bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic, clinical, and biochemical predictors of pica in high‐intensity blood donors
Authors: Liu Hefei , Burns Robert T. , Spencer Bryan R. , Page Grier P. , Mast Alan E. ,   for the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology Donor Evaluation Study (REDS)‐III
Published: June 2022

Background

Frequent blood donors who contribute multiple times annually are important for maintaining an adequate blood supply. However, repeated donations exacerbate iron deficiency, which can lead to pica, a condition characterised as repeated eating or chewing of a non‐nutritious substance such as ice, clay and dirt. Understanding characteristics of frequent donors that are associated with increased risk for developing pica will help to identify them and prevent this adverse consequence of blood donation.

Methods

Demographic, clinical, haematological, and biochemical factors associated with pica were investigated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis in a cohort of 1693 high‐intensity donors who gave nine or more units of whole blood in the preceding 2 years. Pica was classified by questionnaire responses as consuming at least 8 oz of ice daily and/or consumption of non‐ice substances regardless of the amount and frequency.

Results

Pica was present in 1.5% of the high‐intensity donors, and only occurred in those with ferritin <50 ng/ml. Of 16 candidate variables, only haematocrit (OR = 0.835, p = 0.020) was independently associated with pica. Although severe iron deficiency was more prevalent in high‐intensity donors, pica behaviours were less prevalent than in less frequent donors (2.2%).

Conclusion

We have uncovered predictors of pica in high‐intensity donors, which further emphasises the need to continue to implement iron replacement programs to reduce the prevalence of pica and maintain a robust pool of frequent donors.
Resuscitation of an exsanguinated obstetrics patient with HBOC‐201: A case report
Authors: Barrett Christopher D. , Theodore Sheina , Dechert Tracey , Burke Peter , Khoury Rasha , Cap Andrew P. , Scantling Dane
Published: June 2022

Background

Hemorrhagic shock is a clinically challenging disease process with high mortality. When conventional blood products are unable to be administered, oxygen‐carrying blood alternatives are sometimes utilized. The international experience with this scenario is limited. We aim to add to this body of literature.

Study Design and Methods

This is a case report of the administration of bovine hemoglobin‐based oxygen‐carrying red blood cell (RBC) substitute HBOC‐201 (HemoPure®) to a patient with post‐partum bleeding and hemorrhagic shock because the patient declined RBC transfusion. HBOC‐201 was administered with consent under a one‐time Emergency Investigational New Drug (eIND) approval from the Food and Drug Administration with appropriate notification of the Institutional Review Board.

Results

The patient was successfully resuscitated with HBOC‐201 from hemorrhagic shock. She was weaned off of vasopressor support and extubated with the recovery of her baseline mental status within 4 h. However, approximately 36 h after this, the patient developed multi‐organ system dysfunction, volume overload, right heart failure and ultimately expired early on post‐partum day 4.

Discussion

Resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock with HBOC‐201 as an RBC alternative is feasible, but significant challenges remain with the management of sequelae resulting from prolonged low‐flow, ischemic states as well as the significant colloid pressure and volume overload experienced after massive transfusion with an acellular colloid oxygen carrier.
Minimal impact of anticoagulant on in vitro whole blood quality throughout a 35‐day cold‐storage regardless of leukoreduction timing
Authors: Schubert Peter , Culibrk Brankica , Bhakta Varsha , Closas Tatiana , Sheffield William P. , Devine Dana V. , McTaggart Ken
Published: June 2022

Background

There is increasing interest in leukoreduced whole blood (WB) as a transfusion product for trauma patients. In some jurisdictions, few leukoreduced filters are approved or appropriate for WB leukoreduction and quality information is therefore limited. This study assessed the impact of filtration timing of WB collected in CPDA‐1 versus CPD on in vitro quality.

Study Design and methods

WB was collected in CPDA‐1 or CPD and leukoreduction filtered either after 3–8 h (early) or 18–24 h (late) from stop bleed time. In vitro quality was assessed after filtration and throughout 5 weeks of storage at 4°C. Cell count and hemoglobin levels were determined by hematology analyzer, platelet activation and responsiveness to ADP by surface expression of P‐selectin by flow cytometry, hemolysis by HemoCue, and metabolic parameters by blood gas analyzer. Hemostatic properties were assessed by rotational thromboelastometry. Plasma protein activities and clotting times were determined by automated coagulation.

Results

Although there were some data points which showed statistically significant differences associated with anticoagulant choices or the filtration timing, no general trend in inferiority/performance could be discerned. After 35 days' storage, only clotting time, alpha angle and factor II in the early filtration arm comparing anticoagulants and prothrombin time and factor II in the CPDA‐1 study arm comparing filtration timing showed a significant difference.

Conclusion

In vitro WB quality seems to be independent on the choice of anticoagulant and filtration timing supporting WB hold‐times to up to 24 h, increasing operational flexibility for transfusion services.
A Parabolic Notch Interacting With a Generalized Antiplane Singularity
Authors: Ma Lifeng , Chen Yifeng , Hills David A.
Published: June 2022

In this study, the interaction of a parabolic notch with a generalized antiplane singularity is studied, and its analytical solution is derived. The singularity may be either an antiplane concentrated force or a screw dislocation, and separate solutions for each of these are found. The driving force present on the screw dislocation due to the notch free boundary is obtained. It is found that a dislocation-free zone may exist beneath the notch root surface when the screw dislocation is placed on the notch geometric symmetry axis, as the driving force will pull dislocations to the free boundary where they will be annihilated. The solutions developed in this study may be used as building blocks to model the damage of material near a parabolic notch under antiplane load conditions and therefore serve as a step in quantifying crack nucleation conditions, which is the novelty of the current study.
Technical Evaluation Method of Mechanical Equipment Item Substitution in the Procurement and Construction Process of Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Zhang Jindong , Wu Chongzhi
Published: June 2022

The needs of item substitution are frequent during the procurement and construction of nuclear power project. But the documents prepared for item substitution requests vary considerably in quality that influence working efficiency and project progress. Analyses have been performed for various item substitutions in accordance with laws, regulations, standards, and engineering practices. Focusing on mechanical equipment item substitution, the relative evaluation methods during procurement and construction have been developed based on lessons learned from practices during the engineering practices of advanced passive pressurized water reactor (APPWR) built in China. The methodology of item substitution evaluation can be summarized into six steps, which are critical characteristics for design, nonspecific/specific item substitution, analysis of item function(s) and failure mode(s), impact on related structures, systems and components (SSCs), compensation and coordination measure, and engineering feasibility analysis, respectively. For nuclear power units having been completed, typical cases of item substitution are suggested to be accumulated, and lists of typical critical characteristics for design for the items that often need to be substituted are suggested to be summarized. And then an application library including cases and lists will be established, which will guide item substitution work high quality and efficiency.
Supercritical Heat Transfer Characteristics and System Performance Analysis of R744 and Its Two Azeotropic Blends
Authors: Sun Dahan , Fei Teng , Liu Zekuan , Xu Jing , Qin Jiang
Published: June 2022

A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model of the double-tubes heat exchanger was established by using fluent16.0 in this study. The supercritical flow and heat transfer characteristics of R744 and its two azeotropic blends in the gas cooler and their performance in the single-stage compression heat pump were investigated. The results showed that the peak value of the heat transfer capabilities of R744 was the highest, and that of R744/R170 was the lowest. With the increase in the pressure, the peak value of the heat transfer capabilities decreased, and the bulk temperature corresponding to the peak value of the heat transfer capabilities also increased. Moreover, the temperature of R744/R170 at the same position near the outlet of the tube section was lower under the different working conditions, which would be conducive in increasing the coefficient of performance (COP) of the system. Lastly, when R744 and its two azeotropic blends were employed in the single-stage compression heat pump system, the difference of COP between R744/R170 and R744 decreased with the increase of the outlet temperature in the gas cooler, and the difference of COP between R744/R41 and R744 increased.
Human gingival mesenchymal stem cells retain their growth and immunomodulatory characteristics independent of donor age
Authors: Dave Jay R. , Chandekar Sayali S. , Behera Shubhanath , Desai Kaushik U. , Salve Pradnya M. , Sapkal Neha B. , Mhaske Suhas T. , Dewle Ankush M. , Pokare Parag S. , Page Megha , Jog Ajay , Chivte Pankaj A. , Srivastava Rupesh K. , Tomar Geetanjali B.
Published: June 2022

Aging has been reported to deteriorate the quantity and quality of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which affect their therapeutic use in regenerative medicine. A dearth of age-related stem cell research further restricts their clinical applications. The present study explores the possibility of using MSCs derived from human gingival tissues (GMSCs) for studying their ex vivo growth characteristics and differentiation potential with respect to donor age. GMSCs displayed decreased in vitro adipogenesis and in vitro and in vivo osteogenesis with age, but in vitro neurogenesis remained unaffected. An increased expression of p53 and SIRT1 with donor age was correlated to their ability of eliminating tumorigenic events through apoptosis or autophagy, respectively. Irrespective of donor age, GMSCs displayed effective immunoregulation and regenerative potential in a mouse model of LPS-induced acute lung injury. Thus, we suggest the potential of GMSCs for designing cell-based immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches and their further extrapolation for acute inflammatory conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and COVID-19.
There is chemistry in social chemistry
Authors: Ravreby Inbal , Snitz Kobi , Sobel Noam
Published: June 2022

Nonhuman terrestrial mammals sniff themselves and each other to decide who is friend or foe. Humans also sniff themselves and each other, but the function of this is unknown. Because humans seek friends who are similar to themselves, we hypothesized that humans may smell themselves and others to subconsciously estimate body odor similarity, which, in turn, may promote friendship. To test this, we recruited nonromantic same-sex friend dyads and harvested their body odor. We found that objective ratings obtained with an electronic nose, and subjective ratings obtained from independent human smellers converged to suggest that friends smell more similar to each other than random dyads. Last, we recruited complete strangers, smelled them with an electronic nose, and engaged them in nonverbal same-sex dyadic interactions. We observed that dyads who smelled more similar had more positive dyadic interactions. In other words, we could predict social bonding with an electronic nose. We conclude that there is indeed chemistry in social chemistry.
Local lateral contact governs shear traction of micropatterned surfaces on hydrogel substrates
Authors: Calahan Kristin N. , Qi Yuan , Johannes Karl G. , Rentschler Mark E. , Long Rong
Published: June 2022

Micropatterned surfaces exhibit enhanced shear traction on soft, aqueous tissue-like materials and, thus, have the potential to advance medical technology by improving the anchoring performance of medical devices on tissue. However, the fundamental mechanism underlying the enhanced shear traction is still elusive, as previous studies focused on interactions between micropatterned surfaces and rigid substrates rather than soft substrates. Here, we present a particle tracking method to experimentally measure microscale three-dimensional (3D) deformation of a soft hydrogel in normal and shear contact with arrays of microscale pillars. The measured 3D strain and stress fields reveal that the lateral contact between each individual pillar and the deformed hydrogel substrate governs the shear response. Moreover, by comparing pillars with different cross-sectional geometries, we observe experimental evidence that the shear traction of a pillar on the hydrogel substrate is sensitive to the convex features of its leading edge in the shear direction.
A river ran through it: Floodplains as America’s newest relict landform
Authors: Knox Richard L. , Morrison Ryan R. , Wohl Ellen E.
Published: June 2022

Artificial levees are a major human modification of river corridors, but we still do not have a clear understanding of how artificial levees affect floodplain extent at regional and larger scales. We estimated changes in river-floodplain connectivity due to artificial levees in the contiguous United States (CONUS) using a combination of artificial levee databases, delineations of floodplain areas, and deletion of artificial levees from topography. Our results indicate that artificial levees do not only decrease floodplain extent but also alter locations of floodplain connectivity. Anthropogenically connected and disconnected locations are similar in land cover and are predominantly, in decreasing order of extent, cultivated, wetland, forested, and developed land cover types, with more than 30% of the entire floodplain area in the CONUS cultivated or developed. This study indicates that artificial levees cause complex changes in river-floodplain connectivity and can increase flooded areas in some rivers.
Orally efficacious lead of the AVG inhibitor series targeting a dynamic interface in the respiratory syncytial virus polymerase
Authors: Sourimant Julien , Lieber Carolin M. , Yoon Jeong-Joong , Toots Mart , Govindarajan Mugunthan , Udumula Venkata , Sakamoto Kaori , Natchus Michael G. , Patti Joseph , Vernachio John , Plemper Richard K.
Published: June 2022

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory infections in infants and the immunocompromised, yet no efficient therapeutic exists. We have identified the AVG class of allosteric inhibitors of RSV RNA synthesis. Here, we demonstrate through biolayer interferometry and in vitro RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) assays that AVG compounds bind to the viral polymerase, stalling the polymerase in initiation conformation. Resistance profiling revealed a unique escape pattern, suggesting a discrete docking pose. Affinity mapping using photoreactive AVG analogs identified the interface of polymerase core, capping, and connector domains as a molecular target site. A first-generation lead showed nanomolar potency against RSV in human airway epithelium organoids but lacked in vivo efficacy. Docking pose-informed synthetic optimization generated orally efficacious AVG-388, which showed potent efficacy in the RSV mouse model when administered therapeutically. This study maps a druggable target in the RSV RdRP and establishes clinical potential of the AVG chemotype against RSV disease.
Optical suppression of energy barriers in single molecule-metal binding
Authors: Lin Qianqi , Hu Shu , Földes Tamás , Huang Junyang , Wright Demelza , Griffiths Jack , Elliott Eoin , de Nijs Bart , Rosta Edina , Baumberg Jeremy J.
Published: June 2022

Transient bonds between molecules and metal surfaces underpin catalysis, bio/molecular sensing, molecular electronics, and electrochemistry. Techniques aiming to characterize these bonds often yield conflicting conclusions, while single-molecule probes are scarce. A promising prospect confines light inside metal nanogaps to elicit in operando vibrational signatures through surface-enhanced Raman scattering. Here, we show through analysis of more than a million spectra that light irradiation of only a few microwatts on molecules at gold facets is sufficient to overcome the metallic bonds between individual gold atoms and pull them out to form coordination complexes. Depending on the molecule, these light-extracted adatoms persist for minutes under ambient conditions. Tracking their power-dependent formation and decay suggests that tightly trapped light transiently reduces energy barriers at the metal surface. This opens intriguing prospects for photocatalysis and controllable low-energy quantum devices such as single-atom optical switches.
Production of High-Transverse-Momentum Deuterons and Tritons at an Angle of 40$${{}^{\circ}}$$ in Proton–Nucleus Interactions at a Beam Energy of 50 GeV
Authors: Antonov N. N. , Viktorov V. A. , Gapienko V. A. , Gapienko G. S. , Gres’ V. N. , Prudkoglyad A. F. , Romanovskii V. A. , Semak A. A. , Solodovnikov I. P. , Terekhov V. I. , Ukhanov M. N. , Shimanskii S. S.
Published: June 2022

Data on the production of positively charged particles emitted at an angle of 40$${}^{\circ}$$ (in the laboratory frame) with transverse momenta of up to 2.7 GeV$$/c$$ in the interaction of 50-GeV$$/c$$ protons with carbon, aluminum, copper, and tungsten nuclear targets are presented. Particular attention is given to studying the production of light nuclear fragments, such as deuterons ($$d$$) and tritons ($$t$$). An analysis of data on $$d$$ and $$t$$ particles gives grounds to state that these fragments arise via a local mechanism of their direct knockout from nuclei. The results were obtained in the SPIN experiment at the Institute for High Energy Physics (IHEP, Protvino).
Neurofilament light chain: a new marker for neuronal decay in the anterior chamber fluid of patients with glaucoma
Authors: Woltsche Nora , Valentin Katharina , Hoeflechner Lukas , Guttmann Andreas , Horwath-Winter Jutta , Schneider Mona Regina , Ivastinovic Domagoj , Lindner Marlene , Schmetterer Leopold , Singh Neena , Riedl Regina , Buchmann Arabella , Khalil Michael , Lindner Ewald
Published: June 2022

Background/Aims

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum are reliable indicators for neuroaxonal damage in a broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we investigate NfL levels in serum and anterior chamber fluid of patients with glaucoma.

Methods

Patients scheduled for routine glaucoma or cataract surgery were recruited for this study. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT, Heidelberg Spectralis). NfL levels in serum and in anterior chamber fluid were analysed with Simoa SR-X Analyzer (Quanterix; NFLIGHT, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA). T-test was used for parametric data and Mann-Whitney-U test for nonparametric data. Spearman’s rank-order correlation was used to investigate correlations. P values<0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results

Sixty patients with glaucoma and 58 controls were enrolled. Serum NfL concentration of patients with glaucoma was similar to serum NfL concentration in controls (median (IQR); 22.7 (18.9) pg/mL vs 22.5 (24.0) pg/mL; p=0.763). A positive correlation of serum NfL with age was observed in both patients with glaucoma (r=0.77; p<0.001) and in the control group (r=0.82, p<0.001). In the anterior chamber fluid, the NfL concentration was substantially increased in patients with glaucoma compared with controls (20.7 (101.3) pg/mL vs 3.1 (2.9) pg/mL; p<0.001). Furthermore, we found a positive correlation of anterior chamber fluid NfL with preoperative intraocular pressure (r=0.39, p=0.003) and with retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (r=0.58, p<0.001).

Conclusion

NfL levels in anterior chamber fluid are elevated in patients with glaucoma and correlate with intraocular pressure and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. The presented data strongly support anterior chamber fluid NfL as a new marker for glaucoma.
Physicians’ attitudes towards disclosure of payments from pharmaceutical companies in a nationwide voluntary transparency database: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Stoll Marlene , Hubenschmid Lara , Koch Cora , Lieb Klaus , Egloff Boris
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To investigate German physicians’ attitudes towards and experiences with voluntary disclosure of payments by pharmaceutical companies in a public database and their impact on future decisions for or against disclosure.

Design

A national cross-sectional survey conducted in 2018 among physicians who voluntarily disclosed at least one payment in the German transparency regulation.

Setting

Retrospective paper-pencil questionnaire about attitudes towards and experiences with voluntary payment disclosures in the first (2015) and second (2016) years of the German transparency regulation.

Participants

German physicians who disclosed either in the first year only, the second year only, or in both years of the transparency regulation.

Primary outcomes

(1) The probability to disclose in 2016, predicted by physicians’ experience of reactions from others in 2015, descriptive norms and attitudes towards transparency; (2) Frequency and (3) Content of reactions from others in 2015 compared with 2016.

Results

Data of 234 respondents were analysed (n=42, 45 and 147 physicians who disclosed in 2015, 2016 or both years, respectively). The probability to disclose in 2016 was not predicted by perceived reactions, norms or attitudes towards transparency (p>0.01). Most participants reported not to have received any reactions by patients (190/234, 81%), colleagues (128/234, 55%) or the private environment (153/234, 65%). Neither frequency nor content of reactions differed between the first and second years (scale 1–5; frequency: Mdn2015,2016 = 1.33 vs 1.00, rb=−0.17, p>0.01; content: Mdn2015,2016 = 3.00 vs 3.00, rb=0.19, p>0.01). However, media reporting, fear of reputational damage and a feeling of being defamed were mentioned as reasons for non-disclosure.

Conclusions

While confirmatory analyses did not provide significant results, descriptive analyses showed that participants who voluntarily disclose payments mainly do not experience any reactions towards their disclosures but report fears about losing their reputation due to disclosures.
Point-of-care lung ultrasonography for early identification of mild COVID-19: a prospective cohort of outpatients in a Swiss screening center
Authors: Schaad Siméon , Brahier Thomas , Hartley Mary-Anne , Cordonnier Jean-Baptiste , Bosso Luca , Espejo Tanguy , Pantet Olivier , Hugli Olivier , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Meuwly Jean-Yves , Boillat-Blanco Noémie
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Early identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection is important to guide quarantine and reduce transmission. This study evaluates the diagnostic performance of lung ultrasound (LUS), an affordable, consumable-free point-of-care tool, for COVID-19 screening.

Design, setting and participants

This prospective observational cohort included adults presenting with cough and/or dyspnoea at a SARS-CoV-2 screening centre of Lausanne University Hospital between 31 March and 8 May 2020.

Interventions

Investigators recorded standardised LUS images and videos in 10 lung zones per patient. Two blinded independent experts reviewed LUS recording and classified abnormal findings according to prespecified criteria to investigate their predictive value to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection according to PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs (COVID-19 positive vs COVID-19 negative).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We finally combined LUS and clinical findings to derive a multivariate logistic regression diagnostic score.

Results

Of 134 included patients, 23% (n=30/134) were COVID-19 positive and 77% (n=103/134) were COVID-19 negative; 85%, (n=114/134) cases were previously healthy healthcare workers presenting within 2–5 days of symptom onset (IQR). Abnormal LUS findings were significantly more frequent in COVID-19 positive compared with COVID-19 negative (45% vs 26%, p=0.045) and mostly consisted of focal pathologic B lines. Combining clinical findings in a multivariate logistic regression score had an area under the receiver operating curve of 80.3% to detect COVID-19, and slightly improved to 84.5% with the addition of LUS features.

Conclusions

COVID-19-positive patients are significantly more likely to have lung pathology by LUS. However, LUS has an insufficient sensitivity and is not an appropriate screening tool in outpatients. LUS only adds little value to clinical features alone.
Retrospective evaluation of an intervention based on training sessions to increase the use of control charts in hospitals
Authors: Kudrna Laura , Bird Paul , Hemming Karla , Quinn Laura , Schmidtke Kelly , Lilford Richard
Published: June 2022

Background

Statistical process control charts (SPCs) distinguish signal from noise in quality and safety metrics and thus enable resources to be targeted towards the most suitable actions for improving processes and outcomes. Nevertheless, according to a recent study, SPCs are not widely used by hospital boards in England. To address this, an educational training initiative with training sessions lasting less than one and a half days was established to increase uptake of SPCs in board papers. This research evaluated the impact of the training sessions on the inclusion of SPCs in hospital board papers in England.

Methods

We used a non-randomised controlled before and after design. Use of SPCs was examined in 40 publicly available board papers across 20 hospitals; 10 intervention hospitals and 10 control hospitals matched using hospital characteristics and time-period. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression models and t-tests compared changes in usage by means of a difference in difference approach.

Results

Across the 40 board papers in our sample, we found 6287 charts. Control hospitals had 9/1585 (0.6%) SPCs before the intervention period and 23/1900 (1.2%) after the intervention period, whereas intervention hospitals increased from 89/1235 (7%) before to 328/1567 (21%) after the intervention period; a relative risk ratio of 9 (95% CI 3 to 32). The absolute difference in use of SPCs was 17% (95% CI 6% to 27%) in favour of the intervention group.

Conclusions

The results suggest that a scalable educational training initiative to improve use of SPCs within organisations can be effective. Future research could aim to overcome the limitations of observational research with an experimental design or seek to better understand mechanisms, decision-making and patient outcomes.
Rationale and Design for the LOnger-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 INfection on blood Vessels And blood pRessure (LOCHINVAR): an observational phenotyping study
Authors: Lip Stefanie , Mccallum Linsay , Delles Christian , McClure John D , Guzik Tomasz , Berry Colin , Touyz Rhian , Padmanabhan Sandosh
Published: June 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 may lead to long-term endothelial consequences including hypertension, stroke and myocardial infarction. A pilot study ‘COVID-19 blood pressure endothelium interaction study’, which found that patients with normal blood pressure (BP) at the time of hospital admission with COVID-19 showed an 8.6 mm Hg higher BP ≥12 weeks after recovery, compared with a group without COVID-19. The ‘LOnger-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 INfection on blood Vessels And blood pRessure’(LOCHINVAR) study is designed to provide definitive evidence of the long-term impact of COVID-19 on BP.

Methods and analysis

The LOCHINVAR study is an observational clinical phenotyping study comparing longitudinal BP change between individuals with and without COVID-19 infection. 150 participants (30–60 years) with no history of hypertension and not on BP lowering medications will be recruited to the study to attend three visits (baseline, 12 months, 18 months). Cases will be patients who were admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), Glasgow, UK, with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 until 31 December 2021 and who were alive at discharge. Controls will be those who have never had confirmed COVID-19 infection. All participants will undergo clinical and vascular phenotyping studies which will include 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring systolic BP (ABPM SBP), brachial flow-mediated dilatation urine and blood samples to assess the renin-angiotensin system, vascular inflammation and immune status. The primary outcome is the change in systolic 24-hour ABPM (ABPM SBP) between the cases and controls. Sample size was calculated to detect a mean difference of 5 mm Hg ABPM SBP at 80% power.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol of this study has been approved by the West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 5 (21/WS/0075), Scotland, UK. Written informed consent will be provided by all study participants. Study findings will be submitted to international peer-reviewed hypertension journals and will be presented at international scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT05087290.
The existence and stability of the photon spheres and time-like circular orbits in the spacetime of magnetic Gauss–Bonnet black hole
Authors: Ma Chen , Zhang Yu , Lin Zhi-Wen
Published: June 2022

This paper was devoted to studying the structure of the photon spheres and time-like circular orbits in the magnetic Gauss–Bonnet black hole space–time. Herein, the relationship between the photon spheres, the time-like circular orbits, and the black hole horizons was analyzed. We found that the photon sphere curve of the black hole ends at the horizon curve of the extreme black hole. The outer photon sphere is unstable and the inner photon sphere is stable. However, given that there is physically no inner photon sphere of the black hole inside the event horizon, the black hole has only one unstable photon sphere. Specifically, compact massive objects have at most two photon spheres, i.e., stable and unstable. Moreover, the curve of extremal stable time-like circular orbits ends at the coincidence of the inner and outer photon spheres, whereas the inner time-like circular orbits cannot be inside the photon spheres. Therefore, the extremal stable time-like circular orbits become multivalued, which is related to the existence of the photon sphere. When the photon sphere exists, the extremal stable time-like circular orbits behave as the innermost stable circular orbits. When the photon sphere does not exist, the extremal stable time-like circular orbits have both an innermost stable circular orbit and an outermost stable circular orbit.
Thermodynamics and energy loss in D dimensions from holographic QCD model
Authors: Zhu Zhou-Run , Chen Jun-Xia , Liu Xian-Ming , Hou Defu
Published: June 2022

We consider the holographic QCD model with a planar horizon in the D dimensions with different consistent metric solutions. We investigate the black hole thermodynamics, phase diagram and equations of state (EoS) in different dimensions. The temperature and chemical potential dependence of the drag force and diffusion coefficient also have been studied. From the results, the energy loss of heavy quark shows an enhancement near the phase transition temperature in D dimensions. This finding illustrates that the energy loss of heavy quark has a nontrivial and non-monotonic dependence on temperature. Furthermore, we find the heavy quark may lose less energy in higher dimension. The diffusion coefficient is larger in higher dimension.
Feasibility of the experimental study of $$D_{s}^{*}\rightarrow {\phi }{\pi }$$ decay
Authors: Yang Yueling , Li Kang , Li Zhenglin , Huang Jinshu , Sun Junfeng
Published: June 2022

The current knowledge on the$$D_{s}^{*}$$Ds∗meson are very limited. Besides the dominant electromagnetic decays, the$$D_{s}^{*}$$Ds∗weak decays are legal and offer the valuable opportunities to explore the wanted$$D_{s}^{*}$$Ds∗meson. In this paper, the$$D_{s}^{*}\rightarrow {\phi }{\pi }$$Ds∗→ϕπdecay was studied with the factorization approach. It is found that the branching ratio$${\mathcal {B}}(D_{s}^{*}\rightarrow {\phi }{\pi })$$B(Ds∗→ϕπ)$${\sim }$$∼$${\mathcal {O}}(10^{-7})$$O(10-7), which corresponds to several thousands of events at the$$e^{+}e^{-}$$e+e-collider experiments including STCF, SuperKEKB, CEPC and FCC-ee, and several millions of events at the hadron collider experiments, such as LHCb@HL-LHC. It is feasible to experimentally study the$$D_{s}^{*}\rightarrow {\phi }{\pi }$$Ds∗→ϕπweak decay in the future, even considering the identification efficiency.
The Modulatory Effects and Targets Prediction of Herbal Medicines or Phytochemicals on Cancer Immunosurveillance
Authors: Yang Huihai , Zhang Jing , Ling Jiawei
Published: June 2022

Cancer is a main life-threatening disease worldwide. Due to the adverse effects of conventional chemotherapies and radiotherapies, immunotherapy has emerged as a potent strategy to treat cancer. In cancer immunotherapy, cancer immune surveillance plays a crucial role in the cancer process, which contains various effector cells from innate and adaptive immunity. This review summarized the functions of innate and adaptive immune cells in cancer immunosurveillance and their main reported targets. Moreover, the potential targets about the modulatory effects of cancer immunosurveillance were predicted using network-based target analysis, with total predicted pathways not only reporting previously reported pathways, but also putative signaling pathways pending for investigation. In addition, the potential use of herbal medicines and their phytochemicals in the modulation of cancer immunosurveillance were also discussed. Taken together, this review paper aims to provide scientific insight into further drug development, particularly herbs, phytochemicals, and TCM formulae, in the modulatory effects of cancer immunosurveillance.
Energy Efficiency Optimization with SINR Constraints in Downlink MIMO-NOMA Systems
Authors: Xu Fuyuan , Zhang Hailin
Published: June 2022

In downlink multiple-input, multiple-output, (MIMO) and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems, the inter-cluster interference can be cancelled by optimizing pre-coding and detection matrices. Thus, the MIMO-NOMA channel is decomposed into multiple single-input, single-output and (SISO)-MOMA channels. Then, we formulate an energy efficiency (EE) optimization problem subject to the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) constraints which is non-convex. To solve the problem, we propose the algorithm based on one-dimensional linear search and first-order Taylor expansion. Moreover, as in conventional communication systems, EE and spectrum efficiency (SE) cannot always be improved simultaneously. Thus, the trade-off between EE and SE is investigated based on the formulated problem. Numerical analyses and simulation results verify the proposed algorithm. In addition, the performance in terms of EE and the EE-SE trade-off can be improved by optimizing the user pairing method.
Free CIR processes
Authors: Graf Holger , Port Henry , Schlüchtermann Georg
Published: June 2022

For stochastic processes of non-commuting random variables, we formulate a Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) stochastic differential equation in the context of free probability theory which was introduced by D. Voiculescu. By transforming the classical CIR equation and the Feller condition, which ensures the existence of a positive solution, into the free setting (in the sense of having a strictly positive spectrum), we show the global existence for a free CIR equation. The main challenge lies in the transition from a stochastic differential equation driven by a classical Brownian motion to a stochastic differential equation driven by the free analogue to the classical Brownian motion, the so-called free Brownian motion.
EC-tractability of multivariate approximation in Hermite spaces for the standard information class
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Yongping
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we study exponential tractability of multivariate approximation problem for Hermite spaces of analytic functions over [Formula: see text] in the worst case setting. The functions are characterized by the property that their Hermite coefficients decay exponentially fast. The considered algorithms based on tensor products of Gauss–Hermite rules for multivariate integration are constructive and use the class [Formula: see text] of only function evaluations. We give matching necessary and sufficient conditions for notions of EC-quasi-polynomial tractability and EC-uniform weak tractability in terms of two weight parameters of the problem.
Photodynamic activity of novel cationic porphyrins conjugated to graphene quantum dots against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Magaela N. Bridged , Makola Lekgowa C. , Managa Muthumuni , Nyokong Tebello
Published: June 2022

Novel 5-(pyridyl)-10-15-20-tris(4-bromophenyl) porphyrin (complex 1), indium metal derivative (complex 2), and quaternized derivative (complex 3) were synthesized and conjugated to graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The conjugation of the porphyrins to GQDs was through [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] stacking. Herein, the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] stacking approach was used to avoid covalent conjugation which might compromise the intrinsic chemical and physical properties. The photodynamic activities of the proposed nanomaterials were assessed towards Staphylococcus aureus cell obliteration. The photophysical properties of the prepared complexes were also studied prior to the application. Moreover, a decrease in fluorescence lifetimes was observed upon metalation of complex 1. As anticipated, singlet oxygen quantum yield ([Formula: see text] increased notably upon heavy metal (indium) insertion and upon composite formation. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy comparative studies were done on quaternized and unquaternized indium porphyrins conjugated to GQDs. Complex 3-GQDs exhibited the highest antibacterial activities compared to other complexes, and this was attributed to the high [Formula: see text] which plays an imperative role in photodynamic therapy applications.
Porphyrin-loaded acetylated lignin nanoparticles as a remarkable biomarker emitting in the first optical window
Authors: Robbins Emma , Mucha Sebastian G. , Benkowska-Biernacka Dominika , Nadolski Krzysztof , Maldonado-Carmona Nidia , Villandier Nicolas , Leroy-Lhez Stéphanie , Matczyszyn Katarzyna
Published: June 2022

Nanoparticles made of a substance derived from wood, lignin, are gaining interest as a potential material for use in nanotechnology, including such biological applications as photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), which involve the need for the nanoparticles to contain photosensitizers that absorb and emit in certain wavelength ranges. Among the possible approaches there is one relying on utilizing two-photon absorption in the near infrared region. In this work, we present the linear and non-linear photophysical properties of acetylated lignin nanoparticles which have been loaded with porphyrin, in particular, the femtosecond laser-induced emission which was measured for a single nanoparticle. We demonstrate that these nanoparticles can be excited in the so-called first (NIR-I) and second (NIR-II) optical window in the near-infrared (650–950 nm and 1000–1350 nm, respectively). Because their emission also occurs in the NIR, this presents an advantage for the monitoring of the use of these porphyrin-particle hybrids within PDT and PACT applications.
Study on Experimental Identification and Alternative Kernel Functions of Nonviscous Damping
Authors: Shen Renjie , Qian Xiangdong , Zhou Jianfang , Lee Chin-Long , Carr Athol , Nokes Roger
Published: June 2022

Nonviscous damping is represented by the convolution integral of the time history velocity and kernel function. Nonviscous damping model may correctly represent the energy dissipation character of the linear system for the multiple-choice kernel functions. This paper outlines a procedure for identifying relaxation parameter and damping ratios of the cantilever beams with nonviscous damping in time domain. In the procedure, the approximate value of the relaxation parameter and damping ratios can be identified by the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) firstly. Then the natural frequency of the tested structure can be obtained through the eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA). Finally, the relaxation parameter and damping ratios are identified through the sensitivity method by using the approximate initial values from the CWT and the natural frequency from the ERA. The proposed identification procedure can identify the parameters of the numerical example with a small error. Then, the displacement of cantilever beams measured from experiment is used in the identification procedure. It shows that good estimates can be obtained from the procedure by choosing suitable kernel function. Identification results for nonviscous damping beams with four different kernel functions are discussed. The suitable kernel function can be obtained through the analysis of the identification results. As for the result, this paper analyzes the causes, and presents relevant suggestions for recommended kernel functions. The research on nonviscous damping will increase the application of nonviscous damping model in the dynamic analysis of actual structures.
Glassdoor: Are the Top CEOs Representing the Best Investments
Authors: Filbeck Greg , Zhao Xin
Published: June 2022

In 2013, Glassdoor launched the Employees’ Choice Awards for the Top CEOs. Glassdoor’s awards are unique in that feedback from employees exclusively determines the winners. Given Glassdoor’s notoriety, claiming 64 million unique visitors and 11 million job listings monthly, being listed as a Top CEO certainly has reputational value — but does it translate to higher shareholder returns? We find that the overall Top CEO sample statistically outperforms a matched sample and the S&P 500 index on a raw and risk-adjusted basis with superior Tobin’s Q and annual returns one year after the announcement.
Termination and Expressiveness of Execution Strategies for Networks of Bidirectional Model Transformations
Authors: Klare Heiko , Gleitze Joshua
Published: June 2022

When developers describe a software system with multiple models, such as architecture diagrams, deployment descriptions, and source code, these models must represent the system in a uniform way, i.e., they must be and stay
consistent
. One means to automatically preserve consistency after changes to models are model transformations, of which bidirectional transformations that preserve consistency between two models have been well researched. To preserve consistency between multiple models, such transformations can be combined to networks. When transformations are developed independently and reused modularly, the resulting network can be of arbitrary topology. For such networks, no universal strategy exists to orchestrate the execution of transformations such that the resulting models are consistent.

In this article, we prove that termination of such a strategy can only be guaranteed if it is incomplete, i.e., if it is allowed to fail to restore consistency for some changes although an execution order of transformations exists that yields consistent models. We propose such a strategy, for which we prove termination and show that and why it makes it easier for users of model transformation networks to understand the reasons whenever the strategy fails. In addition, we provide a simulator for the comparison of different execution strategies. These findings help transformation developers and users in understanding when and why they can expect the execution of a transformation network to terminate and when they can even expect it to succeed. Furthermore, the proposed strategy guarantees them termination and supports them in finding the reason whenever it is not successful.
Water Flow Improvement by Pinhole Outlet in Batch-Type Wet Cleaning Bath for Large-Diameter Wafers
Authors: Tsuchida Toko , Takahashi Toshinori , Habuka Hitoshi , Goto Akihiro
Published: June 2022

The pinhole water outlet fabricated near the top of bath walls could produce a simple water flow with less water recirculation in the batch-type wet cleaner for 300 mm-diameter silicon wafers. The pinholes having a 2 mm diameter were arranged in three different configurations: (i) the right and left side walls have the pinhole outlets, while the front and back side walls did not, (ii) the distance between the nearest neighbor pinholes was less than 1.5 cm and (iii) the pinhole arrays were at the depth of 3, 4.5 and 6 cm beneath the water surface. The water motion was studied by computational fluid dynamics and visualization, during the wafer operations. When 10 cm of the wafer bottom was immersed in the water, the calculation showed that 90% of the particles, released from the 1 cm depth beneath the water surface, was removed from the bath within 10 s. By observations throughout the sequential wafer operations of dipping, holding and lifting, the blue-colored tracer ink that had been painted at the wafer surface simply went toward the outlet without any considerable recirculation. The range of the water flow rate without causing any recirculation was additionally studied.
Library Document Resource Construction and Data Sharing Based on Semantic Web Technology
Authors: Fan Xinyuan
Published: June 2022

With the deepening of the reform and development of higher education, many colleges and universities have taken the merger as an opportunity to promote the leap-forward development of their schools. Some colleges and universities that have not merged have also taken the newly-built campus as a new growth point to promote the rapid development of their schools. The library’s collection structure reflects a library’s document support ability, and the formation of the collection structure depends on the accumulation of document resources. Based on semantic web technology, this paper studies the construction of library literature resources. Among the institutions that choose to give priority to the development of library literature resources in the development strategy of main literature resources, the proportion of long-term preservation practice has reached 65.23%, compared with 57.42% of all other institutions. Due to the small number of samples, we cannot make a simple statistical inference, but it may reflect from the other side that the institutions that pay attention to digital resources are slightly more active in implementing preservation activities than other institutions. Based on the semantic web technology, the integrity and continuity of important documents and characteristic resources were kept and we paid attention to the collection of publications and academic documents related to our school. Under the double restriction of document resources guarantee, the acquisition behavior of guarantee systems at all levels will gradually strengthen self-control, actively establish the concept of coordination and sharing, and gradually move from randomness to standardization.