bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous glucose monitoring captures glycemic variability in obesity after sleeve gastrectomy: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Dorcely Brenda , DeBermont Julie , Gujral Akash , Reid Migdalia , Vanegas Sally M. , Popp Collin J. , Verano Michael , Jay Melanie , Schmidt Ann Marie , Bergman Michael , Goldberg Ira J. , Alemán José O.
Published: January 2024

Objective

HbA1c is an insensitive marker for assessing real‐time dysglycemia in obesity. This study investigated whether 1‐h plasma glucose level (1‐h PG) ≥155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L) during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) measurement of glucose variability (GV) better reflected dysglycemia than HbA1c after weight loss from metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 10 participants with type 2 diabetes compared with 11 participants with non‐diabetes undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (SG). At each research visit; before SG, and 6 weeks and 6 months post‐SG, body weight, fasting lipid levels, and PG and insulin concentrations during an OGTT were analyzed. Mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), a CGM‐derived GV index, was analyzed.

Results

The 1‐h PG correlated with insulin resistance markers, triglyceride/HDL ratio and triglyceride glucose index in both groups before surgery. At 6 months, SG caused 22% weight loss in both groups. Despite a reduction in HbA1c by 3.0 ± 1.3% in the diabetes group (p < 0.01), 1‐h PG, and MAGE remained elevated, and the oral disposition index, which represents pancreatic β‐cell function, remained reduced in the diabetes group when compared to the non‐diabetes group.

Conclusions

Elevation of GV markers and reduced disposition index following SG‐induced weight loss in the diabetes group underscores persistent β‐cell dysfunction and the potential residual risk of diabetes complications.
Analysis of the microstructural connectivity and compressive behavior of particle aggregated silica aerogels
Authors: Xiong Weibo , Abdusalamov Rasul , Itskov Mikhail , Milow Barbara , Rege Ameya
Published: January 2024

Porous media such as aerogels can exhibit unique properties including low thermal conductivity, low bulk density, and low sound velocity. However, the limited mechanical properties of aerogels restrict their widespread application. This study focuses on understanding the mechanical behavior of aggregated silica aerogels by investigating their microstructural connectivity and densification mechanisms under uniaxial compression. The interparticle connectivity is generated using the diffusion‐limited cluster–cluster aggregation (DLCA) algorithm, and the particle connections are modeled by beam elements that account for contact interaction. The mechanical response of representative volume elements (RVEs) is analyzed in both linear and nonlinear regimes while applying periodic boundary conditions. The model is correlated with experimental compression test data to validate the simulation results. With increasing compressive strain, load transitions between multiple backbone paths appear in the network structure. Thus, the simulation model provides insight into the compression process. Moreover, the simulation model enables the examination of the influence of various model parameters and facilitates the evaluation of the power–law relationship between the elasticity modulus and porosity of aerogels.
Clinical decision support to enhance venous thromboembolism pharmacoprophylaxis prescribing for pediatric inpatients with COVID‐19
Authors: Yan Adam Paul , Parsons Chase , Caplan Gregory , Kelly Daniel P. , Duzan Julie , Drake Emily , Kumar Riten
Published: January 2024

Objective

To design and evaluate a clinical decision support (CDS) module to improve guideline concordant venous thromboembolism (VTE) pharmacoprophylaxis prescribing for pediatric inpatients with COVID‐19.

Materials and methods

The proportion of patients who met our institutional clinical practice guideline's (CPG) criteria for VTE prophylaxis was compared to those who triggered a CDS alert, indicating the patient needed VTE prophylaxis, and to those who were prescribed prophylaxis pre and post the launch of a new VTE CDS module to support VTE pharmacoprophylaxis prescribing. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, F1‐score and accuracy of the tool were calculated for the pre‐ and post‐intervention periods using the CPG recommendation as the gold standard. Accuracy was defined as the sum of the true positives and true negatives over the sum of the true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives. Logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with correct thromboprophylaxis prescribing.

Results

A significant increase in the proportion of patients triggering a CDS alert occurred in the post‐intervention period (44.3% vs. 6.9%, p < .001); however, no reciprocal increase in VTE prophylaxis prescribing was achieved (36.6% vs. 40.9%, p = .53). The updated CDS module had an improved sensitivity (55.0% vs. 13.3%), NPV (44.9% vs. 36.3%), F1‐score (66.7% vs. 23.5%), and accuracy (62.5% vs. 42.0%), but an inferior specificity (78.6% vs. 100%) and PPV (84.6% vs. 100%).

Discussion

The updated CDS model had an improved accuracy and overall performance in correctly identifying patients requiring VTE prophylaxis. Despite an increase in correct patient identification by the CDS module, the proportion of patients receiving appropriate pharmacologic prophylaxis did not change.

Conclusion

CDS tools to support correct VTE prophylaxis prescribing need ongoing refinement and validation to maximize clinical utility.
Predicting damage behaviors of composite laminates under multiple low‐velocity impacts
Authors: Lyu Qihui , Wang Ben , Zhao Zhenqiang , Bai Risheng , Guo Zaoyang , Wang Biao
Published: January 2024

In present investigation, experimental and numerical approaches were combined to investigate the distance between impact positions (DBIP) effects upon impact response and damage accumulation regarding carbon/glass hybrid laminates with multiple low‐velocity impacts. Force/energy‐time curves as well as force‐displacement curves with respect to the laminates with three various impact energies at four different impact positions were obtained from experiment data. Then C‐scans were made to quantify the damage of all the impacted specimens. Additionally, an integrated multi‐impact model was created considering both interlaminar delamination and intralaminar damage. Continuum damage mechanics model (CDM) was developed to calculate the impact resistance regarding laminates under various impact loadings with high efficiency. The simulation and experimental results agreed well. Moreover, the qualitative effects of impact positions on the laminates' mechanical responses were summarized utilizing predictive model that validated.

Highlights

The effect of the DBIP on the impact response and damage accumulation of carbon/glass hybrid laminates subjected to multiple low‐velocity impacts was studied.

An integrated multi‐impact model was developed to predict the impact resistance of laminates under various impact loadings with high efficiency.

The qualitative effects of impact positions on the laminates' mechanical responses were summarized using a validated predictive model.
Improving the stability of multiwalled carbon nanotube/silicone rubber composites strain sensors by nanosilica
Authors: Wan Bangwei , Yang Yang , Zhao Yanfang
Published: January 2024

Conductive polymer composites use elastomers as a matrix for strain sensors. However, elastic polymer composites usually exhibit shoulder peak effects in their resistance response signals, limiting their applicability as strain sensors. In this study, we modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ) by incorporating nanosilica (NSD) to eliminate the shoulder peak effect. The results showed that the addition of a suitable amount of NSD can improve the reconstruction of the conductive network of composite material and eliminated the shoulder peak effect of the composite material in the resistive response signal. The mechanism of eliminating the shoulder peak effect was elucidated, while the mechanical properties of the composite material were improved, which endowed the composite material with excellent strain sensing properties, including sensitivity (GF = 127) and response time (270 ms), and maintained excellent stability and recovery even in 15,000 cycles. These findings highlight the potential of our strain sensor for the real‐time strain monitoring of large‐deformation isolation bearings.

Highlights

NSD eliminates shoulder peak effect in MWCNT/VMQ composites.

Explained the shoulder peak effect elimination mechanism.

NSD enhanced mechanical properties of MWCNT/VMQ composites.

MWCNT‐NSD20/VMQ composites have stable resistive strain response properties.
In‐utero evaluation of the fetal umbilical–portal venous system among fetuses with persistent right umbilical vein: Two‐and three‐dimensional ultrasonographic study
Authors: Massarwa Abeer , Weissbach Tal , Hadi Efrat , YuLzari Vered , Messing Baruch , Adamo Laura , Elkan‐Miller Tal , Achiron Reuven , Kivilevich Zvi , Bart Yossi , Weisz Boaz , Yoeli‐Ullman Rakefet , Mazaki Shali , Kassif Eran
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the anatomy of the portal system in fetuses with persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV).

Methods

Prospective observational study of fetuses diagnosed with PRUV. All patients underwent a comprehensive portal system anatomy scan supplemented by two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) color doppler modalities.

Results

29 fetuses with PRUV were studied. We perceived an identical anatomical pattern in 28 fetuses. The right umbilical vein drains to the portal sinus (future right portal vein, RPV), which has a configuration of a left portal vein (LPV) in the normal left portal system, with three emerging branches: inferior (RPVi), medial (RPVm) and superior (RPVs). The RPV then courses to the left, towards the stomach to the point of the bifurcation of the main portal vein (MPV) to become the left portal vein. The LPV has an RPV configuration in a normal portal system with anterior (LPVa) and posterior (RPVp) branches. This anatomical layout mimics a mirror image of the normal anatomy of left portal system.

Conclusion

PRUV has unique umbilical portal venous anatomy, which is a mirror image of the normal left portal system. It can be demonstrated prenatally and serve as an additional tool for prenatal diagnosis of PRUV.
Fabrication of a packaging film based on PLA blends: The evolution of physical, mechanical, and rheological properties
Authors: Attari Kia , Molla‐Abbasi Payam , Rashidzadeh Bahaaldin
Published: January 2024

Today, the use of biodegradable polymers has become widespread in a wide range of industries. This research scrutinized the physical, mechanical, and rheological properties of poly (lactic acid)/poly (ethylene oxide)/carbon nanotube (PLA/PEO/CNTs) blend nanocomposites, as a good candidate for usage in the packaging industry. PEO and CNTs were added at various concentrations to improve the flexibility, toughness, gas permeability, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of PLA via solution blending. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), water contact angle (WCA), rheometric mechanical spectrometer (RMS) test, gas permeability, and tensile characterization were performed to characterize the properties of the prepared blends and nanocomposites. The experimental results revealed that the addition of 25 wt% PEO to the PLA matrix made a partially miscible blend with a droplet‐matrix morphology. PEO at this concentration increased the elongation at break (from 2.2% to 18%) while reducing the modulus (from 25 to 6 MPa). Also, the experimental results indicated that the miscibility of PLA and PEO was enhanced by the addition of 1 wt% CNTs to the prepared blend, associated with diminished entropy of mixing in the LCST phase diagram. Theoretical calculations predicted that the CNTs would be localized in the PLA phase which increased the total crystallinity of the sample by 28%, considerably reducing the amount of gas permeation into the nanocomposite. In addition, the introduction of the CNTs to the blend increased the elongation at break and tensile strength by 13% compared to pure PLA and lowered the rate of thermal degradation effectively. Also, the final results showed that the COOH‐CNTs located in the PEO phase caused a decline in the crystallinity and an increase in the gas permeability of the prepared nanocomposite.

Highlights

Improvement of physical properties of PLA by blending with PEO and CNTs.

A deep investigation on rheological behavior of the prepared nanocomposite.

Increasing the crystallinity degree of PLA/PEO blend by adding CNTs.

Improvement of the miscibility between PLA and PEO in the presence of CNTs.

Controlling the CNTs localization by surface modification.
Registration of ‘Tamrun OL18L’ and ‘Tamrun OL19’ peanut
Authors: Burow Mark D. , Baring Michael R. , Chagoya Jennifer , Simpson Charles E. , Cason John M. , López Yolanda
Published: January 2024

‘Tamrun OL18L’ (Reg. no. CV‐155, PI 703068) and ‘Tamrun OL19’ (Reg. no. CV‐156, PI 703069) are high‐yielding, high oleic, early‐maturing runner‐type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. subsp. hypogaea) cultivars. Tamrun OL18L was derived from a cross between a high oleic runner cultivar, ‘Tamrun OL02’, and TxL017746, an early runner breeding line selection developed from a cross between PI 109839 and ‘Florunner’. Tamrun OL19 was derived from a cross between a high oleic runner cultivar, ‘Tamrun OL01’, and TxL017746. Maturity of Tamrun OL18L was similar to ‘Tamrun OL12’, approximately 2 weeks earlier than ‘Tamrun OL07’. Tamrun OL19 matured approximately 1 week earlier than Tamrun OL07 and 1 week later than Tamrun OL12. Grades of Tamrun OL18L and Tamrun OL19 were similar, intermediate numerically between but not statistically different from Tamrun OL07 and Tamrun OL12; by comparison, Tamrun OL12 had a significantly lower grade than Tamrun OL07. Grades of Tamrun OL18L and Tamrun OL19 were lower than ‘Tamrun OL11’ but were similar to ‘Georgia‐09B’, ‘FloRun 107,’ and ‘TUFRunner 511.’ Yields were similar to Georgia‐09B, FloRun 107, and TUFRunner 511 but were higher than ‘Tamnut OL06’ and Tamrun OL11. Tamrun OL18L had a larger seed than most cultivars tested, significantly larger than Tamrun OL12 and Tamnut OL06, but was similar in size to Tamrun OL07 and ‘Webb’. No differences in flavor were noted between Tamrun OL18L, Tamrun OL19, and check cultivars.
Analysis of N‐ and O‐linked site‐specific glycosylation by ion mobility mass spectrometry: State of the art and future directions
Authors: Girgis Michael , Petruncio Gregory , Russo Paul , Peyton Steven , Paige Mikell , Campos Diana , Sanda Miloslav
Published: January 2024

Glycosylation, the major post‐translational modification of proteins, significantly increases the diversity of proteoforms. Glycans are involved in a variety of pivotal structural and functional roles of proteins, and changes in glycosylation are profoundly connected to the progression of numerous diseases. Mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as the gold standard for glycan and glycopeptide analysis because of its high sensitivity and the wealth of fragmentation information that can be obtained. Various separation techniques have been employed to resolve glycan and glycopeptide isomers at the front end of the MS. However, differentiating structures of isobaric and isomeric glycopeptides constitutes a challenge in MS‐based characterization. Many reports described the use of various ion mobility–mass spectrometry (IM–MS) techniques for glycomic analyses. Nevertheless, very few studies have focused on N‐ and O‐linked site‐specific glycopeptidomic analysis. Unlike glycomics, glycoproteomics presents a multitude of inherent challenges in microheterogeneity, which are further exacerbated by the lack of dedicated bioinformatics tools. In this review, we cover recent advances made towards the growing field of site‐specific glycosylation analysis using IM–MS with a specific emphasis on the MS techniques and capabilities in resolving isomeric peptidoglycan structures. Furthermore, we discuss commonly used software that supports IM–MS data analysis of glycopeptides.
3,5‐dinitro‐N2,N6‐bis(2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)pyrazine‐2,6‐diamine (ZXC‐71): Thermally stable explosives with outstanding properties
Authors: Zhang Xingcheng , Li Yanyan , Lu Sitong , Xi Aoqi , Zhou Qiuju , Chen Luyao
Published: January 2024

Single‐compound heat‐resistant explosives are an important class of high‐energy compounds with excellent thermal stability. In this paper, a novel thermally stable explosive 3,5‐dinitro‐N2,N6‐bis(2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)pyrazine‐2,6‐diamine (ZXC‐71) is reported. The commercially available 2,6‐dichloropyrazine was used as raw materials to prepare this compound with a straightforward method. The crystalline structure of ZXC‐71 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. From the calculated standard molar enthalpy of formation and the measured density, the Chapman–Jouguet detonation properties were predicted. The detonation velocity (D), detonation pressure (P), and density (ρ) of ZXC‐71 are 8608 m s−1, 29.8 GPa, and 1.86 g cm−3, respectively. ZXC‐71 also exhibits remarkable impact sensitivity (FS=22 J).
Is pitolisant safe for clinical use? A retrospective pharmacovigilance study focus on the post‐marketing safety
Authors: Jiang Cheng , Qian Jiancheng , Jiang Xin , Zhang Shuohan , Zheng Junxian , Wang Hongwei
Published: January 2024

Pitolisant, a novel histamine H3‐receptor antagonist, holds significant promise for treating narcolepsy. However, a petition, which highlighted that pitolisant was associated with deaths during clinical trials, has propelled it into the spotlight of widespread societal attention on April 3, 2023. Till now, the clinical safety of pitolisant remains a heatedly debated topic. This study aimed to offer a comprehensive assessment of the safety profile of pitolisant in real‐world clinical settings. Adverse event reports where pitolisant was the primary suspect drug were extracted from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database. The clinical characteristics and concomitant drugs of the pitolisant‐associated adverse events were analyzed. The potential adverse event signals of pitolisant were explored using four disproportionality analysis methods. Furthermore, the difference in pitolisant‐associated adverse event signals was investigated concerning sex, age, weight, and dose. A total of 526 reports and 1695 adverse events with pitolisant as the primary suspected drug were identified. The most significant adverse event signals were generally mild and of short duration. The concomitant drugs of pitolisant were highly intricate, mainly included drugs for treating narcolepsy as well as antidepressants. Seven new significant adverse event signals emerged. The safety profile of pitolisant exhibited no significant differences across age and dose groups, although slight variations were observed in relation to sex and weight. The findings from reports of death and life‐threatening outcomes underscore the importance of enhanced monitoring for cardiac and respiratory adverse reactions when utilizing pitolisant. This study provided a broader understanding of the safety profile of pitolisant.
A time‐varying meshing stiffness model for gears with mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication based on load‐sharing
Authors: Gu Yingkui , Chen Ronghua , Qiu Guangqi , Huang Peng
Published: January 2024

In mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL), the load distribution between the gear meshing surfaces is shared by the oil film and the asperities of the gear's rough surface. Based on the load‐sharing concept, this paper proposes a time‐varying meshing stiffness (TVMS) model for gears with mixed EHL. The initial step involves the utilization of the Greenwood‐Williamson model to calculate the contact stiffness of surface asperities, while the lubricating film is assessed using a curve‐fitting formula to investigate the influence of gear surface morphology on TVMS. Subsequently, the incorporation of gear fillet foundation deformation and friction enables accurate TVMS determination. The proposed method is employed to examine the meshing stiffness of the gear pair under both dry lubrication and EHL conditions. Comparative analysis reveals favorable agreement between the proposed model and experimental results obtained under dry lubrication, thereby highlighting the superior performance of the proposed approach. Moreover, the time‐varying friction coefficient under EHL is computed, and the impacts of gear surface morphology parameters, temperature, speed, and load on lubrication conditions and TVMS are investigated. The findings presented in this paper contribute significantly to advancements in gear design and performance.
Some novel neighborhood degree sum‐based versus degree‐based topological indices in QSPR analysis of alkanes from n‐butane to nonanes
Authors: Chamua Monjit , Buragohain Jibonjyoti , Bharali A.
Published: January 2024

The topological indices are reported to be very useful in various QSPR studies as these indices can be utilized as a tool to predict the physicochemical properties of a diverse set of chemical compounds. The objective of this communication is twofold. First, to introduce some neighborhood degree sum‐based topological indices and perform a comparative QSPR analysis of the indices with their corresponding degree‐based topological indices to analyze the usefulness of the new indices. Second, to investigate isomer discrimination ability of the newly defined indices on the basis of degeneracy test. Neighborhood degree sum‐based topological indices not only consider the degree of each atom in the molecule but also the degrees of its neighboring atoms. Moreover, these indices are expected to provide information about how connected and dense the neighborhoods of atoms are within the molecule. In this study, we observe that the proposed neighborhood degree sum‐based topological indices exhibit better correlation with some physicochemical properties of Octane Isomers and 66 alkanes as compared to their corresponding degree‐based topological indices. Also, the supremacy in terms of sensitivity of the neighbourhood degree sum‐based topological indices as compared to the classical degree‐based ones is established.
QSAR studies of quinoline alkaloids camptothecin derivatives for prediction anticancer activity using linear and nonlinear methods
Authors: Mohebbi Shahaboddin , Shafiei Fatemeh , Momeni Isfahani Tahereh , Ahmadi Sabegh Mehdi
Published: January 2024

Quinoline alkaloid camptothecin (CPT) derivatives are compounds with a wide range of inhibitory activities and they are the basis of several groups of drugs. CPT is one of the prominent lead compounds in anticancer drug development. It inhibits DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) enzyme and has shown remarkable anticancer activity against lung, colon, rectum, ovarian, breast, and stomach cancers. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) is basically a statistical approach correlating the response activity data with descriptors encoding chemical information. In the current research, a QSAR study was performed for modeling and predicting the anticancer activity (pIC50) of 76 CPT derivatives as an inhibitor of DNA topo I using the genetic algorithm multiple linear regression (GA‐MLR) and back propagation artificial neural network (BP‐ANN) methods. The results of this study indicate that the use of constitutional and geometrical descriptors provide good estimate for pIC50. The obtained results of statistical criteria, internal and external validation show the superiority of BP‐ANN model than GA‐MLR to predict the pIC50 values of the investigated compounds. QSAR model developed in this study can be used for design and development of novel potent CPT derivatives and for predicting their anticancer activity.
Reactions of gas phase amino acids with the prevailing radicals in biomass thermal treatments
Authors: Al‐Kwradi Mubarak , Altarawneh Mohammednoor
Published: January 2024

Amino acids, N‐containing compounds, hold a significant importance in various field. Within the biomass energy sector, amino acids constitute a large fraction of the biomass's nitrogen content. As such, it is essential to comprehend their combustion chemistry; most specifically their biomolecular interactions with governing radicals in the pyrolytic and combustion media that prevail during thermal utilization of biomass. Herein, we have employed quantum chemical calculations and reaction rate theory to investigate reactions of a selected set of amino acids with H, CH3, NH2, OH, HO2, and HS radicals. Thermo‐kinetic calculations have been performed to determine the rates of hydrogen abstraction by these six radicals across all possible reaction channels for three specific amino acids: alanine, cysteine, and methionine. The investigation of other amino acids like glycine, threonine, and other models have been carried out for α‐C positions as the most probable abstractable sites. The study also examines the individual effects of different substituents (COOH, NH2, HS, and CH2) and uncovers significant insights. Notably, the presence of the COOH group introduces polar effects that counterintuitively deactivate the thermodynamically favored α‐abstraction pathway. Presented thermo‐kinetic values are anticipated to complement existing biomass kinetic models and to improve current understanding of chemical events that participate in the complex nitrogen transformation reactions in biomass.
Binding interactions of EDCs to human estrogen‐related receptor gamma deciphered by multiple molecular dynamics and energy calculations
Authors: Yang Jiawen , Chen Lin , Huang Xu , Zhao Bing , Wang Ruige
Published: January 2024

Dichloro‐diphenyl‐trichloroethane (DDT) analogs, classified as environmental endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), have been extensively employed as potent insecticides that can cause endocrine system disruption. However, the precise dynamic structural characteristics and interactions between human estrogen‐related receptor gamma (hERRγ) and DDT analogs are not yet fully understood. In this study, we comprehensively investigate the impact of these EDCs (DDT, dichloro‐diphenyl‐dichloroethane (DDD), 2,2‐bis(4‐chlorophenyl)ethanol (DDOH), O,P′‐DDT (2,4′‐DDT), 4,4′‐dichlorobenzophenone (DCBP), and 4‐hydrotamoxifen (4‐OHT) on the structural changes of hERRγ and their interaction mechanisms by employing multiple molecular dynamics (MD) simulations coupled with MM‐PBSA and SIE approaches. The consequence manifested that overall structures of these six complexes did not transform markedly, but these compounds can affect the local hERRγ structure, leading to essential changes in interactions with pivotal residues nearby L268, V313, L309, Y326, and F435. And van der Waals interactions are the key to how these EDCs interact with hERRγ. These outcomes contribute to our comprehension the risks of DDT analogues to human health.
Prevalence and outcomes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rathore Sawai Singh , Wint Zario Shai , Goyal Aman , Jeswani Bijay Mukesh , Farrukh Ameer Mustafa , Nieto‐Salazar María Alejandra , Thugu Thanmai Reddy , Erva Snigdha , Mehmood Raafay , Toro‐velandia Adriana Carolina , Aneis Hamam , Ratnani Sunny , Al Shyyab Ibrahim Marouf Yasin
Published: January 2024

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in COVID‐19 presents challenges in patient management. Existing studies lack comprehensive review due to varied designs, samples, and demographics. A meta‐analysis can provide valuable insights into the incidence, features, and outcomes of UGIB in COVID‐19. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using several databases. We considered all appropriate observational studies from all over the world. Mantel‐Haenszel odds ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were produced to report the overall effect size using random effect models. Besides, Random effects models were used to calculate the overall pooled prevalence. Funnel plots, Egger regression tests, and Begg‐Mazumdar's rank correlation test were used to appraise publication bias. Data from 21 articles consisting of 26,933 COVID‐19 patients were considered. The pooled estimate of UGIB prevalence in patients admitted with COVID‐19 across studies was 2.10% (95% CI, 1.23–3.13). Similarly, the overall pooled estimate for severity, mortality, and rebleeding in COVID‐19 patients with UGIB was 55% (95% CI, 37.01–72.68), 29% (95% CI, 19.26–40.20) and 12.7% (95% CI, 7.88–18.42) respectively. Further, UGIB in COVID‐19 patients was associated with increased odds of severity (OR = 3.52, 95% CI 1.80–6.88, P = 0.001) and mortality (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.33–3.51, P = 0.002) compared with patients without UGIB. No significant publication bias was evident in the meta‐analysis. The results of our study indicate that UGIB in individuals with COVID‐19 is linked to negative outcomes such as severe illness, higher mortality rates, and an increased risk of re‐bleeding. These findings highlight the significance of identifying UGIB as a significant complication in COVID‐19 cases and emphasise the importance of timely clinical assessment and proper treatment.
Fixed‐time dual sliding mode control for linear synchronous motor maglev systems
Authors: Lei Cheng , Lan Yipeng , Xu Zelai , Sun Yunpeng
Published: January 2024

A dual fixed‐time terminal sliding mode control strategy is proposed to address the problems of magnetic coupling, end effects and unknown disturbances in linear synchronous motor maglev systems, which ensures that the system tracking trajectory achieves fixed‐time convergence and high accuracy. First, a fixed‐time integral terminal sliding mode surface is designed to obtain the desired dynamic properties and avoid the singularity problem. Second, based on the dynamic sliding mode theory, a second fixed‐time terminal sliding mode surface is designed to weaken the chattering problem in the controller by replacing the discontinuous switching signal with a continuous switching rule. The proposed controller is theoretically proved to be fixed‐time convergent and the convergence time is independent of the initial conditions by means of the Lyapunov function and the fixed‐time convergence theorem. Finally, simulations and experiments are carried out on a linear maglev experimental platform. Compared with the fixed‐time sliding mode control, the simulation and experimental results show that the proposed strategy improves the tracking accuracy by 37.5%, the convergence speed by 33.3%, and the robustness by 42.1%, which has the advantages of fast convergence speed, strong robustness, and weak chattering.
Improved value iteration for nonlinear tracking control with accelerated learning
Authors: Wang Ding , Wang Yuan , Ha Mingming , Ren Jin , Qiao Junfei
Published: January 2024

In this article, an adaptive critic scheme with a novel performance index function is developed to solve the tracking control problem, which eliminates the tracking error and possesses the adjustable convergence rate in the offline learning process. Under some conditions, the convergence and monotonicity of the accelerated value function sequence can be guaranteed. Combining the advantages of the adjustable and general value iteration schemes, an integrated algorithm is proposed with a fast guaranteed convergence, which involves two stages, namely the acceleration stage and the convergence stage. Moreover, an effective approach is given to adaptively determine the acceleration interval. With this operation, the fast convergence of the new value iteration scheme can be fully utilized. Finally, compared with the general value iteration, the numerical results are presented to verify the fast convergence and the tracking performance of the developed adaptive critic design.
Micro‐Acoustic Holograms for Detachable Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Xu Mingxin , Vidler Callum , Wang Jizhen , Chen Xi , Pan Zijian , Harley William S. , Lee Peter V. S. , Collins David J.
Published: January 2024

Acoustic microfluidic devices have advantages for diagnostic applications, therapeutic solutions, and fundamental research due to their contactless operation, simple design, and biocompatibility. However, most acoustofluidic approaches are limited to forming simple and fixed acoustic patterns, or have limited resolution. In this study,a detachable microfluidic device is demonstrated employing miniature acoustic holograms to create reconfigurable, flexible, and high‐resolution acoustic fields in microfluidic channels, where the introduction of a solid coupling layer makes these holograms easy to fabricate and integrate. The application of this method to generate flexible acoustic fields, including shapes, characters, and arbitrarily rotated patterns, within microfluidic channels, is demonstrated.
Elucidating the Bioinspired Synthesis Process of Magnetosomes‐Like Fe3O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Mao Yu , Liu Jizi , Sun Jianfei , Zhao Yifan , An Yuan , Wu Lihe , Feng Haikao , Chen Bo , Chen Ruipeng , Zhang Kai , Li Yan , Huang Xiao , Gu Ning
Published: January 2024

Iron oxide nanoparticles are a kind of important biomedical nanomaterials. Although their industrial‐scale production can be realized by the conventional coprecipitation method, the controllability of their size and morphology remains a huge challenge. In this study, a kind of synthetic polypeptide Mms6‐28 which mimics the magnetosome protein Mms6 is used for the bioinspired synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). Magnetosomes‐like Fe3O4 NPs with uniform size, cubooctahedral shape, and smooth crystal surfaces are synthesized via a partial oxidation process. The Mms6‐28 polypeptides play an important role by binding with iron ions and forming nucleation templates and are also preferably attached to the [100] and [111] crystal planes to induce the formation of uniform cubooctahedral Fe3O4 NPs. The continuous release and oxidation of Fe2+ from pre‐formed Fe2+‐rich precursors within the Mms6‐28‐based template make the reaction much controllable. The study affords new insights into the bioinspired‐ and bio‐synthesis mechanism of magnetosomes.
Ruddlesden–Popper Tin‐Based Halide Perovskite Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Yang Wonryeol , Dou Letian , Zhu Huihui , Noh Yong‐Young
Published: January 2024

Tin‐based halide perovskites garner attention as a promising semiconducting layer material for field‐effect transistors (FETs) owing to their lower effective mass than their lead‐based counterparts. However, they suffer from low ambient stability because Sn2+ is readily oxidized to Sn4+ in air. To address this issue, Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskites featuring large organic cations emerge as promising materials for FETs. In this article, a comprehensive overview of the properties and advantages of RP‐phase tin‐based halide perovskites used in FETs are provided. Recent advancements in 2D and 2D/3D RP tin‐based perovskite FETs are examined, and challenges related to the fabrication of uniform large‐area films and strategies for improving ambient stability and operational durability are discussed. In this review article, the potential of RP perovskites for FET applications is emphasized and the need for further research to unlock their full potential is highlighted.
ADORA2B, transcriptionally suppressing by MYC, promotes ferroptosis of chondrocytes via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway in mice with osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Shen , Han Jiangbo , Cao Jiongzhe , Han Hong , Lu Bin , Wen Tao , Bian Weiguo
Published: January 2024

Recent studies have shown that chondrocyte ferroptosis contributes importantly to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). However, it is largely unknown how it is regulated. In this study, the data sets GSE167852 and GSE190184 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and 161 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to ferroptosis were screened by bioinformatics analysis. Subsequently, ADORA2B was screened as a candidate gene from DEGs, which was significantly upregulated in palmitic acid (PA) treated chondrocytes. CCK‐8, EdU, Western blotting, and ferroptosis‐related kits assays demonstrated that knockdown of ADORA2B constrained ferroptosis and promoted viability of chondrocytes. Overexpression of ADORA2B promoted ferroptosis, while the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor LY294002 reversed the promotion of ADORA2B on ferroptosis. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays indicated MYC was a transcription suppressor of ADORA2B, and overexpression of MYC promoted the viability, and inhibited the ferroptosis of chondrocytes, while ADORA2B overexpression abated the promotion of MYC on chondrocyte viability and the inhibition on ferroptosis. In vivo experiments showed that MYC overexpression alleviated cartilage tissue damage in OA mice, which was able to reversed by ADORA2B overexpression. In summary, ADORA2B, transcriptionally suppressing by MYC, promotes ferroptosis of chondrocytes via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Thus, ADORA2B can be used as a potential treatment target for ferroptosis‐related diseases.
Prevention of surface defects in calendered poly(vinyl chloride) sheets using a succinate‐capped poly(caprolactone) additive
Authors: Rideout Andrew , Panchal Kushal , Maric Milan , Leask Richard , Nicell Jim
Published: January 2024

Surface defects known as “gas checks” often mar the surfaces of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) calendered films. These defects are typically prevented through changes in the calender operating parameters, a costly exercise which also limits the sheet thickness and the production rate. Adding a low concentration of poly(caprolactone) (PCL)‐based star‐shaped compound can eliminate gas check defects in PVC calendering. The effects of a triheptylsuccinate‐terminated PCL with a PCL triol core and number average molecular weight of 540 g/mol (i.e., PCL540‐[(succ)‐C7]3) has been investigated on the material, thermal, and processing properties of PVC blends containing diisononyl phthalate (DINP) as a primary plasticizer and PCL540‐[(succ)‐C7]3 in low quantities (i.e., 0, 5, or 10 parts per hundred rubber (phr)) as a secondary plasticizer and processing aid. The most significant differences between PVC blends containing PCL540‐[(succ)‐C7]3 and those without are in the rheological properties of the PVC blends at higher temperatures and lower angular frequencies. Under these conditions, PVC blends containing 10 phr of PCL540‐[(succ)‐C7]3 have a complex viscosity nearly three times higher than those containing only DINP. PVC/PCL540‐[(succ)‐C7]3 blends had comparable tensile properties to those containing only DINP, with no significant change in maximum elongation and a small but significant increase of 28% in maximum stress. The addition of PCL540‐[(succ)‐C7]3 made it possible to produce calendered films without gas checks that were twice as thick as those produced in its absence. In addition to reduced wastage of marred films, the increased calender operating range for PVC films containing PCL540‐[(succ)‐C7]3 has the potential to significantly reduce energy costs for the calendering of thick PVC films.
Studies of the Ecology of the Benguela Current Upwelling System: The TRAFFIC Approach
Authors: Martin Bettina , Auel Holger , Bode-Dalby Maya , Dudeck Tim , Duncan Sabrina , Ekau Werner , Fock Heino O. , Hagen Wilhelm , Heinatz Knut , Kaufmann Manfred J. , Koppelmann Rolf , Lamont Tarron , Louw Deon , Moloto Tebatso , Sell Anne F. , Thomalla Sandy , van der Lingen Carl D.
Published: January 2024

Under the umbrella of SPACES (Science Partnerships for the Adaptation to Complex Earth System Processes in Southern Africa), several marine projects have been conducted to study the coastal upwelling area off southwestern Africa, the Benguela Upwelling System (BUS). The BUS is economically important for the bordering countries due to its large fish stocks. We present results from the projects GENUS and TRAFFIC, which focused on the biogeochemistry and biology of this marine area. The physical drivers, the nutrient distributions, and the different ecosystem components were studied on numerous expeditions using different methods. The important aspects of the ecosystem, such as key species and food web complexity were studied for a later evaluation of trophic transfer efficiency and to forecast possible changes in this highly productive marine area. This chapter provides a literature review and analyses of own data of the main biological trophic components in the Benguela Upwelling System gathered during two cruises in February/March 2019 and October 2021.
Façade Fires in High-Rise Buildings: Challenges and Artificial Intelligence Solutions
Authors: Sharma Ankit , Zhang Tianhang , Dwivedi Gaurav
Published: January 2024

In recent decades, there has been an increased demand for tall buildings to meet the needs of modern urbanization. However, the construction challenges and greater fuel loads involved have resulted in frequent fire incidents, causing significant losses in terms of life and property. This has led engineers and researchers around the world to develop safety measures. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the physics behind fire and smoke propagation in high-rise buildings and take steps to prevent their future occurrence. This also greatly aids in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the Paris Agreement, specifically goal 11, i.e., make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This chapter presents an overview of characteristics for understanding high-rise building fires with a particular focus on façades. It has been further divided into different sections. First, basic terminology of façades and fire growth curve is discussed followed by design fire scenarios. Next, characteristics and mechanisms of façade fires are explained. Finally, the solution to adopt artificial intelligence (AI)/deep learning technologies for early warning and fire risk assessment is introduced. AI can be used to simulate fire scenarios, helping architects and engineers design efficient fire safety systems.
Urban Drainage Infrastructures Toward a Sustainable Future
Authors: Ferdowsi Ahmad , Behzadian Kourosh
Published: January 2024

Urban drainage infrastructures (UDIs), as one of the main urban infrastructures, serve some important functions in urban areas and can be considered vital to reach the global goals that were set out by the United Nations to tackle current problems and make a more sustainable future. However, climate change and other drivers such as population growth, infrastructure aging, and rapid urbanization are exerting pressure on UDIs. This can not only undermine the expected performance of UDIs but also deviate from their role in the global goals. This chapter aims to shed light on the probable impacts of climatic change, urbanization, etc., on UDIs, and to propose measures to make them more resilient. Urbanization and climate change can have different negative impacts on deteriorating the performance of UDIs through an increase in flood risk and water pollution-related problems, which highlight the significance of incorporating these stressors into any adaptation and rehabilitation strategies in UDIs.
From shockwaves to the gravitational memory effect
Authors: He Temple , Raclariu Ana-Maria , Zurek Kathryn M.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We study the relationship between shockwave geometries and the gravitational memory effect in four-dimensional asymptotically flat spacetime. In particular, we show the ’t Hooft commutation relations of shockwave operators are equivalent to the commutation relation between soft and Goldstone modes parametrizing a sector of the gravitational phase space. We demonstrate this equivalence via a diffeomorphism that takes a shockwave metric to a metric whose transverse traceless component is the gravitational memory. The shockwave momentum in ’t Hooft’s analysis is related to the soft graviton mode, which is responsible for the memory effect, while the shift in the shockwave position is related to the Goldstone mode. This equivalence opens new directions to utilize the gravitational memory effect to explore the observational implications of shockwave geometries in flat space.
Erratum to: From locality to irregularity: introducing local quenches in massive scalar field theory
Authors: Ageev Dmitry S. , Belokon Aleksandr I. , Pushkarev Vasilii V.
Published: January 2024

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP05(2023)188
Handwerkschirurgie im frühen 17. Jahrhundert. Das Praxisjournal eines Münsteraner Barbiers
Authors: Stolberg Michael
Published: January 2024

Der Beitrag stellt das Praxisjournal eines Münsteraner Barbiers vor, in dem dieser rund 950 Fälle verzeichnete, die zwischen 1602 und 1614 in seine Behandlung kamen. Gestützt auf diese Quelle, untersucht er die Klientel, die Behandlungsanlässe und die Honorarforderungen eines handwerklich gebildeten Wundarztes im frühen 17. Jahrhundert.
Künstliche Intelligenz und sichere Gesundheitsdatennutzung im Projekt KI-FDZ: Anonymisierung, Synthetisierung und sichere Verarbeitung für Real-World-Daten
Authors: Prasser Fabian , Riedel Nico , Wolter Steven , Corr Dörte , Ludwig Marion
Published: January 2024

Die zunehmende Digitalisierung des Gesundheitswesens ist verbunden mit einem stetig wachsenden Datenvolumen, das durch Sekundärnutzung wertvolle Erkenntnisse über Diagnostik, Behandlungsprozesse und die Versorgungsqualität liefern kann. Das Forschungsdatenzentrum Gesundheit (FDZ) soll hierfür eine Infrastruktur bereitstellen. Dabei sind sowohl der Schutz der Privatsphäre der Patientinnen und Patienten als auch optimale Auswertungsmöglichkeiten von zentraler Bedeutung. Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) bietet hierfür ein doppeltes Potenzial. Zum einen ermöglichen Methoden des Machine Learning die Verarbeitung großer Datenmengen und die Analyse komplexer Zusammenhänge. Zum anderen können mithilfe von KI erzeugte synthetische – also künstliche – Daten die Privatsphäre schützen.

In diesem Beitrag wird das Projekt KI-FDZ vorgestellt, welches innovative Technologien erforscht, die eine sichere Bereitstellung von Sekundärdaten für Forschungszwecke gewährleisten können. Es wird ein mehrschichtiger Ansatz untersucht, bei dem Maßnahmen auf Datenebene auf unterschiedliche Weise mit der Verarbeitung in sicheren Umgebungen kombiniert werden können. Dazu werden unter anderem Anonymisierungs- und Synthetisierungsmethoden anhand von 2 konkreten Anwendungsbeispielen evaluiert. Zudem wird untersucht, wie das Erstellen von Pipelines für maschinelles Lernen und die Ausführung von KI-Algorithmen in sicheren Umgebungen gestaltet werden können. Vorläufige Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass mit diesem Ansatz ein hohes Maß an Schutz bei gleichzeitig hoher Datenvalidität erreicht werden kann. Der im Projekt untersuchte Ansatz kann ein wichtiger Baustein für die sichere Sekundärnutzung von Gesundheitsdaten sein.