bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multigenerational Exposure to Nano‐TiO2 Induces Ageing as a Stress Response Mitigated by Environmental Interactions
Authors: Ellis Laura-Jayne A. , Kissane Stephen , Hoffman Elijah , Valsami-Jones Eugenia , Brown James B. , Colbourne John K. , Lynch Iseult
Published: March 2021

Despite their ubiquity in personal care products, the health implications of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials (NMs) are under strenuous investigation for their potential as a carcinogen, whereas other evidence has shown links with premature ageing. Both potential hazards are manifested after chronic exposure. To explore the chronic effects of TiO2 NMs in the environment, a multigenerational study using the model test species Daphnia magna is conducted. Phenotypical characteristics associated with ageing are observed (loss or shortening of tails and lipid accumulation) with increased expression of highly conserved key stress response genes involved in inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. These responses are visible in continuously exposed daphnids over four generations and in daphnids removed from maternal exposure even three generations later. However, exposure to the “aged” variants of these NMs at the same concentrations significantly reduced these effects, and exposure in medium containing natural organic matter is less severe than in salt‐only medium.
Novel method for coke optical texture measurement and application on coke derived from different ranks of coking coal
Authors: Sun Weizhou , Zheng Mingdong , Cui Ping , Hu Desheng , Kan Xiu
Published: March 2021

The optical texture of coke is undoubtedly one of the important factors that determined many properties of coke, but it still mostly depends on the skills and experience of manual analysis. In this paper, a novel automatic measurement method is proposed for coke optical texture. this method through two analyzer angle images(10° and 170°) under polarizing microscope to recognize isochromatic regions which occurs color changed between blue and red by image processing, then characterize the dimensional sizes of isochromatic regions and classify them into different anisotropic texture type. Two fitted ellipse methods are used to characterize the regions' dimensional sizes by the range of shape factorS, followed by classifying different types of anisotropic texture according to the long and short axes of fitted ellipse. An automatic image acquisition and analysis system is established based on the above method. Finally, eight coke samples derived from different ranks of coking coal were selected to test the proposed method. The result shows that it can effectively recognize different types of anisotropic texture and provide composition of different anisotropic texture type for each coke. Moreover, the anisotropic degree of coke shows a significant positive correlation with parent coal rank and a negative correlation with coke reactivity index (CRI).
Potential natural polymer‐based nanofibres for the development of facemasks in countering viral outbreaks
Authors: Shanmugam Vigneshwaran , Babu Karthik , Garrison Thomas F. , Capezza Antonio J. , Olsson Richard T. , Ramakrishna Seeram , Hedenqvist Mikael S. , Singha Shuvra , Bartoli Mattia , Giorcelli Mauro , Sas Gabriel , Försth Michael , Das Oisik , Restás Ágoston , Berto Filippo
Published: March 2021

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has rapidly increased the demand for facemasks as a measure to reduce the rapid spread of the pathogen. Throughout the pandemic, some countries such as Italy had a monthly demand of ca. 90 million facemasks. Domestic mask manufacturers are capable of manufacturing 8 million masks each week, although the demand was 40 million per week during March 2020. This dramatic increase has contributed to a spike in the generation of facemask waste. Facemasks are often manufactured with synthetic materials that are non‐biodegradable, and their increased usage and improper disposal are raising environmental concerns. Consequently, there is a strong interest for developing biodegradable facemasks made with for example, renewable nanofibres. A range of natural polymer‐based nanofibres has been studied for their potential to be used in air filter applications. This review article examines potential natural polymer‐based nanofibres along with their filtration and antimicrobial capabilities for developing biodegradable facemask that will promote a cleaner production.
Intelligent injection molding: Parameters self‐learning optimization using iterative gradient‐approximation adaptive method
Authors: Dong Zhengyang , Zhao Peng , Zheng Jianguo , Ji Kaipeng , Chen Yuhong , Fu Jianzhong
Published: March 2021

Intelligent injection molding consists of three aspects: intelligent parameter optimization, process monitoring and control. The optimal process parameters are critical to guarantee product quality. Injection molding is a typical batch process and has the property that previous runs can provide feedback to optimize subsequent runs. This study proposes a self‐learning parameter optimization method named iterative gradient‐approximation adaptive optimization (IGAO) method, which adopts the batch‐to‐batch information to remove the need to establish optimization model with large numbers of experiments. The analysis and the optimization of the parameters can be performed simultaneously. The IGAO method approximates the gradient iteratively and assigns an adaptive step size to each parameter according to gradient accumulation. The experiments conducted in both simulation software and injection molding machine prove that the method has fast convergence speed. Standard product weight can be obtained within 11 runs from three different starting process parameters. Experiment results show that 25% less steps are needed compared with the traditional gradient descent method. The method also has good stability to resist disturbances during the optimization procedure. In general, the proposed IGAO method is fast, stable and robust, and it has good prospects for parameter optimization in batch processes.
Global formation control of nonholonomic unicycle vehicles with guaranteed rate of convergence
Authors: Zhao Yixin , Huang Wei , Liu Yupei , Luo Shiyu , Xie Wenjing
Published: March 2021

This paper studies the full‐state formation control problem of multiple nonholonomic unicycle vehicles. Firstly, the formation error model is transformed into standard nonholonomic chained form, including orientation and position error subsystems. For orientation subsystem, an angular velocity control law is designed to be a cooperative term plus an exponential decay function of time, ensuring orientations reach an agreement on a common value. For position error subsystem, a time‐varying output‐like variable is carefully constructed to ensure a stable zero dynamics, that is, the consensus of these output variables guarantees position formation, overcoming the intrinsic underactuated control difficulty. Then, a linear velocity control law is derived to realize consensus of outputs. It is proved that the proposed distributed time‐varying controller is capable of steering the vehicles to globally exponentially make into desired geometric position shape with the same orientations and vanishing velocities, provided that the communication topology is directed and having a spanning tree. The calculated convergence rates are shown dependent on controller coefficients; thus, the controller is modified to additionally reach a prescribed rate of convergence by redesigning conditions of controller parameters. Finally, two numerical simulations are implemented for five unicycle vehicles, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Robust smooth control for global uniform asymptotic stabilization of underactuated surface vessels with unknown model parameters
Authors: Xie Wenjing , Ma Baoli , Fernando Tyrone , Huang Wei , Zhao Yixin
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates how to design controllers to stabilize the underactuated surface vessel to desired constant location and orientation with vanishing velocities. The first control law is designed as a smooth function of position and orientation errors without using model parameters, where a gain is made time‐varying to get over the nonholonomic constraint on model. Skew‐symmetric and damping terms in model are exploited to help construct two particular Lyapunov functions, and Barbalat's lemma are combined to verify the global uniform asymptotic convergence of errors and velocities. Then, the second and the third control laws are devised as the forms of the first controller plus velocity feedbacks and can achieve the same stability as the first one but have a weaker gain condition. All the three controllers are robust to model parameters due to their absence in controllers and only require three model parameters' upper/lower bounds, decreasing the identification workload greatly. Moreover, they are the first smooth ones capable of achieving global uniform asymptotic full‐state stabilization control of vessel with unknown model parameters. Effectiveness of the proposed controllers is demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Record‐breaking daily rainfall in the United Kingdom and the role of anthropogenic forcings
Authors: Christidis Nikolaos , McCarthy Mark , Cotterill Daniel , Stott Peter A.
Published: March 2021

The breaking of the United Kingdom's daily rainfall record in October 2020 made a striking addition to the list of recent heavy precipitation events in the country. Mounting evidence from attribution research suggests that such extremes become more frequent and intense in a warming climate. Although most studies consider extreme events in specific months or seasons, here we investigate for the first time how extremes of the wettest day of the year may be influenced by anthropogenic forcings. Data from large multimodel ensembles indicate that the moderate historical trend towards wetter conditions will emerge more strongly in coming decades, while a notable anthropogenic influence on the variability of the wettest day may be identified as early as the 1900s. Experiments with different forcings are employed to estimate the changing probability of extremes due to anthropogenic climate change in a risk‐based attribution framework. We introduce a new methodology of estimating probabilities of extremes in the present and future that calibrates data from long simulations of the preindustrial climate to the mean state and variability of the reference climatic period. The new approach utilises larger samples of rainfall data than alternative methods, which is a major advantage when analysing extremely rare events. The record rainfall of the wettest day in year 2020 is estimated to have become about 2.5 times more likely because of human influence, while its return time, currently about 100 years, will decrease to only about 30 years by 2100. Compared to a hypothetical natural climate, we estimate a 10‐fold increase in the chances of such extreme rainfall events in the United Kingdom by the end of this century, which underlines the need for effective adaptation planning.
Surface engineered iron oxide nanoparticles as efficient materials for antibiofilm application
Authors: Velusamy Palaniyandi , Su Chia‐Hung , Kannan Kiruba , Kumar Govindarajan Venkat , Anbu Periasamy , Gopinath Subash C.B.
Published: March 2021

Overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of multidrug‐resistant strains. Antibiotic resistance is a major drawback in the biomedical field since medical implants are prone to infection by biofilms of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. With increasing prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant pathogenic bacteria, the search for alternative method is utmost importance. In this regard, magnetic nanoparticles are commonly used as a substitute for antibiotics that can circumvent the problem of biofilms growth on the surface of biomedical implants. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have unique magnetic properties that can be exploited in various ways in the biomedical applications. IONPs are engineered employing different methods to induce surface functionalization that include the use of polyethyleneimine and oleic acid. IONPs have a mechanical effect on biofilms in presence of an external magnet. In this review, a detailed description of surface‐engineered magnetic nanoparticles as ideal antibacterial agents is provided, accompanied by various methods of literature review.
Sample size optimization and initial allocation of the significance levels in group sequential trials with multiple endpoints
Authors: Gou Jiangtao
Published: March 2021

We consider multistage tests of multiple hypotheses under a flexible setting of calendar time and information fraction, focusing on the case where there are two hypotheses under testing. Explicit expressions of statistical powers are derived. With a proof of existence and uniqueness of solution, we develop a numerical method to search the optimal sample size. The proposed method allows us to find the suitable allocation of initial significance level along with the minimum sample size for group sequential designs, with and without hierarchical structures among different endpoints.
TSH adenoma and syndrome of resistance to thyroid hormones—Two cases report of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of thyrotropin
Authors: Deng Fang , Yang Ze‐yu , Zhang Yu‐ping , Wang Yu‐lin , Hu Jiong‐yu , Zhang Fan
Published: March 2021

SITSH (syndrome of inappropriate secretion of thyrotropin) is a rare clinical state defined as uninhibited serum thyroid stimulating hormone in the presence of elevated thyroid hormone. This state is complicated and mainly caused by the abnormal feedback of hypothalamus–pituitary thyroid axis. The TSH adenoma (TSH‐oma) and resistance to thyroid hormones (RTH) are the main etiologies of SITSH. As is well known that the treatment strategies of RTH and TSH‐oma are apparently different, thus identifying the difference between RTH and TSH‐oma is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of SITSH.

Case description

A 62‐year‐old man with a state of elevated thyroid hormones and inappropriate elevated serum TSH level was hospitalized in 2016. Results of the pituitary enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and the somatostatin test respectively demonstrated a space‐occupying lesion of pituitary and an elevated serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and inhibited TSH secretion, which indicated the occurrence of TSH‐oma. In 2019, a 23‐year‐old girl with a state of elevated thyroid hormones and inappropriate normal serum TSH was hospitalized. Interestingly, whole exome sequencing detection suggested a pathogenic mutation in thyroid hormone receptor β (THRB) gene, which has been shown to be associated with RTH.

Conclusions

The difference between TSH‐oma and RTH ought to be clarified for their accurate diagnose and treatment. The clinical experiences of the two cases reported here suggest that more detail information such as family medical history, serum SHBG level, and THRB gene test is helpful for the diagnose and treatment of TSH‐oma and RTH. Additionally, we also summarized the identification points, diagnosis process, and treatment strategies for these two rare diseases.
Hydrogen Bond Surrogate‐Constrained Dynamic Antiparallel β‐Sheets
Authors: Reddy Sravanthi S. , Pal Sunit , Ghosh Sudip , Prabhakaran Erode N.
Published: March 2021

Antiparallel β‐sheets are important secondary structures within proteins that equilibrate with random‐coil states; however, little is known about the exact dynamics of this process. Here, the first dynamic β‐sheet models that mimic this equilibrium have been designed by using an H‐bond surrogate that introduces constraint and torque into a tertiary amide bond. 2D NMR data sufficiently reveal the structure, kinetics, and thermodynamics of the folding process, thereby leading the way to similar analysis in isolated biologically relevant β‐sheets.
Rhodium Nanoparticle Size Effects on the CO2 Reforming of Methane and Propane
Authors: Alabdullah Mohammed , Ibrahim Mahmoud , Dhawale Dattatray , Bau Jeremy A. , Harale Aadesh , Katikaneni Sai , Gascon Jorge
Published: March 2021

The CO2 (dry) reforming of hydrocarbons offers an opportunity to convert greenhouse gases into synthesis gas, which can further transform to various valued products. Here we explore the influence of Rh particle size and support on the reforming of propane and methane. To that end, Rh nanoparticles with controlled sizes varying from 1.6‐8.0 nm were synthesized following a polyol reduction method and then dispersed on three different solids: CeZrO2, ZrO2, and CeO2. Catalytic turnover rates along with advanced characterization of fresh and spent catalysts reveal a linear correlation of turnover rates with Rh particle size for both methane and propane reforming. The nature and rate of coke deposition are highly dependent on the support used and its interaction with the metallic phase.
Understanding the Effectiveness of Phospholane Electrolyte Additives in Lithium‐Ion Batteries under High‐Voltage Conditions
Authors: Wölke Christian , Diddens Diddo , Heidrich Bastian , Winter Martin , Cekic‐Laskovic Isidora
Published: March 2021

Six phospholane functional electrolyte additives that enable the formation of an effective cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) via a polymerization reaction on the electrode surface were designed, synthesized, and comparatively analyzed by means of complementary experimental and computational methods in order to understand their mode of action in NMC111‖graphite battery cells under high voltage conditions. Two reaction mechanisms, namely a phosphate‐based and a phosphonate‐based mechanism, were postulated and, based on systematic analysis, the phosphate mechanism was identified as the more likely. Direct correlation of the phospholane's structural features and relevant properties impacting the direct correlation of the phospholane's structural features and relevant properties impacting the overall cycling performance of NMC111‖graphite cells, as depicted by capacity retention, stands for a vital example approach towards identifying promising electrolyte components for advanced, targeted applications.
Differential treatment outcomes in BRCA1/2‐, CDK12‐, and ATM‐mutated metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Kwon Daniel H. , Chou Jonathan , Yip Steven M. , Reimers Melissa A. , Zhang Li , Wright Francis , Dhawan Mallika S. , Borno Hala T. , Desai Arpita , Aggarwal Rahul R. , Wyatt Alexander W. , Small Eric J. , Alva Ajjai S. , Chi Kim N. , Feng Felix Y. , Koshkin Vadim S.
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

DNA damage repair mutations (DDRm) are common in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The optimal standard therapy for this population is not well described.

METHODS

A multi‐institutional, retrospective study of patients with mCRPC and DDRm was conducted. Patient data, including systemic therapies and responses, were collected. The decline in prostate‐specific antigen ≥ 50% from baseline (PSA50) and overall survival (OS) from the treatment start were compared by mutation and treatment type. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model for OS was created that controlled for DDRm, first‐line treatment received for mCRPC, and clinical factors.

RESULTS

The most common DDRm observed among 149 men with mCRPC were BRCA1/2 (44%), CDK12 (32%), and ATM (15%). The majority received first‐line abiraterone (40%) or enzalutamide (30%). The PSA50 rate with first‐line abiraterone was lower for CDK12 (52%) than BRCA1/2 (89%; P = .02). After first‐line abiraterone or enzalutamide, the median OS was longest with second‐line carboplatin‐chemotherapy (38 months) in comparison with abiraterone or enzalutamide (33 months), docetaxel (17 months), or cabazitaxel (11 months; P = .02). PSA50 responses to carboplatin‐based chemotherapy were higher for BRCA1/2 (79%) than ATM (14%; P = .02) or CDK12 (38%; P = .08). In a multivariable analysis, neither the specific DDRm type nor the first‐line treatment was associated with improved OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Responses to standard therapies were generally superior in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations and inferior in patients with ATM or CDK12 mutations. The DDRm type did not independently predict OS. After progression on first‐line abiraterone or enzalutamide, carboplatin‐based chemotherapy was associated with the longest OS. These findings may inform treatment discussions and clinical trial design and require prospective validation.
Influence of cross‐sectional velocity profile on flow characteristics of arterial wall modeled as elastic and viscoelastic material
Authors: Hasan Mohammad , Patel Badri Prasad , Pradyumna Sathyasimha
Published: March 2021

In the present work, blood flow behavior in a single artery and in arterial network is studied using time domain based one‐dimensional wave propagation model retaining the nonlinear convective force. 1‐D Navier–Stokes equation is used to model the flow behavior of the blood, using three unknown parameters: flow rate (q), cross‐sectional area of artery (A) and pressure (p) based formulation. Three different approximate velocity profile functions across the cross‐section namely modified flat, parabolic and the one proposed by Bessems are used to calculate the nonlinear convective force and the frictional force. Two different constitutive models, linear elastic model and standard linear solid model (Zener model) are used to model the arterial wall mechanical behavior. The system of partial differential equations is discretized using finite element and Crank Nicolson methods in space and time domains, respectively. Based on the formulation, an in house finite element code is developed to simulate flow behavior in both a single artery as well as in arterial network consisting of 20 small and large size arteries. Simulations are performed by enforcing a flow rate at the inlet and Windkessel model at the outlet. The results for elastic arterial wall model are found to be in good agreement with the results available in the literature. The flow rate/pressure predictions using different velocity profile functions are found to be nearly the same, however the Bessems velocity profile predicts more closer to 3D results compared to modified flat and parabolic profiles. Whereas, significant difference is found in the results predicted using elastic and viscoelastic artery wall models.
Epidemiology of acute myeloid leukemia in Virginia: Excellent survival outcomes for patients in rural Appalachia
Authors: Isaac Krista M. , Reed Daniel R. , Desai Raj Piyush , Williams Eli , Balkrishnan Rajesh , Keng Michael K. , Ballen Karen K.
Published: March 2021

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia, the most common acute leukemia in adults, has a poor overall survival. Studies have suggested that certain socioeconomic factors such as living in a rural or farming area are associated with worse outcomes. Since 42% of acute myeloid leukemia patients seen in our academic center reside in a rural area, we have a unique opportunity to study outcomes of patients in rural versus urban settings.

Aim

This analysis evaluates the effect of geography and socioeconomic factors on the biology, treatment, and overall survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia, with the goal of understanding health care disparities.

Methods and results

Patient characteristics, cytogenetic data, treatment history, and overall survival were collected and analyzed to identify differences between urban and rural residency. This cohort included 42% of patients who resided in a rural area at the time of acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis. There was no difference in overall survival between the cohorts. The 1 year overall survival for the entire cohort was 47.9%. There was no difference detected in rates of adverse cytogenetics between the rural and urban cohorts. Similar numbers of patients received induction chemotherapy or proceeded to allogeneic stem cell transplant between the cohorts.

Conclusions

This study highlights that similar outcomes can be achieved in rural and urban patients, suggesting that intensive efforts at telehealth, education, and collaboration with local oncology practices may be beneficial.
Pairing colours in residential architecture for different interior types
Authors: Ulusoy Begüm , Olguntürk Nilgün , Aslanoğlu Rengin
Published: March 2021

Most colour studies focus on single colour effects; however, interiors are multi‐coloured environments and contemporary users are looking for more innovative colour schemes in interiors. Interior architects rely on their own subjective experience and instincts when they take up the challenge. This study aims to reveal colour semantics of paired colours on walls for different residential interior types (eg, living room) as a second part of the previous study conducted by the same authors. Both studies explore colour semantics through 42 Munsell colours (with variety of hues, value, and chroma levels) with 14 adjectives (eg, beautiful, unpleasant, cold) under controlled conditions. The predecessor study had explored single colour meanings, however, in this study, participants were asked to pair colours for the same residential interior types on the same semantic scales. Thus, its results can be compared to single colour data on different residential interior types through same methodology and participants. Results reveal that all colour attributes affect semantics paired wall colours. Orange is associated with negative meanings more whereas yellow hue induces positive meanings more for all adjective pairs, except cold‐warm and feminine‐masculine. For positive association, lighter colours and less saturated colours are selected more compared to saturated and darker colours. Comparing results of single colour study and the current study reveals that pairs cannot be anticipated through single colours for all residential interior types and adjectives, and positive adjectives tend to require different colours than their single associations in their pairs.
Automated location invariant animal detection in camera trap images using publicly available data sources
Authors: Shepley Andrew , Falzon Greg , Meek Paul , Kwan Paul
Published: March 2021

A time‐consuming challenge faced by camera trap practitioners is the extraction of meaningful data from images to inform ecological management. An increasingly popular solution is automated image classification software. However, most solutions are not sufficiently robust to be deployed on a large scale due to lack of location invariance when transferring models between sites. This prevents optimal use of ecological data resulting in significant expenditure of time and resources to annotate and retrain deep learning models.

We present a method ecologists can use to develop optimized location invariant camera trap object detectors by (a) evaluating publicly available image datasets characterized by high intradataset variability in training deep learning models for camera trap object detection and (b) using small subsets of camera trap images to optimize models for high accuracy domain‐specific applications.

We collected and annotated three datasets of images of striped hyena, rhinoceros, and pigs, from the image‐sharing websites FlickR and iNaturalist (FiN), to train three object detection models. We compared the performance of these models to that of three models trained on the Wildlife Conservation Society and Camera CATalogue datasets, when tested on out‐of‐sample Snapshot Serengeti datasets. We then increased FiN model robustness by infusing small subsets of camera trap images into training.

In all experiments, the mean Average Precision (mAP) of the FiN trained models was significantly higher (82.33%–88.59%) than that achieved by the models trained only on camera trap datasets (38.5%–66.74%). Infusion further improved mAP by 1.78%–32.08%.

Ecologists can use FiN images for training deep learning object detection solutions for camera trap image processing to develop location invariant, robust, out‐of‐the‐box software. Models can be further optimized by infusion of 5%–10% camera trap images into training data. This would allow AI technologies to be deployed on a large scale in ecological applications. Datasets and code related to this study are open source and available on this repository: https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.1c59zw3tx.
Recurrent heart failure hospitalizations increase the risk of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality in patients with heart failure in Sweden: a real‐world study
Authors: Lindmark Krister , Boman Kurt , Stålhammar Jan , Olofsson Mona , Lahoz Raquel , Studer Rachel , Proudfoot Clare , Corda Stefano , Fonseca Ana Filipa , Costa‐Scharplatz Madlaina , Levine Aaron , Törnblom Michael , Castelo‐Branco Anna , Kopsida Eleni , Wikström Gerhard
Published: March 2021

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We examined the impact of recurrent HF hospitalizations (HFHs) on cardiovascular (CV) mortality among patients with HF in Sweden.

Methods and results

Adults with incident HF were identified from linked national health registers and electronic medical records from 01 January 2005 to 31 December 2013 for Uppsala and until 31 December 2014 for Västerbotten. CV mortality and all‐cause mortality were evaluated. A time‐dependent Cox regression model was used to estimate relative CV mortality rates for recurrent HFHs. Assessment was also done for ejection fraction‐based HF phenotypes and for comorbid atrial fibrillation, diabetes, or chronic renal impairment. Overall, 3878 patients with HF having an index hospitalization were included, providing 9691.9 patient‐years of follow‐up. Patients were relatively old (median age: 80 years) and were more frequently male (55.5%). Compared with patients without recurrent HFHs, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR [95% confidence interval; CI]) for CV mortality and all‐cause mortality were statistically significant for patients with one, two, three, and four or more recurrent HFHs. The risk of CV mortality and all‐cause mortality increased approximately six‐fold in patients with four or more recurrent HFHs vs. those without any HFHs (HR [95% CI]: 6.26 [5.24–7.48] and 5.59 [4.70–6.64], respectively). Similar patterns were observed across the HF phenotypes and patients with comorbidities.

Conclusions

There is a strong association between recurrent HFHs and CV and all‐cause mortality, with the risk increasing progressively with each recurrent HFH.
On the G‐Quadruplex Binding of a New Class of Nickel(II), Copper(II), and Zinc(II) Salphen‐Like Complexes
Authors: Farine Gianluca , Migliore Claudio , Terenzi Alessio , Lo Celso Fabrizio , Santoro Antonio , Bruno Giuseppe , Bonsignore Riccardo , Barone Giampaolo
Published: March 2021

The involvement of non‐canonical DNA structures, such as G‐quadruplex (G4) DNA, in cancer development and progression has set the pace towards the renaissance of DNA‐binding metal complexes. In this work, we report the DNA‐binding of three Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) complexes of a salphen‐like N4‐donor ligand, bearing two imidazole groups condensed with a phenylenediamine moiety. Both duplex and G4 DNAs derived from human telomeres (hTelo), and a sequence mimicking the promoter of the oncogene myc (c‐myc) were studied. UV‐Vis and circular dichroism spectroscopic binding studies pointed out that, while all the three complexes bind the selected oligonucleotides, the Cu(II) derivative is the strongest and G4‐selective compound of the series. Lastly, FRET DNA melting assay results on the Cu(II) complex/hTelo G4 system were interpreted by a loop‐binding mechanism of interaction, as corroborated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Endoscopic transorbital ligation of the maxillary artery through the inferior orbital fissure
Authors: Mahmoud Mohammad S. , Diab Ahmed G. , Ngombu Stephany , Prevedello Daniel M. , Carrau Ricardo L.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Determine the feasibility of accessing the internal maxillary artery (IMA) through a transorbital endoscopic assisted approach through the inferior orbital fissure (IOF).

Materials and Methods

Six adult cadaveric specimens were injected intravascularly with colored latex and dissected on 12 sides. A transorbital endoscopic approach was used to expose the IOF and reach the IMA.

Results

The average length and width of the anterolateral segment of the IOF were 7.3 and 4 mm, respectively, on the right side and 6.7 and 3.8 mm, respectively, on the left side. Surgical exposure and modification of the IOF allowed the exposure and control of the IMA in all 12 sides.

Conclusions

The IOF is a feasible portal to the IMA. The benefits of this approach include vascular control of the distal segment of the maxillary artery. It may provide access in clinical scenarios where endonasal access is not possible (e.g., extensive tumors) or serve as an alternative or complementary surgical route (e.g., control during a total or radical maxillectomy).
Heat transfer analysis of CNTs‐water nanofluid flow between nonparallel plates: Approximate solutions
Authors: Berrehal Hamza , Makinde O. D.
Published: March 2021

Approximate solutions are given to investigate the problem of heat transfer and flow of a nanofluid between two nonparallel plates. Two different types of carbon nanotube (CNT) nanoparticles, namely functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes and functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes are considered with water as the base fluid. The chemical functionalization is attributed to the attachment of the covalent bond of functional groups onto carbon nanotubes. Using the appropriate similarity variables, the model partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations and tackled analytically via the homotopy perturbation method. Comparison of the obtained results is carried out with those obtained by the previously published in the literature as well as the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method and an excellent agreement is achieved. The effects of various emerging parameters on nanofluid velocity, temperature, skin friction coefficient, and Nusselt number are illustrated graphically and comprehensively discussed.
Monocarbonyl curcuminoids as antituberculosis agents with their moderate in‐vitro metabolic stability on human liver microsomes
Authors: Gagandeep  , Singh Manisha , Kidawi Saqib , Das Ujjalkumar S. , Velpandian Thirumurthy , Singh Ramandeep , Rawat Diwan S.
Published: March 2021

Tuberculosis, an airborne infectious disease, results in a high morbidity and mortality rate. The continuous emergence of TB resistance strains including MDR (multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis), XDR (extensive drug‐resistant tuberculosis), and especially TDR (totally drug‐resistant tuberculosis) is a major public health threat and has intensified the need to develop new antitubercular agents. A natural product, curcumin, possesses diverse biological activities but suffers due to a lack of water solubility and bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, a series of 17 water‐soluble monocarbonyl curcuminoids was synthesized and evaluated for antimycobacterial activity. All compounds exhibited good to moderate anti‐TB activity with MIC99 in the range of 3.12–25.0 µM, out of which 7c and 7p were found the most potent compounds with MIC99 in the range of 3.12–6.25 µM. Furthermore, these compounds were observed to be nonhaemolytic, nontoxic, and stable under both physiological as well as reducing conditions. In‐vitro metabolic stability data of the representative compound 7p with the human liver microsome revealed that these compounds possess a moderate metabolism with a half‐life of 1.2 h and an intrinsic clearance of 1.12 ml/h/mg.
A real‐time light‐scattering technique for tailings solids measurement
Authors: Gupta Manisha , Ho Tim , Srivastava Tulika , Junaid Abu , Sedgwick Andrea , Tsui Ying Y.
Published: March 2021

This study presents the concept of an economic in situ light‐scattering sensor for real‐time measurement of the solid content in tailings facilities. An experimental setup using a blue (405 nm wavelength) laser diode and silicon photodiodes was constructed to measure the angular distribution of the intensity of scattered light. It was found that the angular intensity of scattered light for tailing samples follows a cosn(θ) relation with n ≈ 1.5, where θ is the angle between the laser beam and the photodiode. An angular value of θ = 20° was chosen for the sensor design based on a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. The setup was used to determine the relation between scattered light intensity and solids content using a thickened tailings underflow from an oil sands facility and Kaolin as a model material. It was observed that the intensity of scattered light tends to increase with an increase in solids content, with qualitatively similar settling behavior for the two materials but at largely different time scales. An insertion‐based prototype was built and tested in a large (2.7 m height) settling column with treated mature fine tailings, and the light‐scattering data were verified by standard gravimetric method and gamma‐ray measurements. In general, good agreement was established between these measurements in the absence of optical fouling, which demonstrates the potential of the sensor as an effective tool for tailings management.
Long‐term impacts of drain spacing, crop management, and weather on nitrate leaching to subsurface drains
Authors: Kladivko Eileen J. , Bowling Laura C.
Published: March 2021

Subsurface drainage is an essential water management practice for many poorly drained soils in the U.S. Midwest, but this practice also contributes nitrate‐N loads to surface waters. This paper summarizes results from Years 16–31 of a long‐term drainage research project in southeastern Indiana and compares results with the first 15 yr of the study. The study compared three drain spacings (5, 10, and 20 m) managed with a no‐till corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation, with cover crops in about half of the years. Drainflow and nitrate‐N losses per unit area were greatest for the 5‐m spacing and lowest for the 20‐m spacing. Nitrate‐N concentrations did not vary with drain spacing and were generally in the range of 4–9 mg L–1. Annual nitrate‐N loads were linearly correlated with annual flow volumes, reflecting the relatively constant concentrations over the 16‐yr period. Whereas nitrate‐N concentrations were relatively constant throughout the year, short‐term concentration spikes occurred for nitrate‐N during June–July of corn years. About 70% of annual drainflow and N loads occurred during the fallow season of November–April. The results underscore the interacting effects of drainage design, crop management, and weather in determining the magnitude of N loss from drained agricultural fields.
Associations between high‐intensity zones, endplate, and Modic changes and their effect on T2‐mapping with and without spinal load
Authors: Lagerstrand Kerstin , Brisby Helena , Hebelka Hanna
Published: March 2021

The purpose was to investigate if high intensity zones (HIZ), Modic (MC), and endplate changes (EPC) display different behaviors measured with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with and without loading of the spine and if there is a simultaneous presence of these features in the same motion segment. 130 motion segments in patients with chronic low back pain (n = 26, 25–69 year, mean 38 year, 11 males) were examined. HIZs, MCs, and EPCs (i.e., structural findings, reflecting calcifications, erosions, and fissures) were determined with standardized MRI. Different T2‐values with and without loading for these features were then determined with the quantitative MRI method T2‐mapping. Significantly different behaviors were found in the spinal tissues with associated HIZs, MC, and EPC (p < 0.004). HIZ (62% of patients, 1–2/patient) was associated with EPC (100% of patients, 1–7/patient) (p = 0.0003 and 0.0004 for upper and lower EPs), with an occurrence of 91% for upper and 71% for lower endplates adjacent to discs with HIZ. MC (81% of patients, 1–3/patient) were associated with EPC (p < 0.0001) with an occurrence of 87% for endplates adjacent to vertebrae with MC. The occurrence of both HIZ and MC was 43% (p = 0.0001) for upper and 29% (p = 0.003) for lower vertebrae. HIZ was associated with simultaneous presence of both MC and EPC in the same motion segment. T2‐mapping was found to objectively reflect changes in the spinal tissues associated with HIZs, MC, and EPC.
Periodontitis and its higher levels of severity are associated with the triglyceride/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio
Authors: Gomes‐Filho Isaac S. , Santos Pedro N. P. , Cruz Simone S. , Figueiredo Ana C. M. G. , Trindade Soraya C. , Ladeia Ana M. , Cerqueira Eneida M. M. , Passos‐Soares Johelle S. , Coelho Julita M. F. , Hintz Alexandre M. , Barreto Maurício L. , Fischer Ricardo G. , Loomer Peter M. , Scannapieco Frank A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Periodontitis and the Triglyceride/High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL‐C) ratio have both been associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Additionally, the ratio is a possible substitute for predicting insulin resistance. This study investigated the association between periodontitis, its severity levels (exposures), and the TG/HDL‐C ratio (outcome).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of public health service users in Brazil considered socioeconomic‐demographic characteristics, lifestyle behavior, and general and oral health conditions. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were also measured. Systemic biomarker data were obtained, as well as assessment of periodontal diagnosis and its severity. The TG/HDL‐C ratio was calculated using the serum triglyceride level over HDL cholesterol and the cut‐off point, TG/HDL‐C ≥2.3 serving as the cutoff indicting dyslipidemia. Logistic and linear regressions were used to statistically analyze the data.

Results

A total of 1011 participants were included, with 84.17% having periodontitis and 49.85% having a TG/HDL‐C ratio ≥2.3. For individuals with periodontitis, the odds of TG/HDL‐C ratio ≥2.3 were 1.47 times greater than in those without periodontitis (ORAdjusted = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02–2.14). Similar results were found for those with moderate and severe periodontitis, with a slight increase in the measurement magnitude with disease severity.

Conclusion

A positive relationship between periodontitis and the TG/HDL‐C ratio ≥2.3 was found, suggesting a possible association with periodontal disease severity.
The case of sales in the automotive industry during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hoeft Fabian
Published: March 2021

Agile methods can be used as a strategy tool by incumbents to explore and exploit market opportunities through times of unprecedented industry transformation. Drawing on 18 interviews with managers at a premium manufacturer based in Asia, the case of sales in the automotive industry during the COVID‐19 crisis provides in‐depth insights into the crisis management, focusing on but looking beyond sales. Six fundamental principles are identified as strategic tools to leverage resources and improve business outcomes while using agile‐work methods.
Healthcare enterprises and public policies on COVID‐19: Insights from the Greek rural areas
Authors: Apostolopoulos Nikolaos , Liargovas Panagiotis , Sklias Pantelis , Apostolopoulos Sotiris
Published: March 2021

Despite the difficulties, entrepreneurship met the socioeconomic challenges by providing solutions to rural areas during the COVID‐19 crisis, while healthcare entrepreneurial activity has been adapted to the changing conditions. The Greek rural areas' healthcare enterprises suffer the consequences of the public policies on COVID‐19 as their activities have been affected, their turnover has decreased, and liquidity problems have arisen. Entrepreneurs believe that the announced state and European support will help them overcome the implications. However, some of the support measures that have a loan rational will bring enterprises with bank loans to a halt. Indeed, entrepreneurship in rural areas faces multiple problems that they are trying to overcome during the COVID‐19 crisis. Uncertainty, insecurity and health scare prevailed. Despite the problems, the enterprises showed resilience and did not cease their operations.
Western Yellow‐Billed Cuckoo Nest‐Site Selection and Success in Restored and Natural Riparian Forests
Authors: Stanek Jenna E. , Mcneil Shannon E. , Tracy Diane , Stanek John R. , Manning Jeffrey A. , Halterman Murrelet D.
Published: March 2021

The western distinct population segment of yellow‐billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus; western cuckoo) has been extirpated from most of its former breeding range in the United States because of widespread loss and degradation of riparian cottonwood (Populus spp.)‐willow (Salix spp.) forests. Restoration and management of breeding habitat is important to the recovery of this federally threatened species, and identification of high‐quality breeding habitat can help improve the success of recovery. In 2005, the Lower Colorado River Multi‐Species Conservation Program, a long‐term, multi‐agency effort, was initiated to maintain and create wildlife habitat within the historical floodplain of the lower Colorado River (LCR) for federally endangered and threatened species, including western cuckoos. We conducted an empirical, multi‐scale field investigation from 2008–2012 to identify habitat characteristics selected by nesting western cuckoos along the LCR. Multiple logistic regression models revealed that western cuckoos selected nest sites characterized by increased densities of small, native, early successional trees measuring 8–23 cm diameter at breast height, and lower diurnal temperature compared to available habitat in restoration and natural forests. Nesting cuckoos selected sites with increased percent canopy closure, which was also important for nest success in restoration sites along the LCR. Our results show habitat components selected by nesting western cuckoos in restoration and natural riparian forests and can help guide the creation, enhancement, and management of riparian forests with habitat conditions necessary to promote nesting of western cuckoos. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
COVID‐19 crisis andSMEsresponses: The role of digital transformation
Authors: Klein Vinícius Barreto , Todesco José Leomar
Published: March 2021

In addition to causing dramatic damage to people's health, the coronavirus has affected also the financial health of companies worldwide. Among them, SMEs (small and medium‐sized enterprises) tend to be more vulnerable. Characteristics such as scarcity of financial resources and lack of specialized knowledge make their situation even harder. This pandemic has resulted in increased digital transformation, changes in customer behavior and the managerial and technological knowledge gap to address them. Therefore, this article discusses the general weaknesses, strengths, challenges and opportunities for SMEs to face this pandemic, and how the field of knowledge management (KM) can help. Based on the concepts of organizational resilience, we drafted a conceptual model to illustrate how their first responses were and how they could become more adapted. First, we conducted a literature search to investigate how SMEs responded to this scenario. We found responses to the financial impacts in the form of mass layoffs, temporary and permanent closures, bootstrapping of digitalization and strategic alliances. In the discussions section, we raise some key questions to demonstrate how knowledge can improve the role of digital transformation. We approach how a KM strategy could start from organizational resilience concepts to assist SMEs to seize digital transformation opportunities. As practical implications, our research raises awareness of digital transformation's role as a set of tools to adapt during and after the pandemic, along with resilience engineering and knowledge management principles. Future researchers can use this report as a conceptual guide to start their own response and adaptation plans.