bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction associated with critical illness: incidence and effect on outcome
Authors: Cavefors Oscar , Holmqvist Jacob , Bech‐Hanssen Odd , Einarsson Freyr , Norberg Erik , Lundin Stefan , Omerovic Elmir , Ricksten Sven‐Erik , Redfors Björn , Oras Jonatan
Published: October 2021

Aims

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction can be triggered by non‐cardiac disease, such as sepsis, hypoxia, major haemorrhage, or severe stress (Takotsubo syndrome), but its clinical importance is not established. In this study, we evaluate the incidence and impact on mortality of LV dysfunction associated with critical illness.

Methods and results

In this single‐centre, observational study, consecutive patients underwent an echocardiographic examination within 24 h of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. LV systolic dysfunction was defined as an ejection fraction (EF) < 50% and/or regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA). A cardiologist assessed patients with LV dysfunction for the presence of an acute or chronic cardiac disease, and coronary angiography was performed in high‐risk patients. Of the 411 patients included, 100 patients (24%) had LV dysfunction and in 52 (13%) of these patients, LV dysfunction was not attributed to a cardiac disease. Patients with LV dysfunction and non‐cardiac disease had higher mortality risk score (Simplified Acute Physiologic Score 3 score), heart rate, noradrenaline doses, and lactate levels as well as decreased EF, stroke volume, and cardiac output compared with patients with normal LV function. Diagnoses most commonly associated with LV dysfunction and non‐cardiac disease were sepsis, respiratory insufficiency, major haemorrhage, and neurological disorders. RWMA (n = 40) with or without low EF was more common than global hypokinesia (n = 12) and was reversible in the majority of cases. Twelve patients had a circumferential pattern of RWMA in concordance with Takotsubo syndrome. Crude 30 day mortality was higher in patients with LV dysfunction and non‐cardiac disease compared with patients with normal LV function (33% vs. 18%, P = 0.023), but not after risk adjustment (primary outcome) {odds ratio [OR] 1.56 [confidence interval (CI) 0.75–3.39], P = 0.225}. At 90 days, crude mortality was 44% and 22% (P = 0.002), respectively, in these groups. This difference was also significant after risk adjustment [OR 2.40 (CI 1.18–4.88), P = 0.016].

Conclusions

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction is commonly triggered by critical illness, is frequently seen as regional hypokinesia, and is linked to an increased risk of death. The prognostic importance of LV dysfunction in critical illness might be underestimated.
Halide Ion Migration and its Role at the Interfaces in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Minjin , Jun Haeyeon , Lee Heejae , Nahdi Hindia , Tondelier Denis , Bonnassieux Yvan , Bourée Jean‐Éric , Geffroy Bernard
Published: October 2021

Lead‐halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on unusual semiconductors made with ions, have shown impressive improvement in photovoltaic performance in few years exceeding nowadays 25 % power conversion efficiency. However, PSCs suffer from a lack of stability and show significant hysteresis in current‐voltage curves, which are impeding commercialization. We confirmed the importance of halide ion migration in the hysteresis effect which has direct consequences on device efficiency. Using impedance spectroscopy, in addition to the geometrical capacitance found at high frequency for fresh samples without bias, we observed a second capacitance at low frequency after ageing or under bias. This second capacitance is interpreted as a charge accumulation layer at interfaces, which can be promoted by the presence of grain boundaries. Through glow‐discharge optical emission spectroscopy elemental depth profiles, we found that under dark conditions, iodide ions diffuse through the electron transport layer versus ageing time. These ions interact chemically with the front‐end electrode after four weeks and form silver iodide.
Optimizing Carbon Cycle Parameters Drastically Improves Terrestrial Biosphere Model Underestimates of Dryland Mean Net CO2 Flux and its Inter-Annual Variability
Authors: Mahmud Kashif , Biederman Joel , Scott Russ , Litvak Marcy , Kolb Thomas , Meyers Tilden , Krishnan Praveena , Bastrikov Vladislav , MacBean Natasha
Published: October 2021

Drylands occupy ~40% of the land surface and are
thought to dominate global carbon (C) cycle inter-annual variability
(IAV). Therefore, it is imperative that global terrestrial biosphere
models (TBMs), which form the land component of IPCC earth system
models, are able to accurately simulate dryland vegetation and
biogeochemical processes. However, compared to more mesic ecosystems,
TBMs have not been widely tested or optimized using in situ dryland CO2
fluxes. Here, we address this gap using a Bayesian data assimilation
system and 89 site-years of daily net ecosystem exchange (NEE) data from
12 southwest US Ameriflux sites to optimize the C cycle parameters of
the ORCHIDEE TBM. The sites span high elevation forest ecosystems, which
are a mean sink of C, and low elevation shrub and grass ecosystems that
are either a mean C sink or “pivot” between an annual C sink and
source. We find that using the default (prior) model parameters
drastically underestimates both the mean annual NEE at the forested mean
C sink sites and the NEE IAV across all sites. Our analysis demonstrated
that optimizing phenology parameters are particularly useful in
improving the model’s ability to capture both the magnitude and sign of
the NEE IAV. At the forest sites, optimizing C allocation, respiration,
and biomass and soil C turnover parameters reduces the underestimate in
simulated mean annual NEE. Our study demonstrates that all TBMs need to
be calibrated for dryland ecosystems before they are used to determine
dryland contributions to global C cycle variability and long-term
carbon-climate feedbacks.
Automated correction of systematic errors in high frequency depth measurements above V‐notch weirs using time series decomposition
Authors: Regina Jason A. , Ogden Fred L.
Published: October 2021

Hydrologic studies require high‐quality streamflow measurements. V‐notch weirs provide accurate discharge measurements and when properly equipped produce continuous records of streamflow. However, sensor drift and accumulations of floating woody debris cause systematic errors in depth measurements behind weirs, particularly during periods of base flow between storms. Manual processing of high‐frequency streamflow data is often subjective and difficult to reproduce. We developed a method to automatically correct erroneous depth time series to accelerate data processing and promote objectivity and reproducibility. The method inspects depth measurements, isolates and preserves periods of direct runoff during storms, and corrects erroneous inter‐event baseflow. We applied experience obtained during manual data processing to implement an automatic correction method based on time series decomposition to produce a consistent time series of stage data that eliminates obvious errors due to sensor drift and clogging by woody debris. The automatic method offers an objective and reproducible procedure capable of efficiently processing 1 year of stage data in seconds. This method promotes reproducibility and may appeal to water resources experts working with large amounts of data especially at sites where distance, cost, or inclement weather prevents regular instrument maintenance.
Learning domain transfer for unsupervised magnetic resonance imaging restoration and edge enhancement
Authors: Fu Bo , Dong Yuhan , Fu Shilin , Mao Yuanxin , Thanh Dang N. H.
Published: October 2021

Recently, many effective medical image restoration methods based on deep learning have been proposed. Most of the methods are used to solve single image processing tasks, such as image noise removal, image deblurring, and image super‐resolution. However, real medical images often suffer from multiple degradation factors, such as signal interference in the process of shooting or the relative movement of patients during the process of image acquisition. The image restoration methods only considering a single image degradation factor often fail to yield satisfactory results for the restoration purpose of practical medical images. It is difficult to obtain paired medical images to incorporate real image processing tasks into the framework of supervised learning. For the restoration of real medical images with multiple degradation factors, an unsupervised learning method based on domain transfer to resolve the MRI restoration problem is proposed. Specifically, learning invariant representations from a degraded image and a transferred image via adversarial domain adaption and then extra self‐supervised modules to further improve the robustness of representations are used. In addition, the Laplacian operator is embedded in the encoder to extract additional edges, which can form additional constraints on edge recovery. Experimental results show that the proposed method is effective in both image restoration and edge preservation.
Institutions, Economic Freedom, and Cross‐Country Differences in Performance
Authors: Gwartney James
Published: October 2021

This address describes the history of the Economic Freedom of the World (EFW) project and the development of the EFW index. This index is a measure of the extent to which the institutions and policies of various countries are coordinated by personal choice, voluntary exchange, open markets, and clearly defined and enforced property rights. The index contains 42 different components and is currently available for 141 countries. Data for approximately 100 countries are available back to 1980. The EFW index incorporates many of the elements that new institutional economists argue are important sources of growth. Thus, it facilitates empirical investigation of the institutional theory of growth and crosscountry comparisons of economic performance. In this regard, the paper considers 10 propositions that have been addressed with the index, and what has been learned from this analysis.
Monetary Policy Surprises and Interest Rates: Choosing between the Inflation‐Revelation and Excess Sensitivity Hypotheses
Authors: Thorbecke Willem , Zhang Hanjiang
Published: October 2021

Romer and Romer (2000) reported that federal funds rate increases may raise expected inflation by revealing the Federal Reserve's private information about inflation. Gürkaynak, Sack, and Swanson (2005a) presented evidence that funds rate increases lowered long‐term expected inflation. To choose between these hypotheses, we examine how monetary policy surprises affect daily traded commodity prices, term interest rates, and forward interest rates. We find that funds rate increases in the 1970s raised gold and silver prices and that increases after 1989 lowered gold and silver prices. We also find that funds rate hikes over both sample periods primarily affected short‐term interest rates and near‐term forward rates. For the 1970s, these results suggest that Romer and Romer's explanation is correct. For recent years, they indicate that funds rate increases affect real rates and may also be consistent with the findings of Gürkaynak, Sack, and Swanson.
Regional External Economies and Economic Growth under Asymmetry
Authors: Holod Dmytro , Reed Robert R.
Published: October 2021

In this article, we explore the impact of regional external economies from human capital accumulation on economic growth. In particular, we allow the extent of local and regional spillovers to vary between the home and foreign economies. Our analysis yields novel insights regarding the diffusion of knowledge across countries. In contrast to the standard, closed‐economy Lucas (1988) model, spillovers within the home country may adversely affect growth in the presence of substantial knowledge flows from the foreign country.
Opportunity Wages, Classroom Characteristics, and Teacher Mobility
Authors: Feng Li
Published: October 2021

This article analyzes the impact of classroom characteristics and opportunity wages on four possible labor market choices of teachers in Florida: remaining at their present school, switching schools within a school district, changing school districts, and leaving teaching. Discrete‐time multinomial‐logit‐hazard model estimates indicate that classroom characteristics play a larger role than school average student characteristics in determining teacher mobility. Opportunity wages based on past teacher movements to other competing districts and professions are found to pull teachers away from their initial placements. Once opportunity wages and working conditions are considered, teachers' own salaries are found to exert little impact on teacher mobility within the profession; although, they reduce attrition out of the profession. Policy simulations indicate that targeted salary increases based on teacher‐specific working conditions are important to retain teachers at a given school.
Demand Changes and Real Exchange Rate Dynamics in a Finite‐Horizon Model with Sectoral Adjustment Costs
Authors: Chen Hung‐Ju , Hsu Chen‐Min
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we use the Blanchard‐type uncertain lifetime overlapping generations framework to develop a three‐good open economy to examine the effects of demand changes on the economic performance of small open economies with sectoral adjustment costs. Our simulation results reveal a discernible Harberger‐Laursen‐Metzler effect on both temporary and permanent terms‐of‐trade shocks. The inclusion of sectoral adjustment costs generates persistent deviations of the real exchange rate from its long‐run equilibrium in response to terms‐of‐trade shocks, with the degree of sectoral adjustment costs having an effect on the subsequent dynamic transition of the economy. We also find that an increase in the mortality rate leads to a lowering of the current account.
Stuck in the Slow Lane: Undoing Traffic Composition Biases in the Measurement of Trucking Productivity
Authors: Boyer Kenneth D. , Burks Stephen V.
Published: October 2021

It is easy to confuse true productivity advances in transportation industries with changes in ton‐miles per unit of input that are the result of changes in the composition of traffic, as initially happened with the mid‐20th century U.S. railroads. Transportation productivity varies enormously by traffic type, for example, with long‐haul versus short‐haul traffic. Measurements of changes in physical productivity can easily be biased by modest changes in the traffic mix. We control for endogenous changes in the composition of truck traffic and find that trucking has in fact lagged the U.S. economy as a whole in productivity growth over the period of our data, 1982‐1997. Loosening of weight, length, and speed limits is the likely explanation for the growth we do observe. Improvements in information technology have brought real improvements in the quality of trucking services (in reliability, predictability, speed, order tracking, etc.), but as in other service industries, true physical productivity improvements in trucking are limited.
miR‐3146 induces neutrophil extracellular traps to aggravate gout flare
Authors: Shan Lizhen , Yang Di , Feng Fabo , Zhu Danjie , Li Xiaolin
Published: October 2021

Background

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis and is characterized by the accumulation of deposited monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints. miRNAs may act as key regulators of gout pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to explore the underlying role and molecular mechanism of miR‐3146 in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) during the pathogenesis of gout.

Methods

The expression of miR‐3146 and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was determined by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the targeting relationship between miR‐3146 and SIRT1. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected by fluorescent staining. NETs formation was demonstrated via immunofluorescence staining and ELISA method. Gout model was induced in rats to verify the effects of miR‐3146 inhibition on histopathological changes and NETs.

Results

Here, we found miR‐3146 expression was dramatically increased in neutrophils of patients with gout, which was accompanied with the higher levels of NETs. MSU crystals significantly increased miR‐3146 expression and ROS production in neutrophils. The NETs process was also triggered by MSU crystals. Furthermore, we verified the interaction between miR‐3146 and SIRT1. Additionally, antagomir‐3146‐based therapy effectively inhibited the formation of NETs in rats with gout.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that miR‐3146‐mediated NETs formation may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of gout. These results suggested that miR‐3146 could be used as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gout.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Drug Disposition and Response: Review of New Molecular Entities Approved Between 2014 and 2019
Authors: Ramamoorthy Anuradha , Kim Hannah H. , Shah‐Williams Ebony , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2021

Race and ethnicity can contribute to differences in drug exposure and/or response. Here, we report that about 10% of the new molecular entities (NMEs) approved between 2014 and 2019 by the US Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research showed differences in exposure and/or response based on race/ethnicity or pharmacogenetic factors known to vary in frequency across global populations. Fewer NMEs (10%) reported differences in the labeling in 2014 to 2019 when compared to about 21% of NMEs approved between 2008 and 2013 that had differences in pharmacokinetics, safety, response, and/or pharmacogenetics. Understanding the underlying mechanisms that lead to such differences and adequate enrollment of racial and ethnic subgroups is essential to obtain sufficient information on exposure and response. Though drug development is global, when heterogeneous populations are not adequately enrolled, the risk‐benefit assessments can remain incomplete for certain subgroups. Consequently, this can result in regional differences in drug approval, population‐specific prescribing recommendations, or need for additional postmarketing studies to address concerns related to exposure, response, or lack of representation that lead to gaps in information.
Improving sensitivity to eye gaze cues in adolescents on the autism spectrum using serious game technology: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Griffin Jason W. , Geier Charles F. , Smyth Joshua M. , Scherf K. Suzanne
Published: October 2021

Background

Perceiving and interpreting eye gaze cues is foundational for social cognition and social interactions because it involves the ability to use eye gaze direction to predict the actions and intentions of others. Autism is a disability that impacts social interactions. A diagnostic symptom of autism is difficulty understanding eye gaze cues as social signals. This deficit has long‐term consequences for understanding goal‐directed behavior, language learning, and social communication. We hypothesize that targeted intervention methods designed to improve sensitivity to eye gaze cues may begin to treat core symptoms of autism and potentially alter multiple aspects of social functioning. Social Games for Autistic Adolescents (SAGA) is a serious computer game intervention designed to improve sensitivity to eye gaze cues. Serious games improve targeted skills with the goal of enhancing real‐life outcomes. In SAGA, participants progress through a narrative storyline and interact with animated characters. In so doing, they implicitly discover that eye gaze cues are useful for guiding their own goal‐directed behavior to solve problems in the game.

Methods

We evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of SAGA in a hybrid phase 1/2, randomized controlled trial. Forty adolescents on the autism spectrum were randomized to either the treatment or standard care control group. Adolescents in the treatment group were asked to play SAGA for 30‐min sessions at home 3 times a week over 10 weeks.

Results

A group × time interaction revealed that the treatment group developed increasing sensitivity to human eye gaze cues, whereas the standard care group did not. Participants who experienced a sufficient dose of gameplay showed larger treatment‐related improvements. Critically, increases in sensitivity to human eye gaze cues were associated with improvements in social skills.

Conclusions

This accessible, scalable, and affordable intervention shows promise as an effective tool for improving the ability to interpret and understand eye gaze cues and social skills in adolescents on the autism spectrum.
Influence of high wave sound pretreatment on drying quality parameters of echinacea root with infrared drying
Authors: Rostami Gharkhloo Zahra , Sharifian Faroogh , Rahimi Amir , Akhoundzadeh Yamchi Abolfazl
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Echinacea is a perennial and herbaceous herb containing the most active phenolic compounds and valuable antimicrobial and antioxidant content, such as chicoric acid, which increases the body immune function. The root of this plant is mainly used in pharmaceutical fields to treat inflammation, kidney infections and colds. In the present study, we investigated the drying of echinacea root in an infrared dryer with airborne ultrasonic pretreatment aiming to determine shrinkage, color changes, extraction, total phenolic content, flavonoid content and radical inhibition of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The experiments were performed in an infrared dryer at three temperature levels of 40, 45 and 50 °C, with ultrasonic pretreatment at frequencies of 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz and a time duration of 20, 40 and 60 min in three replications.

RESULTS

Shrinkage and color changes of the samples varied in the range 27.2–6.3% and 39.82–39.64%, respectively. According to all of the evaluated physical and chemical factors, the optimal conditions for echinacea root processing were a drying temperature of 40 °C, a frequency of 3000 Hz and an ultrasound duration of 60 min, in which case shrinkage was 3.35% and color changes were 38.25%. Total phenolic content was 27.41 mg g−1, flavonoid content was 39.36 mg g−1 and DPPH radical inhibition was 34.87%.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the use of airborne ultrasound pretreatment demonstrates increased chemical properties compared to the optimal state when drying the echinacea root with an infrared dryer by 54/21–81/64%. Hence, ultrasound pretreatment preserves the quality and quantity of active ingredients in the therapeutic root of Echinacea. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Comparison of Slide Tracheoplasty Technique on Postoperative Anatomic Outcomes in Three‐Dimensional Printed Models
Authors: Richardson Clare , Friedman Seth D. , Park Jason S. , Bonilla‐Velez Juliana , Dahl John P. , Parikh Sanjay R. , Perkins Jonathan , Johnson Kaalan
Published: October 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

We hypothesized that the use of three‐dimensional (3D) printed tracheal models to reproducibly simulate surgical technique variations in slide tracheoplasty would demonstrate the quantitative impact of surgical variables on postoperative tracheal dimensions.

Study Design

Prospective analysis of three‐dimensional printed surgical simulation models.

Methods

Slide tracheoplasty was performed on 3D printed long segment tracheal stenosis models with combinations of tracheal transection incision angle (90°, 45° beveled superior to inferior, 45° beveled inferior to superior) and tracheal transection location relative to the stenosis (at midpoint, 2 mm each superior and inferior to midpoint). Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans measured changes in tracheal length, volume, and cross‐sectional area compared to controls. Statistical analysis was performed using one‐way analysis of variance and unpaired two‐tailed t‐tests.

Results

Slide tracheoplasty yielded 27 reconstructed tracheas. On average, slide tracheoplasty reduced total tracheal length by 36%. Beveled tracheal incisions yielded 9.5% longer final tracheas than straight transection incisions (P < .0001). Cross‐sectional area at the stenosis midpoint increased from 9.0 mm2 to 45 mm2 but did not vary with technique (P > .05). Total tracheal luminal volume increased from 900 mm3 to 1378 mm3 overall and was largest with beveled incisions (P = .03). More material was discarded with straight incisions compared to beveled (89 mg vs. 19 mg, P < .0001).

Conclusions

Beveled tracheal transection incisions resulted in increased tracheal length, longer anastomotic segments, increased volume, and reduced tissue waste as compared to straight incisions. Offsetting the incision from the midpoint of stenosis did not significantly affect reconstructed tracheal morphology. Using 3D printed models for surgical simulation can be helpful for the quantitative study of the effect isolated surgical variables on technical outcomes.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1306–1312, 2022
Is Diet Sufficient as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Treatment? A Cross‐Over Observational Study
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Crevier‐Buchman Lise , Distinguin Lea , Iannella Giannicola , Maniaci Antonino , De Marrez Lisa G. , Saussez Sven , Hans Stéphane
Published: October 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the efficacy of low‐fat, low‐quick‐release sugar, high‐protein, alkaline, and plant‐based diet as single treatment for patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Study Design

Cross‐over observational study.

Methods

Patients with LPR diagnosis at the hypopharyngeal‐esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH‐monitoring were prospectively recruited from the reflux clinic of three University Hospitals. Patients were instructed to follow low‐fat, low‐quick‐release sugar, high‐protein, alkaline, and plant‐based diet for 6 to 12 weeks. Pre‐ to post‐treatment symptom and finding changes were evaluated with reflux symptom score (RSS) and reflux sign assessment. Findings were compared to those of a control period where patients did not receive any treatment or diet. Diet was evaluated with refluxogenic diet score (REDS).

Results

Fifty patients completed the study (19 males). Otolaryngological, digestive, and total RSS scores significantly improved from baseline to 6‐week post‐diet, while there were no significant changes during the control period. At 6‐week post‐diet, 37 (74%) patients reported significant symptom improvement or relief. Among them, symptoms continued to improve from 6 to 12 weeks in 27 cases, corresponding to a diet success rate of 54%. The REDS was predictive of the baseline RSS (P = .031).

Conclusion

Low‐fat, low‐quick‐release sugar, high‐protein, alkaline, and plant‐based diet is an alternative cost‐effective therapeutic approach for patients with LPR. Patients with higher REDS reported higher baseline symptom score.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1916–1923, 2022
Can the mechanoreceptional setae of a feeding‐current feeding copepod detect hydrodynamic disturbance induced by entrained free‐floating prey?
Authors: Shen Xinhui , Yao Xin , Marcos  , Fu Henry C.
Published: October 2021

Copepods that catch prey using feeding currents beat their cephalic appendages to generate flow entrainment, and detect the presence of nearby prey through the mechanoreceptional setae on the antennules and other appendages. It remains unclear whether the feeding current can be used by the copepod to gain information about its surroundings by sensing when the current is disturbed by nearby particles. In this article, we present a numerical model to address how much the presence of free‐floating prey can alter the feeding current velocity field, and how these prey‐induced disturbances modify setal deformation patterns. We prescribe the beating strokes of the feeding appendages, and quantify the changes in the bending flows across the setae and setal deformations due to the prey entrainment. We find that, first, the seta bends more due to the time‐averaged velocity component of the feeding current, while filtering out the oscillatory component. Second, 100 μm diameter free‐floating prey do not induce any noticeable change in deformations of the proximal and distal setae unless they are less than 10 or 5.5 prey radii from the antennules, respectively. Larger prey cause bigger flow disturbances than small prey, which are expected to be even harder to detect. Last, if setae are responsive to changes in deformation relative to the deformations in the absence of prey, the distal seta may have long‐ranged sensitivity to assist in detection of prey near the proximal seta, but if setae are responsive to absolute changes in deformation, both setae have very short‐ranged sensitivity.
Sequence‐Controlled Alternating Copolyesters Synthesis via Selective Ring‐Opening Polymerization
Authors: Jia Zhaowei , Li Yuju , Wu Jincai
Published: October 2021

The hydrolysis behavior of copolyester is significantly affected by its sequence structure. The crystallinity and melting‐transition temperature of sequence‐controlled copolyesters also may be different to random copolyesters. Therefore sequence‐controlled copolyesters have become an attractive class of materials recently. Through living ring‐opening polymerization (ROP), both the molecular weight and sequence structure of copolyesters can be easily controlled. In the past decades, the development of metal‐based initiators has greatly promoted research in this field. In this minor review, the recent progress in the ROP of lactones initiated by metal complexes to synthesize copolyesters with a clear sequence structure is summarized. Moreover, the future development of sequence‐controlled copolyester synthesis will be discussed.
Linear calibration‐free wavelength modulation spectroscopy
Authors: Li Renjie , Li Fei , Lin Xin , Yu Xilong
Published: October 2021

This article presents a new linear calibration‐free wavelength modulation spectroscopy (LCF‐WMS) technique for gas sensing. By combining the natural logarithms of the transmitted intensity and background signals, this technique eliminates the effects of the intensity, intensity modulation, and the modulation phase to obtain integrable harmonic signals along the line‐of‐sight and thus realize calibration‐free measurements. To illustrate the validity of the LCF‐WMS technique, it was applied to measurement of the water vapor concentration in air at ambient temperature. Because of its specific features of line‐of‐sight integrability and baseline independence, this method will be advantageous in absorption tomography and high‐pressure applications.
A liquid phosphorous flame retardant combined with expandable graphite or melamine in flexible polyurethane foam
Authors: Chan Yin Yam , Ma Chao , Zhou Feng , Hu Yuan , Schartel Bernhard
Published: October 2021

A systematic series of flexible polyurethane foams (FPUF) with different concentrations of flame retardants, bis([dimethoxyphosphoryl]methyl) phenyl phosphate (BDMPP), and melamine (MA) or expandable graphite (EG) was prepared. The mechanical properties of the FPUFs were evaluated by a universal testing machine. The pyrolysis behaviors and the evolved gas analysis were done by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and TGA coupled with Fourier‐transform infrared (TG‐FTIR), respectively. The fire behaviors were studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL 94 test for horizontal burning of cellular materials (UL 94 HBF), and cone calorimeter measurement. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the cellular structure's morphology and the postfire char residue of the FPUFs. LOI and UL 94 HBF tests of all the flame retarded samples show improved flame retardancy. BDMPP plays an essential role in the gas phase because it significantly reduces the effective heat of combustion (EHC). This study highlights the synergistic effect caused by the combination of BDMPP and EG. The measured char yield from TGA is greater than the sum of individual effects. No dripping phenomenon occurs during burning for FPUF‐BDMPP‐EGs, as demonstrated by the result of the UL 94 HBF test. EG performs excellently on smoke suppression during burning, as evident in the result of the cone calorimeter test. MA reduces the peak heat release rate (pHRR) significantly. The synergistic effect of the combination of BDMPP and EG as well as MA offers an approach to enhance flame retardancy and smoke suppression.
Feasibility of dose‐dense cisplatin‐based chemotherapy in Japanese children with high‐risk hepatoblastoma: Analysis of the JPLT3‐H pilot study
Authors: Watanabe Kenichiro , Mori Makiko , Hishiki Tomoro , Yokoi Akiko , Ida Kohmei , Yano Michihiro , Fujimura Junya , Nogami Yuki , Iehara Tomoko , Hoshino Ken , Inoue Takeshi , Tanaka Yukichi , Miyazaki Osamu , Takimoto Tetsuya , Yoshimura Kenichi , Hiyama Eiso
Published: October 2021

Background

The SIOPEL‐4 study has demonstrated that dose‐dense cisplatin‐based chemotherapy dramatically improves outcome in children with high‐risk hepatoblastoma in western countries. However, the feasibility and safety of this regimen have not been clarified in Japanese patients.

Methods

A pilot study, JPLT3‐H, was designed to evaluate the safety profile of the SIOPEL‐4 regimen in Japanese children with newly diagnosed hepatoblastoma with either metastatic disease or low alpha‐fetoprotein.

Results

A total of 15 patients (three female) were enrolled. Median age was 2 years (range, 0–14). Three patients were PRETEXT II (where PRETEXT is PRETreatment EXTent of disease), six PRETEXT III, and six PRETEXT IV. All patients had lung metastasis, none had low alpha‐fetoprotein. Eight patients completed the prescribed treatment, and seven patients discontinued therapy prematurely, four due to progressive disease and three due to causes other than severe toxicity. Grade 4 neutropenia was documented in most patients in preoperative cycles A1‐3 (11/15 in A1, 9/11 in A2, and 7/11 in A3) and in all considering all cycles. Grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia and grade 3 anemia were also frequently observed. Patients experienced several episodes of grade 3 febrile neutropenia, but none had grade 4 febrile neutropenia or severe infections. One patient had grade 3 heart failure only in the first cycle. Other grade 3 or 4 toxicities were hypomagnesemia, anorexia, nausea, mucositis, liver enzyme elevation, fever, infection, and fatigue. There were no unexpected severe toxicities.

Conclusion

The toxicity profile of JPLT3‐H was comparable to that of SIOPEL‐4. Dose‐dense cisplatin‐based chemotherapy may be feasible among Japanese patients with high‐risk hepatoblastoma.
Parallel optimization of design and manufacture for carbon fiber reinforced plastic oil pan based on the thickness distribution
Authors: Ma Qihua , Wang Shun , Zhou Qi , Gan Xuehui
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, lightweight is an indispensable requirement in the development of automobile industry as one of the most effective methods of energy conservation and emission reduction. In this paper, the lightweight design of oil pan was carried out by using carbon fiber reinforced plastic material instead of metal material. In particular, the influence of manufacturing process was considered in the structural design, and an integrated design method of structure and process was proposed. According to the idea of comprehensive design, structural design, and composite design were carried out in parallel. Reasonably adjusted the geometric characteristics of the oil pan, further determined the feasible laying process scheme and filling process scheme, and finally the oil pan that meets the working conditions and lightweight objectives was manufactured. The work done in this paper can provide a certain reference for the lightweight design of other automobile parts.
Think Diabetes in the Workplace: an initiative to raise awareness of diabetes structured education among employers in South London
Authors: Watson Rod , White Alison , Neely Claire , Basudev Neel
Published: October 2021

The evidence base on the effectiveness of diabetes structured education (SE) programmes in helping people to manage their diabetes is strong. However, despite good levels of referrals for people newly diagnosed with diabetes, attendance at diabetes SE programmes is low. The workplace has been highlighted as a setting within which people with diabetes can be reached and informed about SE and potentially gain access to such programmes.

This initiative was aimed at human resources (HR) and occupational health (OH) managers to promote a more flexible approach to improving access to SE for their staff with diabetes.

A task and finish group was formed comprising HR and OH representatives from four public sector organisations in south London, patient advocates, diabetes clinicians and the project manager. Several activities were delivered across the organisations which can be grouped into three themes: policy changes, SE delivered in the workplace, and healthy lifestyles awareness‐raising sessions at work.

Upon completion, these activities were presented as case studies in an online toolkit along with recommendations for undertaking this initiative in workplaces. Written in the style of a ‘How‐to Guide’, the interactive toolkit is an important resource for employers who want to support their staff with diabetes to attend SE programmes. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.
Atypical presentation of stroke in a person with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome
Authors: Phillips Richard E , De Parijat
Published: October 2021

A 62‐year‐old man with type 1 diabetes mellitus presented to hospital with new onset anterograde amnesia in the absence of any other focal neurology or visual deficit. Computed tomography of his head revealed an established fronto‐parietal infarct – however, it failed to detect the culprit acute infarct in the left temporal and occipital lobe, which was subsequently revealed by diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging. This posterior cerebral artery stroke is thought to have been caused by thrombotic emboli.

This case highlights an atypical stroke presentation in the context of multiple endocrine comorbidities, including type 1 diabetes mellitus, coeliac disease and previously treated hyperthyroidism. This raises the possibility of an autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome. The patient was managed by the stroke and diabetes teams and is currently receiving cognitive rehabilitation in the community.

Learning points from this case hinge around recognition of atypical stroke presentations, the limitations of computed tomography in patients with stroke and the contributions that endocrine comorbidities may add to the risk of stroke. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.
Delaying and preventing diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Thomas Rebecca L
Published: October 2021

Diabetic retinopathy is a neurovascular complication of diabetes which is an avoidable cause of sight loss. Since the introduction of screening for diabetic retinopathy in the UK along with improving treatments for both diabetes and diabetic retinopathy it is no longer the leading cause of blindness in the UK. Screening detects diabetic retinopathy at an early stage when optimisation of blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol are effective in reducing the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Once proliferative diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema develops treatment includes laser photocoagulation, intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor injections, steroid injection and vitrectomy. With screening to detect diabetic retinopathy, improved therapies and technologies to help people manage diabetes and treatments for diabetic retinopathy sight loss is preventable for the majority of people. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.
Structure of an optimal maintenance policy for a semi‐Markovian deteriorating system with major and minor failures
Authors: Tamura Nobuyuki
Published: October 2021

We consider a multistate system wherein deterioration is modeled as a semi‐Markov process with an absorbing state. The system can suffer major and minor failures. When the system reaches the absorbing state, major failure occurs and it is replaced. Meanwhile, minor failure can occur at each state. Upon occurrence of a minor failure, the system is minimally repaired. We propose an optimal state–age‐dependent maintenance policy for the system which minimizes an expected long‐run cost rate. We study structural properties of the optimal maintenance policy and show that a control‐limit policy holds under several assumptions. We also derive a special relation focused on minor failure related to the state–age‐dependent maintenance policy.
A scalable method for the analysis of networked linear systems with decentralized sampled‐data control
Authors: Dileep Deesh , Fiter Christophe , Hetel Laurentiu , Michiels Wim
Published: October 2021

In this article, the stability analysis problem of networked linear systems with decentralized sampled‐data controllers is considered. The networks under consideration are composed of interconnected identical systems. A dissipativity‐based approach is utilized to analyze stability, grounded in an interconnection interpretation. A structure exploiting and scalable approach is employed to derive a sufficient stability condition for large‐scale linear systems, which is independent of the number of subsystems. In the analysis, the effects of uncertainty on the system models, which include uncertainties that render the coupled systems nonidentical, aperiodic sampling, and a switching network topology, are taken into account. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the main result and simulate the sampled‐data system.
Integration of pelleted biosolids with cover crops for improving soil properties
Authors: Adeli Ardeshir , Brooks John P , Feng Gary , Mozaffari M. , Jenkins Johnie N.
Published: October 2021

Measuring and assessing soil properties is critical for understanding how changes in agronomic practices affect the capability of soil to support cropping systems. A field study was conducted on a Marietta silt loam soil at the Plant Science Center at Mississippi State University to determine the effects of pelleted biosolids (PBS) relative to poultry litter (PL) and inorganic N fertilizer applied to corn (Zea mays L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the presence of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cover crop (WCC) and winter fallow (WF) on soil properties. Experimental design was a split‐plot randomized complete block with three replications. The whole plots were WCC and WF and the subplots were fertilization. Fertilization treatments included PBS and PL at 11.2 Mg ha–1 and 6.7 Mg ha–1 applied to corn and cotton, a one‐time single application at 37 Mg PBS ha–1 to corn in 2016, inorganic N fertilizer at the recommended rate, and an unfertilized control. Soil cores were collected after harvest and analyzed for nutrient concentrations, water stable aggregate (WSA), and enzyme activities. The WCC reduced bulk density (ρb) and penetration resistance (PR) and increased soil total C (TC), WSA, and infiltration rate, as compared with winter fallow (WF). Relative to inorganic N fertilizer, application of PBS decreased soil ρb and PR by 3 and 20%, respectively, and increased soil TC, WSA, and infiltration by 19, 23, and 45%, respectively. A combination of PBS and WCC improved soil physical and chemical properties under southeast agroecosystems.
Development of Graphene Quantum Dots by Valorizing the Bioresources – A Critical Review
Authors: Mili Medha , Jaiswal Ayushi , Hada Vaishnavi , Sagiri Sai S. , Pal Kunal , Chowdhary Rashmi , Malik Rajesh , Gupta Radha S. , Gupta Manoj K. , Chourasia Jamana P. , Hashmi Sar , Rathore Sanjai K. S. , Srivastava Avanish K. , Verma Sarika
Published: October 2021

Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) are carbon‐based, nanoscale particles that display remarkable physical and organic properties. They are chemically and physically stable and eco‐friendly due to their non‐toxic and biologically inert nature. Various bioresources are used to synthesize GQDs to ensure biosafety and cost‐effectiveness. In this work, a critical review has been done by focusing on top‐down and bottom‐up synthesis strategies. GQDs by valorizing various bioresources like bamboo, neem leaves, mango leaves, paper fibers, rice husk, starch, honey, wood charcoal, coffee grounds, corn powder, and lime oil extract is highlighted in the present review. State‐of‐the‐art and future outlooks on the development and advancement of GQDs applications are also being addressed. Based on the surveyed literature, GQDs provide extensive use in various areas like bioimaging, nanomedicine, photocatalysis, light‐emitting diodes, solar cells, and sensors.
Copper‐Mediated Oxidative [3+2]‐Annulation of Nitroalkenes and Ylides of 1,2‐Diazines: Assembly of Functionalized Pyrrolo[1,2‐b]pyridazines
Authors: Motornov Vladimir A. , Tabolin Andrey A. , Nenajdenko Valentine G. , Ioffe Sema L.
Published: October 2021

Oxidative [3+2]‐annulation reactions between nitroalkenes and pyridazinium ylides mediated by Cu(OAc)2⋅H2O were investigated. Functionalized pyrrolo[1,2‐b]pyridazines and pyrrolo[1,2‐a]phthalazines were accessed via this route. Starting from α‐fluoronitroalkenes the reaction provides the first preparative synthesis of a broad scope of 5‐fluoro‐pyrrolo[1,2‐b]pyridazines. The substrate scope in the case of α‐unsubstituted nitroalkenes was investigated. Mechanistic features of the oxidative annulation reaction were studied to support the stepwise [3+2]‐cycloaddition/oxidation/HNO2 elimination mechanism. Partially saturated primary [3+2]‐adducts were isolated and characterized as key intermediates.
Impact of Curdlan Addition on the Properties of Konjac Glucomannan/Ethyl Cellulose Composite Films
Authors: Wu Kao , Li Xin , Yan Xu , Wan Yi , Miao Likun , Xiao Man , Jiang Fatang , Chen Sheng
Published: October 2021

An edible film containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic components could have good mechanical and moisture barrier properties at the same time. Previous research indicated the high potential of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and ethyl cellulose (EC) film in the development of novel edible films, and this study aimed to further improve the hydrophobicity and film properties by addition of curdlan to prepare KGM/curdlan/EC ternary composite films. Results indicated that the addition could significantly change the water contact angle, moisture barrier properties, and mechanical properties of the KGM/EC films, and the optimum addition amount is considered to be 20% of the total weight of KGM and EC. The SEM images, FTIR, and XRD results indicated that the molecular interaction between curdlan and other film components is relatively weak, and this is probably cause by that curdlan remained in the triple‐helix structure under the preparation condition. Therefore curdlan should mainly act as the filling components of the films, and too low or too high addition amount led to decreased mechanical and water vapor permeability properties. The obtained results may offer suggestions to prepare ternary composite edible films with curdlan addition.