bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Introduction to Scenario Planning by Paul J. H.Schoemaker. Cheltenham, UK & Northampton, MA, USA, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2022, ix + 176 pp. ISBN 9781800376793 (hardback); 9781800376809 (ebook); 9781800376816 (paperback).
Authors: Rowland Nicholas J.
Published: August 2022

Paul Schoemaker's new book is essential reading in scenario planning. When I was asked by Edward Elgar Publishing to review an early version of the book, I agreed, was outfitted with the book, and, much to my surprise, I opened the book and finished it in one sitting. Admittedly that is what Elgar Advanced Introductions are designed to do: “offer concise and lucid surveys of substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas,” in this case, scenario planning. Schoemaker delivers on the series aim “to pinpoint essential principles of a particular field, and to offer insights that stimulate critical thinking.”
Preparation, physical properties, and evaluation of antioxidant capacity of aqueous grape extract loaded in chitosan‐TPP nanoparticles
Authors: Soleymanfallah Sepideh , Khoshkhoo Zhaleh , Hosseini Seyed Ebrahim , Azizi Mohammad Hossein
Published: August 2022

Grape extract is reportedly rich in phenolic compounds that possess strong antioxidant activities. Encapsulation of such extracts in nanoparticles (NPs) is an effective way to preserve various food products. In the present study, grapes were first extracted, and the amount of total phenolic content and different types of phenolic acids was determined. The extracts at different chitosan/extract weight ratios (1:0.25, 1:0.5, 1:0.75, and 1:1) were then encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) using the ionic gelation method. The extract‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles were characterized by their physicochemical properties using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique, chemical properties using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X‐ray powder diffraction technique (XRD), the morphological properties using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the antioxidant activity using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) were also assessed. Our findings showed that the free radical inhibition effect of NPs significantly increased with an increase in extract concentration. Chitosan NPs presented acceptable encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity (LC), and the encapsulation process enhanced the antioxidant activity of the free grape extracts. At the weight ratio of 1:0.5, the particle size and zeta potential of the NPs were 177.5 ± 2.12 nm and 32.95 ± 0.49 mV, respectively. FTIR and XRD analyses verified the credibility of the encapsulated grape extract in chitosan NPs. These NPs can be an efficient way to increase the shelf‐life of food products.
Elevated preradiotherapy serum lactate dehydrogenase predicts distant metastasis for lymphoepithelial carcinoma of major salivary gland following postoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Yan Wenbin , Liu Yang , Shen Chunying , Yi Junlin , Ou Xiaomin , Hu Chaosu
Published: August 2022

Background

To evaluate the predicting factors associated with distant metastasis (DM) for lymphoepithelial carcinoma of salivary gland (LECSG) following postoperative radiotherapy (PORT).

Methods

We retrospectively collected 160 eligible patients from two cancer institutions. The DM rate was evaluated using competing risk method.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 65.6 months. Elevated preradiotherapy serum LDH (ratio >0.5) (p = 0.006) and N classification (N2‐3) (p = 0.001) were independently associated with DM for the LECSG. After the risk stratification, the high‐risk subgroup was defined as the patients presented higher risk score (score >0), whereas 5‐year cumulative incidence of DM in the high‐ and low‐risk group was 30.9% and 6.0%, respectively (p < 0.001). Moreover, a significantly worse overall survival (OS) was observed in the high‐risk patients compared with the low‐risk subgroup (5‐year OS: 83.9% vs. 97.8%, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Elevated preradiotherapy serum LDH could serve as a predictive factor for DM in the LECSG following PORT.
Comparison of eradication rates of moxifloxacin–rifabutin triple therapy and bismuth quadruple therapy as second‐line regimens in patients with peptic ulcers
Authors: Lee Chang Min , Kim Seong Je , Hah Se In , Kwak Ji Yoon , Choi Jung Woo , Cho Hyun Chin , Ha Chang Yoon , Lee Ok Jae , Jung Woon Tae
Published: August 2022

Background

Bismuth quadruple (BQ) therapy is known to have poor patient compliance and a complex dosing method, and no appropriate third‐line regimen exists if second‐line BQ therapy fails. In Korea, some alternative regimens have shown unsatisfactory eradication rates. Therefore, we investigated the success rates of the second‐line moxifloxacin–rifabutin triple (MRT) regimen and compared it with BQ regimen in subgroup analysis of peptic ulcer patients.

Materials and Methods

This study was a retrospective study of 71 patients who underwent a second‐line MRT for Helicobacter pylori after failing to clarithromycin triple regimen. To compare the eradication rate in gastric ulcer patients, 51 patients in the MRT group and 132 patients in BQ group were included. After age and sex propensity matching, 45 patients were included in each group (the alpha value and power were set at 0.05% and 77%, respectively).

Results

The eradication rate in the MRT group was 69.0% (49/71) in the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis and 77.8% (49/63) in the per‐protocol (PP) analysis. These were significantly lower than the eradication rate in the BQ group (82.5%, p = 0.019 in the ITT analysis; 89.3%, p = 0.022 in the PP analysis). In subgroup analysis of peptic ulcer patients, the success rate of BQ group was significantly higher than that of MRT group in both ITT and PP populations (81.8% (108/132) vs. 60.8% (31/51) in the ITT populations, p = 0.004; and 90.0% (108/120) vs. 72.1% (31/43) in the PP populations, p = 0.010). Among the 14 patients with MRT therapy failure, 10 were eradicated with BQ as the third‐line regimen. The eradication rate of the third‐line BQ after the second‐line MRT failure was 90.0% (9/10).

Conclusion

Second‐line MRT therapy was not as effective as BQ therapy, so it should be considered for limited use only when BQ is not available.
Assessing quality of care and observance of human rights in residential mental health facilities in Greece through the WHO QualityRights tool kit
Authors: Georgaca Eugenie , Plataniti Panagiota , Vardoulaki Aikaterina , Pampouchidou Maria , Nomidou Aikaterini , Chondros Panagiotis
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we present and reflect upon the process of evaluating two residential mental health facilities in Thessaloniki, Greece, through the WHO QualityRights tool kit. The QualityRights tool kit is a structured process for assessing quality of care and human rights in mental health and social care facilities, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), introduced by the World Health Organization in 2012. We have piloted the use of the Toolkit in two supported accommodation facilities, a hostel and a service supervising independent living in apartments, for individuals with long‐term severe mental health problems in the region of Thessaloniki. In this paper, we present the methodology and process of evaluating the facilities, including the challenges posed to the evaluation process by restrictions due to the Covid‐19 pandemic. We showcase the outcome of this evaluation through presenting a summary of the results and the ensuing recommendations for improvement. Finally, we reflect on the usefulness, appropriateness and relevance of the Toolkit for evaluating mental health care facilities in the particular context of contemporary Greece.
Molecular Identification of Spatially Distinct Anabolic Responses to Mechanical Loading in Murine Cortical Bone
Authors: Chlebek Carolyn , Moore Jacob A , Ross F Patrick , van der Meulen Marjolein C H
Published: August 2022

Osteoporosis affects over 200 million women worldwide, one-third of whom are predicted to suffer from an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. The most promising anabolic drugs involve administration of expensive antibodies. Because mechanical loading stimulates bone formation, our current data, using a mouse model, replicates the anabolic effects of loading in humans and may identify novel pathways amenable to oral treatment. Murine tibial compression produces axially varying deformations along the cortical bone, inducing highest strains at the mid-diaphysis and lowest at the metaphyseal shell. To test the hypothesis that load-induced transcriptomic responses at different axial locations of cortical bone would vary as a function of strain magnitude, we loaded the left tibias of 10-week-old female C57Bl/6 mice in vivo in compression, with contralateral limbs as controls. Animals were euthanized at 1, 3, or 24 hours post-loading or loaded for 1 week (n = 4–5/group). Bone marrow and cancellous bone were removed, cortical bone was segmented into the metaphyseal shell, proximal diaphysis, and mid-diaphysis, and load-induced differential gene expression and enriched biological processes were examined for the three segments. At each time point, the mid-diaphysis (highest strain) had the greatest transcriptomic response. Similarly, biological processes regulating bone formation and turnover increased earlier and to the greatest extent at the mid-diaphysis. Higher strain induced greater levels of osteoblast and osteocyte genes, whereas expression was lower in osteoclasts. Among the top differentially expressed genes at 24-hours post-loading, 17 had known functions in bone biology, of which 12 were present only in osteoblasts, 3 exclusively in osteoclasts, and 2 were present in both cell types. Based on these results, we conclude that murine tibial loading induces spatially unique transcriptomic responses correlating with strain magnitude in cortical bone. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Investigation of glucose electrooxidation mechanism over N‐modified metal‐doped graphene electrode by density functional theory approach
Authors: Düzenli Derya , Onal Isik , Tezsevin Ilker
Published: August 2022

In this work, various precious and non‐precious metals reported in the literature as the most effective catalysts for glucose electrooxidation reaction were investigated by the density functional theory (DFT) approach in order to reveal the mechanisms taking place over the catalysts in the fuel cell. The use of a single‐atom catalyst model was adopted by insertion of one Au, Cu, Ni, Pd, Pt, and Zn metal atom on the pyridinic N atoms doped graphene surface (NG). β form of d‐glucose in alkaline solution was used to determine the reaction mechanism and intermediates that formed during the reaction. DFT results showed that the desired glucono‐lactone was formed on the Cu‐3NG electrode in a single‐step reaction pathway whereas it was produced via different two‐step pathways on the Au and Pt‐3NG electrodes. Although the interaction of glucose with Ni, Pd, and Zn‐doped surfaces resulted in the deprotonation of the molecule, lactone product formation did not occur on these electrode surfaces. When the calculation results are evaluated in terms of energy content and product formation, it can be concluded that Cu, Pt, and especially Au doped graphene catalysts are effective for direct glucose oxidation in fuel cells reactor.
Abnormal concentrations of acetylated amino acids in cerebrospinal fluid in acetyl‐CoA transporter deficiency
Authors: Šikić Katarina , Peters Tessa M. A. , Marušić Eugenija , Čagalj Ivana Čulo , Ramadža Danijela Petković , Žigman Tamara , Fumić Ksenija , Fernandez Esperanza , Gevaert Kris , Debeljak Željko , Wevers Ron A. , Barić Ivo
Published: August 2022

Acetyl‐CoA transporter 1 (AT‐1) is a transmembrane protein which regulates influx of acetyl‐CoA from the cytosol to the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and is therefore important for the posttranslational modification of numerous proteins. Pathological variants in the SLC33A1 gene coding for AT‐1 have been linked to a disorder called Huppke‐Brendel syndrome, which is characterized by congenital cataracts, hearing loss, severe developmental delay and early death. It has been described in eight patients so far, who all had the abovementioned symptoms together with low serum copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations. The link between AT‐1 and low ceruloplasmin concentrations is not clear, nor is the complex pathogenesis of the disease. Here we describe a further case of Huppke‐Brendel syndrome with a novel and truncating homozygous gene variant and provide novel biochemical data on N‐acetylated amino acids in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. Our results indicate that decreased levels of many N‐acetylated amino acids in CSF are a typical metabolic fingerprint for AT‐1 deficiency and are potential biomarkers for the defect. As acetyl‐CoA is an important substrate for protein acetylation, we performed N‐terminal proteomics, but found only minor effects on this particular protein modification. The acetyl‐CoA content in patient's fibroblasts was insignificantly decreased. Our data may help to better understand the mechanisms underlying the metabolic disturbances, the pathophysiology and the clinical phenotype of the disease.
γδ T cell exhaustion: Opportunities for intervention
Authors: Chen Di , Guo Yinglu , Jiang Jiahuan , Wu Pin , Zhang Ting , Wei Qichun , Huang Jian , Wu Dang
Published: August 2022

T lymphocytes are the key protective contributors in chronic infection and tumor, but experience exhaustion by persistent antigen stimulation. As an unconventional lineage of T cells, γδ T cells can rapidly response to varied infectious and tumor challenges in a non-MHC-restricted manner and play key roles in immune surveillance via pleiotropic effector functions, showing promising as candidates for cellular tumor immunotherapy. Activated γδ T cells can also acquire exhaustion signature with elevated expression of immune checkpoints, such as PD-1, decreased cytokine production, and functional impairment. However, the exhaustion features of γδ T cells are distinct from conventional αβ T cells. Here, we review the researches regarding the characteristics, heterogeneity, and mechanisms of γδ T cell exhaustion. These studies provide insights into the combined strategies to overcome the exhaustion of γδ T cells and enhance antitumor immunity.

Summary sentence: Review of the characteristics, heterogeneity, and mechanisms of γδ T cell exhaustion provides insights into the combined strategies to enhance γδ T cell-based antitumor immunotherapy.
Rapid warming of the Arctic troposphere in the winter during 2015–2016 and its relationship to the mid‐high latitude teleconnection wave train
Authors: Tian Qing , Wen Min , Zhang Renhe , Su Jingzhi
Published: August 2022

During the winter of 2015–2016, an extraordinary warming event occurred in the troposphere in the Arctic region. The above‐normal temperatures extended from the surface to 300 hPa in the Arctic. The number of extremely warm days derived from the surface air temperature revealed that this event was the most significant warming event since 1980. It was found that the tropospheric warming anomaly was not fully dependent on the warming anomalies at lower levels, and it formed earlier than the lower anomalies. In December 2015, there were three obvious warm centers in the troposphere in the mid‐high latitude regions in eastern North America, northern Europe, and western Asia. Albeit the strongest warming anomaly occurred in North America, the prominent warm advection to the Arctic region was transported from northern Europe during the initial stage of the Arctic mid‐upper tropospheric warming. Further investigation revealed that the teleconnection wave train stretching across North America to the North Atlantic and northern Europe contributed significantly to the existence of a poleward transport channel from northern Europe to the Arctic. The wave train spread from west to east and produced a strong southerly wind disturbance over the warm region in northern Europe. As a result, extraordinary poleward heat and water vapour transport occurred across the polar boundary causing substantial warming in the Arctic mid‐upper troposphere. During the extreme Arctic tropospheric warming event, the dynamic processes related to the heat transport over northern Europe directly contributed to the advanced rapid warming in the Arctic mid‐upper troposphere; whereas, the dynamic and thermal processes associated with the transport across the Arctic boundary jointly maintained the late stage of Arctic warming.
Etiology of sinonasal inverted papilloma: An update
Authors: Sunkara Pranit R. , Saraswathula Anirudh , Ramanathan Murugappan
Published: August 2022

Objective

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) and its clinical features have been widely studied, but there are few studies delving into its etiology and risk factors. A narrative review was conducted to summarize a contemporary understanding of the potential etiologies of IP, including immunologic/inflammatory, viral, genetic, and environmental causes.

Study Design

Review.

Methods

A MEDLINE search was conducted through August 11, 2021, focusing on studies investigating the etiology and risk factors for sinonasal IP and its malignant transformation.

Results

High‐ and low‐risk human papillomavirus have been connected with the formation of IP, but conflicting evidence exists regarding their role. Occupational and industrial exposures may also contribute to IP formation, while smoking may increase the odds of malignant progression. Exon 20 mutations in EGFR are an active area of research in IP with mixed evidence. Finally, several cell cycle and angiogenic factors such as Ki67, VEGF, and Akt/mTOR have been implicated in the development and progression of IP.

Conclusion

There continues to be conflicting evidence around the development of IP, but significant progress has been made in recent years. Further study is needed for all these potential etiologies to elucidate risk factors and therapeutic strategies.
Implementation experience and initial assessment of a rural women's health training program in support of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a learning health system
Authors: Sanders Aimee M. , Golden Rachel E. , Kolehmainen Christine , Brenton Jonna K. , Frayne Susan M.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The increasing number of women Veterans receiving health care from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has spurred the need for more women's health primary care providers (PCPs) and nurses, including in rural areas nationwide. Here we report on the implementation of a women's health rural workforce training program, demonstrate initial evidence of its effectiveness within VHA as a Learning Health System, and present lessons learned and implications for other workforce training programs.

Methods

The Women's Health Primary Care Mini‐Residency for Rural Providers and Nurses (Rural WH‐MR) is a mobile VHA training initiative adapted from a national training model. The Rural WH‐MR uses asynchronous blended learning paired with in‐person hands‐on instruction delivered directly at rural VHA sites. Mixed methods evaluation using quantitative data, qualitative interviews, and observational feedback assessed the program's implementation feasibility, fidelity, acceptability, and appropriateness. Longitudinal survey data were used to assess the initial program impact via changes in participating PCP and nurse knowledge, attitudes, practices, and skills (KAPS).

Results

Inclusive of the pilot and fiscal years 2018 and 2019 Rural WH‐MR trainings, 181 PCPs, and 320 nurses were trained through 56 training events nationwide. Cumulative survey data using 5‐point measures showed high participant satisfaction, achievement of program‐specific objectives, and usefulness of training activities to the rural practice of both PCPs and nurses. Both a pre‐training and 6‐month‐follow‐up survey were completed by 52 PCPs (32.9%) and 93 nurses (32.2%) and revealed significant sustained improvements in 18 out of 22 KAPS (p < 0.01–0.03) areas assessed for PCPs and all 17 KAPS (p < 0.01) areas assessed for nurses.

Conclusions

This adapted training program benefitted VHA's rural clinical workforce thereby contributing to the VHA goal of increasing the numbers of rural women Veterans with access to PCPs and nurses with women's health expertise.
ARHGEF40 promotes non‐small cell lung cancer proliferation and invasion via the AKT‐Wnt axis by binding to RhoA
Authors: Gu Jian , Zhang Xiupeng , Jiang Guiyang , Li Qingchang , Wang Enhua , Yu Juanhan
Published: August 2022

Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 40 (ARHGEF40) is a member of the Dbl‐family of guanine nucleotide factor proteins. However, its expression pattern and biological function in malignant tumors, notably in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are currently unknown. The present study demonstrated that ARHGEF40 was highly expressed in NSCLC specimens and that its expression was significantly associated with advanced TNM stage (p < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.002), and poor prognosis (p = 0.0056). In addition, ARHGEF40 accelerated nuclear translocation of the key component β‐catenin and increased the expression levels of the Wnt signaling pathway targets c‐myc, cyclin D1 and MMP7. Moreover, it promoted lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism, the current study demonstrated that ARHGEF40 could induce activation of the Wnt signaling pathway by increasing the phosphorylation levels of AKT and GSK3β via interaction with RhoA. Moreover, the Dbl homology (DH)‐pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of ARHGEF40 was responsible for this interaction. Its deletion abolished the binding, which blocked the activation of the Wnt signaling. Taken together, the data indicated that ARHGEF40 promoted the malignant phenotype of lung cancer cells by activating the AKT‐Wnt axis. This was achieved by its interaction with RhoA via the DH‐PH domain. ARHGEF40 may serve as a novel target for NSCLC treatment.
Impact of autocalibration method on accelerated EPI of the cervical spinal cord at 7 T
Authors: Seifert Alan C. , Xu Junqian
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The spinal cord contains sensorimotor neural circuits of scientific and clinical interest. However, spinal cord functional MRI (fMRI) is significantly more technically demanding than brain fMRI, due primarily to its proximity to the lungs. Accelerated echo‐planar imaging (EPI) at 7 T is particularly vulnerable to k‐space phase inconsistencies induced by motion or B0 fluctuation, during either autocalibration signal (ACS) or time‐series acquisition. For 7 T brain fMRI, sensitivity to motion and B0 fluctuation can be reduced using a re‐ordered segmented EPI ACS based on the fast low‐angle excitation echo‐planar technique (FLEET). However, respiration‐induced B0 fluctuations (exceeding 100 Hz at C7) are greater, and fewer k‐space lines per slice are required for cervical spinal cord fMRI at 7 T, necessitating a separate evaluation of ACS methods.

Methods

We compared 24‐line single‐shot EPI with 48‐line two‐shot segmented EPI, two‐shot FLEET, and gradient echo (GRE)–based ACS acquisition methods, performed under various physiological conditions, in terms of temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio and prevalence of artifacts in generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA)‐accelerated EPI of the cervical spinal cord at 7 T.

Results

Segmented EPI and FLEET ACS produce images with nearly identical patterns of severe image artifacts. GRE and single‐shot EPI ACS consistently produce images free from significant artifacts, and temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio is significantly greater for GRE ACS, particularly in lower slices where through‐slice dephasing is most severe.

Conclusions

GRE and single‐shot EPI‐ACS acquisition methods, which are robust to respiration‐induced phase errors between k‐space segments, produce images with fewer and less severe artifacts than either FLEET or conventionally segmented EPI for accelerated EPI of the cervical spinal cord at 7 T.
Diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic bladder secondary to aortic dissection: A 8‐year retrospective study at a single center
Authors: Zhou Zhonghan , Gao Yi , Li Xing , Wang Xuesheng , Liao Limin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To review the characteristics of the neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) secondary to aortic dissection (AD), analyze the clinical features, and discuss the treatment options.

Methods

Ten individuals complaining of lower urinary tract syndrome following AD were enrolled in this study. Clinical characteristics, urological and neurological symptoms/signs, imaging examination, and intervention were reviewed. Liao's comprehensive classification system was used to precisely assess the lower and upper urinary dysfunction.

Results

The urinary symptoms can be varied, including dysuria, incontinence, and frequency. Individuals were divided into the detrusor overactivity (DO) and detrusor underactivity (DU) subgroups. Continence, impaired upper urinary tract functions (renal insufficiency, vesicoureteral reflux, upper urinary tract dilatation, and lower urinary tract functions (DO and/or detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia/detrusor bladder neck dyssynergia, DU, low bladder capacity, and compliance) were examined using video‐urodynamics. The principle of treatment is “low‐pressure bladder storage with complete bladder emptying,” and close follow‐up was recommended due to the volatile course of NLUTD.

Conclusions

Both cardiovascular surgeons and urologists should pay attention to the occurrence of NLUTD following AD, and determine the most appropriate therapeutic option.
Medicaid expansion and health care access for individuals with obesity in the United States
Authors: Kendrick Karla N. , Marcondes Felippe O. , Stanford Fatima Cody , Mukamal Kenneth J.
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate associations of Medicaid expansion with health care access for adults with obesity and to explore racial/ethnic differences in these changes in health care access.

Methods

Using 2011 to 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, the study compared health care access measures among adults who were aged ≥18 years and who had BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and household income ≤ 138% of the federal poverty line by state Medicaid expansion status using a difference‐in‐differences approach with logistic regression. The authors further stratified the main analysis by race/ethnicity.

Results

Medicaid expansion was associated with improvements in health care access, including lower proportions of those without a usual source of care (−3.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.8% to −1.4%, p < 0.01) and cost as a barrier to medical care (−4.5%, 95% CI: −7.0% to −1.9%, p < 0.01). No significant changes were found in routine medical checkups in the last year (−1.8%, 95% CI: −4.4% to 0.8%, p = 0.12). However, across these measures, Medicaid expansion was consistently associated with better access among non‐Hispanic White adults (−6.0% to −7.9%, p < 0.01) and not at all among non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Medicaid expansion was associated with significant improvements in health care access among adults with obesity, but these improvements were variable across race and ethnicity.
BMI is not independently associated with coronary artery calcification in a large single‐center CT cohort
Authors: Altintas Sibel , van Workum Samanta , Kok Madeleine , Joosen Ivo A. P. G. , Versteylen Mathijs O. , Nelemans Patricia J. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Crijns Harry J. G. M. , Das Marco , Kietselaer Bas L. J. H.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality. However, previous reports showed a paradoxical protective effect in patients with known CVD referred as “obesity paradox”. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association of body mass index (BMI) with coronary artery calcification (CAC) in a large outpatient cardiac CT cohort.

Methods

4.079 patients who underwent cardiac CT between December 2007–May 2014 were analyzed. BMI and clinical risk factors (current smoking, diabetes mellitus type 2, family history, systolic blood pressure, lipid spectrum) were assessed. Missing values were imputed using multiple imputation. CAC extent was categorized as absent (0), mild (>0–100), moderate (>100–400) and severe (>400).

Results

Multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis, including all risk factors as independent variables, showed no association between BMI and CAC. Using absence of calcification as reference category, the odds ratios per unit increase in BMI were 1.01 for mild; 1.02 for moderate; and 1.00 for severe CAC (p‐values ≥0.103).

Conclusions

No statistically significant association was observed between BMI and CAC after adjustment for other risk factors.
Removing systemic barriers to equity, diversity, and inclusion: Report of the 2019 Plant Science Research Network workshop “Inclusivity in the Plant Sciences”
Authors: Henkhaus Natalie A. , Busch Wolfgang , Chen Angela , Colón‐Carmona Adán , Cothran Maya , Diaz Nicolas , Dundore‐Arias Jose Pablo , Gonzales Michael , Hadziabdic Denita , Hayes Rebecca A. , MacIntosh Gustavo C. , Na Ali , Nyamasoka‐Magonziwa Blessing , Pater Dianne , Peritore‐Galve F. Christopher , Phelps‐Durr Tara , Rouhier Kerry , Sickler Delanie B. , Starnes John H. , Tyler Quentin R. , Valdez‐Ward Evelyn , Vega‐Sánchez Miguel E. , Walcott Ron R. , Ward Joy K. , Wyatt Sarah E. , Zapata Felipe , Zemenick Ash T. , Stern David B.
Published: August 2022

A future in which scientific discoveries are valued and trusted by the general public cannot be achieved without greater inclusion and participation of diverse communities. To envision a path towards this future, in January 2019 a diverse group of researchers, educators, students, and administrators gathered to hear and share personal perspectives on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the plant sciences. From these broad perspectives, the group developed strategies and identified tactics to facilitate and support EDI within and beyond the plant science community. The workshop leveraged scenario planning and the richness of its participants to develop recommendations aimed at promoting systemic change at the institutional level through the actions of scientific societies, universities, and individuals and through new funding models to support research and training. While these initiatives were formulated specifically for the plant science community, they can also serve as a model to advance EDI in other disciplines. The proposed actions are thematically broad, integrating into discovery, applied and translational science, requiring and embracing multidisciplinarity, and giving voice to previously unheard perspectives. We offer a vision of barrier‐free access to participation in science, and a plant science community that reflects the diversity of our rapidly changing nation, and supports and invests in the training and well‐being of all its members. The relevance and robustness of our recommendations has been tested by dramatic and global events since the workshop. The time to act upon them is now.
Structural insights into thermostable direct hemolysin of Vibrio parahaemolyticus using single‐particle cryo‐EM
Authors: Mishra Suman , Kundu Nidhi , Pramanick Ishika , Kumar Anil , Chattopadhyay Kausik , Dutta Somnath
Published: August 2022

Thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) is a ~19 kDa, hemolytic pore‐forming toxin from the gram‐negative marine bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus, one of the causative agents of seafood‐borne acute gastroenteritis and septicemia. Previous studies have established that TDH exists as a tetrameric assembly in physiological state; however, there is limited knowledge regarding the molecular arrangement of its disordered N‐terminal region (NTR)—the absence of which has been shown to compromise TDH's hemolytic and cytotoxic abilities. In our current study, we have employed single‐particle cryo‐electron microscopy to resolve the solution‐state structures of wild‐type TDH and a TDH construct with deletion of the NTR (NTD), in order to investigate structural aspects of NTR on the overall tetrameric architecture. We observed that both TDH and NTD electron density maps, resolved at global resolutions of 4.5 and 4.2 Å, respectively, showed good correlation in their respective oligomeric architecture. Additionally, we were able to locate extra densities near the pore opening of TDH which might correspond to the disordered NTR. Surprisingly, under cryogenic conditions, we were also able to observe novel supramolecular assemblies of TDH tetramers, which we were able to resolve to 4.3 Å. We further investigated the tetrameric and inter‐tetrameric interaction interfaces to elaborate upon the key residues involved in both TDH tetramers and TDH super assemblies. Our current structural study will aid in understanding the mechanistic aspects of this pore‐forming toxin and the role of its disordered NTR in membrane interaction.
Correlation of Structural, Microstructural, Dielectric, and Impedance Properties in Nd Doping on Bi4Ti2FeO12 Multiferroic Aurivillius Ceramic
Authors: Patri Tirupathi , Durga Rao T. , Chandra Sekhar K. S. K. R. , Raghupathi Rao S. , Rayaprol S. , Babu P. D.
Published: August 2022

Bi4−x
Nd
x
FeTi2O12 (BNFTO, x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5) Aurivillius three‐layered ceramics are prepared via a solid‐state reaction method. The crystal structure of the compounds reveals that the compounds exhibit a major orthorhombic structure with the B2cb space group. Slight distortions in the orthorhombic unit cell and an increase in cell volume with the doping of Nd are observed. Highly dense randomly oriented plate‐like nonuniform grains are observed in the micrographs of the ceramics. A decrease in energy bandgap values is noticed in Nd‐doped ceramics from 2.88 to 2.18 eV. An increase in polarization values is observed with Nd doping due to the improved grain boundaries. The appearance of a weak ferromagnetic nature at low temperature followed by a decline in magnetic interaction at room temperature (RT) is observed for all compounds. The frequency and temperature variations of the dielectric constant are investigated. The frequency and temperature variations of the impedance measurements indicate that compounds exhibit non‐Debye‐type electrical relaxations and a negative temperature coefficient of resistance. Furthermore, single‐peak relaxations are predominant for all measured samples, mainly the contribution of intragranular grain regions. This makes Nd‐dopant BNFTO Aurivillius ceramics have a great research value for RT multiferroic applications.
Spurious effects of the deep convection parameterisation on the simulation of a Sahelian heatwave
Authors: Tomasini M. , Guichard F. , Couvreux F. , Roehrig R. , Barbier J.
Published: August 2022

A severe heatwave occurred in April 2010 over West Africa. It was characterised by a particularly high daily minimum temperature reaching more than 35°C locally and a high water vapour content. In this study we analyse the ability of a mesoscale limited‐area model to represent such an event and investigate the advantage of using an explicit representation of deep convection for such a case associated with very limited precipitation amounts. Two high‐resolution simulations (5 km × 5 km horizontal grid) have been performed from 10 to 19 April 2010; they are identical except that one uses a deep convection parameterisation (simulation PARAM) and the other does not (simulation EXPL). These simulations are evaluated with different observational datasets including gridded products as well as local meteorological measurements and radiosoundings. Overall, both simulations display a negative temperature bias in the low levels but this bias is much more pronounced in PARAM, mainly due to evaporative cooling of spurious precipitation. Indeed, in PARAM, precipitation is too frequently triggered (around mid‐day, i.e., several hours too early) and too strong; the intertropical discontinuity (ITD) propagates too far north during this 10‐day sequence. Conversely, in EXPL, the observed northward shift of the ITD is correctly simulated and precipitation displays a better timing, variability, intensity and latitudinal extent. It thus appears that the representation of deep convection affects the atmospheric circulation associated with the heatwave event. The mechanisms involved in this humid heatwave are further investigated with thermodynamic and dynamic budgets which also underline the main differences between the two simulations. A proper representation of deep convection on sub‐diurnal time‐scale turns out to be necessary for the simulation of this heatwave episode, which points to the interest of convection‐permitting simulations for the study of heatwaves even though they are generally characterised by very little precipitation.
Dielectric Biodegradable Biopolymer‐Based Graphene Nanocomposites for Use in the Packaging Industry and Capacitor Application
Authors: Gürler Nedim , Torğut Gülben
Published: August 2022

In this study, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA)‐Graphene (G) nanocomposite films were synthesized by taking different concentrations of G via the solution casting process, and their structural, mechanical, opacity, thermal and dielectric properties were examined for the first time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for investigating surface morphology. Films containing graphene were more opaque than films without graphene. The incorporation of graphene into the polymer matrix improved the mechanical property. The tensile strengths of the control PHA/PLA film and the graphene‐reinforced 1 %G‐PHA/PLA nanocomposite films were 18.98 and 24.34 MPa, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed that PHA/PLA−G nanocomposites had good thermal stability below 300 °C. Considering the dielectric measurements, it is seen that the dielectric constant (έ) and dielectric loss (ϵ”) decreased with increasing frequency and less changed at higher frequencies. The developer feature of graphene is remarkable in both parameters. The electrical conductivity of PHA/PLA−G nanocomposites was also examined as a function of frequency at room temperature. As the amount of G increased from 1 %wt to 5 %wt, the conductivity of the composites increased.
Fill Factor Losses and Deviations from the Superposition Principle in Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Grabowski David , Liu Zhifa , Schöpe Gunnar , Rau Uwe , Kirchartz Thomas
Published: August 2022

The enhancement of the fill factor in the current generation of perovskite solar cells is the key for further efficiency improvement. Thus, methods to quantify the fill factor losses are urgently needed. Two methods are presented to quantify losses due to the finite resistance of the semiconducting layers of the solar cell as well as its contacts. The first method is based on the comparison between the voltage in the dark and under illumination analyzed at equal recombination current density and results in a voltage‐dependent series resistance. Furthermore, the method reveals the existence of a strong photoshunt under illumination. The second method is based on measuring the photoluminescence of perovskite solar cells as a function of applied voltage. Thereby, the recombination current is determined as a function of voltage from short circuit to open circuit, and the presence of the photoshunt is explained with a high resistance of the electron and/or hole transport layers combined with field screening in the absorber.
Unconventional Photoconversion from In‐Plane 2D Heterostructures of 2D Transition Metal Carbides/Semiconductors
Authors: Zhang Bowei , Chu Tianshu , Bai Qi , Zhu Chongqin , Francisco Joseph S. , Xuan Fuzhen
Published: August 2022

2D transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) are thought of promising photothermal materials due to their broadband localized surface plasma resonance (LSPR) and attractive electromagnetic interference (EMI) properties. However, the weak oxidation resistance and unclear photothermal mechanism of MXenes impede their photothermal modulations. Herein, the in‐plane 2D Ti3C2/TiO2 heterostructures are fabricated by partial oxidation and an unconventional photothermal effect under near infrared irradiation, even if the oxidation compromises the EMI and LSPR capacities, is demonstrated. Such performance is ascribed to the faster transfer of photoexcited electrons across the seamless in‐plane Ti3C2/TiO2 heterointerface than the reported out‐of‐plane one, and the 1–2 orders of magnitude faster relaxation processes of electrons than the ground bleaching in the Original MXene. These experimental results are well‐supported by theoretical calculations. The conceptual advances broaden the fundamental understanding of the photoconversion of MXenes, which would be extended into a variety of applications, such as biomedical therapy, photosynthesis, and photovoltaics.
Power Supply Analysis and Design for DBD Ozonizer under the Current Zero Crossing and Phase Locking Inductive Control
Authors: Zhong Jieming , Wang Xinchun , Cui Guimei
Published: August 2022

In order to fill the blank of practical engineering application of inductive control in ozonizer power supply, this paper probes into a scheme of high frequency and high voltage inverter for the control, and analyses operation modes to form a reasonable theoretical result, and introduces a new current zero crossing and phase locking method to adjust the address deviation and ensure that the address pointer directs to the last value of inverter current by changing the sampling period and adjusting the error of practical reference address pointer at each zero crossing point. The results from theoretical derivation, numerical simulation, and power experiment prove that the scheme can suppress the current spike caused by diode reverse recovery and reduce the power loss of switch devices, which is conducive to cost reduction. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Infinite Lotteries, Perfectly Thin Darts and Infinitesimals
Authors: Pruss Alexander R. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2022

One of the problems that Bayesian regularity, the thesis that all contingent propositions should be given probabilities strictly between zero and one, faces is the possibility of random processes that randomly and uniformly choose a number between zero and one. According to classical probability theory, the probability that such a process picks a particular number in the range is zero, but of course any number in the range can indeed be picked. There is a solution to this particular problem on the books: a measure that assigns the same infinitesimal probability to each number between zero and one. I will show that such a measure, while mathematically interesting, is pathological for use in confirmation theory, for the same reason that a measure that assigns an infinitesimal probability to each possible outcome in a countably infinite lottery is pathological. The pathology is that one can force someone to assign a probability within an infinitesimal of one to an unlikely event.
Burge on Representation and Biological Function
Authors: Vicente Agustín ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2022

In Origins of Objectivity, Burge presents three arguments against what he calls ‘deflationism’: the project of explaining the representational function in terms of the notion of biological function. I evaluate these arguments and argue that they are not convincing.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound features of focal pancreatic lesions in dogs
Authors: Burti Silvia , Zotti Alessandro , Rubini Giuseppe , Orlandi Riccardo , Bargellini Paolo , Bonsembiante Federico , Contiero Barbara , Banzato Tommaso
Published: August 2022

Background

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of pancreatic lesions are poorly reported in veterinary literature.

Methods

Qualitative and quantitative features of pancreatic benign (nodular hyperplasia [NH], cyst and abscess) and malignant (adenocarcinoma and insulinoma) lesions during B‐mode and CEUS examinations are described in 75 dogs.

Results

Adenocarcinomas (n = 23) had mixed echogenicity at B‐mode, and they were hypoenhancing or non‐enhancing at CEUS, with a non‐homogeneous and cystic enhancement pattern. Insulinomas (n = 23) appeared as hypoechoic lesions at B‐mode, and as hyperenhancing, homogeneous and solid lesions at CEUS. NH (n = 17) had an constant appearance, being hypoechoic at ultrasound (US) and isoenhancing at CEUS. Cysts (n = 7) were all anechoic, with acoustic enhancement clearly detectable at US, but were non‐enhancing at CEUS. Lastly, abscesses (n = 5) had mixed echogenicity, and they showed both hyperenhancement and non‐enhancement at CEUS. Hypoenhancement and non‐homogeneous appearance had a moderate diagnostic accuracy in the detection of adenocarcinomas. In particular, hyperenhancement was evident only in malignant lesions (adenocarcinomas and insulinomas).

Conclusion

CEUS, in combination with B‐mode US features, is a valuable tool for distinction of benign and malignant abnormalities of the pancreas and can potentially differentiate insulinomas from adenocarcinomas.
Overcoming Barriers to Effective Suicide Prevention in Rural Communities
Authors: Michael Kurt D. , Ramtekkar Ujjwal
Published: August 2022

Individuals who live in rural communities face health challenges, including a higher risk of suicide and opiate dependence, and relatively fewer healthcare resources compared to those found in urban communities. The most prominent barriers to effective suicide prevention in rural areas include limited availability of healthcare providers, transportation limitations, economic disparities, a lack of broadband access, and reluctance to seek professional treatment. Despite these barriers, school mental health partnerships and telehealth models of care have shown promise in addressing several of these barriers in practice. These two innovations will be discussed in detail and how they help overcome some of the known barriers to effective suicide prevention in rural communities.
Disclosure of Youth Suicidality: Views from Lived Experience
Authors: Willis-Powell Rowan , Fox Amanda , Cerel Julie
Published: August 2022

Insight from individuals with lived experience suggests that unnecessary hospitalization decreases the likelihood that individuals will disclose suicidal thoughts and behaviors to providers. To improve engagement and create better outcomes for individual who experiences a suicidal crisis, clinicians should receive suicide-specific training that emphasizes personalized care for each patient that matches their level of risk. Individualized safety planning and options other than inpatient hospitalization should be prioritized when suicidal thoughts and behaviors are disclosed to providers and when the level of risk does not warrant hospitalization. This will allow youth who make such disclosures to get access to effective and minimally restrictive interventions while preventing trauma and harm. Finally, healthcare systems must focus on investing resources and research into alternatives to inpatient care as treatment for suicidal crises, and individuals with lived experience will be an essential asset to this process.
Neurobiology of Suicide in Children and Adolescents: Implications for Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Ballard Elizabeth D. , Pao Maryland
Published: August 2022

Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment of children and adolescents with suicidal thoughts and behavior have lagged behind the already sparse treatments for suicidal adults, leaving many at-risk youths undertreated. The following is a review of the neurobiological research literature focused on suicide risk in children and adolescents. Topics include the relationship of suicide risk to neuroimaging findings, impulsivity, genetics, and treatment approaches, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), lithium, ketamine, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).