bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological Activation of the HIF Pathway Exerts Distinct Proliferative Effects in MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF7 cells**
Authors: Chan Yan Ying , Chan Mun Chiang
Published: June 2022

Hypoxia‐mimicking agents (HMAs) are molecules or compounds used to mimic hypoxia via the activation of the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) pathway. HMAs have been reported to exert both pro‐ and anti‐proliferative in human breast cancer cell lines, although the reason for such dichotomy remains unclear. To investigate this, we first studied the proliferative effects of HMAs using metabolic‐based MTT assay in comparison to manual cell counting. The MTT assay did not reproduce the results from manual cell counting, suggesting that such metabolic‐based assays are unreliable in studies involving the hypoxia pathway. Next, using the manual cell counting method, we investigated the effects of HMAs with distinct mechanisms of action, including IOX2, a well‐characterised and selective inhibitor of the HIF prolyl‐hydroxylases (PHDs). All tested HMAs inhibit proliferation of MCF7 cells but induced proliferation of MDA‐MB‐231 cells to a certain extent. The results show that the HMAs affect proliferation of human breast cancer cells, likely via upregulation of HIF. The effects of HIF activation on cancer cell proliferation are important given the ongoing clinical trials of inhibitors targeting the PHDs for the treatment of anaemia.
A Convenient Wittig‐Horner Mediated Synthesis of 3‐Vinylsulfide Derivatives of Indoles
Authors: Brites Nathan P. , Dilelio Marina C. , Schumacher Ricardo F. , Kaufman Teodoro S. , Silveira Claudio C.
Published: June 2022

A simple and robust coupling protocol is reported to provide the previously unknown indole derivatives carrying vinylsulfide motifs attached to C−3 of the heterocycle. The developed strategy involved a Wittig‐Horner reaction with different phosphinoxide derivatives. The reaction conditions were optimized and its scope and limitations were assessed. The target compounds, including 3‐arylvinylsulfides as well as symmetric and dissymmetric bis‐vinylsulfides, were obtained in a straightforward way, as mixtures of geometric isomers, in good to excellent yields.
Na1.51Fe[Fe(CN)6]0.87·1.83H2O Hollow Nanospheres via Non‐Aqueous Ball‐Milling Route to Achieve High Initial Coulombic Efficiency and High Rate Capability in Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Chun‐Mei , Peng Jian , Liu Xiao‐Hao , Lai Wei‐Hong , He Xiang‐Xi , Yang Zhuo , Wang Jia‐Zhao , Qiao Yun , Li Li , Chou Shu‐Lei
Published: June 2022

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have attracted extensive attention as cathode materials in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to their low cost, high theoretical capacity, and facile synthesis process. However, it is of great challenge to control the crystal vacancies and interstitial water formed during the aqueous co‐precipitation method, which are also the key factors in determining the electrochemical performance. Herein, an antioxidant and chelating agent co‐assisted non‐aqueous ball‐milling method to generate highly‐crystallized Na2‐xFe[Fe(CN)6]y with hollow structure is proposed by suppressing the speed and space of crystal growth. The as‐prepared Na2‐xFe[Fe(CN)6]y hollow nanospheres show low vacancies and interstitial water content, leading to a high sodium content. As a result, the Na‐rich Na1.51Fe[Fe(CN)6]0.87·1.83H2O hollow nanospheres exhibit a high initial Coulombic efficiency, excellent cycling stability, and rate performance via a highly reversible two‐phase transition reaction confirmed by in situ X‐ray diffraction. It delivers a specific capacity of 124.2 mAh g−1 at 17 mA g−1, presenting ultra‐high rate capability (84.1 mAh g−1 at 3400 mA g−1) and cycling stability (65.3% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 170 mA g−1). Furthermore, the as‐reported non‐aqueous ball‐milling method could be regarded as a promising method for the scalable production of PBAs as cathode materials for high‐performance SIBs.
Shear behavior of glass FRP bars‐reinforced ultra‐high performance concrete I‐shaped beams
Authors: Cao Xia , He Dabo , Qian Kai , Fu Feng , Deng Xiao‐Fang , Wang Lei
Published: June 2022

In this paper, the shear behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars reinforced ultra‐high‐performance concrete (UHPC) beams was investigated through experimental tests. Eight GFRP bars reinforced UHPC I‐beams were tested until shear failure with various stirrup ratio, reinforcement ratio, and shear span to depth ratio. The shear capacity, load–deflection relationship, cracking pattern, and failure mode were investigated in detail. The results show that the shear span to depth ratio has the greatest influence on the shear capacity of the beam among the three parameters, followed by the stirrup ratio and reinforcement ratio. The stirrup configuration can significantly improve the shear capacity and deformation resistance of the beam and can effectively reduce the stress concentration caused by the uneven distribution of steel fibers, which affects the failure mode of the beam. Increasing the stirrup ratio and reinforcement rate can improve the stiffness of the beam after cracking, and the larger the shear span to depth ratio is, the more significant the improvement effect is. Moreover, the stirrup enables the full development of the tensile capacity of GFRP bars. The existing equations of shear strength from five design codes and seven literatures are compared to the experimental results of 54 UHPC beams. It showed that the formula from the codes AFGC‐2013 and JSCE‐2006 codes is more accurate. The equations by Kwak, Jin, and Thiemicke's provide the best predictions.
Abstinence following intermittent methylphenidate exposure dose‐dependently modifies brain glucose metabolism in the rat brain
Authors: Arnavut Eliz , Hamilton John , Yao Rutao , Sajjad Munawwar , Hadjiargyrou Michael , Komatsu David , Thanos Panayotis K.
Published: June 2022

Methylphenidate (MP) is a psychostimulant chronically prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additionally, MP users may take breaks from using the medication during “drug holidays,” which may include short‐term or long‐term breaks from medication. The present study utilized fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) to analyze the effects of chronic oral MP use and abstinence on brain glucose metabolism (BGluM) in rats at two different doses: high dose (HD) and low dose (LD). The schedule of treatment was 3 weeks on‐treatment and 1 week off‐treatment for a period of 13 weeks, followed by an abstinence period of 4 total weeks. Results showed that chronic MP treatment using this schedule did not lead to significant changes in BGluM when comparing the control to HD MP groups. However, significant activation in BGluM was observed after periods of abstinence between control and HD MP rats in the following brain regions: the trigeminal nucleus, reticular nucleus, inferior olive, lemniscus, mesencephalic reticular formation, inferior colliculus, and several areas of the cerebellum. These brain regions and functional brain circuit play a role in facial sensory function, the auditory pathway, organizing connections between the thalamus and cortex, motor learning, auditory function, control over eye movement, auditory information integration, and both motor and cognitive functions. These results, when considered with previous studies, indicate that MP schedule of use may have differing effects on BGluM. BGluM following long‐term MP use was dependent on MP dose and schedule of use in rats. This study was conducted in non‐ADHD model rats with the aim to establish an understanding of the effects of MP itself, especially given the growing chronic off‐label and prescribed use of MP. Further studies are needed for analysis of the drug's effects on an ADHD model.
Complete mitochondrial genome sequence and comparative analysis of the cultivated yellow nutsedge
Authors: Niu Lu , Zhang Yuanyu , Yang Chunming , Yang Jing , Ren Wei , Zhong Xiaofang , Zhao Qianqian , Xing Guojie , Zhao Yongguo , Yang Xiangdong
Published: June 2022

As a monocotyledonous plant in family Cyperaceae, yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) is unique in accumulating a substantial amount of oil in underground tubers and provides a model system for studying oil accumulation in nonseed tissues. However, no data on the mitochondrial and nuclear genome sequences of this species are available, which greatly limits our understanding of its evolutionary characteristics and some essential biological mechanisms. In the present study, we report the first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the cultivated yellow nutsedge. The analysis of the genome showed that the yellow nutsedge mitochondrial genome is 1,002,696 bp in size and encodes 62 genes consisting of 36 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 20 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and six ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Compared with other angiosperms, yellow nutsedge mitochondrial genome contains much higher percentage of noncoding sequences (95.36%). Sixteen plastid‐derived fragments were identified to be strongly associated with mitochondrial genes including one intact plastid‐related gene (ndhH). Comparative analysis with seven other sequenced plant mitochondrial genomes revealed that two syntenic gene clusters, rps3‐rpl16 and rps12‐nad3, are highly conserved in all plant mitochondrial genomes, and the mitochondrial genome of yellow nutsedge is more similar to those of monocotyledons in the gene order. Phylogenetic analysis based on 13 shared protein‐encoding genes in eight plant species showed that yellow nutsedge is evolutionarily more closely related to monocotyledonary species. Overall, the species‐specific features of the cultivated yellow nutsedge mitochondrial genome provide additional information for the evolutionary and comparative genomic studies in the yellow nutsedge and other Cyperus species of the Cyperaceae family.
Correction to: Academic Integrity in Canada
Authors: Eaton Sarah Elaine , Christensen Hughes Julia
Published: June 2022

Correction to: S. E. Eaton and J. Christensen Hughes (eds.), Academic Integrity in Canada, Ethics and Integrity in Educational Contexts 1,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83255-1
Electroweak phase transition in the Z3-invariant NMSSM: Implications of LHC and Dark matter searches and prospects of detecting the gravitational waves
Authors: Chatterjee Arindam , Datta AseshKrishna , Roy Subhojit
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We study in detail the viability and the patterns of a strong first-order electroweak phase transition as a prerequisite to electroweak baryogenesis in the framework of Z3-invariant Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (NMSSM), in the light of recent experimental results from the Higgs sector, dark matter (DM) searches and those from the searches of the lighter chargino and neutralinos at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). For the latter, we undertake thorough recasts of the relevant, recent LHC analyses. With the help of a few benchmark scenarios, we demonstrate that while the LHC has started to eliminate regions of the parameter space with relatively small μeff, that favors the coveted strong first-order phase transition, rather steadily, there remains phenomenologically much involved and compatible regions of the same which are yet not sensitive to the current LHC analyses. It is further noted that such a region could also be compatible with all pertinent theoretical and experimental constraints. We then proceed to analyze the prospects of detecting the stochastic gravitational waves, which are expected to arise from such a phase transition, at various future/proposed experiments, within the mentioned theoretical framework and find them to be somewhat ambitious under the currently projected sensitivities of those experiments.
Tensors and spinors in de Sitter space
Authors: Pethybridge Ben , Schaub Vladimir
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We construct the Wightman function for symmetric traceless tensors and Dirac fermions in dSd+1 in a coordinate and index free formalism using a d + 2 dimensional ambient space. We expand the embedding space formalism to cover spinor and tensor fields in any even or odd dimension. Our goal is to furnish a self-contained toolkit for the study of fields of arbitrary spin in de Sitter, with applications to cosmological perturbation theory. The construction for spinors is shown in extensive detail. Concise expressions for the action of isometry generators on generic bulk fields, the 2-point function of bulk spinors, and a derivation of the uplift of the spinorial covariant derivative are included.
Two-phase Stokes flow by capillarity in the plane: The case of different viscosities
Authors: Matioc Bogdan–Vasile , Prokert Georg
Published: June 2022

We study the two-phase Stokes flow driven by surface tension for two fluids of different viscosities, separated by an asymptotically flat interface representable as graph of a differentiable function. The flow is assumed to be two-dimensional with the fluids filling the entire space. We prove well-posedness and parabolic smoothing in Sobolev spaces up to critical regularity. The main technical tools are an analysis of nonlinear singular integral operators arising from the hydrodynamic single and double layer potential, spectral results on the corresponding integral operators, and abstract results on nonlinear parabolic evolution equations.
The conundrum of the definition of haemorrhagic shock: a pragmatic exploration based on a scoping review, experts’ survey and a cohort analysis
Authors: James Arthur , Abback Paer-Selim , Pasquier Pierre , Ausset Sylvain , Duranteau Jacques , Hoffmann Clément , Gauss Tobias , Hamada Sophie Rym ,   for The Traumabase Group
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS) is a complex, dynamic process and, no consensual definition of THS is available. This study aims (1) to explore existing definitions of traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS), (2) to identify essential components of these definitions and (3) to illustrate in a pragmatic way the consequences of applying five of these definitions to a trauma registry.

Methods

We conducted (1) a scoping review to identify the definitions used for traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS); (2) an international experts survey to rank by relevance a selection of components extracted from these definitions and (3) a registry-based analysis where several candidate definitions were tested in a large trauma registry to evaluate how the use of different definitions affected baseline characteristics, resources use and patient outcome.

Results

Sixty-eight studies were included revealing 52 distinct definitions. The most frequently used was “a systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than or equal to 70 mmHg or between 71 and 90 mmHg if the heart rate is greater than or equal to 108 beats per min”. The expert panel identified base excess, blood lactate concentration, SBP and shock index as the most relevant physiological components to define THS. Five definitions of THS were tested and highlighted significant differences across groups on important outcomes such as the proportion of massive transfusion, the need for surgery, in-hospital length of stay or in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a large heterogeneity in the definitions of THS suggesting a need for standardization. Five candidate definitions were identified in a three-step process to illustrate how each shapes study cohort composition and impacts outcome. The results inform research stakeholders in the choice of a consensual definition.
Circular vs. linear stapling after minimally invasive and robotic-assisted esophagectomy: a pooled analysis
Authors: Finze Alida , Betzler Johanna , Hetjens Svetlana , Reissfelder Christoph , Otto Mirko , Blank Susanne
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Current data states that most likely there are differences in postoperative complications regarding linear and circular stapling in open esophagectomy. This, however, has not yet been summarized and overviewed for minimally invasive esophagectomy, which is being performed increasingly.

Methods

A pooled analysis was conducted, including 4 publications comparing linear and circular stapling techniques in minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) and robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). Primary endpoints were anastomotic leakage, pulmonary complications, and mean hospital stay.

Results

Summarizing the 4 chosen publications, no difference in anastomotic insufficiency could be displayed (p = 0.34). Similar results were produced for postoperative pulmonary complications. Comparing circular stapling (CS) to linear stapling (LS) did not show a trend towards a favorable technique (p = 0.82). Some studies did not take learning curves into account. Postoperative anastomotic stricture was not specified to an extent that made a summary of the publications possible.

Conclusions

In conclusion, data is not sufficient to provide a differentiated recommendation towards mechanical stapling techniques for individual patients undergoing MIE and RAMIE. Therefore, further RCTs are necessary for the identification of potential differences between LS and CS. At this point in research, we therefore suggest evading towards choosing a single anastomotic technique for each center. Momentarily, enduring the learning curve of the surgeon has the greatest evidence in reducing postoperative complication rates.
Particle-Based Assembly Using Precise Global Control
Authors: Keller Jakob , Rieck Christian , Scheffer Christian , Schmidt Arne
Published: June 2022

In micro- and nano-scale systems, particles can be moved by using an external force like gravity or a magnetic field. In the presence of adhesive particles that can attach to each other, the challenge is to decide whether a shape is constructible. Previous work provides a class of shapes for which constructibility can be decided efficiently when particles move maximally into the same direction induced by a global signal. In this paper we consider the single step model, i.e., a model in which each particle moves one unit step into the given direction. We restrict the assembly process such that at each single time step actually one particle is added to and moved within the workspace. We prove that deciding constructibility is NP-complete for three-dimensional shapes, and that a maximum constructible shape can be approximated. The same approximation algorithm applies for 2D. We further present linear-time algorithms to decide whether or not a tree-shape in 2D or 3D is constructible. Scaling a shape yields constructibility; in particular we show that the 2-scaled copy of every non-degenerate polyomino is constructible. In the three-dimensional setting we show that the 3-scaled copy of every non-degenerate polycube is constructible.
A prospective study to evaluate febrile neutropenia incidence in patients receiving pegfilgrastim on-body injector vs other choices
Authors: Rifkin Robert M. , Crawford Jeffrey , Mahtani Reshma L. , Dale David C. , Narang Mohit , MacLaughlin William W. , Huynh Chanh , Gawade Prasad L. , Lewis Sandra , DeCosta Lucy , Lawrence Tatiana , Belani Rajesh
Published: June 2022

Purpose

We evaluated the incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN) and related clinical outcomes among patients treated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy for nonmyeloid malignancies who received pegfilgrastim on-body injector (OBI) or other options (Other) for FN prophylaxis.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, adult patients with breast, prostate, or lung cancer, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma at risk for FN were stratified into subgroups based on FN prophylaxis used in the first chemotherapy cycle: pegfilgrastim OBI vs Other (pegfilgrastim or biosimilar pegfilgrastim prefilled syringe, daily filgrastim, or no granulocyte colony–stimulating factor [G-CSF]) for up to 4 planned chemotherapy cycles.

Results

This US study enrolled 2575 eligible patients (OBI, 1624; Other, 951). FN incidence was lower in the OBI group (6.4% [95% CI, 5.2–7.6%]) than in the Other group (9.4% [7.5–11.2%]), with a relative risk (RR) of 0.66 (0.47–0.91; p = .006). A decreased risk of dose delays among patients receiving pegfilgrastim OBI vs Other was observed (RR for ≥ 5 days: 0.64 [0.42–0.96], p = .023; RR for ≥ 7 days: 0.62 [0.40–0.91], p = .016). Adherence, defined as G-CSF support for all chemotherapy cycles, was 94.0% (92.9–95.2%) in the OBI group compared with 58.4% (55.2–61.5%) in the Other group. Compliance with pegfilgrastim, defined as administration the day after chemotherapy, was 88.3% in the OBI group and 48.8% in the prefilled syringe group.

Conclusion

Patients receiving pegfilgrastim OBI had a lower incidence of FN compared with those receiving alternatives. The OBI was associated with improved adherence to and compliance with clinically recommended G-CSF prophylaxis.
Coefficient of friction behavior of gear oils and significance for the meshing process of spur gears
Authors: Baumann Axel , Bertsche Bernd
Published: June 2022

The mechanical properties of oils are determined using test methods. There are standardized test methods for determining viscosity and density. The characterization of transmission oil based on its dynamic viscosity alone is not sufficient for the physical explanation of different levels of noise emissions in vehicle transmissions. For this reason, the test procedure for determining the coefficient of friction is used in the following to enable a further differentiation between the oils according to mechanical properties.

In gear transmissions with involute gear teeth, rolling friction occurs in the gear pair meshing along the line of action due to the variation in the equivalent curvature radii throughout the meshing cycle. This is rolling friction on which a sliding friction component, so-called slip, is superimposed. Pure rolling friction only occurs in the pitch point. From the pitch point to the start and end of the meshing, there is a superimposed sliding friction component that increases with increasing distance from the pitch point. Slip values occur in the range of 5–50% depending on tooth geometry.

These friction conditions during tooth flank lubrication can be assessed using the Stribeck curve. The Stribeck curve represents the coefficient of friction as a function of the speed. A mini traction machine from PCS Instruments with a ball/plate measurement setup was used to determine the coefficient of friction behavior of gear oils. This allows the coefficient of friction of an oil to be assessed at low speeds in the range from boundary and mixed friction to elastohydrodynamic fluid friction at high speeds.

The investigations show that the coefficient of friction behavior of a gear oil depends on the oil viscosity and above all on the chemical composition. The lower the coefficient of friction, the less energy is required to shear the lubricating film and the lower the power transmission through the fluid. The coefficient of friction is a property that is dominated by the type of base oil and the type of VI improver in the area of mixed and fluid friction, especially with additional sliding in contact.

It will be shown in the paper that the use of a gear oil that has been optimized with regard to the coefficient of friction curve can reduce the entry impacts of meshing gear pairs under vibration excitation and the gear transmission thus generates lower noise emissions.
Time-Dependent Collagen Fibered Structure in the Early Distraction Callus: Imaging Characterization and Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Blázquez-Carmona Pablo , Sanz-Herrera José A. , Mora-Macías Juan , Morgaz Juan , Domínguez Jaime , Reina-Romo Esther
Published: June 2022

Collagen is a ubiquitous protein present in regenerating bone tissues that experiences multiple biological phenomena during distraction osteogenesis until the deposition of phosphate crystals. This work combines fluorescence techniques and mathematical modeling to shed light on the mechano-structural processes behind the maturation and accommodation-to-mineralization of the callus tissue. Ovine metatarsal bone calluses were analyzed through confocal images at different stages of the early distraction osteogenesis process, quantifying the fiber orientation distribution and mean intensity as fiber density measure. Likewise, a mathematical model based on the experimental data was defined to micromechanically characterize the apparent stiffening of the tissue within the distracted callus. A reorganization of the fibers around the distraction axis and increased fiber density were found as the bone fragments were gradually separated. Given the degree of significance between the mathematical model and previous in vivo data, reorganization, densification, and bundle maturation phenomena seem to explain the apparent mechanical maturation observed in the tissue theoretically.
Chemsex Practices in PrEP: Beyond Addiction and Risk Toward a Healthy Sex Life—Baseline Experiences from a Hospital-Based PrEP Program in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: De La Mora Lorena , Ugarte Ainoa , Martínez-Rebollar Maria , De Lazzari Elisa , García-Hernández David , Font Guillermo , De Loredo Nicolás , Solbes Estela , Miquel Laia , Blanch Jordi , Torres Berta , Riera Josep , Chivite Iván , Ambrosioni Juan , Inciarte Alexy , González-Cordón Ana , Martínez Esteban , Blanco José Luis , Mallolas Josep , Laguno Montserrat
Published: June 2022

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a biomedical intervention that has demonstrated efficacy in HIV prevention in individuals at high-risk, among them chemsex users. Out of 190 PrEP users followed at Hospital Clinic of Barcelona until October 2020, 89% reported drug use, and 63% disclosed that they had engaged in chemsex practices, initiated in 64% of cases within the past year. Twenty-one percent used 3 or more drugs simultaneously, being GHB/GBL, nitrites, sildenafil, and methamphetamine the most prevalent combination. Eight percent reported slamming. Forty-one percent described having had negative experiences and 8% did not remember the last time they had sober sex. Methamphetamine, mephedrone, GHB/GBL, and having had open relationships, group sex, double penetration, and fisting were significantly more prevalent. Forty-nine percent admitted being worried about chemsex use, and 18% said they needed help. A comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach is mandatory to enable the attainment of a healthy approach to one’s sex life.
Facile synthesis of 2-hydroxyacetophenone from racemic styrene oxide catalyzed by engineered enzymes
Authors: Söderlund Isac , Tjärnhage Elias , Hamnevik Emil , Widersten Mikael
Published: June 2022

We describe a system that allows for biocatalyzed in vivo synthesis of α-hydroxy ketones from racemic epoxide starting material by in vivo co-expression of native and engineered epoxide hydrolase and alcohol dehydrogenases. The constructed expression system exploits the host cell metabolism for supply and regeneration of precious nicotinamide dinucleotide coenzyme. Racemic styrene oxide added to growth medium passively enters the cells and is hydrolyzed into (1R)-phenylethane-1,2-diol, which is subsequently oxidized to the acyloin 2-hydroxyacetophenone. Produced 2-hydroxyacetophenone escapes the cells via passive diffusion into the growth medium. Thus, co-expression of potato epoxide hydrolase and engineered alcohol dehydrogenase variants can be employed for robust and facile production of 2-hydroxyacetophenone from racemic styrene oxide.
Development and Validation of a Novel Prognostic Model Predicting the Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence Risk for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Patients Treated with Nifekalant During the First Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation
Authors: Dong Youzheng , Zhai Zhenyu , Zhu Bo , Xiao Shucai , Chen Yang , Hou Anxue , Zou Pengtao , Xia Zirong , Yu Jianhua , Li Juxiang
Published: June 2022

Background

This study aimed to establish and assess a prediction model for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with nifekalant during the first radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

Methods

In this study, 244 patients with persistent AF from January 17, 2017 to December 14, 2017, formed the derivation cohort, and 205 patients with persistent AF from December 15, 2017 to October 28, 2018, constituted the validation cohort. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used for variable screening and the multivariable Cox survival model for nomogram development. The accuracy and discriminative capability of this predictive model were assessed according to discrimination (area under the curve [AUC]) and calibration. Clinical practical value was evaluated using decision curve analysis.

Results

Body mass index, AF duration, sex, left atrial diameter, and the different responses after nifekalant administration were identified as AF recurrence-associated factors, all of which were selected for the nomogram. In the development and validation cohorts, the AUC for predicting 1-year AF-free survival was 0.863 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.801–0.926) and 0.855 (95% CI 0.782–0.929), respectively. The calibration curves showed satisfactory agreement between the actual AF-free survival and the nomogram prediction in the derivation and validation cohorts. In both groups, the prognostic score enabled stratifying the patients into different AF recurrence risk groups.

Conclusions

This predictive nomogram can serve as a quantitative tool for estimating the 1-year AF recurrence risk for patients with persistent AF treated with nifekalant during the first RFCA.
Use of phosphorylated chitosan/alumina nanoadditives for polymer performance improvement
Authors: Hatami Mehdi , Rahnama Nima , Karimi-Maleh Hassan , Djafarzadeh Nader , Qandalee Mohammad , Setva Reza , Karimi Fatemeh , Durán-Valle Carlos J. , López-Coca Ignacio M. , Sharifi Alireza
Published: June 2022

In this research, a new generation of ternary nanocomposites based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), phosphorylated chitosan and surface modified alumina nanoparticles were fabricated in four steps. The phosphorylation process was targeted for the insertion of phosphorus moieties as a flame retardant agent in the final PET nanocomposite. Likewise, environmentally friendly nano-alumina was used for PET matrix to improve the thermal properties of PET in collaboration with organic anchored phosphorus moieties. Alternatively, the presence of bio-safe modified alumina nanoparticles in combination with phosphorylated chitosan simultaneously improved the antibacterial activity and thermal properties of the PET matrix. Furthermore, the effects of the phosphorylated chitosan and alumina nanoparticles on the morphology and thermal properties of nanocomposites were inspected by different approaches. The structure and distribution of the nanoscale particles in PET were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses were used for the in-depth evaluation of the thermal properties of prepared nanocomposites. Prepared nanocomposites showed better growth inhibition activities against Escherichia coli bacteria compared to the PET and PET/phosphorylated chitosan samples. Also, the thermal characteristics of prepared nanocomposites were considerably improved.
Brief exposures to conspecific-derived alarm substance are sufficient to induce paternal intergenerational effects in zebrafish
Authors: Ord James , Fazeli Alireza , Watt Penelope J.
Published: June 2022

Paternal intergenerational effects, whereby the father’s environment influences the phenotype of the offspring via molecular (e.g. epigenetic) changes to the sperm, comprise an area of active research in multiple biological contexts. Spermatogenesis is a critical window of sensitivity to environmental changes, such that males at full sexual maturity can acquire, incorporate, and transmit environmental information in spermatozoa. The degree of sensitivity is less clear, and as such previous experimental studies have typically relied on prolonged exposure regimes encapsulating the entire period of spermatogenesis. Here we exposed adult male zebrafish to a model stressor (conspecific-derived alarm substance, AS) in two 20-min episodes timed either shortly before or during the onset of spermatogenesis. There was no clear effect of paternal stress on a behavioural stress response in larval offspring but clear reductions in anxiety-like behaviour in juvenile offspring. Our findings suggest that prolonged exposures may not be required for the induction of measurable intergenerational responses in this popular vertebrate model.
How Do Technologies Affect How We See and Treat Animals? Extending Technological Mediation Theory to Human-animal Relations
Authors: Kramer Koen , Meijboom Franck L. B.
Published: June 2022

Human practices in which animals are involved often include the application of technology: some farmed animals are for example milked robotically or monitored by smart technologies, laboratory animals are adapted to specific purposes through the application of biotechnologies, and pets have their own social media accounts. Animal ethicists have raised concerns about some of these practices, but tend to assume that technologies are just neutral intermediaries in human-animal relations. This paper questions that assumption and addresses how technologies might shape human-animal relations in non-neutral ways. Building on the technological mediation approach, it proposes that technologies can influence human-animal relations byamplifyingandreducingcertain aspects of animals in human perception or byinvitingandinhibitingcertain actions towards animals. The paper next considers, in two concretizing steps, how this theoretical starting point can enrich ethical discussions on technology and human-animal relations. First, it shows how the technological mediation approach can help to conceptualize a main concern that has been raised regarding the impact of technologies on human-animal relations, namely the concern that animals might be ‘instrumentalized’ or ‘objectified’ in certain technological practices. Second, it considers how this approach can guide investigations of how particular technologies might affect human-animal relations, taking genetic selection technologies as used in livestock breeding as a case. The paper closes by briefly reviewing the prospects and challenges for the application of the technological mediation approach to human-animal relations, thus sketching directions for future research.
Phenotyping of Fecal Microbiota of Winnie, a Rodent Model of Spontaneous Chronic Colitis, Reveals Specific Metabolic, Genotoxic, and Pro-inflammatory Properties
Authors: Talà Adelfia , Guerra Flora , Resta Silvia Caterina , Calcagnile Matteo , Barca Amilcare , Tredici Salvatore Maurizio , De Donno Maria Dolores , Vacca Mirco , Liso Marina , Chieppa Marcello , De Angelis Maria , Verri Tiziano , Bozzetti Maria Giuseppina , Bucci Cecilia , Alifano Pietro
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Winnie, a mouse carrying a missense mutation in the MUC2 mucin gene, is a valuable model for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with signs and symptoms that have multiple similarities with those observed in patients with ulcerative colitis. MUC2 mucin is present in Winnie, but is not firmly compacted in a tight inner layer. Indeed, these mice develop chronic intestinal inflammation due to the primary epithelial defect with signs of mucosal damage, including thickening of muscle and mucosal layers, goblet cell loss, increased intestinal permeability, enhanced susceptibility to luminal inflammation-inducing toxins, and alteration of innervation in the distal colon. In this study, we show that the intestinal environment of the Winnie mouse, genetically determined by MUC2 mutation, selects an intestinal microbial community characterized by specific pro-inflammatory, genotoxic, and metabolic features that could imply a direct involvement in the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal inflammation. We report results obtained by using a variety of in vitro approaches for fecal microbiota functional characterization. These approaches include Caco-2 cell cultures and Caco-2/THP-1 cell co-culture models for evaluation of geno-cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory properties using a panel of 43 marker RNAs assayed by RT-qPCR, and cell-based phenotypic testing for metabolic profiling of the intestinal microbial communities by Biolog EcoPlates. While adding a further step towards understanding the etiopathogenetic mechanisms underlying IBD, the results of this study provide a reliable method for phenotyping gut microbial communities, which can complement their structural characterization by providing novel functional information.
Credibility dilemmas under the Paris agreement: explaining fossil fuel subsidy reform references in INDCs
Authors: Elliott Christian , Bernstein Steven , Hoffmann Matthew
Published: June 2022

Fossil fuel subsidies are a market distortion commonly identified as an obstacle to decarbonization. Yet  due to trenchant political economic risks, reform attempts can be fraught for governments. Despite these concerns, an institutionally and economically diverse group of states included references to fossil fuel subsidy reform (FFSR) in their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) under the Paris Agreement. What conditions might explain why some states reference politically risky reforms within treaty commitments, while most others would not? We argue that the Article 4 process under the Paris Agreement creates a “credibility dilemma” for states–articulating ambitious emissions reduction targets while also defining national climate plans engenders a need to seek out appropriate policy ideas that can justify overarching goals to international audiences. Insomuch as particular norms are institutionalized and made salient in international politics, a window of opportunity is opened: issue advocates can “activate” norms by demonstrating how related policies can make commitments credible. Using mixed methods, we find support for this argument. We identify contextual factors advancing FFSR in the lead-up to the Paris Agreement, including norm institutionalization in regimes and international organization programs as well as salience-boosting climate diplomacy. Further, we find correspondences between countries targeted by transnational policy advocates and FFSR references in INDCs, building on the momentum in international politics more generally. Though drafting INDCs and NDCs is a government-owned process, the results suggest that understanding their content requires examining international norms alongside domestic circumstances.
Utilization of cellulose and ulvan from the green seaweed Ulva lactuca in the development of composite edible films with natural antioxidant properties
Authors: Gomaa Mohamed , Al-Badaani Arwa A. , Hifney Awatief F. , Adam Mahmoud S.
Published: June 2022

Cellulose and ulvan were extracted sequentially from the green seaweed Ulva lactuca and were used for the development of edible films with natural antioxidant properties. The composite films were composed of cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, glycerol as plasticizer and different ulvan concentrations. The interaction between ulvan and film components was described by FT-IR analysis, which confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonding interactions between cellulose and ulvan. The incorporation of ulvan into the cellulose films markedly increased film thickness, water solubility and water vapor permeability, whereas the oxygen permeability was decreased. Additionally, the composite films showed good barrier properties against UV and visible light. The moisture sorption of the films was modelized using Peleg's model which exhibited a satisfactory fitting to the experimental data. The thermal stability was markedly enhanced in the presence of high concentration of ulvan. Furthermore, the incorporation of ulvan to cellulose films enhanced its antioxidant properties as measured by total antioxidant assay (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA) and iron chelating activity (ICA). The use of water and 3% acetic acid as food simulants indicated that the FRAP was higher in case of water, while the opposite trend was observed for the HRSA and ICA. Overall, the developed cellulose/ulvan films could have potential uses in food packaging to promote the shelf-life of different food products.
A Unified Surface Geometric Framework for Feature-Aware Denoising, Hole Filling and Context-Aware Completion
Authors: Calatroni Luca , Huska Martin , Morigi Serena , Recupero Giuseppe Antonio
Published: June 2022

Technologies for 3D data acquisition and 3D printing have enormously developed in the past few years, and, consequently, the demand for 3D virtual twins of the original scanned objects has increased. In this context, feature-aware denoising, hole filling and context-aware completion are three essential (but far from trivial) tasks. In this work, they are integrated within a geometric framework and realized through a unified variational model aiming at recovering triangulated surfaces from scanned, damaged and possibly incomplete noisy observations. The underlying non-convex optimization problem incorporates two regularisation terms: a discrete approximation of the Willmore energy forcing local sphericity and suited for the recovery of rounded features, and an approximation of the $$\ell _0$$

ℓ
0

pseudo-norm penalty favouring sparsity in the normal variation. The proposed numerical method solving the model is parameterization-free, avoids expensive implicit volume-based computations and based on the efficient use of the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers. Experiments show how the proposed framework can provide a robust and elegant solution suited for accurate restorations even in the presence of severe random noise and large damaged areas.
The effects of psychological interventions on well-being measured with the Mental Health Continuum: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kraiss Jannis , Redelinghuys Kleinjan , Weiss Laura. A.
Published: June 2022

The last decades experienced a rapid growth in the number of studies examining the effects of psychological interventions on well-being, yet well-being is often conceptualized and measured in different ways in these studies. Previous meta-analyses included studies with a plethora of different well-being instruments, which provides an ambiguous picture of the effectiveness. Furthermore, prior meta-analyses mainly included specific types of psychological interventions. The goal of the current study was to synthesize the effectiveness of psychological interventions in improving well-being as measured with one consistent and comprehensive well-being instrument, the Mental Health Continuum (MHC). The literature was searched for RCTs examining the effect of psychological interventions in both clinical and non-clinical populations that used the MHC as outcome. 46 RCTs (N = 7,618) and 64 comparisons were analyzed using 3-level meta-analysis models. When compared with non-active control groups, small significant effects were found for total well-being at posttest (β = 0.25), and for the subscales emotional (β = 0.27), social (β = 0.25), and psychological well-being (β = 0.30). Effects were smaller but still significant at follow-up. Subgroup analyses yielded significantly stronger effects for guided compared with non-guided interventions and for studies with good quality. Effects were similar for clinical and non-clinical populations and specific types of interventions. Mindfulness and ACT interventions significantly improved well-being. These findings suggest that psychological interventions can improve well-being, and that different interventions have the potential to improve well-being. Effects also seem to be independent of other factors, including delivery mode, format or target group.
A Theory of Frustration and Its Effect
Authors: Peari Sagi , Golestani Zamir R.
Published: June 2022

One of the key legal questions that COVID-19 has raised relates to the status of the traditional contractual doctrine of frustration. The pandemic and the ongoing lockdowns across the globe have made it difficult for many contracts to perform. At the same time, there is a deep doctrinal and conceptual confusion with respect to the very essentials of this doctrine and its remedy - i.e., what happens after an adjudicative tribunal declares that a given contract has been frustrated. The paper offers a unified conceptual account of the frustration doctrine and claims that both the doctrine and its remedy crystallize a single unifying idea.
Explicit Explore, Exploit, or Escape ($$E^4$$): near-optimal safety-constrained reinforcement learning in polynomial time
Authors: Bossens David M. , Bishop Nicholas
Published: June 2022

In reinforcement learning (RL), an agent must explore an initially unknown environment in order to learn a desired behaviour. When RL agents are deployed in real world environments, safety is of primary concern. Constrained Markov decision processes (CMDPs) can provide long-term safety constraints; however, the agent may violate the constraints in an effort to explore its environment. This paper proposes a model-based RL algorithm called Explicit Explore, Exploit, or Escape ($$E^{4}$$

E
4

), which extends the Explicit Explore or Exploit ($$E^{3}$$

E
3

) algorithm to a robust CMDP setting. $$E^4$$

E
4

explicitly separates exploitation, exploration, and escape CMDPs, allowing targeted policies for policy improvement across known states, discovery of unknown states, as well as safe return to known states. $$E^4$$

E
4

robustly optimises these policies on the worst-case CMDP from a set of CMDP models consistent with the empirical observations of the deployment environment. Theoretical results show that $$E^4$$

E
4

finds a near-optimal constraint-satisfying policy in polynomial time whilst satisfying safety constraints throughout the learning process. We then discuss $$E^4$$

E
4

as a practical algorithmic framework, including robust-constrained offline optimisation algorithms, the design of uncertainty sets for the transition dynamics of unknown states, and how to further leverage empirical observations and prior knowledge to relax some of the worst-case assumptions underlying the theory.
A voice-based real-time emotion detection technique using recurrent neural network empowered feature modelling
Authors: Chamishka Sadil , Madhavi Ishara , Nawaratne Rashmika , Alahakoon Damminda , De Silva Daswin , Chilamkurti Naveen , Nanayakkara Vishaka
Published: June 2022

The advancements of the Internet of Things (IoT) and voice-based multimedia applications have resulted in the generation of big data consisting of patterns, trends and associations capturing and representing many features of human behaviour. The latent representations of many aspects and the basis of human behaviour is naturally embedded within the expression of emotions found in human speech. This signifies the importance of mining audio data collected from human conversations for extracting human emotion. Ability to capture and represent human emotions will be an important feature in next-generation artificial intelligence, with the expectation of closer interaction with humans. Although the textual representations of human conversations have shown promising results for the extraction of emotions, the acoustic feature-based emotion detection from audio still lags behind in terms of accuracy. This paper proposes a novel approach for feature extraction consisting of Bag-of-Audio-Words (BoAW) based feature embeddings for conversational audio data. A Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) based state-of-the-art emotion detection model is proposed that captures the conversation-context and individual party states when making real-time categorical emotion predictions. The performance of the proposed approach and the model is evaluated using two benchmark datasets along with an empirical evaluation on real-time prediction capability. The proposed approach reported 60.87% weighted accuracy and 60.97% unweighted accuracy for six basic emotions for IEMOCAP dataset, significantly outperforming current state-of-the-art models.