bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic cerebral aspects of long COVID, post‐stroke syndromes and similar states share their pathogenesis and perispinal etanercept treatment logic
Authors: Clark Ian Albert
Published: February 2022

The chronic neurological aspects of traumatic brain injury, post‐stroke syndromes, long COVID‐19, persistent Lyme disease, and influenza encephalopathy having close pathophysiological parallels that warrant being investigated in an integrated manner. A mechanism, common to all, for this persistence of the range of symptoms common to these conditions is described. While TNF maintains cerebral homeostasis, its excessive production through either pathogen‐associated molecular patterns or damage‐associated molecular patterns activity associates with the persistence of the symptoms common across both infectious and non‐infectious conditions. The case is made that this shared chronicity arises from a positive feedback loop causing the persistence of the activation of microglia by the TNF that these cells generate. Lowering this excess TNF is the logical way to reducing this persistent, TNF‐maintained, microglial activation. While too large to negotiate the blood‐brain barrier effectively, the specific anti‐TNF biological, etanercept, shows promise when administered by the perispinal route, which allows it to bypass this obstruction.
Shape‐Dependent Basicity of Nanoscale La2O2CO3 Catalysts in the Dimethyl Carbonate Synthesis from Propylene Carbonate with Methanol
Authors: Wang Fei , Yu Zairan , Xue Yun , Gao Jie , Zu Qihui , Wei Xuejiao , Xue Bing
Published: February 2022

La2O2CO3 as a promising solid base catalyst for transesterification reaction has been widely investigated in heterogeneous catalysis. In this study, we synthesized a series of La2O2CO3 with controllable morphologies including nanosheets, nanorods, and nanoparticles exposed different crystal facets by a simple aqueous solution route, and then then explored the shape effect of La2O2CO3 on the catalytic performance of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) synthesis from transesterification of propylene carbonate (PC) with methanol. As expected, a La2O2CO3 nanosheets catalyst had the highest turnover frequency than nanoparticles and nanorods. The observed La2O2CO3 shape effect in catalysis was associated with its basicity. Characterization results revealed that the highest amount of strong basic sites on the surface of La2O2CO3 nanosheets predominantly exposed (001) planes were responsible for the higher catalytic activity.
Simultaneous Detection of Catechol and Hydroquinone Using Acetylene Black and Gold Nanoparticle Composite Modified Electrodes
Authors: Zhu Xianglong , Wang Mingbo , Xu Chunxuan , Shi Saige
Published: February 2022

Quantitative analysis of dihydroxybenzene isomers holds great significance to agricultural chemistry, food safety and environmental protection. In this work, we demonstrate a facile strategy to determine catechol and hydroquinone by using acetylene black and gold nanoparticle composite modified electrodes (Au/AB/GCE). Compared with bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE), Au/AB/GCE showed much better performance in electrocatalytic oxidation‐reduction of catechol and hydroquinone. The linear correlation between the peak currents and analyte concentrations suggested the simultaneous detection with ultralow limits of detection (0.5 μM and 1 μM for catechol and hydroquinone, respectively). Besides, the determination is selective and out of interference of common inorganic ions and organic compounds. Anson equation was employed to make a reasonable hypothesis, that the increased surface area and electrical conductivity of Au/AB/GCE contributed these good results. This strategy may become a promising means for ratiometric and simultaneous detection of catechol and hydroquinone in water with convenience and high sensitivity.
Identification of a Potential mRNA‐based Vaccine Candidate against the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Glycoprotein: A Reverse Vaccinology Approach
Authors: Durojaye Olanrewaju Ayodeji , Sedzro Divine Mensah , Idris Mukhtar Oluwaseun , Yekeen Abeeb Abiodun , Fadahunsi Adeola Abraham , Alakanse Oluwaseun Suleiman
Published: February 2022

The emergence of the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) in December 2019 has generated a devastating global consequence which makes the development of a rapidly deployable, effective and safe vaccine candidate an imminent global health priority. The design of most vaccine candidates has been directed at the induction of antibody responses against the trimeric spike glycoprotein of SARS‐CoV‐2, a class I fusion protein that aids ACE2 (angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2) receptor binding. A variety of formulations and vaccinology approaches are being pursued for targeting the spike glycoprotein, including simian and human replication‐defective adenoviral vaccines, subunit protein vaccines, nucleic acid vaccines and whole‐inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2. Here, we directed a reverse vaccinology approach towards the design of a nucleic acid (mRNA‐based) vaccine candidate. The “YLQPRTFLL” peptide sequence (position 269–277) which was predicted to be a B cell epitope and likewise a strong binder of the HLA*A‐0201 was selected for the design of the vaccine candidate, having satisfied series of antigenicity assessments. Through the codon optimization protocol, the nucleotide sequence for the vaccine candidate design was generated and targeted at the human toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7). Bioinformatics analyses showed that the sequence “UACCUGCAGCCGCGUACCUUCCUGCUG” exhibited a strong affinity and likewise was bound to a stable cavity in the TLR7 pocket. This study is therefore expected to contribute to the research efforts directed at securing definitive preventive measures against the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Discovery and Biological Evaluation of Novel Diarylmethyl Amines Active against Drug Resistant S. aureus and Enterococcus
Authors: Roy Deblina , Kaul Grace , Akhir Abdul , Sharma Ashok Kumar , Saha Satyen , Chopra Sidharth , Panda Gautam
Published: February 2022

A small focused library of diarylmethyl amines were synthesized through base mediated 1,6‐addition of heterocyclic amines and amides with p‐quinone methides and tested for their antibacterial potential against ESKAPE bacterial pathogen panel. Some of the compounds exhibited potent activity against Gram‐positive bacteria in addition to being non‐cytotoxic to eukaryotic cells. Careful analysis of the structure–activity‐relationships (SARs) of projected diarylmethyl amines revealed two important entities necessary to exhibit antibacterial activity (a nitrogenous and a lipophilic component). Among 41 tested diarylmethyl amines, imidazole‐containing derivatives 3(x), 3(xiv), 3(xv), 3(xvi), 3(xvii), 3(xxxii) and 3(xxxiii) were most potent analogues with MIC 2 μg/mL. Additionally, compound 3(xxiii) exhibited equipotent antimicrobial growth activity against drug‐resistant strains of S. aureus and Enterococci, thus indicating their potential for further development as novel anti‐bacterials.
Regioselective Synthesis of Iminothiazolidinone Appended Novel Dispiro Indenoquinoxaline‐Pyrrolidines by 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Strategy
Authors: Singh Ruby , Saini Munna Ram
Published: February 2022

A series of structurally fascinating novel dispiroindenoquinoxaline hybrids have been synthesized with complete regio and diastereoselectivity via comprising three pharmocophoric cores, i. e., indenoquinoxaline, pyrrolidine and iminothiazolidinone in a single molecular framework by means of 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction under microwave irradiations. In the present study azomethine ylide generated in situ by the condensation reaction of indenoquinoxalinone and benzyl amine, which subsequently react with dipolarophile alkyl‐2‐[(Z)‐4‐oxo‐3‐aryl/alkyl‐2‐(arylimino)thiazolidin‐5‐ylidene] acetate to construct iminothiazolidinone appended dispiro‐indenoquinoxaline‐pyrrolidines with unusual regio and endo‐selective manner. The present study involves the generation of three new bonds and more than three stereogenic centers in a single operation under mild reaction conditions with high yields in shorter reaction time. The structure elucidation is based on NMR spectroscopic studies and regio‐/stereochemistry has been concluded by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.
CuCl2 or I2/DMSO Catalyzed S‐S Bond Cleaving/Cyclization Reactions to Synthesize 2‐Arylbenzothiazoles via 2,2′‐Disulfanediyldianilines and Aromatic Aldehyde
Authors: Lu Qichao , Zhao Lingyu , Wu Lingang , Wang Xiangqian , Shen Guodong , Huang Xianqiang , Du Mengcheng , Ma Delong
Published: February 2022

Two feasible and convenient S−S bond cleaving/cyclization reactions for the synthesis of 2‐arylbenzothiazoles catalyzed by CuCl2 or I2/DMSO via 2,2′‐disulfanediyldianilines and aromatic aldehydes have been reported. The reactions are compatible with a range of substrates and could successfully generate 2‐arylbenzothiazoles in moderate to excellent yields, respectively. For the reactions, ‘one‐pot’ conditions were applied and readily available starting materials were employed. The importance of the protocols were attractive for synthetic method.
Recent Advances in the Catalytic Applications of Chiral Schiff‐Base Ligands and Metal Complexes in Asymmetric Organic Transformations
Authors: De Soumik , Jain Abhinav , Barman Pranjit
Published: February 2022

The Schiff base and its metal complexes are extensively studied for their adaptable metal chelating properties. Their ability to alter the design and modify it for various organic and biological applications makes them versatile compounds. The chiral Schiff base and their metal complexes possess excellent stability in very high temperatures, making them a suitable candidate for organocatalysts in reactions involving harsh conditions. Besides, these chiral complexes of Schiff base can transform their chirality in the final product formed in different chemical reactions. This stereo‐induction by the chiral metal complexes of Schiff base is considerably valuable for synthesizing high optically active compounds in the field of medicinal and natural product synthesis. Thus, this review emphasizes the latest and relevant literature concerning the asymmetric catalysis of chiral Schiff base ligand‐metal complexes in various synthetic organic transformation reactions. The synthesis and the catalytic mechanisms of various reactions are discussed, including their enantioselectivities, diastereoselectivities, regioselectivities, and stereoselectivities of different complexes to organic transformation.
Selective Synthesis of 3‐Alkyl‐2‐thiohydantoins from Azidoacetamides and Carbon Disulfide
Authors: Sokolov Anatolii I. , Mikhaylov Andrey A. , Baleeva Nadezhda S. , Baranov Mikhail S.
Published: February 2022

In present paper, we showed that phosphazenes formed from azidoacetamides and its derivatives can be successfully used for variously substituted 3‐alkyl‐2‐thiohydantoins creation. The presented reaction with carbon disulfide is characterized by high yields and good functional group tolerance.
Synthesis of 5‐Alkynyl and 2,5‐Dialkynyl‐L‐histidines
Authors: Bagra Nitin , Jain Rahul
Published: February 2022

Synthesis of previously unknown 5‐alkynyl‐L‐histidines and 2,5‐dialkynyl‐L‐histidines is reported. Fully protected 5‐iodo‐ and 2,5‐diiodo‐L‐histidines obtained upon electrophilic iodination underwent cross‐coupling alkynylation reaction with terminal alkynes in the presence of palladium‐copper co‐catalytic system to afford ring‐modified histidines in 62–85 % yield. The method is also successfully utilized to late‐stage alkynylate a 5‐iodohistidine residue containing peptide.
Plane waves in nonlocal generalized thermoelasticity
Authors: Das Narayan , De Soumen , Sarkar Nantu
Published: February 2022

The Lord–Shulman (LS) model of generalized thermoelasticity and the Eringen's model of nonlocal elasticity are used to formulate the new constitutive relations and the field equations. The propagation of plane thermoelastic waves are then probed in a homogeneous isotropic nonlocal thermoelastic solid by employing this new model. We found two sets of the coupled longitudinal waves and one independent shear‐type wave. All these waves are found to be dispersive and attenuating in nature in the presence of nonlocality in the medium. We found that the shear‐type wave faces a critical frequency, while the coupled longitudinal waves may face critical frequency conditionally. A reflection of thermoelastic waves at a stress‐free thermally insulated and isothermal boundary of a thermoelastic half‐space are also considered in case of incident coupled longitudinal thermoelastic wave. The amplitude ratios of the reflected waves to that incident wave are determined analytically. For a particular model, various graphs are plotted to analyze the behavior of the phase speeds, attenuation coefficients and reflection coefficients. To investigate the effect of elastic nonlocal parameter on the variations of phase speeds, attenuation coefficients and amplitude ratios of the reflected waves are presented graphically. Some interesting results are noticed: All the waves are detected to be influenced by the nonlocality of the medium. The longitudinal waves are influenced by the thermal parameters but the shear‐type wave is independent of the thermal effect. Moreover the presence of elastic nonlocality reduces the classical shear‐type wave speed.
Dynamic properties of two-dimensional latticed holographic system
Authors: Liu Peng , Wu Jian-Pin
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We study the anisotropic properties of dynamical quantities: direct current (DC) conductivity, butterfly velocity, and charge diffusion. The anisotropy plays a crucial role in determining the phase structure of the two-lattice system. Even a small deviation from isotropy can lead to distinct phase structures, as well as the IR fixed points of our holographic systems. In particular, for anisotropic cases, the most important property is that the IR fixed point can be non-AdS2 × ℝ2 even for metallic phases. As that of a one-lattice system, the butterfly velocity and the charge diffusion can also diagnose the quantum phase transition (QPT) in this two-dimensional anisotropic latticed system.
Dynamical fixed points in holography
Authors: Buchel Alex
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Typically, an interactive system evolves towards thermal equilibrium, with hydrodynamics representing a universal framework for its late-time dynamics. Classification of the dynamical fixed points (DFPs) of a driven Quantum Field Theory (with time dependent coupling constants, masses, external background fields, etc.) is unknown. We use holographic framework to analyze such fixed points in one example of strongly coupled gauge theory, driven by homogeneous and isotropic expansion of the background metric — equivalently, a late-time dynamics of the corresponding QFT in Friedmann-Lemaitre­Robertson-Walker Universe. We identify DFPs that are perturbatively stable, and those that are perturbatively unstable, computing the spectrum of the quasinormal modes in the corresponding holographic dual. We further demonstrate that a stable DFP can be unstable non-perturbatively, and explain the role of the entanglement entropy density as a litmus test for a non-perturbative stability. Finally, we demonstrated that a driven evolution might not have a fixed point at all: the entanglement entropy density of a system can grow without bounds.
Dark gauge boson production from neutron stars via nucleon-nucleon bremsstrahlung
Authors: Shin Chang Sub , Yun Seokhoon
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We discuss the dark gauge boson emission from neutron stars via nucleon-nucleon bremsstrahlung. Through the rigorous treatment of the effective field theory prescription and the thermal effect, we derive the relevant couplings of dark gauge bosons to hadrons in medium. As a specific example, the U(1)B−L gauge boson scenario is chosen to investigate dark gauge boson emissivities during supernovae and cooling of young neutron stars. From the stellar cooling argument, we obtain the constraints on the B − L gauge coupling for given gauge boson masses in two observations: the duration of the supernova neutrino signal of SN1987A, and the inferred x-ray luminosity of the compact object in the remnant of SN1987A (NS1987A). In particular, the constraint from SN1987A on the U(1)B−L gauge boson scenario is revisited. The excluded gauge coupling due to the emission of transverse polarizations is an order of magnitude enhanced compared to the previous derivation. There is also a newly excluded parameter space due to the emission of longitudinal polarizations.
Ion chromatography coupled to Q-Orbitrap for the analysis of formic and oxalic acid in beehive matrices: a field study
Authors: Gómez Icíar Beraza , Ramos María José Gómez , Rajski Łukasz , Flores José Manuel , Jesús Florencia , Fernández-Alba Amadeo R.
Published: February 2022

There is an increasing concern about the use of synthetic acaricides to fight the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. Natural products such as formic acid (FA) and oxalic acid (OA) have emerged as a possible alternative control strategy. However, given the difficulty of analysing these highly polar compounds and the lack of robust and reliable methods, there are very few studies of the concentration and distribution of these natural acaricides in the beehive compartments. We present a reliable and simple analytical methodology, based on sample extraction with modified quick polar pesticide (QuPPe) methods followed by ion chromatography coupled to a quadrupole Orbitrap mass analyser for the analysis of FA and OA in honeybees, honey, beeswax, and beebread. The developed methods have been used in a field study for the evaluation of the presence and distribution of FA and OA in the beehive products, as well as in adult bees and bee brood samples, before, during, and up to 3 months after the application of the treatments by the beekeeper. Beebread and honey samples presented the highest concentration levels of OA and FA, respectively, mainly due to their natural presence. As expected, the organic acids showed low persistence in wax after the treatments. The natural acaricides were found in adult and developing bees at concentration levels below the reported LD50 in all the cases; however, residue levels of OA in larvae during the treatment application were very close to the reported LD50.

Graphical abstract
Reply to: methodological inconsistencies define thermal bottlenecks in fish life cycle
Authors: Dahlke Flemming , Butzin Martin , Wohlrab Sylke , Pörtner Hans-Otto
Published: February 2022

The identification of biological pattern is often complicated by the lack of methodologically consistent data with broad geographic coverage, especially when considering functional characteristics of organisms that differ greatly in body size and morphology. In our study (Dahlke et al. 2020), we addressed the problem of data scarcity by using different types of observational and experimental data together with statistical (phylogenetic) data imputation, and by placing our analysis into the context of a physiological concept, which provides a mechanism-based explanation for the observed pattern (ontogenetic shift in thermal tolerance of fish) and with respect to transition from sublethal to lethal thresholds. Here, we show with comparative examples that our results were not affected by the use of methodologically inconsistent data.
Financial ratios, corporate governance and bank-firm information: a Bayesian approach to predict SMEs’ default
Authors: Gallucci Carmen , Santullli Rosalia , Modina Michele , Formisano Vincenzo
Published: February 2022

The paper aims to jointly combine three different categories of variables (financial ratios, corporate governance data and bank-firm information) to predict SMEs’ default. To this end, a merged longitudinal predictive model was applied to a sample of 973 Italian SMEs that are clients of 36 different co-operative banks. The collected data (for a total of 23 variables included in the model) relate to the years 2012–2014. The main findings reveal the high predictive power of leverage ratio, CEO tenure and ownership concentration, and the number of loans overdue for more than 180 days in the previous 12 months.
Transparent, Open, and Reproducible Prevention Science
Authors: Grant Sean , Wendt Kathleen E. , Leadbeater Bonnie J. , Supplee Lauren H. , Mayo-Wilson Evan , Gardner Frances , Bradshaw Catherine P.
Published: February 2022

The field of prevention science aims to understand societal problems, identify effective interventions, and translate scientific evidence into policy and practice. There is growing interest among prevention scientists in the potential for transparency, openness, and reproducibility to facilitate this mission by providing opportunities to align scientific practice with scientific ideals, accelerate scientific discovery, and broaden access to scientific knowledge. The overarching goal of this manuscript is to serve as a primer introducing and providing an overview of open science for prevention researchers. In this paper, we discuss factors motivating interest in transparency and reproducibility, research practices associated with open science, and stakeholders engaged in and impacted by open science reform efforts. In addition, we discuss how and why different types of prevention research could incorporate open science practices, as well as ways that prevention science tools and methods could be leveraged to advance the wider open science movement. To promote further discussion, we conclude with potential reservations and challenges for the field of prevention science to address as it transitions to greater transparency, openness, and reproducibility. Throughout, we identify activities that aim to strengthen the reliability and efficiency of prevention science, facilitate access to its products and outputs, and promote collaborative and inclusive participation in research activities. By embracing principles of transparency, openness, and reproducibility, prevention science can better achieve its mission to advance evidence-based solutions to promote individual and collective well-being.
P2Y12 receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with epilepsy
Authors: Wang Qi , Shi Nan-Rui , Lv Peng , Liu Juan , Zhang Ji-Zhou , Deng Bin-Lu , Zuo Yan-Qin , Yang Jie , Wang Xin , Chen Xiang , Hu Xiu-Min , Liu Ting-Ting , Liu Jie
Published: February 2022

The basic research indicated that microglial P2Y12 receptors (P2Y12Rs) are involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy through regulated microglial-neuronal interactions, aberrant neurogenesis, or immature neuronal projections. However, whether the clinic case of epilepsy would be associated with P2Y12 receptor gene polymorphisms is presented with few data. In our study, a total of 176 patients with epilepsy and 50 healthy controls were enrolled. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, namely rs1491974 and rs6798347, were selected for analysis. The results revealed that carriers of the G allele of rs1491974 G>A or rs6798347 G>A may be associated with an increased risk of epilepsy (OR = 0.576, 95% CI = 0.368–0.901, p = 0.015; OR = 0.603, 95% CI = 0.367–0.988, p = 0.043). Interestingly, we found that the rs1491974 G>A genotype and allele frequencies have only a significant difference in female instead of male case (p = 0.004 for genotype; p = 0.001 for allele). The subgroup analysis demonstrated that individuals with the rs1491974 G>A genotype might have more frequent seizure (OR = 0.476, 95% CI = 0.255–0.890; p = 0.019). These data implied that both rs1491974 and rs6798347 polymorphisms of P2Y12R would be able to play import roles in epilepsy susceptibility, whereas the rs1491974 polymorphism may be specifically related to seizure frequency.
State-of-the-art of situation recognition systems for intraoperative procedures
Authors: Junger D. , Frommer S. M. , Burgert O.
Published: February 2022

One of the key challenges for automatic assistance is the support of actors in the operating room depending on the status of the procedure. Therefore, context information collected in the operating room is used to gain knowledge about the current situation. In literature, solutions already exist for specific use cases, but it is doubtful to what extent these approaches can be transferred to other conditions. We conducted a comprehensive literature research on existing situation recognition systems for the intraoperative area, covering 274 articles and 95 cross-references published between 2010 and 2019. We contrasted and compared 58 identified approaches based on defined aspects such as used sensor data or application area. In addition, we discussed applicability and transferability. Most of the papers focus on video data for recognizing situations within laparoscopic and cataract surgeries. Not all of the approaches can be used online for real-time recognition. Using different methods, good results with recognition accuracies above 90% could be achieved. Overall, transferability is less addressed. The applicability of approaches to other circumstances seems to be possible to a limited extent. Future research should place a stronger focus on adaptability. The literature review shows differences within existing approaches for situation recognition and outlines research trends. Applicability and transferability to other conditions are less addressed in current work.

Graphical abstract
An Ethical Framework for Visitation of Inpatients Receiving Palliative Care in the COVID-19 Context
Authors: Russell Bethany , William Leeroy , Chapman Michael
Published: February 2022

Human connection is universally important, particularly in the context of serious illness and at the end of life. The presence of close family and friends has many benefits when death is close. Hospital visitation restrictions during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic therefore warrant careful consideration to ensure equity, proportionality, and the minimization of harm. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Palliative Medicine COVID-19 Special Interest Group utilized the relevant ethical and public health principles, together with the existing disease outbreak literature and evolving COVID-19 knowledge, to generate a practical framework of visiting restrictions for inpatients receiving palliative and end-of-life care. Expert advice from an Infectious Diseases physician ensured relevance to community transmission dynamics. Three graded levels of visitor restrictions for inpatient settings are proposed, defining an appropriate level of minimum access. These depend upon the level of community transmission of COVID-19, the demand on health services, the potential COVID-19 status of the patient and visitors, and the imminence of the patient’s death. This framework represents a cohesive, considered, proportionate, and ethically robust approach to improve equity and consistency for inpatients receiving palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic and may serve as a template for future disease outbreaks.
Battleground
Authors: Friedland Lewis A. , Shah Dhavan V. , Wagner Michael W. , Cramer Katherine J. , Wells Chris , Pevehouse Jon
Published: February 2022

Battleground models Wisconsin's contentious political communication ecology: the way that politics, social life, and communication intersect and create conditions of polarization and democratic decline. Drawing from 10 years of interviews, news and social media content, and state-wide surveys, we combine qualitative and computational analysis with time-series and multi-level modeling to study this hybrid communication system – an approach that yields unique insights about nationalization, social structure, conventional discourses, and the lifeworld. We explore these concepts through case studies of immigration, healthcare, and economic development, concluding that despite nationalization, distinct state-level effects vary by issue as partisan actors exert their discursive power.
A solution for the quasi-one-dimensional linearised Euler equations with heat transfer
Authors: Yeddula Saikumar R. , Guzmán-Iñigo Juan , Morgans Aimee S.
Published: February 2022

The unsteady response of nozzles with steady heat transfer forced by acoustic and/or entropy waves is modelled. The approach is based on the quasi-one-dimensional linearised Euler equations. The equations are cast in terms of three variables, namely the dimensionless mass, stagnation temperature and entropy fluctuations, which are invariants of the system at zero frequency and with no heat transfer. The resulting first-order system of differential equations is then solved using the Magnus expansion method, where the perturbation parameters are the normalised frequency and the volumetric heat transfer. In this work, a measure of the flow non-isentropicity (in this case the steady heat transfer) is used for the first time as an expansion parameter. The solution method was applied to a converging–diverging nozzle with constant heat transfer for both subcritical and supercritical flow cases, showing good agreement with numerical predictions. It was observed that the acoustic and entropy transfer functions of the nozzle strongly depend on the frequency and heat transfer.
On the properties of energy flux in wave turbulence
Authors: Hrabski Alexander , Pan Yulin
Published: February 2022

We study the properties of energy flux in wave turbulence via the Majda–McLaughlin– Tabak (MMT) equation with a quadratic dispersion relation. One of our purposes is to resolve the inter-scale energy flux

$P$

in the stationary state to elucidate its distribution and scaling with spectral level. More importantly, we perform a quartet-level decomposition of

$P=\sum _\varOmega P_\varOmega$

, with each component

$P_\varOmega$

representing the contribution from quartet interactions with frequency mismatch

$\varOmega$

, in order to explain the properties of

$P$

as well as to study the wave turbulence closure model. Our results show that the time series of

$P$

closely follows a Gaussian distribution, with its standard deviation several times its mean value

$\bar {P}$

. This large standard deviation is shown to result mainly from the fluctuation of the quasi-resonances, i.e.

$P_{\varOmega \neq 0}$

. The scaling of spectral level with

$\bar {P}$

exhibits

$\bar {P}^{1/3}$

and

$\bar {P}^{1/2}$

at high and low nonlinearity, consistent with the kinetic and dynamic scalings, respectively. The different scaling laws in the two regimes are explained through the dominance of quasi-resonances (

$P_{\varOmega \neq 0}$

) and exact-resonances (

$P_{\varOmega =0}$

) in the former and latter regimes. Finally, we investigate the wave turbulence closure model, which connects fourth-order correlators to products of pair correlators through a broadening function

$f(\varOmega )$

. Our numerical data show that consistent behaviour of

$f(\varOmega )$

can be observed only upon averaging over a large number of quartets, but with such

$f(\varOmega )$

showing a somewhat different form from the theory.
On cohomogeneity one Hermitian non-Kähler metrics
Authors: Angella Daniele , Pediconi Francesco
Published: February 2022

We investigate the geometry of Hermitian manifolds endowed with a compact Lie group action by holomorphic isometries with principal orbits of codimension one. In particular, we focus on a special class of these manifolds constructed by following Bérard-Bergery which includes, among the others, the holomorphic line bundles on $\mathbb {C}\mathbb {P}^{m-1}$, the linear Hopf manifolds and the Hirzebruch surfaces. We characterize their invariant special Hermitian metrics, such as balanced, Kähler-like, pluriclosed, locally conformally Kähler, Vaisman and Gauduchon. Furthermore, we construct new examples of cohomogeneity one Hermitian metrics solving the second-Chern–Einstein equation and the constant Chern-scalar curvature equation.
Clinical practice guidelines on nutrition management in head and neck cancer: a systematic quality appraisal using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation 2nd edition instrument
Authors: Panara K , Go B , Shah M , Majmudar T , Barrette L-X , Moreira A G , Rajasekaran K
Published: February 2022

Objective

Several guidelines have been produced for the management of nutrition in patients with head and neck cancer. However, no systematic evaluation of the quality of these guidelines has been performed to date.

Method

A comprehensive search was conducted up to August 2020. The quality of guidelines was assessed by four independent reviewers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation, 2nd edition.

Results

Nine guidelines were assessed for critical evaluation. Only two guidelines were classified as ‘high quality’. The ‘scope and purpose’ domain achieved the highest mean score (75.5 ± 17.0 per cent), and the lowest domain mean score was ‘applicability’ (37.6 ± 23.0 per cent).

Conclusion

These findings highlight the variability in the methodological quality of guidelines for the management of nutrition in head and neck cancer. These results may help to improve the reporting of future guidelines and guide the selection for use in clinical practice.
The vulnerable old-old versus the dynamic young-old: recurring types in the representation of older people on television
Authors: Reul Robin , Dhoest Alexander , Paulussen Steve , Panis Koen
Published: February 2022

Research shows that older people tend to not only be underrepresented on television (TV), but also to be represented within a number of fixed types. These correspond to cultural myths about ageing, which emphasise vulnerability and decline but also increasingly stress the individual's responsibility for successful ageing. This paper analyses the representation of older people on Flemish public TV, using qualitative content analysis to identify patterns of representation in a sample of 44 programmes broadcast in 2019 and 2020, including the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. To complement our own analysis, we also interviewed eight experts on ageing. Our research shows that representations of older people on Flemish public TV tend to gravitate towards two types related to different age groups: vulnerable and passive old-old people (over 80 years old), particularly those in nursing homes who feature prominently in reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic; and dynamic and active young-old people (65–80 years old), connected to the ideals of successful ageing. The two predominant types correspond to cultural myths about ageing and are also connected to recurrent themes: sexual intimacy, loneliness and death. Our research highlights the need for a more diverse representation, reflecting the variety of individual life conditions and the functional age of older people.
Effects of embryonic stem cell-conditioned medium on the preimplantation development of mouse embryos
Authors: Miraki Saber , Rashidi Asrin , Banafshi Omid , Alasvand Masoud , Fathi Fardin , Golmohammadi Mohammad Ghasem
Published: February 2022

The production of high-quality embryos in the laboratory and a successful pregnancy are closely related to the condition and contents of oocyte and embryo culture media. In this study, we investigated the effects of embryonic stem cell-conditioned medium (ESCCM) and embryonic stem cells growth medium (ESCGM) compared with potassium-enriched simplex optimized medium (KSOM) on preimplantation embryo development stages during natural or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Birth rate of pups was measured. To obtain mature oocytes, and 2-cell and 8-cell embryos, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was injected 48 h after i.p. injection of 5 units of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. Mature oocytes were obtained from non-mated female mice 14 h after HCG injection. To obtain 2-cell and 8-cell embryos, mated female mice, 1 day and 3 days, respectively, after HCG injection, were used. Mature oocytes were fertilized in HTF medium. Embryos obtained from natural or in vitro fertilization were cultured in experimental media, ESCCM and ESCGM, or KSOM as the control culture medium. Embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage were transferred to the uteri of pseudopregnant mice and effects of the experimental media on embryo viability were determined. ESCCM and ESCGM could not pass the embryo after the 2-cell stage, but they were suitable for the development of the embryo from the 8-cell stage to the blastocyst. It can be concluded that the embryo has various requirements at different stages of development.
The Eastern Mediterranean Charcoal Industry: Air Pollution Prevention by the Implementation of a New Ecological Retort System
Authors: Ankona Etty , Nisnevitch Marina , Knop Yaniv , Billig Miriam , Badwan Adam , Anker Yaakov
Published: February 2022

Earth kilns are still used for charcoal production in the Eastern Mediterranean and worldwide. Until 2016, around 1,600 tons of charcoal were produced in Israel and the Palestinian territories in about 400 traditional earth kilns that were operated in about the same manner for the last 400 years. The intense air pollution caused by this indigenous practice resulted in higher mortality rates among the workers and the population living close to the charcoal production sites. The air pollution was found to migrate beyond 50 km, causing cross‐boundary pollution in Jordan. Since the charcoal production industry processes surplus wood into solid fuel, which is used for heating and cooking, it was imperative to shift this industry to a new type of non‐polluting charcoal production system. Upgrading this industry to 21st century standards became possible through a combined effort by Israeli researchers and Palestinian manufacturers in the development and implementation of a new ecological retort system (ERS). Comparing the ERS to the old earth kilns suggests that the ERS produces charcoal without emitting air pollution, the wood‐to‐charcoal transformation efficiency is about 10% higher in the ERS and the process duration is half a day versus about 3 weeks in a traditional kiln. Generally, ERS is about two orders of magnitude more productive than the traditional earth kilns. The ERS combines a simple operational scheme and higher charcoal yield than a traditional kiln, leading to an increase in the revenue to the charcoal makers as well as through byproducts with economic value such as electric energy and wood vinegar. These advantages with the transition to the ERS system can ensure a more efficient and cleaner operation of this indigenous local industry.
Microbiome and metabolome features of the cardiometabolic disease spectrum
Authors: Fromentin Sebastien , Forslund Sofia K. , Chechi Kanta , Aron-Wisnewsky Judith , Chakaroun Rima , Nielsen Trine , Tremaroli Valentina , Ji Boyang , Prifti Edi , Myridakis Antonis , Chilloux Julien , Andrikopoulos Petros , Fan Yong , Olanipekun Michael T. , Alves Renato , Adiouch Solia , Bar Noam , Talmor-Barkan Yeela , Belda Eugeni , Caesar Robert , Coelho Luis Pedro , Falony Gwen , Fellahi Soraya , Galan Pilar , Galleron Nathalie , Helft Gerard , Hoyles Lesley , Isnard Richard , Le Chatelier Emmanuelle , Julienne Hanna , Olsson Lisa , Pedersen Helle Krogh , Pons Nicolas , Quinquis Benoit , Rouault Christine , Roume Hugo , Salem Joe-Elie , Schmidt Thomas S. B. , Vieira-Silva Sara , Li Peishun , Zimmermann-Kogadeeva Maria , Lewinter Christian , Søndertoft Nadja B. , Hansen Tue H. , Gauguier Dominique , Gøtze Jens Peter , Køber Lars , Kornowski Ran , Vestergaard Henrik , Hansen Torben , Zucker Jean-Daniel , Hercberg Serge , Letunic Ivica , Bäckhed Fredrik , Oppert Jean-Michel , Nielsen Jens , Raes Jeroen , Bork Peer , Stumvoll Michael , Segal Eran , Clément Karine , Dumas Marc-Emmanuel , Ehrlich S. Dusko , Pedersen Oluf
Published: February 2022

Previous microbiome and metabolome analyses exploring non-communicable diseases have paid scant attention to major confounders of study outcomes, such as common, pre-morbid and co-morbid conditions, or polypharmacy. Here, in the context of ischemic heart disease (IHD), we used a study design that recapitulates disease initiation, escalation and response to treatment over time, mirroring a longitudinal study that would otherwise be difficult to perform given the protracted nature of IHD pathogenesis. We recruited 1,241 middle-aged Europeans, including healthy individuals, individuals with dysmetabolic morbidities (obesity and type 2 diabetes) but lacking overt IHD diagnosis and individuals with IHD at three distinct clinical stages—acute coronary syndrome, chronic IHD and IHD with heart failure—and characterized their phenome, gut metagenome and serum and urine metabolome. We found that about 75% of microbiome and metabolome features that distinguish individuals with IHD from healthy individuals after adjustment for effects of medication and lifestyle are present in individuals exhibiting dysmetabolism, suggesting that major alterations of the gut microbiome and metabolome might begin long before clinical onset of IHD. We further categorized microbiome and metabolome signatures related to prodromal dysmetabolism, specific to IHD in general or to each of its three subtypes or related to escalation or de-escalation of IHD. Discriminant analysis based on specific IHD microbiome and metabolome features could better differentiate individuals with IHD from healthy individuals or metabolically matched individuals as compared to the conventional risk markers, pointing to a pathophysiological relevance of these features.
Patent data access control and protection using blockchain technology
Authors: Li Hui , Li Ming
Published: February 2022

The purposes are to develop the patent data profoundly, control the data access process effectively, and protect the patent information and content. The traditional patent review systems are analyzed. For the present patent data security and privacy protection technologies and algorithms, the patent information data are stored on different block nodes after data fragmentation using blockchain technology. Then the data are shared using the data encryption algorism. In this way, data access control can be restricted to particular users. Finally, a patent data protection scheme based on privacy protection is proposed. The security of the scheme and the model performance are verified through simulation experiments. The time required to encrypt 10 MB files with 64-bit and 128-bit data is 35 ms and 105 ms, respectively. The proposed re-encryption algorithm only needs 1 s to decrypt 64 KB data, and only 1% of the data needs asymmetric encryption. This greatly reduces the computational overhead of encryption. Results demonstrate that the system can effectively control the access methods of users, efficiently protect the personal privacy and patent content of patent applicants, and reduce the patent office cloud computing overhead using the local resources of branches. The distributed storage methods can reduce the cloud system interaction of the patent office, thereby greatly improving the speed of encryption and ensuring data security. Compared with the state of the art methods, the proposed patent data access and protection system based on blockchain technology have greater advantages in data security and model performance. The research results can provide a research foundation and practical value for the protection and review systems of patent data.
Evaluation of the ideal length of the Seldinger needle for internal jugular vein catheter placement
Authors: Wenzel Clara M. , Meyer Torsten M. , Stoevesandt Dietrich , Kielstein Heike , Kielstein Jan T.
Published: February 2022

Placement of central venous catheters (CVC) into the internal jugular vein represents a routine clinical intervention. The periprocedural complication rate ranges from 5 to 20% and can be reduced by ultrasound guidance, training of residents and other measures. We aimed to proof that the average Seldinger needle is too long, increasing the risk of periprocedural injury, best epitomized in the stellate ganglion injury/irritation. The first part of the study was an online market analysis to investigate the standard needle length currently offered as part of the CVC placement sets. The second part of the study involved 35 hospitalized patients (14 female; median age 74.5 years). In those the distance between the skin and the internal jugular vein as well as the diameter of the internal jugular vein was measured by ultrasound in both, supine position as well as 45° semi-sitting position. In the third part of the study 80 body donors (45 female; median age 83.0 years) preserved by the ethanol/formaldehyde method were studied. In those the distance and angle between the typical landmark for insertion of the Seldinger needle for internal jugular vein catheter placement to the stellate ganglion was measured. The median [interquartile range] Seldinger needle length was 7 [4.0–10.0] cm. In the examined patients the maximum distance between the skin and the internal jugular vein was 1.87 cm. The minimum distance was 0.46 cm and the median distance averaging supine and 45° position was 1.14 [0.94–1.31] cm. Regarding the body donors the median distance from the insertion point of the internal jugular vein to the stellate ganglion was longer in men 5.5 [4.95–6.35] cm than in women 5.2 [4.7–5.9] (p = 0.031 unpaired t-test). With 7 cm average length the Seldinger needle currently sold as part of CVC sets is long enough to physically reach the stellate ganglion, not to mention more proximal structures. A shorter needle length would be sufficient to reach the internal jugular vein even in obese patients and with a small insertion angle while minimizing the possibility to cause severe injury as structures like the pleura and the stellate ganglion could not be reached by shorter needles.
The spectrum of comorbidities at the initial diagnosis of heart failure a case control study
Authors: Loosen Sven H. , Roderburg Christoph , Curth Ole , Gaensbacher Julia , Joerdens Markus , Luedde Tom , Konrad Marcel , Kostev Karel , Luedde Mark
Published: February 2022

The prognosis of heart failure (HF) patients is determined to a decisive extent by comorbidities. The present study investigates the association between a broad spectrum of diseases and the occurrence of HF in a large collective of outpatients. This retrospective case control study assessed the prevalence of 37 cardiac and extracardiac diseases in patients with an initial diagnosis of heart failure (ICD-10: I50) in 1,274 general practices in Germany between January 2005 and December 2019. The study is based on the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA), which contains drug prescriptions, diagnoses, and basic medical and demographic data. Patients with and without heart failure were matched by sex, age, and index year. Hazard regression models were conducted to evaluate the association between different disease entities and heart failure. The present study included 162,246 patients with heart failure and 162,246 patients without heart failure. Mean age [SD] was 73.7 [12.1] years; 52.6% were women. Out of 37 predefined diagnoses, 36 were more prevalent in HF patients. The highest prevalence was primary hypertension (63.4% in HF patients vs. 53.3% in controls, p < 0.001) followed by lipid metabolism disorders (34.6% in HF patients vs. 29.1% in HF patients p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus type II (32.2% in HF patients vs. 25.2% in controls, p < 0.001). In the regression analysis, 19 diseases were significantly associated with heart failure. Non-cardiovascular diagnoses strongly associated with HF were obesity (HR = 1.46), chronic bronchitis and COPD (HR = 1.41), gout (HR: 1.41), and chronic kidney disease (HR = 1.27). In the present study, we identified a variety of cardiac and extracardiac diseases associated with heart failure. Our data underscore the immense importance of comorbidities, even as early as at the stage of initial diagnosis of heart failure.