bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A theoretical approach for prediction of temperature and heat flux of copper beads on wood surfaces
Authors: Mouzakitis Panagiotis J. , Halevidis Constantinos D. , Polykrati Aikaterini D. , Bourkas Perikles D.
Published: December 2022

The present research is dedicated to investigating the fire hazard risks of molten metal particles from electrical wires or devices, in enclosed places (houses, factories, etc.). A mathematical model is proposed for the calculation of the temperature of the molten particles as well as the heat flux they can transfer to the attached surface and the temperature of the attached surface. It is concluded that the probability of fire ignition for a specific bed is a function of the molten particles' diameter and the ratio of the contact to total surface. The proposed model can be used for fire investigation analysis in indoor places due to potential electric faults.
Improved two‐step testing of genome‐wide gene–environment interactions
Authors: Kawaguchi Eric S. , Kim Andre E. , Lewinger Juan Pablo , Gauderman W. James
Published: December 2022

Two‐step tests for gene–environment () interactions exploit marginal single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects to improve the power of a genome‐wide interaction scan. They combine a screening step based on marginal effects used to “bin” SNPs for weighted hypothesis testing in the second step to deliver greater power over single‐step tests while preserving the genome‐wide Type I error. However, the presence of many SNPs with detectable marginal effects on the trait of interest can reduce power by “displacing” true interactions with weaker marginal effects and by adding to the number of tests that need to be corrected for multiple testing. We introduce a new significance‐based allocation into bins for Step‐2 testing that overcomes the displacement issue and propose a computationally efficient approach to account for multiple testing within bins. Simulation results demonstrate that these simple improvements can provide substantially greater power than current methods under several scenarios. An application to a multistudy collaboration for understanding colorectal cancer reveals a G × Sex interaction located near the SMAD7 gene.
Parathyroid hormone‐driven algorithms after thyroid surgery: Not one‐size‐fits‐all
Authors: Samargandy Shireen , Wadie John , Msallak Haytham , Chiodo Albino , El Masri William , Hubbard Bradley , Enepekides Danny , Higgins Kevin , Assal Angela , Fine Rebecca , Fung Raymond , Nicholas Everton , Beadle Valrie , Eskander Antoine
Published: December 2022

Background

Underreported variation in parathyroid hormone (PTH) assays exists. Using quality improvement methods, we aimed to develop an institution‐specific PTH‐based protocol to predict hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent total/completion thyroidectomy. A receiver operating curve (ROC) determined postoperative PTH cut‐offs predictive of hypocalcemia. The stakeholders developed PTH‐driven calcium management guidelines. Post‐implementation outcomes were prospectively measured.

Results

Pre‐implementation, 95 patients were assessed. PTH ≤1.5 pmol/L (14.1 pg/ml) predicted hypocalcemia (96%sensitivity), and ≥2.8 pmol/L (26.4 pg/ml) predicted normocalcemia (99%specificity) (area under curve = 0.97, SEM = 0.018). PTH on the day of and morning after surgery were identically predictive. Post‐implementation, 64 patients were assessed. Hypocalcemia occurred with PTH >2.8 pmol/L in 2 cases (3.1%). Calcium over‐prescribing decreased from 13.7% to 3.1% (p = 0.06). Length of stay (LOS) > 2 nights decreased from 13% to 3.1% (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

A PTH‐driven calcium management protocol post‐thyroidectomy effectively reduces unnecessary calcium replacement and LOS. Given the variability in PTH assays, each institution may need to use individual cut‐offs.
A review on monkeypox virus outbreak: New challenge for world
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Barek Md. Abdul , Hossen Md. Shafiul , Bhowmik Khokon Kanti , Islam Mohammad Safiqul
Published: December 2022

Background

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a double‐stranded DNA‐enveloped virus that can be transmitted from animal to human or human to human. Consequently, it emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health. Based on available online literature, this study reviewed the majority of the data representing the outbreak, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of monkeypox.

Methods

The literature search was conducted between July 5 and September 15, 2022. In addition to reviewing the databases of World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Africa CDC, and United Kingdom Health Security Agency monkey pox advice, 43 papers were studied in depth.

Results and Discussion

Human monkeypox was first identified in 1970 in a child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Until May 6, 2022, it was endemic in West and Central African countries and infrequently occurred outside of Africa. However, many cases have been identified in several nonendemic countries since May 13, 2022, with no prior human or animal travel from endemic areas; that was the first time to document the cases and long‐term transmission in countries with no epidemiological ties to endemic African countries. Seven travel‐related human monkeypox cases were recorded outside of Africa from September 2018 to November 2021: one in Israel, one in Singapore, and two in the US Youth are most affected. Monkeypox's unanticipated development in places with no known epidemiological linkages raises concerns about the virus's evolution, which permits undetected transmission for a long period.

Conclusion

Monkeypox is no longer a rare, self‐limiting disease limited to endemic countries. Its ever‐changing epidemiology and transmission dynamics have increased the possibility of its evolving into a much deadlier pathogen. Therefore, improved surveillance and detailed case and contact investigation are required to comprehend the ever‐changing epidemiology of monkeypox.
Free surface dynamics of MHD third‐grade fluid model over a heated stretching sheet with variable fluid properties
Authors: Jose T. Sherin , Patra Kiran K. , Panda Satyananda
Published: December 2022

A thorough investigation of MHD third‐grade differential‐type fluid flow over a heated stretching sheet is performed in this work. In particular, we analyze the film thinning process, when the thermal sensitive fluid parameters vary due to the effect of heat supplied to the stretching sheet. Starting with a two‐dimensional (2D) free surface boundary value problem of non‐Newtonian third‐grade fluid, we present a systematic derivation of a 1D transient thin‐film height equation using longwave analysis with respect to the small aspect ratio of the fluid domain. The derived model is used to study the impact of Newtonian and non‐Newtonian parameters with variable fluid properties on the thin film height. The model is discretized using an upwind discretization in space and implicit time integration to guarantee first‐order convergence. The model is analyzed thoroughly with the help of numeric computing software MATLAB. The existing findings for a Newtonian fluid are in excellent agreement with derived evidence. In comparison to Newtonian fluid, the study finds that the third‐grade parameter causes thinning under different parametric restrictions. Simulations on the coupling effect explain that, the film thickness can be reduced with a high Marangoni number for highly viscous fluids. Also, since the effect of the conductivity parameter can be reduced at a low Prandtl number, the fluid shows a thinning effect. The film thinning rate, on the other hand, is reduced by the magnetic field.
European freshwater silver monitoring data do not suggest a potential European-wide risk
Authors: Arijs Katrien , Viaene Karel , Van Sprang Patrick , Nys Charlotte , Mertens Jelle
Published: December 2022

European legislations frequently focus on substances that are of potential concern to human or environmental health, such as “priority substances” under the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (“WFD”) that are identified as substances posing a significant risk to or via the aquatic environment. The EU REACH regulation also requires the assessment of the environmental risks of chemicals put on the EU market. To properly assess the potential risk of a substance, high-quality representative monitoring data should be compared with a safe threshold concentration. The objective of this article is to evaluate different publicly available freshwater monitoring data sets for silver and investigate them for a potential European-wide risk according to the methodology used by the European Commission. Most available silver monitoring data sets contain a large proportion of undetected samples with a reported concentration below the limit of quantification (LOQ) of the analytical technique, leading to considerable uncertainty in the data set. For silver, this LOQ is often at or above the safe threshold concentration, and the method used to handle undetected samples during the data processing considerably impacts the data assessment. We demonstrate that for large data sets covering many European countries (and often a wide range of LOQs), the uncertainty in the data set does not allow us to make a general conclusion about European-wide risk. However, by examining the data sets in more detail and assessing three additional country-specific monitoring data sets, we show that silver does not pose a risk to the freshwater environment in several countries. We conclude that the available data sets need careful assessment to account for the values that are below the LOQ, and that there is currently no reliable evidence indicating a European-wide risk for silver in the aquatic environment, meaning it should not be selected as  priority substance under the WFD. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1110–1119. © 2022 European Precious Metals Federation. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
The impact of CEOs' early‐life experience on the financialization of non‐financial firms: Evidence from the great Chinese famine
Authors: Wang Zhongchao , Zhou Shaoni , Zhou Yuping , Yang Hao
Published: December 2022

This study investigates whether CEOs' early adverse experience could explain cross‐sectional heterogeneity in the financialization of non‐financial firms. We utilize whether the CEO lived through the Great Chinese Famine as a proxy for the adverse experience. We find that non‐financial firms led by CEOs with such experience are significantly less likely to be involved in financialized activities than those led by CEOs without such experience. Experienced CEOs are prone to develop conservative preference for the short‐term financial assets over long‐term ones. The famine effect is more pronounced in enterprises with less competitive industries, less ownership of controlling shareholders, and non‐Big 4 audit firms. Furthermore, channel tests demonstrate that the famine experience reduces CEO overconfidence and lowers the agency cost of their firms, resulting in a lower financialization level.
Intrapartum deceleration and acceleration areas are associated with neonatal encephalopathy
Authors: Geva Yael , Yaniv Salem Shimrit , Geva Neta , Rotem Reut , Talmor Meital , Shema Noam , Shany Eilon , Weintraub Adi Y.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate whether an association exists between deceleration and acceleration areas on continuous fetal cardiotocography (CTG) and neonatal encephalopathy (NE).

Methods

A single center, retrospective case–control study was conducted to compare CTG characteristics of low‐risk pregnancies (35 weeks of gestation or more), complicated by moderate to severe NE with two matched controls for every case. Controls were matched by gestational age and cord blood pH. We analyzed the intrapartum CTG recordings by calculation of the deceleration and acceleration areas and the ratio between the two.

Results

During the period between 2013 and 2019, we identified 95 cases of low‐risk pregnancies that were complicated by moderate to severe NE in our center. Thirty‐three (34.7%) deliveries were excluded, mostly because of an insufficient duration of the CTG recordings. The remaining 62 cases were matched with 123 controls. We found that NE was significantly associated with an increased total deceleration area, a decreased total acceleration area, and a lower acceleration‐to‐deceleration ratio.

Conclusions

NE was significantly associated with increased total deceleration area, decreased total acceleration area, and a lower acceleration‐to‐deceleration ratio, independent of cord blood pH. Development of a computerized real‐time analysis of fetal heart rate tracings may contribute to making these measurements a more valid clinical tool.
Evolutionary conservation of amino acids contributing to the protein folding transition state
Authors: Chong Song‐Ho , Ham Sihyun
Published: December 2022

The question of whether amino acids critical to protein folding kinetics are evolutionarily conserved has been investigated intensively in the past, but no consensus has yet been reached. Recently, we have demonstrated that the transition state, dictating folding kinetics, is characterized as the state of maximum dynamic cooperativity, i.e., the state of maximum correlations between amino acid contact formations. Here, we investigate the evolutionary conservation of those amino acids contributing significantly to the dynamic cooperativity. We find a strong indication of a new kind of relationship—necessary but not sufficient causality—between the evolutionary conservation and the dynamic cooperativity: larger contributions to the dynamic cooperativity arise from more conserved residues, but not vice versa. This holds for all the protein systems for which long folding simulation trajectories are available. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic demonstration of any kind of evolutionary conservation of amino acids relevant to folding kinetics.
GMP‐compliant manufacturing of biologically active cell‐derived vesicles produced by extrusion technology
Authors: Lau Hui‐Chong , Han Dong Woo , Park Jinhee , Lehner Edwine , Kals Carina , Arzt Claudia , Bayer Elisabeth , Auer Daniela , Schally Tanja , Grasmann Eva , Fang Han , Lee Jae‐Young , Lee Hyun Soo , Han Jinah , Gimona Mario , Rohde Eva , Bae Shingyu , Oh Seung Wook
Published: December 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by a variety of cell types have been shown to act as a natural delivery system for bioactive molecules such as RNAs and proteins. EV therapy holds great promise as a safe and cell‐free therapy for many immunological and degenerative diseases. However, translation to clinical application is limited by several factors, including insufficient large‐scale manufacturing technologies and low yield. We have developed a novel drug delivery platform technology, BioDrone™, based on cell‐derived vesicles (CDVs) produced from diverse cell sources by using a proprietary extrusion process. This extrusion technology generates nanosized vesicles in far greater numbers than naturally obtained EVs. We demonstrate that the CDVs are surrounded by a lipid bilayer membrane with a correct membrane topology. Physical, biochemical and functional characterisation results demonstrate the potential of CDVs to act as effective therapeutics. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UCMSC)‐derived CDVs exhibit a biological activity that is similar to UCMSCs or UCMSC‐derived EVs. Lastly, we present the establishment of a GMP‐compliant process to allow the production of a large number of UCMSC‐CDVs in a reproducible manner. GMP‐compliant manufacturing of CDVs will facilitate the preclinical and clinical evaluation of these emerging therapeutics in anti‐inflammatory or regenerative medicine. This study also represents a crucial step in the development of this novel drug delivery platform based on CDVs.
Isolation of native EVs from primary biofluids—Free‐flow electrophoresis as a novel approach to purify ascites‐derived EVs
Authors: Preußer Christian , Stelter Kathrin , Tertel Tobias , Linder Manuel , Helmprobst Frederik , Szymanski Witold , Graumann Johannes , Giebel Bernd , Reinartz Silke , Müller Rolf , Weber Gerhard , von Strandmann Elke Pogge
Published: December 2022

Although extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been extensively characterized, efficient purification methods, especially from primary biofluids, remain challenging. Here we introduce free‐flow electrophoresis (FFE) as a novel approach for purifying EVs from primary biofluids, in particular from the peritoneal fluid (ascites) of ovarian cancer patients. FFE represents a versatile, fast, matrix‐free approach for separating different analytes with inherent differences in charge density and/or isoelectric point (pI). Using a series of buffered media with different pH values allowed us to collect 96 fractions of ascites samples. To characterize the composition of the individual fractions, we used state‐of‐the‐art methods such as nanoflow and imaging flow cytometry (nFCM and iFCM) in addition to classical approaches. Of note, tetraspanin‐positive events measured using nFCM were enriched in a small number of distinct fractions. This observation was corroborated by Western blot analysis and electron microscopy, demonstrating only minor contamination with soluble proteins and lipid particles. In addition, these gently purified EVs remain functional. Thus, FFE represents a new, efficient and fast method for separating native and highly purified EVs from complicated primary samples.
Material properties of skin in the flying snakeChrysopelea ornata
Authors: Dellinger Sarah B. , De Vita Raffaella , Vlachos Pavlos P. , Muñoz Martha M. , Socha John J.
Published: December 2022

In snakes, the skin serves for protection, camouflage, visual signaling, locomotion, and its ability to stretch facilitates large prey ingestion. The flying snakes of the genusChrysopeleaare capable of jumping and gliding through the air, requiring additional functional demands: its skin must accommodate stretch in multiple directions during gliding and, perhaps more importantly, during high‐speed, direct‐impact landing. Is the skin of flying snakes specialized for gliding? Here, we characterized the material properties of the skin ofChrysopelea ornataand compared them with two nongliding species of colubrid snakes,Thamnophis sirtalisandPantherophis guttatus, as well as with previously published values. The skin was examined using uniaxial tensile testing to measure stresses, and digital image correlation methods to determine strains, yielding metrics of strength, elastic modulus, strain energy, and extensibility. To test for loading orientation effects, specimens were tested from three orientations relative to the snake's long axis: lateral, circumferential, and ventral. Specimens were taken from two regions of the body, pre‐ and pos‐tpyloric, to test for regional effects related to the ingestion of large prey. In comparison withT. sirtalisandP. guttatus,C. ornataexhibited higher post‐pyloric and lower pre‐pyloric extensibility in circumferential specimens. However, overall there were few differences in skin material properties ofC. ornatacompared to other species, both within and across studies, suggesting that the skin of flying snakes is not specialized for gliding locomotion. Surprisingly, circumferential specimens demonstrated lower strength and extensibility in pre‐pyloric skin, suggesting less regional specialization related to large prey.
Ramsey numbers of the quadrilateral versus books
Authors: Li Tianyu , Lin Qizhong , Peng Xing
Published: December 2022

A book is a graph which consists of triangles sharing a common edge. In this paper, we study Ramsey numbers of quadrilateral versus books. Previous results give the exact value of for . We aim to determine the exact value of for infinitely many . To achieve this, we first prove that for and . This improves upon a result by Faudree, Rousseau, and Sheehan which states that
Combining the new upper bound and constructions of ‐free graphs, we are able to determine the exact value of for infinitely many . As a special case, we show for all prime powers .
Tell‐a provider about tele: Reducing overuse of telemetry across 10 hospitals in a safety net system
Authors: Krouss Mona , Israilov Sigal , Alaiev Daniel , Seferi Arta , Kansara Tikal , Brandeis Gary , Saladini‐Aponte Carla , Wat Monica , Talledo Joseph , Tsega Surafel , Chandra Komal , Zaurova Milana , Manchego Peter A. , Najafi Nader , Cho Hyung J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Telemetry is often a scarce resource at hospitals and is important for arrhythmia and myocardial ischemia detection. Overuse of telemetry monitoring leads to alarm fatigue resulting in failure to respond to arrhythmias, patient harm, and possible unnecessary testing.

Methods

This quality improvement initiative was implemented across NYC Health and Hospitals, an 11‐hospital urban safety net system. The electronic health record intervention involved the addition of a mandatory indication in the telemetry order and a best practice advisory (BPA) that would fire after the recommended time period for reassessment had passed.

Results

The average telemetry hours per patient encounter went from 60.1 preintervention to 48.4 postintervention, a 19.5% reduction (p < .001). When stratified by the 11 hospitals, decreases ranged from 9% to 30%. The BPA had a 53% accept rate and fired 52,682 times, with 27,938 “discontinue telemetry” orders placed. The true accept rate was 50.4%, as there was a 2.6% 24‐h reorder rate. There was variation based on clinician specialty and clinician type (attending, fellow, resident, physician associate, nurse practitioner).

Conclusion

We successfully reduced telemetry monitoring across a multisite safety net system using solely an electronic health record (EHR) intervention. This expands on previous telemetry monitoring reduction initiatives using EHR interventions at single academic sites. Further study is needed to investigate variation across clinician type, specialty, and post‐acute sites.
Zero Echo Time vs. T1‐Weighted MRI for Assessment of Cortical and Medullary Bone Morphology Abnormalities Using CT as the Reference Standard
Authors: Xu Jun , Hu Yawen , Zhou Ruizhi , Sun Shiqing , Chen Haisong
Published: December 2022

Background

Conventional MR pulse sequences result in poor signal from low T2 cortical bone because the minimum achievable echo time is limited. A sequence resulting in improved bone contrast is desirable.

Purpose

To evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of grayscale inversion zero echo time imaging (GI‐ZTE) and grayscale inversion T1‐weighted imaging (GI‐T1WI) compared with computed tomography (CT).

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

A total of 50 patients with musculoskeletal tumors or tumor‐like diseases of the lower extremities having MRI and CT studies.

Field Strength/Sequence

GI‐T1WI and GI‐ZTE sequences at 1.5 T.

Assessment

Assessed cortical and medullary bone morphology abnormalities using CT as the reference standard. Three radiologists scored the images quality and recorded nine metrics to assess the diagnostic performance.

Statistical Tests

Differences in image quality were calculated using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to analyze the agreement of quantitative lesion parameters between CT and MR sequences, as well as the interobserver reliability. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Image quality score was significantly higher for CT images than GI‐TIWI images. Except for radiologist 3 [4(0) vs 4 (1)], there was no significant difference in scores between CT and GI‐ZTE [radiologist 1: 4 (0) vs 4 (0), P = 0.133; radiologist 2: 4 (0) vs 4 (0), P = 0.085]. There was good–excellent agreement between both MR sequences and CT for size, lesion number, location, sclerotic rim, expanded shell, destruction pattern, and matrix mineralization for all radiologists (ICC: 0.636–1.000). The consistency of periosteal reaction and penetration of the cortex was fair to good (0.481–0.729) between GI‐T1WI and CT and good to excellent between GI‐ZTE and CT (0.682–0.852).

Data Conclusions

GI‐ZTE images had superior intermodality agreement with CT images and allowed visualization of more cortical bone detail than GI‐T1WI images.

Evidence Level

1.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
Coronavirus disease 2019 rebounds following nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment
Authors: Lai Chih‐Cheng , Hsueh Po‐Ren
Published: December 2022

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV‐r) is an effective anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 agent and has been recommended in the treatment of nonhospitalized patients with COVID‐19. In rare occasions, some patients experience virologic and symptomatic rebound after initial resolution, which we call COVID‐19 rebound after NMV‐r. Although COVID rebound can also occur after molnupiravir treatment or even no antiviral treatment, we have more serious concern about the rebound after NMV‐r, which remains the most effective antiviral. Due to a lack of information about its frequency, mechanism, outcomes, and management, we conducted this review to provide comprehensive and updated information to address these questions. Based on the limited evidence, the incidence of COVID‐19 rebound after NMV‐r was less than 2%, and most cases developed 5–15 days after initiating NMV‐r treatment. Almost all reported cases had mild symptoms, and the clinical condition gradually subsided without additional treatment. Overall, the clinical outcome was favorable, and only a small number of patients required emergency department visits or hospitalization. Regarding virologic rebound, culturable SARS‐CoV‐2 with possible transmission was observed, so re‐isolation may be needed.
Evaluating satellite‐ and reanalysis‐based precipitation products over the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau in the perspective of a new error‐index system
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Zhou Yuyan , Lu Fan , Yu Yuanhui , Yan Denghua , Hu Yingying , Xue Wei
Published: December 2022

The necessity of evaluating satellite‐ and reanalysis‐based precipitation products as optional proxies of precipitation observations is widely understood. Four typical satellite‐ or reanalysis‐based precipitation products from TRMM, CPC, CMFD and ERA5‐Land datasets were evaluated at temporal and spatial scales using a new error‐index system method across the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP) from 1979 to 2018. The error‐index system consisted of 10 indices, which were classified into two categories, that is, the comprehensive error indices and error component indices. A local error decomposition scheme suitable for the QTP was built according to the simulation test. Results showed the datasets except ERA5‐Land performed better at monthly scale than that at daily scale generally, though significant differences were found among the products. Particularly, CMFD achieved the highest accuracy in estimating monthly and daily precipitation, followed by CPC, while TRMM performed similarly to ERA5‐Land. It was estimated that over one fifth of the precipitation were falsely recorded in the four products. Approximately over 15% of daily precipitation were overestimated or underestimated with an accumulated extent reaching up to 60 mm per month in summer. Spatial results indicated that large deviations were found in the southeast QTP, which were derived from a significant underestimation. Besides, a large proportion of false and missing estimation of precipitation events were witnessed in the northeast river basins. Through the comparison, CMFD and CPC had reduced all error components except HNB in both magnitude and the ratio. And the datasets tended to overestimate the slight precipitation and underestimate the heavy rainfall. And the products did not eliminate the large deviations in the southeast and north QTP. The assessment results reported here will provide some valuable feedbacks for the improvement of these products.
Comparing two weather generator‐based downscaling tools for simulating storm intensification and its impacts on soil erosion under climate change
Authors: Zhang Xunchang (John) , Busteed Phillip R. , Chen Jie , Yuan Lifeng
Published: December 2022

Storm intensification is projected to increase under climate change; however, it is quite challenging to statistically downscale storm intensification for climatic impact assessment. The objectives of this study are to compare two weather generator‐based tools in simulating daily precipitation extremes at a point scale, both with and without storm intensification options, and to further evaluate the responses of simulated surface runoff and soil loss to generated precipitation extremes under various cropping and tillage systems at a station in central Oklahoma, U.S.A. Results show that all data sources including raw GCM, raw RCM, and statistically downscaled GCM datasets are capable of providing information on future storm intensification, depending on particular ensemble members or models in each source. Thus, it is recommended that all data sources including as many members as possible should be used in model screening. Compared with the SYNthetic weather generaTOR (SYNTOR), the Generator for Point Climate Change (GPCC) tool tends to generate a stronger storm intensification, partially because GPCC takes into consideration the increased variance of monthly precipitation as projected by GCMs in adjusting daily precipitation variance for future climate generation. However, there are no discernable differences between storm intensification options with each tool because weaker signals of storm intensification are projected for the study site coupled with a projected decline in future annual precipitation. Simulated soil loss and surface runoff rates with GPCC were significantly greater than those with SYNTOR due to GPCC generating more frequent and heavier storms. Given the sizable differences in extreme precipitation generation, both tools could be used to generate a range of the potential impacts of storm intensification under climate change on soil erosion and surface hydrology.
Effects of altitude and varieties on overwintering adaptability and cold resistance mechanism of alfalfa roots in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Yao Xixi , Qian Li , Changhui Li , Yi Sun
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

The roots are the main functional organs involved in the overwintering adaptability of alfalfa (Medicago sativa). However, it is still unclear how the roots are involved in the cold resistance in the high‐altitude area of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP). In this study, three winter‐surviving 2‐year‐old alfalfa varieties (M. sativa Zhongmeng No.1, M. sativa Chiza No.1, and M. sativa Gongnong No.1) planted at two different altitudes (2812 m and 3109 m) in the northeast edge of the QTP were used to explore the cold‐resistance mechanism.

RESULTS

At low altitudes (2812 m), the overwintering rate, taproot length, root area, root surface area, and root average diameter, plant height, fresh yield and hay yield of M. sativa Zhongmeng No.1 were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than for the other two varieties. At high altitude (3109 m), lateral root length, number of lateral roots, main root dry weight, and lateral root dry weight of M. sativa Chiza No.1 were higher (P < 0.01) than the other two varieties. At low and high altitudes, the activities of peroxidase and catalase were higher (P < 0.05) in M. sativa Chiza No.1 during post‐winter and pre‐winter respectively. At low altitude, higher soluble sugar (P < 0.05) and proline (P < 0.01) contents were recorded during the pre‑ and post‐winter periods. Membership function analysis showed that M. sativa Zhongmeng No.1 has the strongest cold resistance. The structural equation model showed that the overwintering rate of alfalfa was mainly affected by the morphological characteristics of roots and the physiological characteristics of roots, with contribution rates of 0.54 and 0.75 respectively, and the physiological characteristics of roots had the greatest effect on the overwintering rate.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is of great significance to effectively solve the overwintering of alfalfa, the lack of high‐quality legume forage resources, and promote the development of animal husbandry in the alpine areas of the QTP. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Construction of benzyl isothiocyanate‐loaded fish skin gelatin‐luteolin compound emulsion delivery system, and its digestion and absorption characteristics
Authors: Liu Zhiyu , Lin Songyi , Liu Wenwen , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Tang Yue
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Fish skin gelatin (FSG) and luteolin (LUT) were used as composite emulsifiers, and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) was used as a model of nutrient delivery to construct a stable emulsion. The storage stability of the FSG–LUT emulsion and its effect on BITC release were investigated both in vitro and ex vivo.

RESULTS

LUT can quench FSG fluorophores statically and form a stable complex through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The FSG–LUT emulsion storage stability and embedding rate were higher than those of the FSG emulsion. The FSG–LUT emulsion microstructure was resistant to oral and gastric digestion, and the BITC retention rate and bioaccessibility were much higher than those of the FSG emulsion. Lastly, the ex vivo everted gut sac of rat intestine study demonstrated that BITC showed the highest absorption in the ileum, and the FSG–LUT emulsion absorbed BITC and sustained a controlled release in a specific position.

CONCLUSION

LUT could form stable complexes with FSG, which improved the stability and bioavailability of BITC in the FSG–LUT emulsion delivery system, and promoted further intestinal BITC absorption. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Genotypic variation in carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the cotton subtending leaves and seed cotton yield under various nitrogen levels
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Jing Niu , Qiang Dong , Kayoumu Mirezhatijiang , Wang Xiangru , Gui Huiping , Zhang Hengheng , Xiling Zhang , Meizhen Song
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Nitrogen (N) is the key nutrient required for high cotton production; however, its excessive use can increase the cost of production and environmental problems. Reducing the application of N while sustaining the yield is an important issue to be solved. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the genotypic variations in subtending leaf physiology and its contribution to seed cotton yield of contrasting N‐efficient cotton genotypes under various N levels in pot and field conditions.

RESULTS

The results showed that the application of N increased the enzymatic activities related to carbon (C) and N metabolisms. Under the same N level, the C/N metabolisms of the N‐efficient genotypes were significantly higher than N‐inefficient genotypes, indicating a strong N assimilation and photoassimilation ability in N‐efficient genotypes, especially under low N level. Moreover, the antioxidant enzymatic activities were significantly higher, whereas malondialdehyde content was lower in N‐efficient cotton genotypes than in N‐inefficient ones. Therefore, N‐efficient cotton genotypes showed strong resistance, higher C/N metabolisms, and provided sufficient dry matter for boll development. As a result, the yield, N use efficiency, and value cost ratio of the N‐efficient cotton genotypes were higher than in the N‐inefficient genotypes.

CONCLUSION

It was confirmed that the higher C/N metabolisms in the cotton subtending leaves of N‐efficient cotton genotypes could support higher seed cotton yield under relatively low N application. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hypertrophic lichen planus of the vulva
Authors: Korbi Mouna , Ben Ammou Syrine , Ouni Nour el Imene , Bellalah Ahlem , Bel Hadj Ali Hichem , Zili J.
Published: December 2022

Vulvovaginal lichen planus is a type of chronic inflammatory dermatosis of the vulva, usually seen as a part of widespread lichen planus. The common clinical types of vulval lichen planus include papulosquamous, erosive, and pigmented types. Hypertrophic lichen planus of the vulva is a rare entity. We report a case of hypertrophic lichen planus of the vulva
Use of a bovine pericardial patch angioplasty for completion of a complicated end to side anastomosis of a recipient vessel in the free flap reconstruction of a radiated wound: A case report
Authors: Hsu Jerry F. , Lentz Rachel B. , Ziegler Kenneth R. , Wong Alex K.
Published: December 2022

Soft tissue sarcomas treated by extensive surgical resection and adjuvant radiation can lead to large tissue deficits that require free flap repair. Significant radiation can further compromise vessels necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. We describe an 82‐year‐old man who presented with a posterior thigh sarcoma and underwent wide local tumor resection and immediate reconstruction with a microvascular free flap. Due to radiated recipient vessels, this case required bovine patch angioplasty as a conduit for end to side anastomosis. Initial resection and pathology revealed a large myxofibrosarcoma. Wide local resection and radiotherapy resulted in a large irradiated soft tissue defect of 26 x 15 x 4 cm with exposed, radiation damaged neurovascular structures, and a lack of available regional flap options. The planned free flap, a 30 x 8 cm skin island from the left latissimus dorsi muscle with end‐to‐side anastomosis to the popliteal artery was complicated by friability of the vessel wall and insufficient perfusion. Given the extent of resection and radiation, there were no alternative recipient vessels present within the field. A bovine pericardial patch angioplasty of 2.5 cm in length was performed to the diseased popliteal vessel and an end to side anastomosis was successfully performed between the thoracodorsal artery and the patch. Improved reperfusion of the free flap was noted immediately following anastomosis indicating completion of the anastomosis of our complicated recipient vessel. During the uncomplicated postoperative course, the flap had good perfusion with Doppler signals present, and incision sites intact at discharge from acute hospitalization. Recurrent sarcomas that have undergone extensive resection and radiotherapy pose significant reconstructive challenges. For defects that require free tissue reconstruction when there are limited options for healthy, recipient vessels, bovine pericardial patch angioplasty may act as a robust conduit for diseased vessels.
Theoretical research of chalcogenide pedestal waveguide gas sensor
Authors: Liu Yang , Pi Mingquan , Zheng Chuantao
Published: December 2022

A rectangular waveguide with a small external confinement factor (γ) limits the gas sensing performance. The fabrication process of a suspended waveguide with large γ is complex. Pedestal waveguide can be fabricated by wet etching on the basis of a rectangular waveguide, which makes full use of the target analyte area under the core layer and increases γ. The TM mode chalcogenide pedestal waveguide was optimized to obtain a large γ. The γ of the optimized TM mode pedestal waveguide is 55.7% and the limit of detection of methane (CH4) for a 1 cm‐long waveguide is 1.67%. The fabrication tolerance of the pedestal waveguide was analyzed. The pedestal radius error has a great influence on sensing performance. This work provides a method for the design and performance analysis of a pedestal waveguide sensor.
Apparent wave velocity inverse analysis method and its application in dynamic pile testing
Authors: Liu Hao , Wu Wenbing , Yang Xiaoyan , Liu Xin , Wang Lixing , Naggar M. Hesham El , Wen Minjie
Published: December 2022

This study proposes a new non‐destructive testing method (NDT), namely the apparent wave velocity of piles (AWVP) inverse analysis method, to solve the detection problem of the gradually varying cross‐sectional defects (cracks or necking) and the material property defects (concrete disintegration or steel corrosion) of piles. The analytical solution of the AWVP has been derived based on the additional mass model. The rationality and accuracy of the theoretical model have been validated through the comparisons with the experiment results. The variation mechanism of the AWVP due to the presence of soil has been clarified. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the major factors to determine the variation tendency of the AWVP. The optimum working conditions and parameter combinations of the AWVP based NDT method have been recommend. The main conclusions can be drawn as: (1) the variation of the AWVP with respect to frequency can be generally divided into a sensitive zone and a stable zone. (2) The AWVP initially decreases rapidly with the frequency within the sensitive zone, however when the frequency decreases to the stable zone, this decline tendency becomes much smaller. (3) Although the AWVP varies extensively within the frequency sensitive zone, this frequency range can substantially relax the requirements for the parametric accuracy of the pile–soil system.
The smooth extension embedding method with Chebyshev polynomials
Authors: Agress Daniel , Guidotti Patrick , Yan Dong
Published: December 2022

We propose an implementation of the smooth extension embedding method (SEEM), first described by Agress and Guidotti's study, in the setting of Chebyshev polynomials. SEEM is a hybrid fictitious domain/collocation method which solves general boundary value problems in complex domains by recasting them as constrained optimization problems in a simple encompassing set. Previously, SEEM was introduced and implemented using a periodic box (read a torus) using Fourier series; here, it is implemented on a (non‐periodic) rectangle using Chebyshev polynomial expansions. This implementation has faster convergence on smaller grids. Numerical experiments will demonstrate that the method provides a simple, robust, efficient, and high order fictitious domain method which can solve elliptic and parabolic problems in complex geometries, with non‐constant coefficients, and for general boundary conditions. We consider applications to two and three dimensional boundary value problems as well as an initial boundary value problem via a genuinely space–time discretization.
Convergence, bounded variation properties and Kruzhkov solution of a fully discrete Lagrangian–Eulerian scheme via weak asymptotic analysis for 1D hyperbolic problems
Authors: Abreu Eduardo , Espírito Santo Arthur , Lambert Wanderson , Pérez John
Published: December 2022

We design and implement an effective fully discrete Lagrangian–Eulerian scheme for a class of scalar, local and nonlocal models, and systems of hyperbolic problems in 1D. We propose statements, via a weak asymptotic analysis, which include existence, uniqueness, regularity, and numerical approximations of entropy‐weak solutions computed with the scheme for the corresponding nonlinear initial value problem for the local scalar case. We study both convergence and weak bounded variation (BV) properties of the scheme to the entropy solution (for the local and scalar case) in the sense of Kruzhkov. The approach is based on the improved concept of no‐flow curves, as introduced by the authors, and we highlight the strengths of the method: (i) the scheme for systems of hyperbolic problems does not require computation of the eigenvalues (exact or approximate) either to the numerical flux function or the weak CFL stability condition (wCFL) and (ii) we prove the properties: positivity‐preserving, total variation nonincreasing, and maximum principle subject to the wCFL. We present numerical experiments to evaluate the shock capturing capabilities of the scheme in resolving the main features for hyperbolic problems: shock waves, rarefaction waves, contact discontinuities, positivity‐preserving properties, and nonlinear wave formations and interactions.
A novel NOTCH1 missense variant in two fetuses with a non‐syndromic conotruncal heart defect from a single family
Authors: Zhou Jie , Dai Xiaohui , Liu Hanmin , Zhou Shu , Wu Ting , Guo Nan , Chen Jiao
Published: December 2022

Aims

We describe two fetuses with conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) (persistent truncus arteriosus and pulmonary atresia/ventricular septal defect, respectively) in a Chinese family whose parents were both healthy. Testing was performed to identify any underlying genetic cause.

Materials and Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of the proband’s parents and the skeletal muscle tissue of the two aborted fetuses for genetic testing.

Results

A heterozygous likely pathogenic missense variant, c.1724G〉C (:p.Cys575Ser), in the NOTCH1 gene (NM_017617.5) was detected in the two affected fetuses but not in the parents, and the next generation sequencing test of the proband’s father showed a normal result. It is therefore presumed to result from germline mosaicism in the proband’s mother or, less likely, is a recurrent de novo variant in the fetuses.

Conclusion

This is the first description of fetal non‐syndromic CTD caused by a variant in NOTCH1. This report not only expands the gene variant spectrum of CTDs, but also emphasizes the importance of NOTCH1 testing when a fetal of CTD is detected.
Silk nanofibrils/chitosan composite fibers with enhanced mechanical properties
Authors: Xiao Jiahui , Li Liang , You Haining , Zhou Shunshun , Feng Yanfei , You Renchuan
Published: December 2022

Chitosan (CS) fibers have been applied in various fields due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antibacterial properties. However, weak mechanical properties remain as obstacles to further applications. Silk nanofibrils (SNFs) extracted from natural silk fibroin fibers preserve outstanding mechanical properties at the nanoscale, which are expected to impact structural programming and mechanical reinforcement for CS fibers. In this study, wet‐spun CS/SNFs composite fibers were continuously collected from NaOH/ethanol coagulation. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed that SNFs were uniformly distributed in the CS matrix, and obvious orientation was observed when the mass ratio of SNF/CS was 75/100. Tensile tests showed that the introduction of SNFs significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of CS fibers when the mass ratio of SNF/CS was more than 25/100. With the increasing of SNF content, the tensile strength gradually increased, and the tensile strength and modulus could be increased 2.9 times and 3.5 times, respectively, when 100% SNF was added. The improvement of mechanical properties was partially attributed to hydrogen bonding between SNF filaments and CS, which was confirmed by FTIR and XRD results. This study provides a facile and eco‐friendly method to spin CS fibers with enhanced mechanical properties and a hierarchical structure.
Thermal insulation and structural reliability of modified epoxy resin‐based ablation thermal protection coatings in aerothermal‐vibration coupling environment
Authors: He Dalong , Jiao Fangkun , Wu Jianying , Ou Dongbin
Published: December 2022

Novel hybrid ablation thermal protection coatings (FHMP‐ATPCs), employing iron trioxide (Fe2O3) powder, hollow glass microspheres, and mica powder as the fillers in hydroxyl‐terminated silicone oligomer‐bridged epoxy resins (PSG) copolymer, is investigated using an aerothermal‐vibration coupling test system. The ablation behavior and structural reliability of FHMP‐ATPCs with varying coating thickness were studied. During the test, the total enthalpy of airflow and dynamic pressures are 23 MJ/kg and 300 Pa, accompanied by the random vibration with a frequency of 20–2000 Hz and a total root‐mean‐square acceleration of 14.9g. The maximum surface and back‐face temperatures of the coating with the thickness of 2 mm reached 836.2°C and 156.4°C, respectively. Results also showed that the reduction of thickness obviously suppressed the surface temperature and increase in back‐face temperature yet maintaining high structural reliability. Compared with DGEBA‐based coatings, the PSG‐based coatings showed excellent structural reliability during the test. The study provides a solution for obtaining high performance ATPCs, which are highly desired for supersonic vehicles.