bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Selective and Efficient Solar‐Light‐Driven CO2 Conversion with an Ambient‐Stable 2D/2D Co2P@BP/g‐C3N4 Heterojunction
Authors: Hu Jundie , Yang Tingyu , Yang Xiaogang , Qu Jiafu , Cai Yahui , Li Chang Ming
Published: December 2021

Renewable solar‐driven carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion to highly valuable fuels is an economical and prospective strategy for both the energy crisis and ecological environment disorder. However, the selectivity and activity of current photocatalysts have great room for improvement due to the diversification and complexity of products. Here, an ambient‐stable 2D/2D Co2P@BP/g‐C3N4 heterojunction is designed for highly selective and efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction. The resulting Co2P@BP/g‐C3N4 material has a remarkable conversion of CO2 to carbon monoxide (CO) with an ≈96% selectivity, coupled with a dramatically increased CO generation rate of 16.21 µmol g–1 h–1, which is 5.4 times higher than pristine graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4). In addition, this photocatalyst exhibits good ambient stability of black phosphorus (BP) without oxidation even over 180 days. The excellent photocatalytic selectivity and activity of Co2P@BP/g‐C3N4 heterojunction are attributed to its lower energy barriers of *COOH, *CO, and *+CO in the process of CO2 reduction, coupled with rapid charge transfer at the heterointerfaces of BP/g‐C3N4 and Co2P/BP. This is solidly verified by both density functional theory calculation and mechanism experiments. Therefore, this work holds great promise for an ambient‐stable efficient and high selectivity photocatalyst in solar‐driven CO2 conversion.
Assembling and Regulating of Transition Metal‐Based Heterophase Vanadates as Efficient Oxygen Evolution Catalysts
Authors: Shao Wenjie , Xiao Mingjun , Yang Chengdong , Cheng Menghao , Cao Sujiao , He Chao , Zhou Mi , Ma Tian , Cheng Chong , Li Shuang
Published: December 2021

Developing efficient, durable, and low‐cost earth‐abundant elements‐based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts by rapid and scalable strategies is of great importance for future sustainable electrochemical hydrogen production. The earth‐abundant high‐valency metals, especially vanadium, can modulate the electronic structure of 3d metal oxides and oxyhydroxides and offer the active sites near‐optimal adsorption energies for OER intermediates. Here, the authors propose a facile assembling and regulating strategy to controllably synthesize a serial of transition metal (CoFe, NiFe, and NiCo)‐based vanadates for efficient OER catalysis. By tuning the reaction concentrations, NiFe‐based vanadates with different crystallinities can be facilely regulated, where the catalyst with moderate heterophase (mixed crystalline and amorphous structures) shows the best OER catalytic activity in terms of low overpotential (267 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2), low Tafel slope (38 mV per decade), and excellent long‐term durability in alkaline electrolyte, exceeding its noble metal‐based counterparts (RuO2) and most current existing OER catalysts. This work not only reports a facile and controllable method to synthesize a series of vanadates‐based catalysts with heterophase nanostructures for high‐performance OER catalysis, but also may expand the scope of designing cost‐effective transition metal‐based electrocatalysts for water splitting.
The Imagined Disastrous: West German Civil Defence Between War Preparation and Emergency Management 1950–1990
Authors: Molitor Jochen
Published: December 2021

Histories of civil defence have tended to focus on large-scale endeavours during the early Cold War. In West Germany, however, civil defence became more successful after concepts of ‘total defence’ and accompanying shelter construction programmes were discontinued. From the mid-1960s, officials who had initially spoken of ‘disasters’ to avoid the unpopular term ‘war’ began focusing on less obtrusive, attainable all-hazards measures. Similarly, the majority of German physicians involved in disaster medicine pragmatically imagined scenarios up to, but not exceeding, nuclear reactor meltdowns or isolated nuclear strikes. In the wake of political détente and technical disasters during the 1980s, most critics came to agree that at least some specialised preparation for more extreme scenarios might be warranted and did not necessarily amount to militarisation.
Introduction
Authors: Tjostheim Ingvar , Waterworth John A.
Published: December 2021

When physical travel to a specific place is prohibited or otherwise difficult or impossible, digital travel provides a promising alternative. The technology to do this is now widely available and many people have the possibility to meet with others digitally, and thus alleviate the social effects of physical isolation. Digital travel can also be source of pleasure and entertainment, and many people spend time exploring and interacting in digital places, realistically rendering in 3D games. But despite the recent upsurge in virtual social interaction, it does not meet many of the psychosocial aspects of the travel experience. In this book, we take a fresh look at the nature of the telepresence experience in digital environments. We also address a number of relevant questions, such as whether these experiences can seem real to the digital traveller and, if so, under what conditions and on what grounds.
Visiting Places
Authors: Tjostheim Ingvar , Waterworth John A.
Published: December 2021

In this chapter we look at notions of place, as outlined in work in human geography, tourism studies and other applied social fields. We consider the distinction between spaces and places and on how different experiences of place arise in the traveller. This is important to our understanding of tourist and other travel experiences, and to experiencing a sense of place in digital environments. Despite some commonalities, we find that digital travel is unlike physical travel in many significant respects, but that the experience of a place can, in some circumstances, be similar. For digital travel and digital experiences, place attachment is relevant for places that a person knows well. We conclude that a digital experience can become a spatial experience if our bodily senses are invoked by the virtual place.
90-Day all-cause mortality can be predicted following a total knee replacement: an international, network study to develop and validate a prediction model
Authors: Williams Ross D. , Reps Jenna M. ,   The OHDSI/EHDEN Knee Arthroplasty Group, Rijnbeek Peter R. , Ryan Patrick B. , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a prediction model for 90-day mortality following a total knee replacement (TKR). TKR is a safe and cost-effective surgical procedure for treating severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). Although complications following surgery are rare, prediction tools could help identify high-risk patients who could be targeted with preventative interventions. The aim was to develop and validate a simple model to help inform treatment choices.

Methods

A mortality prediction model for knee OA patients following TKR was developed and externally validated using a US claims database and a UK general practice database. The target population consisted of patients undergoing a primary TKR for knee OA, aged ≥ 40 years and registered for ≥ 1 year before surgery. LASSO logistic regression models were developed for post-operative (90-day) mortality. A second mortality model was developed with a reduced feature set to increase interpretability and usability.

Results

A total of 193,615 patients were included, with 40,950 in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database and 152,665 in Optum. The full model predicting 90-day mortality yielded AUROC of 0.78 when trained in OPTUM and 0.70 when externally validated on THIN. The 12 variable model achieved internal AUROC of 0.77 and external AUROC of 0.71 in THIN.

Conclusions

A simple prediction model based on sex, age, and 10 comorbidities that can identify patients at high risk of short-term mortality following TKR was developed that demonstrated good, robust performance. The 12-feature mortality model is easily implemented and the performance suggests it could be used to inform evidence based shared decision-making prior to surgery and targeting prophylaxis for those at high risk.

Level of evidence

III.
Combination of strong anion exchange liquid chromatography with microchip capillary electrophoresis sodium dodecyl sulfate for rapid two-dimensional separations of complex protein mixtures
Authors: Zagst Holger , Elgert Christin , Behrends Sönke , Wätzig Hermann
Published: December 2021

Two-dimensional separations provide a simple way to increase the resolution and peak capacity of complex protein separations. The feasibility of a recently developed instrumental approach for two-dimensional separations of proteins was evaluated. The approach is based on the general principle of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. In the first dimension, semi-preparative strong anion exchange high-performance liquid chromatography is utilized and fractions are collected by means of a fraction collector. They are subsequently analyzed in the second dimension with microchip capillary electrophoresis sodium dodecyl sulfate. Microchip capillary electrophoresis provides the necessary speed (approximately 1 min/fraction) for short analysis. In this study, three different samples were investigated. Different constructs of soluble guanylyl cyclase were expressed in Sf9-cells using the baculovirus expression system. Cell lysates were analyzed and the resulting separations were compared. In our experimental setup, the soluble guanylyl cyclase was identified among hundreds of other proteins in these cell lysates, indicating its potential for screening, process control, or analysis. The results were validated by immunoblotting. Samples from Chinese hamster ovary cell culture before and after a purification step were investigated and approximately 9% less impurities could be observed. The separation patterns obtained for human plasma are closely similar to patterns obtained with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and a total of 218 peaks could be observed. Overall, the approach was well applicable to all samples and, based on these results, further directions for improvements were identified.

Graphical abstract

.
Role of the Microbiome in Regulating Bone Metabolism and Susceptibility to Osteoporosis
Authors: Cronin Owen , Lanham-New Susan A. , Corfe Bernard M. , Gregson Celia L. , Darling Andrea L. , Ahmadi Kourosh R. , Gibson Philippa S. , Tobias Jon H. , Ward Kate A. , Traka Maria H. , Rossi Megan , Williams Claire , Harvey Nicholas C. , Cooper Cyrus , Whelan Kevin , Uitterlinden André G. , O’Toole Paul W. , Ohlsson Claes , Compston Juliet E. , Ralston Stuart H.
Published: December 2021

The human microbiota functions at the interface between diet, medication-use, lifestyle, host immune development and health. It is therefore closely aligned with many of the recognised modifiable factors that influence bone mass accrual in the young, and bone maintenance and skeletal decline in older populations. While understanding of the relationship between micro-organisms and bone health is still in its infancy, two decades of broader microbiome research and discovery supports a role of the human gut microbiome in the regulation of bone metabolism and pathogenesis of osteoporosis as well as its prevention and treatment. Pre-clinical research has demonstrated biological interactions between the microbiome and bone metabolism. Furthermore, observational studies and randomized clinical trials have indicated that therapeutic manipulation of the microbiota by oral administration of probiotics may influence bone turnover and prevent bone loss in humans. In this paper, we summarize the content, discussion and conclusions of a workshop held by the Osteoporosis and Bone Research Academy of the Royal Osteoporosis Society in October, 2020. We provide a detailed review of the literature examining the relationship between the microbiota and bone health in animal models and in humans, as well as formulating the agenda for key research priorities required to advance this field. We also underscore the potential pitfalls in this research field that should be avoided and provide methodological recommendations to facilitate bridging the gap from promising concept to a potential cause and intervention target for osteoporosis.
Assessment of the effectiveness of liquid hot water and steam explosion pretreatments of fast-growing poplar (Populus trichocarpa) wood
Authors: Antczak Andrzej , Szadkowski Jan , Szadkowska Dominika , Zawadzki Janusz
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the influence of physicochemical pretreatment methods on the chemical composition, enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency and porosity of fast-growing Populus trichocarpa wood was compared. Among the pretreatment methods, the liquid hot water (LHW) and steam explosion (SE) were used, which were performed at three different temperatures (160 °C, 175 °C and 190 °C) and two residence times (15 min and 1 h). The chemical composition, enzymatic hydrolysis and porosity analysis were done for native wood and solid fraction obtained after LHW and SE pretreatments. The porosity analysis was performed by inverse size exclusion chromatography method. Additionally, inhibitors of hydrolysis and fermentation processes in the liquid and solid fractions obtained after pretreatments were examined. Based on the results, it was found that the tested pretreatments caused the greatest changes in the chemical content of hemicelluloses. It was found that after LHW and SE pretreatments up to 99.1% or 94.0%, respectively, of hemicelluloses were removed from the obtained solid fraction. Moreover, the LHW and SE processes greatly enhanced the enzymatic digestibility of fast-growing poplar wood. The highest glucose yield was achieved after 15 min of SE pretreatment at 190 °C and was 676.4 mg/g pretreated biomass, while in the case of xylose the highest value (119.3 mg/g pretreated biomass) was obtained after 15 min of LHW pretreatment at 160 °C. Generally, after SE pretreatment process, more inhibitors were formed, and a greater effect of porous structure development was noticed than after LHW pretreatment. Despite this difference, the average glucose contents and yields after enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated biomass were generally similar regardless of the pretreatment used.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Pediatric Patients with Severe Postoperative Pulmonary Hypertension After Correction of Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Lindberg Lars
Published: December 2021

The surgical repair of congenital heart defects in children with preoperative pulmonary hypertension (PH) is to varying degree associated with the occurrence of postoperative PH. The objective of this study was to follow up children with severe postoperative PH (pulmonary arterial/aortic pressure ratio ≥ 1.0) to evaluate if pulmonary arterial pressure spontaneously normalized or needed PH-targeting therapy and to identify potential high-risk diagnoses for bad outcome. Twenty-five children who developed clinically significant severe PH on at least three occasions postoperatively were included in the follow-up (20–24 years). Data from chart reviews, echocardiographic investigations, and questionnaires were obtained. Three children died within the first year after surgery. Three children were lost to follow-up. The remaining 17 children normalized their pulmonary arterial pressure without the use of PH-targeting drugs at any time during the follow-up. Two children had a remaining mild PH with moderate mitral valve insufficiency. All three children with bad outcome had combined cardiac lesions causing post-capillary pulmonary hypertension. Normalization of the pulmonary arterial pressure occurred in almost all children with severe postoperative PH, without any need of supplemental PH-targeting therapies. All children with bad outcome had diagnoses conformable with post-capillary PH making the use of PH-targeting therapies relatively contraindicated. These data emphasize the need to perform randomized, blinded trials on the use of PH-targeting drugs in children with postoperative PH before accepting it as an indication for routine treatment.
[18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT uptake in metastatic lesions on PET/CT imaging might distinguish different pathological types of lung cancer
Authors: Wei Yuchun , Cheng Kai , Fu Zheng , Zheng Jinsong , Mu Zhengshuai , Zhao Chenglong , Liu Xiaoli , Wang Shijie , Yu Jinming , Yuan Shuanghu
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Heterogeneity is found in the tumor microenvironment among different pathological types of tumors. Radionuclide-labeled fibroblast-activation-protein inhibitor (FAPI), as an important tracer for non-invasive imaging of the tumor microenvironment, can be used to evaluate the expression of FAP in cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, and tumor cells. Our aim was to explore the ability of [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) to distinguish different types of lung cancer by evaluating the uptake of this tracer in primary and metastatic lesions.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 61 patients with histopathologically proven primary lung cancer with metastases. PET/CT scanning was performed before any antitumor therapy and 1 h after injection of 235.10 ± 3.89 MBq of [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04. Maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) were calculated for comparison among primary and metastatic lesions. Immunohistochemical staining for FAP was performed on tumor specimens.

Results

Sixty-one patients with adenocarcinoma (ADC, n = 30), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, n = 17), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC, n = 14) were enrolled in this study, and 61 primary tumors and 199 metastases were evaluated. No difference in [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 uptake was observed among primary ADC, SCC, and SCLC tumors (P = 0.198). Additionally, no difference in uptake was found between primary and metastatic lesions of lung cancer with the same pathological type (P > 0.05). However, uptake did differ among metastases of differing pathological types (P < 0.001). The SUVmax of metastatic lymph nodes was highest for SCC, followed by ADC and then SCLC (P < 0.001). The SUVmax of bone metastases also was highest for SCC, followed by ADC and SCLC (P < 0.05), but no difference was observed between ADC and SCLC. The SUVmax of metastases in other organs was higher in SCC cases than in ADC cases but did not differ between SCC and SCLC or ADC and SCLC. Bone metastases exhibited higher uptake than those of lymph nodes and other organs in SCC and ADC (P < 0.05) but not in SCLC. Positive correlations were found between FAPI uptake and FAP expression in surgical plus biopsy specimens (r = 0.439, P = 0.012) and surgical specimens (r = 0.938, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

[18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT imaging revealed differences in FAP expression in metastases of lung cancer, with the highest expression specifically in bone metastases, and thus, may be valuable for distinguishing different pathological types of lung cancer.
Haldane’s formula in Cannings models: the case of moderately strong selection
Authors: Boenkost Florin , González Casanova Adrián , Pokalyuk Cornelia , Wakolbinger Anton
Published: December 2021

For a class of Cannings models we prove Haldane’s formula, $$\pi (s_N) \sim \frac{2s_N}{\rho ^2}$$

π

(

s
N

)

∼

2

s
N

ρ
2

, for the fixation probability of a single beneficial mutant in the limit of large population size N and in the regime of moderately strong selection, i.e. for $$s_N \sim N^{-b}$$

s
N

∼

N

-
b

and $$0< b<1/2$$

0
<
b
<
1
/
2

. Here, $$s_N$$

s
N

is the selective advantage of an individual carrying the beneficial type, and $$\rho ^2$$

ρ
2

is the (asymptotic) offspring variance. Our assumptions on the reproduction mechanism allow for a coupling of the beneficial allele’s frequency process with slightly supercritical Galton–Watson processes in the early phase of fixation.
The role of resveratrol, Sirtuin1 and RXRα as prognostic markers in ovarian cancer
Authors: Chen Fangfang , Kolben Thomas , Meister Sarah , Czogalla Bastian , Kolben Theresa M. , Hester Anna , Burges Alexander , Trillsch Fabian , Schmoeckel Elisa , Mayr Doris , Mayerhofer Artur , Mahner Sven , Jeschke Udo , Beyer Susanne
Published: December 2021

Objective

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. Resveratrol (RSV) is known to alter metabolism in cancer. It affects the nuclear retinoid-X-receptor (RXR), which implies a modulating effect of RXR to gynaecologic cancers. Furthermore, RSV targets Sirtuin1 (Sirt1), a histone deacetylase.

Study design

123 tissue samples of patients with serous or mucinous ovarian cancer were examined for expression of Sirt1 and RXR. Ovarian cell lines were treated with RSV and consequences on viability and apoptosis were evaluated. The influence of RSV to Sirt1 and RXR expression was analyzed by western blotting

Results

A correlation of nuclear Sirt1 and RXRα expression could be detected (p = 0.006). Co-expression of nuclear RXRα and cytoplasmic (p = 0.026) or nuclear (p = 0.041) Sirt1 was associated with significantly increased overall survival in advanced tumour stages. Viability was decreased in all cell lines after stimulation with resveratrol, while cell apoptosis was increased. RSV treatment led to significant lower Sirt1 expression in A2780 cells (p = 0.025) and significant increased RXR expression in cisA2780 cells (p = 0.012)

Conclusion

In order to use RSV as medical target, studies could be developed to improve the understanding of drug resistance mechanisms and consequently improve treatment outcome.
Aerobic exercise in severe mental illness: requirements from the perspective of sports medicine
Authors: Falkai Peter , Schmitt Andrea , Rosenbeiger Christian P. , Maurus Isabel , Hattenkofer Lisa , Hasan Alkomiet , Malchow Berend , Heim-Ohmayer Pascale , Halle Martin , Heitkamp Melanie
Published: December 2021

Major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are severe mental illnesses. Despite receiving psychopharmacological and psychosocial treatments, about half of patients develop a chronic course with residual cognitive and negative symptoms and have a high risk for cardiovascular disease and reduced life expectancy. Therefore, add-on innovative treatment approaches are needed to improve outcome. Aerobic exercise interventions have been shown to improve global functioning, cognition, and negative and depressive symptoms in these patients. The basic mechanism of these exercise-related changes has been reported to be improved brain plasticity, e.g., increased volume of disease-related brain regions such as the hippocampus. The optimal type, duration, and frequency of exercise have not yet been determined and need to be addressed in supervised physical exercise studies. Because of the low physical activity levels, lack of drive related to negative and depressive symptoms, and high prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with severe mental illness, besides aiming to improve symptoms of mental illness, exercise interventions should also aim to increase cardiorespiratory fitness, which they should comprehensively assess by direct measurements of maximal oxygen uptake. Based on the recommendations for developing cardiorespiratory fitness by the American College of Sports Medicine, 150 min moderate-intensity training per week or vigorous-intensity exercise training for 75 min per week are appropriate. Most studies have had relatively short intervention periods, so future studies should focus on long-term adherence to exercise by implementing motivational strategies supported by telemedicine and by identifying and targeting typical barriers to exercise in this patient population.
Proteolytic activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by factor VII activating protease (FSAP) and its relevance for sodium retention in nephrotic mice
Authors: Artunc Ferruh , Bohnert Bernhard N. , Schneider Jonas C. , Staudner Tobias , Sure Florian , Ilyaskin Alexandr V. , Wörn Matthias , Essigke Daniel , Janessa Andrea , Nielsen Nis V. , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Etscheid Michael , Haerteis Silke , Korbmacher Christoph , Kanse Sandip M.
Published: December 2021

Proteolytic activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by aberrantly filtered serine proteases is thought to contribute to renal sodium retention in nephrotic syndrome. However, the identity of the responsible proteases remains elusive. This study evaluated factor VII activating protease (FSAP) as a candidate in this context. We analyzed FSAP in the urine of patients with nephrotic syndrome and nephrotic mice and investigated its ability to activate human ENaC expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Moreover, we studied sodium retention in FSAP-deficient mice (Habp2−/−) with experimental nephrotic syndrome induced by doxorubicin. In urine samples from nephrotic humans, high concentrations of FSAP were detected both as zymogen and in its active state. Recombinant serine protease domain of FSAP stimulated ENaC-mediated whole-cell currents in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Mutating the putative prostasin cleavage site in γ-ENaC (γRKRK178AAAA) prevented channel stimulation by the serine protease domain of FSAP. In a mouse model for nephrotic syndrome, active FSAP was present in nephrotic urine of Habp2+/+ but not of Habp2−/− mice. However, Habp2−/− mice were not protected from sodium retention compared to nephrotic Habp2+/+ mice. Western blot analysis revealed that in nephrotic Habp2−/− mice, proteolytic cleavage of α- and γ-ENaC was similar to that in nephrotic Habp2+/+ animals. In conclusion, active FSAP is excreted in the urine of nephrotic patients and mice and activates ENaC in vitro involving the putative prostasin cleavage site of γ-ENaC. However, endogenous FSAP is not essential for sodium retention in nephrotic mice.
A novel method for the quantitative morphometric characterization of soluble salts on volcanic ash
Authors: Casas Ana S. , Hornby Adrian , Poetsch Carina , Cimarelli Corrado , Dingwell Donald B.
Published: December 2021

Formation of soluble sulfate and halide salts on volcanic ash particles via syn-eruptive interactions between ash surfaces and magmatic gases is a ubiquitous phenomenon in explosive eruptions. Surficial salts may be rapidly mobilized into their depositional environment undermining the quality of drinking water, harming aquatic life, and damaging soil and vegetation. Assessment of the potential for salt formation on ash and related environmental impacts have been based almost exclusively on bulk mineralogical or chemical analyses of ash; similarly, quantification of surficial salts has been made via leachate analysis only. However, it is the ash surface state and salt crystal properties that exert the predominant control on its reactivity, thus in determining their immediate environmental impact. Here, using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, we present a novel image analysis protocol for the quantitative characterization of surficial salts, together with chemical analyses of resulting leachates. As volcanic ash proxies, we used synthetic rhyolitic glass particles (with systematic variations in FeOT and CaO content) and a crushed obsidian. Using an ash-gas reactor, we artificially surface-loaded samples with CaSO4 and NaCl crystals, the most common crystal phases found on volcanic ash surfaces. Analogous variations were found using both methods: for CaSO4 crystals, higher temperature treatments or increasing FeOT content at the same temperature led to higher concentrations of salt leachate and higher salt volumes; unexpectedly, increasing the CaO content caused only a minor increase in salt formation. In addition to bulk salt formation, morphometric results provided insight into formation processes, nucleation and growth rates, and limiting factors for salt formation. Higher temperatures increased CaSO4 crystal size and surface coverage which we infer to result from higher element mobility in the glasses driving crystal growth. Increasing FeOT content of the glasses yielded increased salt surface coverage and leachate concentrations, but decreased crystal size (i.e., the salt number density increased). This latter effect likely relates to the role of iron as an electron-donor to charge balance salt-forming cation migration to the ash surface, indicating the importance of iron in determining surface reaction site density and, consequently, environmental reactivity. The controlling roles of ash composition and temperature on salt formation observed here can improve estimations for surface salt formation, volatile scavenging, and environmental impact for eruptions producing glass-rich ash. Our characterization protocol can therefore become a useful tool for the investigation of solid–gas reactions for terrestrial and planetary processes, and it also appears to be a powerful complement to research into atmospheric processes mediated by ash surfaces, such as ash aggregation and nucleation of water or ice on ash.
Validation of the portable virtual reality training system for robotic surgery (PoLaRS): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hardon Sem F. , Kooijmans Anton , Horeman Roel , van der Elst Maarten , Bloemendaal Alexander L. A. , Horeman Tim
Published: December 2021

Background

As global use of surgical robotic systems is steadily increasing, surgical simulation can be an excellent way for robotic surgeons to acquire and retain their skills in a safe environment. To address the need for training in less wealthy parts of the world, an affordable surgical robot simulator (PoLaRS) was designed.

Methods

The aim of this pilot study is to compare learning curve data of the PoLaRS prototype with those of Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci Skills Simulator (dVSS) and to establish face- and construct validity. Medical students were divided into two groups; the test group (n = 18) performing tasks on PoLaRS and dVSS, and the control group (n = 20) only performing tasks on the dVSS. The performance parameters were Time, Path length, and the number of collisions. Afterwards, the test group participants filled in a questionnaire regarding both systems.

Results

A total of 528 trials executed by 38 participants were measured and included for analyses. The test group significantly improved in Time, Path Length and Collisions during the PoLaRS test phase (P ≤ 0.028). No differences was found between the test group and the control group in the dVSS performances during the post-test phase. Learning curves showed similar shapes between both systems, and between both groups. Participants recognized the potential benefits of simulation training on the PoLaRS system.

Conclusions

Robotic surgical skills improved during training with PoLaRS. This shows the potential of PoLaRS to become an affordable alternative to current surgical robot simulators. Validation with similar tasks and different expert levels is needed before implementing the training system into robotic training curricula.
The effect of biofeedback on smoking cessation—a systematic short review
Authors: Keilani Mohammad , Steiner Margarete , Crevenna Richard
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review was to focus on the effect of biofeedback on smoking cessation.

Material and methods

This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed original articles including biofeedback and/or neurofeedback training as an intervention for smoking cessation were included. The PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were screened for trials published up to July 2021. The effects on smoking rates and smoking behavior, and biofeedback/neurofeedback training measures are summarized here.

Results

In total, three articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The total Downs and Black checklist scores ranged from 11 to 23 points, showing that the articles were of poor to good methodological quality. The included studies were heterogeneous, both in terms of treatment protocols and in terms of outcome parameters. Pooling of data for a meta-analysis was not possible. Therefore, we were limited to describing the included studies. The included biofeedback study demonstrated that skin temperature training might improve the patients’ ability to raise their skin temperature aiming at stress alleviation. All three studies reported positive effects of biofeedback/neurofeedback in supporting smokers to quit. Furthermore, individualized electroencephalography neurofeedback training showed promising results in one study in modulating craving-related responses.

Conclusion

The results of the present review suggest that biofeedback/neurofeedback training might facilitate smoking cessation by changing behavioral outcomes. Although the investigated studies contained heterogeneous methodologies, they showed interesting approaches that could be further investigated and elaborated. To improve the scientific evidence, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate biofeedback/neurofeedback in clinical settings for smoking cessation.
Microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm involving the vertebral artery
Authors: Wang Jing , Chong Yulong , Jiang Chengrong , Dai Yuxiang , Liang Weibang , Ding Lianshu
Published: December 2021

Objective

Microvascular decompression (MVD) has become an accepted treatment modality for the vertebral artery (VA)–involved hemifacial spasm (HFS). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical and surgical outcomes of HFS patients undergoing MVD and surgical and cranial nerve complications and investigate reasonable transposition procedures for two different anatomic variations of VA.

Methods

Between January and December 2018, 109 patients underwent first MVD for HFS involving VA at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. Based on whether the VA could be moved ventrally at the lower cranial nerves (LCNs) level, patients were assigned to Group A (movable VA, n = 72) or B (unmovable VA, n = 37), and clinical and surgical outcomes and complications on the day of post-surgery and during follow-up were assessed. All patients were followed up ranging from 17 to 24 months with a mean follow-up period of 21 months.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 21 months, the total cure rate significantly decreased in all patients compared to that achieved on the day of surgery, and Group A patients exhibited a higher cure rate versus Group B (93.1% vs. 75.7%, P = 0.015). Group B patients with unmovable VA revealed both higher incidence of surgical complications (45.9% vs. 15.3%, P = 0.001) and frequency of bilateral VA compression (27% vs. 8.3%, P = 0.009) versus Group A. No significant difference was observed in long-term cranial nerve complications.

Conclusions

VA-involved HFS can benefit from MVD strategies after preoperative assessment of VA compression. HFS patients with movable VA may receive better long-term efficacy and fewer complications. A Teflon bridge wedged between the distal VA and medulla gives rise to adequate space for decompression surgery.
Reassessment of the homogenization of daily maximum temperatures in the Netherlands since 1901
Authors: Dijkstra Frans , de Vos Rob , Ruis Jan , Crok Marcel
Published: December 2021

In 2016, the Royal Dutch Meteorological Office (KNMI) homogenized the daily temperature records for the Netherlands from 1901 to 1950 to allow a realistic comparison of the temperatures from 1901 to the present. The homogenizations for the main station De Bilt were carried out using a Percentile Matching Method (PMM) with one reference station and a 56-month reference period. In this study, it is shown that the corrections in the number of tropical days (maximum temperature ≥ 30 °C) depend strongly on the choice of the reference station and the length of the reference period. A total of 116 different variants of the homogenization of De Bilt were carried out, using all combinations of five reference stations, five reference periods, two ways to calculate percentiles, and two ways to smooth the data. The parameters used for the KNMI’s current homogenization of De Bilt result in a very sharp decrease of tropical days, which is not replicated by the majority of the 116 variants. Moreover, after homogenization, De Bilt appears to be an outlier compared to the other meteorological stations. Therefore, the current homogenized estimates of tropical days for De Bilt should be treated with considerable caution.
Bridge from central extracorporeal life support is a risk factor of cerebrovascular accidents after durable left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Tonai Kohei , Fukushima Satsuki , Tadokoro Naoki , Kainuma Satoshi , Kawamoto Naonori , Kakuta Takashi , Koga-Ikuta Ayumi , Watanabe Takuya , Seguchi Osamu , Tsukamoto Yasumasa , Fukushima Norihide , Fujita Tomoyuki
Published: December 2021

A bridging strategy from extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is effective in salvage and a bridge to recovery or to a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for acute refractory heart failure. However, the correlation of this strategy with adverse events after durable LVAD implantation has not been fully investigated. This study enrolled 158 consecutive patients who had either the HeartMate II or HeartMate 3 and were implanted for bridge-to-transplantation. These devices were implanted as the primary mechanical support device in 115 patients, whereas the remaining 43 underwent LVAD implantation as the bridge from central ECLS. The primary study endpoint was all-cause mortality and cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) after durable LVAD implantation, and the secondary endpoints were adverse events. Overall survival was not significantly different between the two groups. In contrast, the probability of CVAs was significantly greater in the bridge group than in the primary group (probability of CVAs,P = 0.002; log-rank test). In Cox multivariate logistic regression analysis, a bridge from central ECLS was an independent predictive factor of CVAs (hazard ratio 4.27, 95% confidence interval 1.43–12.8;P = 0.0095). Patients who are bridged from central ECLS are more frequently complicated by CVAs compared with those who undergo primary implantation of a durable LVAD, but survival is not significantly different between the two groups. A bridge from central ECLS is an independent predictive factor of CVAs post-implantation of an LVAD.
Lower accuracy of cytological screening for high-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia in women over 50 years of age in Japan
Authors: Miki Michiyasu , Imaeda Yoshihiro , Takahashi Hiroshi , Iwata Aya , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Nomura Hiroyuki , Kotani Kiriko , Mitani Takeji , Ichikawa Ryoko , Fujii Takuma
Published: December 2021

Background

As the population ages in developed countries, the number of Pap smears for cervical cancer screening of older women is increasing. There is concern that cervical atrophy may cause misinterpretation of results for this segment of the population. The present study evaluated the accuracy of screening for high-grade intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) in women younger or older than 50 years, to determine whether aging affects cytological interpretation.

Methods

Patients with HSIL cytology (N = 1565) were dichotomized into those aged 20–49 years or aged ≥ 50 years. Association between histology results and age was examined. Pearson’s chi-squared test and Cochran-Armitage trend test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The positive predictive value (PPV) for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2 and worse was 65.2% (62/95) in older women but 87.3% (482/552) in younger women (p < 0.001). Older patients had a significantly lower PPV (p = 1.69 × 10–8). Separately analyzing chronic cervicitis, CIN1 and overt cancer grouped together, compared with another group composed of CIN2 and CIN3, we found that the PPV for CIN2 and CIN3 was lower in older than in younger women [44.2% (42/95)-vs-82.4% (455/552), p < 0.001], respectively.

Conclusions

HSILs are associated with a wide range of disease categories as age increases, and the accuracy of HSIL interpretation is lower in older women.
Virtual machines pre-copy live migration cost modeling and prediction: a survey
Authors: Elsaid Mohamed Esam , Abbas Hazem M. , Meinel Christoph
Published: December 2021

Live migration is an essential feature in virtual infrastructure and cloud computing datacenters. Using live migration, virtual machines can be online migrated from a physical machine to another with negligible service interruption. Load balance, power saving, dynamic resource allocation, and high availability algorithms in virtual data-centers and cloud computing environments are dependent on live migration. Live migration process has six phases that result in live migration cost. Several papers analyze and model live migration costs for different hypervisors, different kinds of workloads and different models of analysis. In addition, there are also many other papers that provide prediction techniques for live migration costs. It is a challenge for the reader to organize, classify, and compare live migration overhead research papers due to the broad focus of the papers in this domain. In this survey paper, we classify, analyze, and compare different papers that cover pre-copy live migration cost analysis and prediction from different angels to show the contributions and the drawbacks of each study. Papers classification helps the readers to get different studies details about a specific live migration cost parameter. The classification of the paper considers the papers’ research focus, methodology, the hypervisors, and the cost parameters. Papers analysis helps the readers to know which model can be used for which hypervisor and to know the techniques used for live migration cost analysis and prediction. Papers comparison shows the contributions, drawbacks, and the modeling differences by each paper in a table format that simplifies the comparison. Virtualized Data-center and cloud computing clusters admins can also make use of this paper to know which live migration cost prediction model can fit for their environments.
Observer effects in a remote population of large-headed capuchins, Sapajus macrocephalus
Authors: Metcalfe Chloë Alexia , Yaicurima Alfredo Yhuaraqui , Papworth Sarah
Published: December 2021

Human observers often are present when researchers record animal behavior, which can create observer effects. These effects are rarely explicitly investigated, often due to the assumption that the study animal is habituated to or unaffected by a human’s presence. We investigated the effect of human pressure gradients on a remote population of large-headed capuchins, Sapajus macrocephalus, looking specifically at the effects of number of observers, distance to observers, and distance to the research base. We conducted this study over 4 months in the Pacaya-Samiria Nature Reserve, Peru, and collected 199 two-minute focal samples of capuchin behavior. We found that capuchin monkeys fed less when human observers were closer to the focal individual, when more observers were present, and when capuchins were closer to the research base. We found no other consistent differences in capuchin monkey behavior across the measured human pressure gradients, although capuchins directed a high proportion of their vigilance toward humans (29% in adults and 47% in infants). Our results support the hypothesis that human pressure gradients influence animal behavior. Given the proportion of human directed vigilance, we recommend that all studies that use human observers to record animal behavior consider human-directed vigilance, record the number of observers, as well as the observer-focal animal distance, to check for these effects.
MiR-1246 regulates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by targeting PIK3AP1 and inhibits thyroid cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth
Authors: Li Jingyan , Zhang Zhanlei , Hu Jieting , Wan Xiaoting , Huang Wei , Zhang Hong , Jiang Ningyi
Published: December 2021

One of the most prevalent forms of endocrine malignancies is thyroid cancer. Herein, we explored the mechanisms whereby miR-1246 is involved in thyroid cancer. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase adapter protein 1 (PIK3AP1) was identified as a potential miR-1246 target, with the online Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The binding between miR-1246 and PIK3AP1 and the dynamic role of these two molecules in downstream PI3K/AKT signaling were evaluated. Analysis of GEO data demonstrated significant miR-1246 downregulation in thyroid cancer, and we confirmed that overexpression of miR-1246 can inhibit migratory, invasive, and proliferative activity in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Subsequent studies indicated that miR-1246 overexpression decreased the protein level of PIK3AP1 and the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT, which were reversed by PIK3AP1 overexpression. At the same time, overexpression of PIK3AP1 also reversed the miR-1246 mimics-induced inhibition proliferative, migratory, and invasive activity, while promoting increases in apoptotic death, confirming that miR-1246 function was negatively correlated with that of PIK3AP1. Subsequently, we found that the miR-1246 mimics-induced inhibition of PI3K/AKT phosphorylation was reversed by the PI3K/AKT activator IGF-1. miR-1246 mimics inhibited proliferative, migratory, and invasive activity while promoting increases in apoptotic death, which were reversed by IGF-1. Furthermore, miR-1246 agomir can inhibit tumor growth in vivo. We confirmed that miR-1246 affects the signaling pathway of PI3K/AKT via targeting PIK3AP1 and inhibits the development of thyroid cancer. Thus, miR-1246 is a new therapeutic target for thyroid cancer.
Analytical results in transient brush tyre models: theory for large camber angles and classic solutions with limited friction
Authors: Romano Luigi , Timpone Francesco , Bruzelius Fredrik , Jacobson Bengt
Published: December 2021

This paper establishes new analytical results in the mathematical theory of brush tyre models. In the first part, the exact problem which considers large camber angles is analysed from the perspective of linear dynamical systems. Under the assumption of vanishing sliding, the most salient properties of the model are discussed with some insights on concepts as existence and uniqueness of the solution. A comparison against the classic steady-state theory suggests that the latter represents a very good approximation even in case of large camber angles. Furthermore, in respect to the classic theory, the more general situation of limited friction is explored. It is demonstrated that, in transient conditions, exact sliding solutions can be determined for all the one-dimensional problems. For the case of pure lateral slip, the investigation is conducted under the assumption of a strictly concave pressure distribution in the rolling direction.