bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive resistance exercise prevents muscle strength loss due to muscle atrophy induced by methylmercury systemic intoxication
Authors: Gouvêa André Luiz , Gracindo Silva Marcia , Cabral Bruno , Martinez Camila Guerra , Lauthartte Leidiane Caroline , Rodrigues Bastos Waderley , Kurtenbach Eleonora
Published: March 2022

Background

This study investigated the effects of methylmercury intoxication on mice skeletal muscle subjected or not to progressive resistance training (RT).

Methods

Four experimental groups were formed. Control and Con + RT received water and methylmercury (MeHg) and MeHg + RT groups received methylmercury (5 mg/kg/day), via gavage for 14 days. The Con + RT and MeHg + RT animals performed weighted ladder climbing RT, three times a week for 4 weeks. Animal muscle strength and gastrocnemius and soleus cross‐section area, fibrosis, myosin heavy chains (MyHCs), E3‐ligases MAFbx and MuRF1, 20S proteasome (P20S) and LC3‐II content were analysed. In addition, P20S chymotrypsin‐like activity was evaluated.

Results

Resistance training protected MeHg + RT mice against strength loss but not against muscle atrophy. The latter appeared to be associated with MyHCs significant content reductions observed in the MeHg and MeHg + RT groups. In soleus muscle, there was an increase in E3‐ligases and P20S levels and P20S activity in both methylmercury groups compared with control ones. This pattern was also observed for gastrocnemius muscle, except for P20S content and activity that decreased. The P‐AKT content decreased in the soleus and gastrocnemius of the MeHg animals while significant elevation of LC3‐II content levels occurred.

Conclusions

The accumulation of methylmercury caused an increase in skeletal muscle MyHCs degradation, resulting in muscle atrophy that was reinforced by the elevated fibrosis area. Although RT did not reverse this condition, maintenance of muscle strength levels in animals submitted to MeHg + RT was detected. We believe that RT somewhat protected MeHg from damage to neural muscle structures, to be further investigated.
First PACS‐integrated artificial intelligence‐based software tool for rapid and fully automatic analysis of body composition from CT in clinical routine
Authors: Beetz Nick Lasse , Maier Christoph , Segger Laura , Shnayien Seyd , Trippel Tobias Daniel , Lindow Norbert , Bousabarah Khaled , Westerhoff Malte , Fehrenbach Uli , Geisel Dominik
Published: March 2022

Background

To externally evaluate the first picture archiving communications system (PACS)‐integrated artificial intelligence (AI)‐based workflow, trained to automatically detect a predefined computed tomography (CT) slice at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) and automatically perform complete image segmentation for analysis of CT body composition and to compare its performance with that of an established semi‐automatic segmentation tool regarding speed and accuracy of tissue area calculation.

Methods

For fully automatic analysis of body composition with L3 recognition, U‐Nets were trained (Visage) and compared with a conventional image segmentation software (TomoVision). Tissue was differentiated into psoas muscle, skeletal muscle, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Mid‐L3 level images from randomly selected DICOM slice files of 20 CT scans acquired with various imaging protocols were segmented with both methods.

Results

Success rate of AI‐based L3 recognition was 100%. Compared with semi‐automatic, fully automatic AI‐based image segmentation yielded relative differences of 0.22% and 0.16% for skeletal muscle, 0.47% and 0.49% for psoas muscle, 0.42% and 0.42% for VAT and 0.18% and 0.18% for SAT. AI‐based fully automatic segmentation was significantly faster than semi‐automatic segmentation (3 ± 0 s vs. 170 ± 40 s, P < 0.001, for User 1 and 152 ± 40 s, P < 0.001, for User 2).

Conclusion

Rapid fully automatic AI‐based, PACS‐integrated assessment of body composition yields identical results without transfer of critical patient data. Additional metabolic information can be inserted into the patient's image report and offered to the referring clinicians.
Values‐led curriculum co‐creation: A curriculum re‐innovation case study
Authors: Galpin Adam , Beevers David , Cassidy Simon , Short Ben , Panagiotidi Maria , Bendall Robert C. A. , Quigley Eileen , Thompson Catherine
Published: March 2022

Personal values influence goals and motivate actions. The case study reported in this paper explored whether an understanding of values would provide a useful framework to guide the co‐creation of the undergraduate cognitive psychology curriculum at a UK University. A design team composed of staff and students ran two co‐creation workshops to explore underlying values. These values were translated into curriculum ideas which were then shared via an online survey to students and staff for feedback. The activities revealed a set of values that were salient when imagining future curriculum designs: feeling stimulated, choice and autonomy, developing competence, feeling safe and secure, community and fairness. In addition, a deeper value layer was visible which reflected participants' orientations to learning and education. We describe our process for eliciting values and the intertwined and iterative relationship between value elicitation and a co‐created curriculum. We also reflect on the position of co‐creation within the value landscape of higher education and the social dynamics of staff‐student partnerships. We argue that whilst using values to frame co‐creation allows for deeper insight into how to embed curriculum re‐innovation, it is important to attend to the value system of co‐creation and those who do not participate.
Phylogenetic structure of specialization: A new approach that integrates partner availability and phylogenetic diversity to quantify biotic specialization in ecological networks
Authors: Pardo‐De la Hoz Carlos J. , Medeiros Ian D. , Gibert Jean P. , Chagnon Pierre‐Luc , Magain Nicolas , Miadlikowska Jolanta , Lutzoni François
Published: March 2022

Biotic specialization holds information about the assembly, evolution, and stability of biological communities. Partner availabilities can play an important role in enabling species interactions, where uneven partner availabilities can bias estimates of biotic specialization when using phylogenetic diversity indices. It is therefore important to account for partner availability when characterizing biotic specialization using phylogenies. We developed an index, phylogenetic structure of specialization (PSS), that avoids bias from uneven partner availabilities by uncoupling the null models for interaction frequency and phylogenetic distance. We incorporate the deviation between observed and random interaction frequencies as weights into the calculation of partner phylogenetic α‐diversity. To calculate the PSS index, we then compare observed partner phylogenetic α‐diversity to a null distribution generated by randomizing phylogenetic distances among the same number of partners. PSS quantifies the phylogenetic structure (i.e., clustered, overdispersed, or random) of the partners of a focal species. We show with simulations that the PSS index is not correlated with network properties, which allows comparisons across multiple systems. We also implemented PSS on empirical networks of host–parasite, avian seed‐dispersal, lichenized fungi–cyanobacteria, and hummingbird pollination interactions. Across these systems, a large proportion of taxa interact with phylogenetically random partners according to PSS, sometimes to a larger extent than detected with an existing method that does not account for partner availability. We also found that many taxa interact with phylogenetically clustered partners, while taxa with overdispersed partners were rare. We argue that species with phylogenetically overdispersed partners have often been misinterpreted as generalists when they should be considered specialists. Our results highlight the important role of randomness in shaping interaction networks, even in highly intimate symbioses, and provide a much‐needed quantitative framework to assess the role that evolutionary history and symbiotic specialization play in shaping patterns of biodiversity. PSS is available as an R package at https://github.com/cjpardodelahoz/pss.
Genetic diversity and sex‐biased dispersal in the brown spotted pitviper (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus): Evidence from microsatellite markers
Authors: Yu Min , Liu Qin , Wu Ya‐Yong , Guo Peng , Yang Kong
Published: March 2022

Dispersal plays a vital role in the geographical distribution, population genetic structure, quantity dynamics, and evolution of a species. Sex‐biased dispersal is common among vertebrates and many studies have documented a tendency toward male‐biased dispersal in mammals and female‐biased dispersal in birds. However, dispersal patterns in reptiles remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored the genetic diversity and dispersal patterns of the widely distributed Asian pitviper Protobothrops mucrosquamatus. In total, 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci were screened in 150 snakes (48 males, 44 females, 58 samples without sex information) covering most of their distribution. Microsatellite analysis revealed high genetic diversity in P. mucrosquamatus. Bayesian clustering of population assignment identified two major clusters for all populations, somewhat inconsistent with the mitochondrial DNA phylogeny of P. mucrosquamatus reported in previous research. Analyses based on 92 sex‐determined and 37 samples of P. mucrosquamatus from three small sites in Sichuan, China (Mingshan, Yibin, and Zizhong) consistently suggested female‐biased dispersal in P. mucrosquamatus, which is the first example of this pattern in snakes. The female‐biased dispersal patterns in P. mucrosquamatus may be explained by local resource competition.
Detrital supply suppresses deforestation to maintain healthy kelp forest ecosystems
Authors: Rennick Mae , DiFiore Bartholomew P. , Curtis Joseph , Reed Daniel C. , Stier Adrian C.
Published: March 2022

Herbivores can reach extraordinary abundances in many ecosystems. When herbivore abundance is high, heavy grazing can severely defoliate primary producers and, in some cases, even drive ecosystem to undergo regime shifts from a high productivity state to a denuded, low productivity state. While the phenomenon of herbivore‐driven regime shifts is well documented, we only partially understand the mechanisms underlying these events. Here, we combine herbivory experiments with 21 years of long‐term monitoring data of kelp forest ecosystems to test the hypothesis that herbivores drive regime shifts when herbivory exceeds primary production. To test this hypothesis, we quantified how the foraging habits of an important group of marine herbivores—sea urchins—change with increases in sea urchin biomass and trigger regime shifts to a foundation species, giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). Using experiments, we quantified how the grazing capacity of urchins increases as urchin biomass increases, then we combined these estimates of urchin grazing capacity with estimates of kelp production to predict when and where urchin grazing capacity exceeded kelp production. When grazing capacity exceeded kelp production, sea urchins caused a 50‐fold reduction in giant kelp biomass. Our findings support the hypothesis that the balance between herbivory and production underlies herbivore‐driven regime shifts in Southern California kelp forests and provides insight into when and where urchins are likely to force regime shifts in kelp forest ecosystems.
Introduction of quorum sensing elements into bacterial bioreporter circuits enhances explosives’ detection capabilities
Authors: Shpigel Etai , Nathansohn Shiri , Glozman Anat , Rosen Rachel , Shemer Benjamin , Yagur‐Kroll Sharon , Elad Tal , Belkin Shimshon
Published: March 2022

A possible solution for the standoff detection of buried landmines is based on the use of microbial bioreporters, genetically engineered to emit a remotely detectable optical signal in response to trace amounts of explosives’ signature chemicals, mostly 2,4‐dinitrotoluene (DNT). Previously developed DNT sensor strains were based on the fusion of a DNT‐inducible gene promoter to a reporting element, either a fluorescent protein gene or a bacterial bioluminescence gene cassette. In the present study, a different approach was used: the DNT‐inducible promoter activates, in Escherichia coli, the quorum‐sensing luxI and luxR genes of Aliivibrio fischeri. N‐Acyl homoserine lactone (AHL), synthesized by LuxI, combines with LuxR and activates the bioluminescence reporter genes. The resulting bioreporter displayed a dose‐dependent luminescent signal in the presence of DNT. Performance of the sensor strain was further enhanced by manipulation of the sensing element (combining the E. coli DNT‐inducible azoR and yqjF gene promoters), by replacing the luminescence gene cassette of Photorhabdus luminescens luxCDABE with A. fischeri luxCDABEG, and by introducing two mutations, eutE and ygdD, into the host strain. DNT detection sensitivity of the final bioreporter was over 340‐fold higher than the original construct.
Multi‐performance objectives optimum design method and vibration control application of generalized toggle–brace–damper system
Authors: Lan Bingji , He Haoxiang , Wu Shan , Cheng Shitao , Chen Yifei
Published: March 2022

The toggle–brace–damper system (TBDS) is an effective displacement amplification damper occupying a large building space. The small deformation solution, which is widely used, cannot describe the feature that the displacement amplification capacity varies with the lateral displacement of the TBDS. This is not conducive to investigate the performance of the TBDS comprehensively. Therefore, the geometric design and optimization of the TBDS are lack of a theoretical basis. A generalized toggle–brace–damper system (GTBDS), a generalized form of TBDS, is proposed. It has a flexible layout and optimizes the space available. We also introduce an amplification factor of displacement increment (AFDI) that can accurately describe the performance of the GTBDS. The amplification capacity and the geometric sensitivity are two aspects of the performance. The influence of geometric parameters on the performance of the GTBDS is clarified based on the AFDI. Some regulations are also proposed to compare the performance of GTBDSs with different geometric constructions. Two geometric parameter optimization methods of the GTBDS are proposed to balance its amplification capacity, operation safety and geometric sensitivity. The relationship between the displacement amplification capacity and the energy dissipation capacity of the GTBDS is examined. The existing modal energy dissipation method (MEDM) is extended to calculate the additional damping ratio (ADR) provided by the GTBDS. Combining the calculation method of ADR and the geometric optimization methods of GTBDS, a multiperformance objectives design method of the GTBDS is proposed. The case analysis verifies the effectiveness and the feasibility of the design method.
Dating and tectonostratigraphy of the Early Jurassic rift delta at the northwestern margin of the Indian Plate, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Suleman , Jan Muhammad Waqas , Farhan Muhammad , Wadood Bilal , Ahmad Sajjad , Habib Umar , Bashir Noman , Khattak Ihtisham Ul Haq , Jamal Ferdous
Published: March 2022

The study aims to establish the palynostratigraphy, tectonostratigraphy, and palaeoclimate of early Jurassic deltaic strata of the Datta Formation deposited on the northwestern margin of the Indian Plate, Eastern Tethys. Two palynomorph Oppel Biozones namely Quadraeculinaanellae formis‐Chasmatosporites cf. elegans and Callialasporites turbatus were erected which suggest an Hettangian‐Bajocian age for the Datta Formation. The palynofacies integrated with established lithofacies data indicate the dominance of delta plain settings in the western Salt Range and Trans‐Indus Ranges. Such clastic dominated facies truncated along palaeohighs and marine settings in its surroundings, offer good chances of stratigraphic traps within the unit. The literature review suggests that the deposition of deltaic sediments occurred in rift settings, which dominated Gondwana during the Early Jurassic. Such synchronous rift settings with associated continental and deltaic sediments are recorded in almost all continents of Gondwana affinity, thus the Datta Formation is part of a regional delta system. The dominance of Araucariaceae in association with Cycadaceae, as well as the evergreen trees of Cyatheaceae and Matoniaceae within the Datta Formation, indicates warm humid conditions during the deposition of the studied unit.
Enteric bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic‐resistant patterns from the environmental sources in different regions of Ethiopia: A laboratory‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Denku Chalachew Yenew , Ambelu Argaw , Mitike Getnet
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) resulting in the most significant public health and economic threat. Unfortunately, it is one of the missing topics on sustainable development goals (SDGs). Therefore, this laboratory‐based study aimed at determining enteric bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic‐resistant patterns from the environmental sources in different regions of Ethiopia.

Methods

A laboratory‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted by following the standard microbial culture and the Kirby‐Bauer disc diffusion method for identification and AMR patterns of the enteric bacteria using a total of 180 environmental samples from January through June 2020. We employed descriptive statistics to examine the prevalence rate, comparability of results, and summary of AMR patterns of enteric bacteria and a 95% confidence Interval (CI) for considering the statistical significance and give conclusions by using Stata 14.1.

Results

The mean prevalence rates (SD) at 95% CI of AMR enteric bacterial pathogens were 53.13 (2.51)% (52.31, 53.95), 45 (1.85)% (44.40, 45.60), 32.5 (3.01)% (31.10, 33.00), and 31.12 (1.95)% (30.80, 31.45) in Wastewaters, leachate from solid waste dumping sites, waste receiving water bodies (Lake Tana at Bahir Dar and Boye Wetland at Jimma), and Soils sequentially. Specifically, Escherichia coli, Shigella, and Salmonella were 90 (3.10)% (89.00, 91.10), 67.5 (2.58)% (66.72, 68.41), and 45(1.58)% (44.48, 45.52), respectively, investigated in wastewater. In addition, solid waste dumping sites were contaminated with E. coli 80 (3.97)% (79.34, 80.66), Shigella 61 (2.87)% (59.06, 60.94), and Salmonella 42 (5.67)% (40.15, 43.85). This study implies that the waste discharges are the main source of contamination for AMR pathogens to the two aquatic water bodies.

Conclusion

The finding indicated that wastewater and solid waste dumping sites were important sources for AMR enteric pathogens. The finding might have indicated the tip of the iceberg about the environmental contamination with antimicrobial‐resistant enteric pathogens.
Association of pregnancy‐related stigma and intimate partner violence with anxiety and depression among adolescents
Authors: Asiimwe Ronald , Tseng Chi‐Fang , Murray Sarah M. , Ojuka Julius C. , Arima Ethan G. , Familiar‐Lopez Itziar
Published: March 2022

Introduction

We explored the association between pregnancy‐related stigma and intimate partner violence (IPV) with depression and anxiety among adolescents in Uganda.

Methods

We interviewed a convenience sample of 100 adolescents (>18 years) who were pregnant (>3 months) or recently gave birth (<3 months) at Tororo District Hospital, Uganda. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL‐25), physical and sexual IPV were assessed using the WHO violence against women instrument, and pregnancy‐related stigma was captured with a questionnaire. Regression models were used to evaluate associations of pregnancy stigma and IPV with depression and anxiety.

Results

Mean age was 18 years, 84% were primiparous, 66% were married and 57% had only primary school‐level education. About 48% women had clinically meaningful distress levels; 45% reported sexual IPV, 32% physical IPV, and 86% reported experiencing pregnancy‐related stigma. Adjusted models showed that higher levels of depression and anxiety were associated with higher report of pregnancy‐related stigma (β = .27, p = .03), physical IPV, (β = −.24, p < .01), or sexual IPV (β = −.19, p = .05), compared to those who did not. Unemployment (β = −.24, p = .01) and lower educational level (β = −.21, p = .05) were also independent predictors of depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that IPV is common among adolescents in Uganda, as is pregnancy‐related stigma, and both are independent predictors of depression and anxiety. The implications of these findings and the need for clinical interventions for IPV among adolescents are discussed.
Improving Bone Mineral Density Screening by Using Digital X‐Radiogrammetry Combined With Mammography
Authors: Rao Amshuman , Elder Elisabeth , Center Jacqueline R. , Tran Thach , Pocock Nicholas , Elder Grahame J.
Published: March 2022

Fracture risk evaluation of postmenopausal women is suboptimal, but most women undergo screening mammography. Digital X‐radiogrammetry (DXR) determines bone mineral density (BMD) at the metacarpal shaft and can be performed on mammography equipment. This study examined correlations between DXR and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in women undergoing mammography, to identify optimal DXR thresholds for triage to osteoporosis screening by central DXA. Postmenopausal women over age 50 years, recruited from Westmead Hospital's Breast Cancer Institute, underwent mammography, DXR and DXA. Agreements were determined using the area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUC ROC) curve and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. Optimal DXR T‐scores to exclude osteoporosis by DXA were determined using the Youden's method. Of 200 women aged 64 ± 7 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD]), 82% had been diagnosed with breast cancer and 37% reported prior fracture. DXA T‐scores were ≤ −1 at the spine, hip or forearm in 77.5% and accorded with DXR T‐scores in 77%. For DXR and DXA T‐scores ≤ −2.5, the AUC ROC was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81–0.94) at the 1/3 radius, and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64–0.84) for hip or spine. DXR T‐scores > −1.98 provided a negative predictive value of 94% (range, 88%, 98%) for osteoporosis by central DXA. In response to a questionnaire, radiography staff responded that DXR added 5 minutes to patient throughput with minimal workflow impact. In the mammography setting, triaging women with a screening DXR T‐score < −1.98 for DXA evaluation would capture a significant proportion of at‐risk women who may not otherwise be identified and improve current low rates of osteoporosis screening. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Sensitive and selective LC‐MS/MS for the determination of tolperisone and etodolac in human plasma and application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Helmy Marwa Ibrahim , Saad Samah Sabry , Hegazy Maha Abdelmonem , Fayed Ahmed Salah
Published: March 2022

Tolperisone and etodolac were proven to have synergistic effect for patients of acute low back pain associated with musculoskeletal spasm. In this work, a specific, highly sensitive and reproducible analytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of tolperisone and etodolac in human plasma using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometric technique. Liquid–liquid extraction was optimized for sample preparation. Zorbax C8 column (3.5 μm, 50 × 4.6 mm) was used, carrying a mobile phase mixture of 10.0 mM ammonium formate:acetonitrile (40:60, v/v) pH 3.8, running in an isocratic mode. Chlorzoxazone acted as an internal standard. Sample volume of injection was 5.0 μL, and analysis was achieved within 2.5 min. Detection and quantitation were performed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using the multiple‐reaction monitoring mode. The proposed method could determine the analytes in the range of concentration 0.5–200.0 ng mL−1 for tolperisone and 0.05–20.0 μg mL−1 for etodolac. Findings of inter‐ and intraday precisions were ≤12.3% with accuracy of ±5.0%. Pharmacokinetics study for the two drugs after oral administration of healthy human volunteers was achieved with the aid of application of the developed study.
Cheap‐talk advertising, product experience, and reputation concern
Authors: Liu Yuan , Chen Hongmin
Published: March 2022

As platforms have access to more users' data, platforms can know better about users' preferences. In this case, how would users choose a platform? Can platforms convey informative messages by cheap‐talk advertising? Our analytical model suggests that in the case of strong reputation concern, users prefer a known biased platform without reputation concern rather than an unknown platform. Because this unknown platform is more likely to recommend products that help the platform earn reputation, regardless of users' preferences. In semi‐separating equilibria, the unbiased platform truthfully reports its type while the biased platform mixes message on type report.
Convergence analysis of Riemann‐Liouville fractional neural network
Authors: Dong Yumin , Liao Wei , Wu Mingqiu , Hu Wanbin , Chen Zhengquan , Hou Dong
Published: March 2022

Many fractional order calculus researchers believe that fractional order calculus is a good way to solve information processing as well as certain physical system modeling problems. In the training of neural networks, there is the problem of long convergence time. In order to shorten the convergence time of the network, an R‐L gradient descent method is proposed in this study. The article begins with a theoretical proof of the convergence of fractional order derivatives using function approximation and interpolation inequality theorems. Finally, through multiple simulations, it can be obtained that the fractional‐order neural network can maintain a higher accuracy rate compared with the integer‐order neural network, and also can well solve the problem of longer convergence time of the neural network. The convergence time can be reduced by nearly 10% compared to the integer order.
On global adaptive stabilization of a Kirchhoff moving string with variable density
Authors: Kelleche Abdelkarim , Tatar Nasser eddine
Published: March 2022

This paper is concerned with the global adaptive stabilization of a nonlinear axially moving string. The adopted model is of Kirchhoff type and with variable density. The aim is to formulate a control in case no velocity feedback is available. We show that the suggested control is able to stabilize asymptotically the system in spite of the longitudinal movement of the string. The proof is based on LaSalle's invariance principle.
Can urodynamic diagnosis of dysfunctional voiding/external sphincter nonrelaxation be made on two‐channel pressure‐flow study without video‐urodynamics, electromyography, or urethral pressure profilometry? Plateau detrusor pattern in perspective
Authors: Agarwal Mayank M. , Sharma Suresh , Jain Saurabh , Prasad Durga , Bhaskar Ved , Gupta Shailendra , Kapoor Rohit , Kapoor Rakesh
Published: March 2022

Aims

urodynamic diagnosis of dysfunctional voiding/external‐sphincter nonrelaxation (DV/EUSD) needs assistance of specialized testing namely urethral pressure profilometry (UPP), electromyography (EMG), and/or videofluoroscopy (VUDS). We aimed to find a predictive model based on standard pressure‐flow study without need for specialized testing.

Material and Methods

In this retrospective study (2017–2021), clinical and urodynamic data of adult men and women presenting with voiding dysfunction was collected. Mandatory inclusion criteria were availability of all—(1) findings of clinical examination and neurological status, (2) a valid filling cystometry and pressure‐flow study (with active detrusor contraction), (3) a final clinic‐urodynamic diagnosis. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed to confirm the location of obstruction.

Results

Data of 218 participants (178♂, 40♀) was eligible. Plateau detrusor contraction pattern was observed in 89.0% of men and 86% of women with DV/EUSD; whereas only 7.5% men and no women with other obstructions demonstrated this pattern. Forward likelihood Logistic regression analysis revealed presence of plateau pattern, lower bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), and smaller difference between Pdetmax and PdetQmax highly predictive of presence of DV/EUSD in men as per the following equation—Y = −9.900 + (0.085 × BOOI) + (0.123 × pdetmax – pdetQmax) + (4.061 × detrusor pattern). A kattan‐type nomogram was constructed based on the above equation. In women, presence of plateau pattern alone was highly predictive of DV/EUSD.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of DV/EUSD can be accurately predicted using parameters of three‐channel urodynamics (plateau pattern, BOOI, Pdetmax—pdetQmax) minimizing need for specialized testing.
Adaptive experimental design for multi‐fidelity surrogate modeling of multi‐disciplinary systems
Authors: Jakeman John D. , Friedman Sam , Eldred Michael S. , Tamellini Lorenzo , Gorodetsky Alex A. , Allaire Doug
Published: March 2022

We present an adaptive algorithm for constructing surrogate models of multi‐disciplinary systems composed of a set of coupled components. With this goal we introduce “coupling” variables with a priori unknown distributions that allow surrogates of each component to be built independently. Once built, the surrogates of the components are combined to form an integrated‐surrogate that can be used to predict system‐level quantities of interest at a fraction of the cost of the original model. The error in the integrated‐surrogate is greedily minimized using an experimental design procedure that allocates the amount of training data, used to construct each component‐surrogate, based on the contribution of those surrogates to the error of the integrated‐surrogate. The multi‐fidelity procedure presented is a generalization of multi‐index stochastic collocation that can leverage ensembles of models of varying cost and accuracy, for one or more components, to reduce the computational cost of constructing the integrated‐surrogate. Extensive numerical results demonstrate that, for a fixed computational budget, our algorithm is able to produce surrogates that are orders of magnitude more accurate than methods that treat the integrated system as a black‐box.
Environmental Impact Evaluation for Heterogeneously Catalysed Starch Oxidation
Authors: Hoogstad Tim M. , Timmer Stijn M. , van Boxtel Anton J. B. , Buwalda Pieter L. , Bitter Johannes H. , Kiewidt Lars
Published: March 2022

Oxidised starch is currently produced from native starch using sodium hypochlorite as an oxidising agent. The use of hypochlorite has undesired side reactions and produces stoichiometric amounts of waste (salt), thus alternative oxidation methods are desired. In this study, the potential of two catalysed starch oxidation methods to reduce the environmental impact (EI) of oxidised starch production are assessed. We compared the EI of oxidation with molecular oxygen (heterogeneously catalysed) and hydrogen peroxide (homogeneously catalysed) to hypochlorite oxidation through life cycle assessment (LCA). The results confirm that hypochlorite oxidation is the main environmental hotspot in the current process of oxidised starch production, and that both hydroperoxide oxidation and molecular oxygen oxidation can significantly lower the EI of the process. The impact reduction is most significant in the categories of freshwater eutrophication (∼67 %), ozone depletion (∼66 %), climate change (35–60 %) and resource use (40 %–78 %) for peroxide and molecular oxygen oxidation, respectively.
Effects of ABCG1 knockout on proteomic composition of HDL in mice on a chow diet and a high‐fat diet
Authors: Wu Yanxiang , Chen Lianfeng , Xie Ziyan , Wang Chenyu , Zhang Jiahao , Yan Xiaowei
Published: March 2022

ATP‐binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) is a cellular transmembrane protein that transports oxysterol efflux from cells to high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) particles in the plasma. Previous studies have demonstrated that an ABCG1 deficiency exerts an antiatherosclerotic function through the effects of oxysterol accumulation in cells to enhance apoptosis and regulate inflammatory processes. However, whether the deficiency of ABCG1 and the corresponding changes in the efflux of oxysterols could take a series of impacts on the proteomic composition of HDL remains unclear. Here, plasma HDL of ABCG1(−/−) mice and their wild‐type controls on a normal chow diet (NCD) or a high‐fat diet (HFD) were isolated by ultracentrifugation. The proportion of 7‐ketocholesterol and the proteomic composition of samples were comparatively analyzed by LC‐MS/MS. In NCD‐fed mice, lipid metabolism‐related protein (arachidonate 12‐lipoxygenase) and antioxidative protein (pantetheinase) exhibited increased accumulation, and inflammatory response protein (alpha‐1‐antitrypsin) was decreased in accumulation in ABCG1(−/−) mice HDL. In HFD‐fed mice, fewer proteins were detected than that of NCD‐fed mice. The ABCG1(−/−) mice HDL exhibited increased accumulation of lipid metabolism‐related proteins (e.g., carboxylesterase 1C, apolipoprotein (apo)C‐4) and decreased accumulation of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin, as well as significantly reduced proportion of 7‐ketocholesterol. Additionally, positive correlations were found between 7‐ketocholesterol and some essential proteins on HDL, such as alpha‐1‐antitrypsin, apoA‐4, apoB‐100, and serum amyloid A (SAA). These results suggest a detrimental impact of oxysterols on HDL composition, which might affect the antiatherosclerotic properties of HDL.
Predictors of cognitive gains during inpatient rehabilitation for older adults with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Byom Lindsey , Zhao Amy T. , Yang Qing , Oyesanya Tolu , Harris Gabrielle , Cary Michael P. , Bettger Janet Prvu
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) among older adults is increasing and can affect cognition. To effectively meet the rehabilitation needs of older adults, a clearer picture is needed of patient‐, clinical‐, and facility‐level characteristics that affect cognitive recovery during inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) stays.

Objective

To identify patient, clinical, and facility factors associated with cognitive recovery among older adults with TBI who received IRF care.

Design

Secondary data analysis.

Setting

Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation‐participating IRFs in the United States.

Patients

Patients were 65 to 99 years of age at IRF admission for TBI. Participants received IRF care between 2002 and 2018 (N = 137,583); 56.3% were male; 84.2% were white; mean age was 78.7 years.

Main Outcome Measure

Change in Functional Independence Measure Cognitive Score (FIM‐Cognitive) from IRF admission to discharge, categorized as favorable (FIM‐cognitive score gains ≥3 points) or poor (FIM‐cognitive score gains <3 points) cognitive outcomes.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Results

Patients had greater odds of favorable cognitive recovery if they were female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.08), had higher motor functioning at IRF admission (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 1.03–1.04), longer length of stay (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.06–1.07), or received care at a freestanding IRF (vs. hospital rehab unit) (aOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.52–1.61). Patients who were older (aOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–0.99), Black (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.75–0.83), Hispanic or Latino (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.91–1.02), or were part of another racial or ethnic group (aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.81–0.90) (vs. White), had high‐cost comorbid conditions (aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.65–0.76), or who had higher cognitive functioning at IRF admission (aOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.90–0.91) had lower odds of favorable cognitive recovery.

Conclusions

Patient (age, sex, race, ethnicity), clinical (level of functioning at IRF admission, length of stay) and facility (e.g., freestanding IRF) factors contributed to the cognitive recoveries of older adults during IRF stays.
Optimal input filtering for networked iterative learning control systems with packet dropouts and channel noises in both sides
Authors: Huang Lixun , Sun Lijun , Wang Tao , Zhang Qiuwen , Li Jianyong , Zhang Zhe , Liu Weihua
Published: March 2022

This article is concerned with the convergence performance of wireless networked iterative learning control (ILC) systems with data dropouts and channel noises in both sensor‐to‐controller and controller‐to‐actuator channels. In order to improve the convergence performance of such ILC systems, an optimal input filter is developed at the actuator side to estimate controller updated input with the effect of these network uncertainties. Specifically, a filtering model is constructed only by using the learning process of P‐type controllers and the transmission process of both measured output data and updated input data. On the basis of this model and the orthogonality principle, the filter in the sense of linear minimum variance is designed at the actuator side so that the controller updated input could be estimated in iteration domain. The convergence performance of filtering error covariance matrix is analyzed theoretically. Moreover, because the filter design does not employ plant information, the tracking performance of any plant with P‐type learning controllers can be improved by driving with the filtered input. Simulation results show that the proposed filtering method is effective.
TetraFLEX: Design and kinematic analysis of a novel self‐aligning family of 3T1R parallel manipulators
Authors: Simas Henrique , Di Gregorio Raffaele , Simoni Roberto
Published: March 2022

A new family of 3T1R parallel manipulators (PMs) with self‐aligning property, named TetraFLEX, is presented. 3T1R manipulators have many applications in different fields. Moreover, self‐aligning property refers to the presence of passive joints in the PM limbs that are conceived to compensate for possible misalignments between the sliding directions of the actuated prismatic(P)‐pairs. This property allows the fixation of the limbs in different frame geometries. Thus, this advantage broadens the PM applications to field robotics in several scenarios. Here, the position and singularity analyses of the new family of self‐aligning PMs is addressed with a unified approach. The results are that both the direct and the inverse position analyses have simple closed‐form solutions and that wide free‐from‐singularity regions of TetraFLEX PMs' workspace exist. The effectiveness of the technical proposal is also illustrated by discussing their design criteria and kinetostatics performances in a case study.
Selective Hydrogenation of Furfural: Pure Silica Supported Metal Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Min , Yang Jing‐He
Published: March 2022

Furfural is a raw material for the preparation of furan derivatives with active chemical properties. Due to its ability to prepare various high value‐added chemicals through oxidation, condensation, hydrogenation, and other reactions, furfural has received extensive attention. The activity of catalyst depends largely on the solvent effect, reaction temperature, metal‐support interaction, metal nanoparticle size, and also depends on the synthesis method of catalyst. In this review, mono‐metal (Cu, Co, Ni, Fe, Zn, Zr, Au, Pt, Pd, etc.) and bimetallic (Cu−, Ni−, Pt− and Pd−, etc.) catalysts supported on mesoporous silica materials for the hydrogenation of furfural to various high value‐added chemicals in gas or liquid phase are highlighted. At the same time, some feasible suggestions are put forward. Mono‐metal catalysts are prone to deactivation (due to carbon deposition and metal sintering), and the addition of a second metal or solvent modification can be used to improve catalyst activity, furfural conversion, and product selectivity.
Silver Nanocatalyst Based Clock Reaction for Multi‐mode Detection of Tetracycline Antibiotics
Authors: Guo Yue , He Haibo , Peng Ruifeng , Guan Mengting , Yan Xiaoxia , Si Xiaojing , Gu Mingzhi , Lei Yunyi , Luo Liqiang
Published: March 2022

A silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) catalyzed clock reaction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) and NaBH4 was fabricated for multi‐mode detection of tetracyclines (TCs). The yellow 4‐NP was reduced to the colorless 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) using AgNPs as the nanocatalysts, however, it took relatively longer time in the presence of TCs because the AgNPs’ catalytic surface was capped by TCs. The catalytic activity of AgNPs with different concentrations of TCs could be reflected by the visual color and the reaction time of the 4‐NP‐NaBH4 system, which was quantatively measured through chronometric and colorimetric responses. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limits of four TCs were 6.7 to 14.3 nM with the chronometric assay and 28.5 to 42.3 nM with colorimetric assay, respectively. The proposed methods were sensitive to monitor multiple TCs in an economical way, which was successfully applied for detecting of TCs in various environmental water samples.
Metal–Organic Framework Membranes: Advances, Fabrication, and Applications
Authors: Jia Shuyue , Ji Dongxiao , Wang Liming , Qin Xiaohong , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: March 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging porous materials with the characteristics of uniform metal center distribution and adjustable pore size. They have important applications in the fields of energy, environment, and catalysis. However, the practical application of MOFs is limited due to insolubility, brittleness, and hard processing. Shaping MOFs into a useful structure is an urgent need. In this review, the research progress in the fabrication of MOF membranes is introduced with emphasis on two paths: the preparation of pure MOF membranes and the incorporation of MOFs into polymer matrix. The classic and emerging principles to prepare pure MOF membranes and MOF/polymer hybrid membranes are summarized. Through the analysis of classic cases, the advantages and disadvantages of different preparation strategies and products are compared, to provide general knowledge for the needs of different application scenarios. Finally, the important role that the MOF membrane plays in the applications of separation, adsorption, and catalysis is highlighted. The opportunities and challenges of MOF membranes in this new era are also proposed.
Performance Analysis of a CompactThree‐Degree‐of‐FreedomOscillatory Actuator for Haptic Device
Authors: Nakamura Ryosuke , Heya Akira , Hirata Katsuhiro
Published: March 2022

Asymmetric vibration‐based haptic devices are being developed to apply to various applications such as navigation systems. A mobile‐type three‐dimensional haptic device requires a compact structure. Then, we focused on a three‐degree‐of‐freedom oscillatory actuator (3‐DOFOA). However, conventional 3‐DOFOAs are large in size and weight because they need a large and complicated support mechanism on the outside of the magnetic circuit. Furthermore, they do not satisfy both the requirement of similar force characteristics in each axis and no interference. To address these issues, we propose a novel 3‐DOFOA integrated with a support mechanism that has equal static characteristics in each axis without interference. The proposed structure and operating principle are described in detail in this paper, as well as the force, frequency characteristics, and acceleration responses. As these results, it can be concluded that the proposed actuator is suitable for use as a haptic device. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Not-For-Profit Economy for a Regenerative Sustainable World
Authors: Hinton Jennifer B.
Published: March 2022

This chapter offers an overview and explanation of how society’s relationship-to-profit plays a significant role in determining social and ecological outcomes. The way in which societies relate to profit plays out in terms of both formal and informal institutions. One formal institution that is key for sustainability is relationship-to-profit, the legal difference between for-profitand not-for-profit forms of business. This chapter explains how relationship-to-profit, as a basic building block of the entire economy, plays a critical role in determining whether the economy drives sustainability crises or allows for meeting everyone’s needs within the ecological limits of the planet. This analysis reveals that the social and ecological crises of the twenty-first century have the same driver: the pursuit and accumulation of private wealth inherent in the for-profit economy. Yet, existent not-for-profit types of business offer a viable way out of this conundrum. In a market composed of not-for-profit businesses, all economic activity and profit would be oriented toward social benefit, keeping financial and material resources circulating to where they are most needed. The financial surplus of business activity would not accumulate in the hands of a few owners, as it does in the for-profit economy.
Effects of ketamine optical isomers, psilocybin, psilocin and norpsilocin on time estimation and cognition in rats
Authors: Popik Piotr , Hogendorf Adam , Bugno Ryszard , Khoo Shaun Yon-Seng , Zajdel Pawel , Malikowska-Racia Natalia , Nikiforuk Agnieszka , Golebiowska Joanna
Published: March 2022

Rationale

Ketamine and psilocybin belong to the rapid-acting antidepressants but they also produce psychotomimetic effects including timing distortion. It is currently debatable whether these are essential for their therapeutic actions. As depressed patients report that the “time is dragging,” we hypothesized that ketamine and psilocybin-like compounds may produce an opposite effect, i.e., time underestimation, purportedly contributing to their therapeutic properties.

Objectives

Timing was tested following administration of (R)- and (S)-ketamine, and psilocybin, psilocin, and norpsilocin in the discrete-trial temporal discrimination task (TDT) in male rats. Timing related to premature responses, and cognitive and unspecific effects of compounds were tested in the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) in the standard 1-s, and “easier” 2-s stimulus duration conditions, as well as in the vITI variant promoting impulsive responses.

Results

(S)-ketamine (15 but not 3.75 or 7.5 mg/kg) shifted psychometric curve to the right in TDT and reduced premature responses in 5-CSRTT, suggesting expected time underestimation, but it also decreased the accuracy of temporal discrimination and increased response and reward latencies, decreased correct responses, and increased incorrect responses. While (R)-ketamine did not affect timing and produced no unspecific actions, it reduced incorrect responses in TDT and increased accuracy in 5-CSRTT, suggesting pro-cognitive effects. Psilocin and psilocybin produced mainly unspecific effects in both tasks, while norpsilocin showed no effects.

Conclusions

Time underestimation produced by (S)-ketamine could be associated with its antidepressant effects; however, it was accompanied with severe behavioral disruption. We also hypothesize that behavioral disruption produced by psychedelics objectively reflects their psychotomimetic-like actions.