROC and AUC‐PR. The 90‐day mortality model specifically identified more waitlist deaths with a higher recall (sensitivity) of 0.807 (95% CI, 0.803–0.811) versus 0.413 (95% CI, 0.409–0.418; p < 0.001). The performance metrics were compared by breaking the test data set into multiple patient subsets by ethnicity, gender, region, age, diagnosis group, and year of listing. The NN 90‐day mortality model outperformed MELD‐based models across all subsets in predicting mortality. In conclusion, organ allocation based on NN modeling has the potential to decrease waitlist mortality and lead to more equitable allocation systems in LT.
A novel variant in UBE3A in a family with multigenerational intellectual disability and developmental delay
Authors: Zhao Xuechao , Zheng Yuting , Wang Li , Wang Yanhong , Mei Shiyue , Kong Xiangdong
Published: February 2022

Background

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder and is characterized by severe cognitive disability, motor dysfunction, speech impairment, hyperactivity, and frequent seizures. Although the maternal chromosomal region 15q11.2‐q13 deletion is the most common mechanism of AS, ~10% of individuals with AS are caused by the intragenic variants in the maternally inherited UBE3A, which encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase.

Methods

Clinical diagnoses were based on detailed clinical findings. Trio‐based exome sequencing was performed on the proband and her parents to identify the underlying genetic variants. The candidate variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing following PCR amplification. In silico analyses were conducted to predict the effect of the identified variant on the function of UBE3A protein.

Results

We identified a novel variant c.2029G>C (p. Gly677Arg) in UBE3A as the most promising candidate. In silico analyses showed that p.Gly677Arg in the UBE3A affects a highly conserved residue. Her mother had the variant at this locus. Sanger sequencing results showed that II‐2, II‐5, II‐7, IV‐1, III‐5, III‐7, III‐8, and III‐9 have the variant c.2029G>C, and all patients inherited maternally variant in UBE3A, while the offsprings of the male carrier were unaffected.

Conclusions

We identified a novel variant (c.2029G>C) in the UBE3A in a Chinese family with multigenerational intellectual disability and developmental delay. Our findings expanded the genotypic spectrum of AS and provided important information for genetic counseling.
Whole exome sequencing identified a novel compound heterozygous variation in COL7A1 gene causing dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Cui Li‐min , Jiang Jian‐ye , Hu Ning‐ning , Zou Hong‐en , Zhao Bao‐zhen , Han Cong‐ying , Yang Kai , Wang Yi‐peng , Xing Huan‐xia
Published: February 2022

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a series of severe genetic conditions affecting skin and nails caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene. DEB has a strong phenotypic variability. In the present study, we recruited a case with a boy exhibiting typical DEB indication, and performed a clinical, genetic, and experimental investigation, followed by a prenatal diagnosis on their current pregnancy. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel compound heterozygous variation in COL7A1, consisting of two variants, namely c.191T>C (p.Leu64Pro) and c.5124G>A (p.Leu1708=) in the proband. In vitro study by minigene system indicated that c.5124G>A would result in an increased ratio of a transcript with exon‐skipping, which supported its pathogenicity. Further prenatal detection confirmed the genotype–phenotye co‐separation in this family. In conclusion, the findings in our study expanded the mutation spectrum of DEB, and emphasized the importance of paying attention to specific synonymous variants in the filtering process.
Discovery of Potent and Isoform‐selective Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Using Structure‐based Virtual Screening and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Peng Zhe , Zhao Quanfeng , Tian Xiaoyan , Lei Tiantian , Xiang Rongfeng , Chen Lin , Yang Yang
Published: February 2022

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are key enzymes in epigenetics and promising targets for anticancer therapy. Although several drugs targeting HDAC have been approved for the treatment of tumors, their clinical use has been limited by their deleterious side effects and poor efficacy. Herein, we discover four potent HDAC inhibitors through pharmacophore model screening and molecular docking. These compounds are able to bind HDACs 1, 3, and 6 with nanomolar affinity. Among them, compound 3 shows greater inhibitory effect on HDACs 1, 3, and 6 than that of vorinostat (SAHA). Evaluation of anticancer activity indicates that compound 3 significantly inhibits the growth of solid cancer cells including HGC‐27, AGS, MDA‐MB‐231, A549, MCF‐7, and H460 cells. In vivo anticancer study suggests that compound 3 can also markedly inhibit the growth of HGC‐27 cells‐derived xenograft, with no observable toxicity. These findings suggest that compound 3 may be as a potential HDAC‐targeting inhibitor for solid tumor therapy.
Targeting Gut Microbiota and Host Metabolism with Dendrobium officinale Dietary Fiber to Prevent Obesity and Improve Glucose Homeostasis in Diet‐Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Zheng Hong , Ji Hui , Fan Kai , Xu Hangying , Huang Yinli , Zheng Yafei , Xu Qingqing , Li Chen , Zhao Liangcai , Li Yuping , Gao Hongchang
Published: February 2022

Scope

Obesity is becoming a major public health problem due to excess dietary fat intake. Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale) is a medicine food homology plant and exerts multiple health‐promoting effects. However, its antiobesity effects and the potential mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods and results

High‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice are administered D. officinale dietary fiber (DODF) daily by gavage for 11 weeks. The results show that treatment with DODF alleviates obesity, liver steatosis, inflammation, and oxidant stress in HFD‐induced obese mice. Improved glucose homeostasis in obese mice after DODF treatment is achieved by enhancing insulin pathway and hepatic glycogen synthesis. DODF restructures the gut microbiota in obese mice by decreasing the relative abundance of Bilophila and increasing the relative abundances of Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Muribaculum. Also, DODF reshapes the metabolic phenotype of obese mice as indicated by up‐regulating energy metabolism, increasing acetate and taurine, and reducing serum low density/very low density lipoproteins (LDL/VLDL). These beneficial effects are partly transferred by FMT, implying the gut microbiota as a target for the protective effect of DODF on obesity‐related symptoms.

Conclusion

The results suggest that DODF can be used as a novel prebiotics to maintain the gut microbial homeostasis and improve metabolic health, preventing obesity and related metabolic syndrome.
Interleaved fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI and deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) on human brain in vivo
Authors: Liu Yanning , De Feyter Henk M. , Fulbright Robert K. , McIntyre Scott , Nixon Terence W. , de Graaf Robin A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To integrate deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) with clinical MRI through an interleaved MRI and DMI acquisition workflow. Interleaved MRI‐DMI was enabled with hardware and pulse sequence modifications, and the performance was demonstrated using fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI as an example.

Methods

Interleaved FLAIR‐DMI was developed by interleaving the 2H excitation and acquisition time windows into the intrinsic delay periods presented in the FLAIR method. All 2H MR signals were up‐converted to the 1H Larmor frequency using a custom‐built hardware unit, which also achieved frequency and phase locking of the output signal in real‐time. The interleaved measurements were compared with direct measurements both in phantom and in the human brain in vivo.

Results

The interleaved MRI‐DMI acquisition strategy allowed simultaneous detection of FLAIR MRI and DMI in the same scan time as a FLAIR‐only MRI acquisition. Both phantom and in vivo data showed that the MR image quality, DMI sensitivity as well as information content were preserved using interleaved MRI‐DMI.

Conclusion

The interleaved MRI‐DMI technology can be used to extend clinical MRI protocols with DMI, thereby offering a metabolic component to the MR imaging contrasts without a penalty on patient comfort or scan time.
Sex‐associated differences between BMI and SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titers following the BNT162b2 vaccine
Authors: Yamamoto Shohei , Mizoue Tetsuya , Tanaka Akihito , Oshiro Yusuke , Inamura Natsumi , Konishi Maki , Ozeki Mitsuru , Miyo Kengo , Sugiura Wataru , Sugiyama Haruhito , Ohmagari Norio
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study investigated the sex‐associated difference in the impact of obesity on antibody response to a COVID‐19 vaccine.

Methods

This study included 2,435 health care workers who received two doses of the BioNTech, Pfizer (BNT162b2) vaccine and participated in a serological survey, during which they were tested for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike immunoglobin G (IgG) antibodies and asked for information on height, weight, and vaccination history via a questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to estimate the geometric mean titers (GMT) of antibodies for each sex and BMI category.

Results

The relationship between BMI and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike IgG titers markedly differed by sex (p value for interaction = 0.04). Spike IgG antibody titers tended to decrease with increasing BMI in men (p value for trend = 0.03); GMT (95% CI) were 6,093 (4,874‐7,618) and 4,655 (3,795‐5,708) for BMI < 18.5 and ≥30 kg/m2, respectively. In contrast, spike IgG antibody titers did not significantly differ across BMI categories in women (p value for for trend = 0.62); GMT (95% CI) were 6,171 (5,714‐6,665) and 5,506 (4,404‐6,883) for BMI <18.5 and ≥30, respectively.

Conclusions

Higher BMI was associated with lower titers of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike antibodies in men, but not in women, suggesting the need for careful monitoring of vaccine efficacy in men with obesity, who are at high risk of severe COVID‐19 outcomes.
Red in tooth and claw: A review of animal antagonistic roles in movies
Authors: Chiacchio Michele , Pigoni Alessandro
Published: February 2022

Although cinema narrative represents a fundamental communication tool in framing public opinion, whether a negative representation of certain species in the context of animal‐horror movies might increase the attitudinal hostilities towards them remains an aspect of wildlife perception that is poorly studied.

Here, we reviewed online sources from the last 70 years to describe the negative representation of animal roles in horror and disaster movies. Specifically, we described species diversity, how the animal was depicted, the cause for its aggressive behaviour and how it came in contact with the human characters. By means of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), we also highlighted three main typologies of animal‐horror movies.

The dataset consisted of 263 titles produced world‐wide from 1950 to 2019. The results showed that animal representation is transversal yet uneven, with five species groups out of 18 appearing in more than half of the movies. There were significant associations between species, their representation and the different kinds of movies they appeared in, with some species groups appearing more commonly in certain types of film plots rather than others.

Together, the results suggested that both the themes and topics of animal‐horror movies were often the result of a combination of factors, including fashion‐driven audience interests, societal and political concerns, and technological availability at the time of production. Whether this repeated and variegated representation can increase attitudinal hostility remains however unclear.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Modified cork/SEBS composites for 3D printed elastomers
Authors: Gama Nuno , Ferreira Artur , Evtuguin Dmitry , Barros‐Timmons Ana
Published: February 2022

Three dimensional (3D) printed elastomers is a challenge which can be overcome using fillers. With that in perspective, cork was chemically modified via a two‐step reaction, aiming to achieve better compatibility with styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene (SEBS). In the first step, the OH groups of cork surface were grafted with succinic acid, while in the second step the free acid groups were reacted with a polyol to produce ester moieties. Spectroscopy analysis confirmed the occurrence of the chemical reaction which was supported by contact angle (CA) measurements. The unmodified cork presents a CA of 117.7°, while the modified cork presents a CA of 92.4° which is closer to that of SEBS (102.8°), resulting in better compatibility between the modified filler with the matrix. In fact, the enhancement of compatibility between polymer and filler was observed by inspecting the layer‐to‐layer bonding and was confirmed by the mechanical properties of the 3D printed composites, since the modified cork‐based composite presented higher Young modulus, maximum stress and elongation at break when compared to the untreated counterparts. Additionally, the advantage of the chemical treatment was evaluated by analyzing the processability of composites. The modified filler‐based composite, presents lower glass transition temperature (Tg), higher melt flow index (MFI) and higher thermal stability. Overall, in this work, a simple chemical route to modify lignocellulosic biomass and its benefit on the properties of 3D printing objects is discussed. The improved performance and sustainability of the 3D printed objects produced to be used for example in shoe applications was presented.
Can fetal magnetic resonance imaging aid prognosis in gastroschisis: A multicenter study
Authors: Codaccioni Camille , Macé Pierre , Gorincour Guillaume , Grévent David , Heckenroth Hélène , Merrot Thierry , Chaumoître Kathia , Khen‐Dunlop Naziha , Ville Yves , Salomon Laurent J. , Bretelle Florence
Published: February 2022

Objective

To assess the contribution and impact of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in managing fetal gastroschisis.

Methods

We conducted an observational retrospective study of gastroschisis patients at three fetal medicine centers from 2008 to 2019. The primary endpoint was the number of cases in which the MRI provided relevant information related to gastroschisis.

Results

A total of 189 patients were included, and our study group included 38 patients who underwent MRI. For the eight patients with suspected gastroschisis, MRI confirmed the diagnosis. In six cases, it provided additional relevant information (spiral turn, intestine ischemia, and bowel size discrepancy). For the 17 patients with ultrasound signs of additional gastrointestinal anomalies, MRI detected one case of unidentified complex gastroschisis on sonography. For the 13 patients undergoing routine MRI, no significant information was obtained. One termination of pregnancy and one fetoscopy were performed a few days after the MRI results. There was no subsequent follow‐up or additional bowel complications to support management.

Conclusion

Although MRI did not change the management of pregnancies complicated by fetal gastroschisis, patients presenting with fetal gastroschisis with intraabdominal bowel dilatation could benefit from MRI to allow for more precise prenatal counseling to predict postnatal intestinal complications before birth.
20 years review of antenatal diagnosis of haemoglobin Bart's disease and treatment with intrauterine transfusion
Authors: Hui Pui Wah , Pang Polly , Tang Mary H. Y.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To review prenatal diagnosis and outcome of alpha thalassaemia major through universal antenatal screening.

Method

This was a retrospective study on ultrasound features, antenatal diagnosis, in‐utero intervention and long term outcome of pregnancies at risk of Haemoglobin Bart's hydrops foetalis syndrome attending prenatal diagnosis from 2000 to 2019 at Tsan Yuk Hospital in Hong Kong.

Results

Among 390 foetuses from 373 at‐risk pregnancies, 122 (31%) prenatal invasive procedures were performed and 65 affected foetuses were diagnosed antenatally. For foetuses with ultrasound features of anaemia, the diagnostic yield of BHFS was 73%. Cardiomegaly carried a positive predictive value of 65.2% while its absence had the highest negative predictive value (96.0%). Three women having affected foetuses continued pregnancy and received intrauterine transfusion beginning 20 weeks of gestation. All babies were born alive and non‐hydropic. They were managed with regular transfusion and cured by haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Conclusions

Absence of ultrasound features of anaemia had high negative predictive value for alpha thalassaemia major. Couple at risk of having affected foetus could be offered serial ultrasound surveillance. Invasive testing for pregnancies with features of foetal anaemia provided high diagnostic yield. Intrauterine transfusion corrected foetal anaemia and allowed long term transfusion free survival without significant neurological sequelae following postnatal transplant therapy.
The risk of melanoma with rasagiline compared with other antiparkinsonian medications: A retrospective cohort study in the United States medicare database
Authors: Johannes Catherine B. , Saltus Catherine W. , Kaye James A. , Calingaert Brian , Kaplan Sigal , Gordon Mark Forrest , Andrews Elizabeth B.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Compare the risk of melanoma between initiators of rasagiline or other antiparkinsonian drugs (APDs) in a Parkinson's disease (PD) population.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the US Medicare claims research database (2006–2015) in adults aged ≥65 years with PD claims. Other APD initiators were randomly matched (4:1) to rasagiline initiators on age, sex, and cohort entry year. Cutaneous melanoma events were identified by a validated claims algorithm. Incidence rates (IRs), incidence rate ratios (IRRs), and Cox‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for melanoma comparing rasagiline with other APD initiators were calculated and analyzed by duration of study medication use and cumulative dose of rasagiline. Potential indicators of surveillance bias were explored.

Results

Among 23 708 rasagiline initiators and 96 552 matched APD initiators, the crude IR of melanoma/100 000 person‐years was 334.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 291.5–381.6) and 208.2 (95% CI, 190.1–227.5), respectively (crude IRR 1.61; 95% CI, 1.36–1.89). The adjusted HR was 1.37 (95% CI, 1.14–1.65) and increased with longer rasagiline exposure and higher cumulative rasagiline doses. Rasagiline initiators more frequently had dermatologist visits or skin biopsies before cohort entry than APD initiators and had a higher incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer during follow‐up (crude IRR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.35–1.54).

Conclusions

A small increased incidence of melanoma with exposure to rasagiline compared with other APDs was observed. Although the pattern with dose and duration is consistent with a hypothesized biologic effect, the increased skin cancer surveillance among rasagiline users suggests surveillance bias as a contributing explanation for the observed results.
Re‐imagining belonging to Brazil: Active immobility in times of crisis
Authors: Robins Daniel
Published: February 2022

This paper uses qualitative data conducted in São Paulo, Brazil with those who possessed the capability to emigrate yet had chosen to remain in place. It explores the strategies these ‘stayers’ employed to create and reproduce a sense of belonging to place in the midst of political disruption and alienation. This is in the context of Brazil's lava jato (car wash) political corruption scandal which culminated in the election of President Bolsonaro and affected many Brazilian citizens' sense of belonging. Particular attention is paid to the way articulations of subnational and supranational scales of belonging relate to the national. Belonging at the national scale remains salient but through a process of interpolation with affective, local, urban and cosmopolitan forms of belonging. Immobility thus becomes an active practice through the (re)imagining and re‐scaling of a sense of belonging. Developing this concept of ‘active’ immobility recognises immobility as a phenomenon that is driven by individual and structural elements that are as diverse and dynamic as those that affect mobility. The paper contributes to debates about the relationship between forms of local national and cosmopolitan belonging.
Placement of KANI® plate inside the chest wall for rib fixation: Prevention for organ injuries caused by crossed rib edges and plate claws
Authors: Uebayashi Asuka , Takanashi Yusuke , Oka Mikako , Mizuno Kiyomichi , Kawase Akikazu , Funai Kazuhito
Published: February 2022

The claw‐type titanium plate has been successfully applied to manage a flail chest. However, rare and life‐threatening organ injury occurs due to an insufficient claw bend. We report an ingenuity of surgical fixation using KANI® plates (USCI Japan, Tokyo, Japan) in a flail chest. A 60‐year‐old man with a severe flail chest underwent a surgical rib fixation. He had multiple rib fractures accompanied by dislocation and protruding crossed rib edges; we assumed a possibility of lung injury during a standard procedure in which the KANI® plates would be placed from outside the chest wall. Therefore, we placed KANI® plates inside the chest wall to ensure sufficient claw bend and to cover crossed rib edges to prevent organ injuries. We propose that our new ingenuity provides a safe and tight rib fixation in rib fractures with protruding crossed rib edges which the standard method cannot flatten.
A modified least angle regression algorithm for interaction selection with heredity
Authors: Kim Woosung , Kim Seonghyeon , Na Myung Hwan , Kim Yongdai
Published: February 2022

In many practical problems, the main effects alone may not be enough to capture the relationship between the response and predictors, and the interaction effects are often of interest to scientific researchers. In considering a regression model with main effects and all possible two‐way interaction effects, which we call the two‐way interaction model, there is an important challenge—computational burden. One way to reduce the aforementioned problems is to consider the heredity constraint between the main and interaction effects. The heredity constraint assumes that a given interaction effect is significant only when the corresponding main effects are significant. Various sparse penalized methods to reflect the heredity constraint have been proposed, but those algorithms are still computationally demanding and can be applied to data where the dimension of the main effects is only few hundreds. In this paper, we propose a modification of the LARS algorithm for selecting interaction effects under the heredity constraint, which can be applied to high‐dimensional data. Our numerical studies confirm that the proposed modified LARS algorithm is much faster and spends less memory than its competitors but has comparable prediction accuracies when the dimension of covariates is large.