bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metformin and risk of age-related macular degeneration in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gokhale Krishna M , Adderley Nicola J , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Lee Wen Hwa , Han Diana , Coker Jesse , Braithwaite Tasanee , Denniston Alastair K , Keane Pearse A , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah
Published: February 2022

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in its late stages is a leading cause of sight loss in developed countries. Some previous studies have suggested that metformin may be associated with a reduced risk of developing AMD, but the evidence is inconclusive.

Aims

To explore the relationship between metformin use and development of AMD among patients with type 2 diabetes in the UK.

Methods

A large, population-based retrospective open cohort study with a time-dependent exposure design was carried out using IQVIA Medical Research Data, 1995–2019. Patients aged ≥40 with diagnosed type 2 diabetes were included.

The exposed group was those prescribed metformin (with or without any other antidiabetic medications); the comparator (unexposed) group was those prescribed other antidiabetic medications only. The exposure status was treated as time varying, collected at 3-monthly time intervals.

Extended Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate the adjusted HRs for development of the outcome, newly diagnosed AMD.

Results

A total of 173 689 patients, 57% men, mean (SD) age 62.8 (11.6) years, with incident type 2 diabetes and a record of one or more antidiabetic medications were included in the study. Median follow-up was 4.8 (IQR 2.3–8.3, range 0.5–23.8) years. 3111 (1.8%) patients developed AMD. The adjusted HR for diagnosis of AMD was 1.02 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.12) in patients prescribed metformin (with or without other antidiabetic medications) compared with those prescribed any other antidiabetic medication only.

Conclusion

We found no evidence that metformin was associated with risk of AMD in primary care patients requiring treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Health research priorities for wildland firefighters: a modified Delphi study with stakeholder interviews
Authors: Pelletier Chelsea , Ross Christopher , Bailey Katherine , Fyfe Trina M , Cornish Katie , Koopmans Erica
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The increase in global wildland fire activity has accelerated the urgency to understand health risks associated with wildland fire suppression. The aim of this project was to identify occupational health research priorities for wildland firefighters and related personnel.

Design

In order to identify, rank and rate health research priorities, we followed a modified Delphi approach. Data collection involved a two-stage online survey followed by semi-structured interviews.

Setting

British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

Participants included any current or past wildland firefighter or individuals engaged in related roles. There were 132 respondents to the first survey. Responses to the first survey were analysed to produce 10 research topics which were ranked by 75 participants in the second survey (response rate: 84%).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the identification, ranking and level of agreement of research priorities through a two-round online survey. We contextualised these findings through deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews.

Results

The most important research priorities identified were (% consensus): effects of smoke inhalation on respiratory health (89%), fatigue and sleep (80%), mental health (78%), stress (76%) and long-term risk of disease (67%). Interviews were completed with 14 individuals. Two main themes were developed from an inductive content analysis of interview transcripts: (1) understanding the dynamic risk environment; and (2) organisational fit of mitigation strategies.

Conclusions

Participants expressed a general concern with the unknown mental and physical health impacts of their jobs, including the long-term risk of morbidity and mortality. Future research must address knowledge gaps in our understanding of the health impacts of wildland fire and work to develop appropriate mitigation strategies while considering the needs of workers and unpredictable workplace environment.

Trial registration number

Open Science Framework, https://osf.io/ugz4s/
Neuromodulation for the treatment of functional neurological disorder and somatic symptom disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Oriuwa Chika , Mollica Adriano , Feinstein Anthony , Giacobbe Peter , Lipsman Nir , Perez David L , Burke Matthew J
Published: February 2022

Functional neurological disorder and somatic symptom disorder are complex neuropsychiatric conditions that have been linked to circuit-based dysfunction of brain networks. Neuromodulation is a novel therapeutic strategy capable of modulating relevant brain networks, making it a promising potential candidate for the treatment of these patient populations. We conducted a systematic review of Medline, Embase and PsycINFO up to 4 March 2021. Trials investigating neuromodulation devices for the treatment of functional neurological disorder or somatic symptom disorder were selected. Extracted variables included study design, demographic and clinical characteristics, psychiatric comorbidity, neurostimulation protocols, clinical outcome measures and results. 404 studies were identified with 12 meeting inclusion criteria. 221 patients were treated in the included studies with mean study sample size of 18 (4–70). Five studies were randomised clinical trials. Functional motor symptoms (six weakness, four movement disorders) were the most studied subpopulations. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was the most frequently used device (10 studies), followed by electroconvulsive therapy (one study) and direct-current stimulation (one study). Treatment protocols varied in intended therapeutic mechanism(s): eight studies aimed to modulate underlying network dysfunction, five aimed to demonstrate movement (one also leveraged the former) and three boosted their primary mechanism with enhanced suggestion/expectation. All but one study reported positive results; however, methodological/outcome heterogeneity, mixed study quality and small sample sizes precluded quantitative meta-analysis. Neuromodulation, particularly TMS for the treatment of functional motor symptoms, shows preliminary promise in a growing line of research. Larger, sham-controlled studies are needed to further establish efficacy and better understand therapeutic mechanisms.
Effect of intravenous thrombolysis before endovascular therapy on outcome according to collateral status: insight from the ETIS Registry
Authors: Anadani Mohammad , Januel Anne-Christine , Finitsis Stephanos , Clarençon Frédéric , Richard Sébastien , Marnat Gaultier , Bourcier Romain , Sibon Igor , Dargazanli Cyril , Arquizan Caroline , Blanc Raphael , Lapergue Bertrand , Consoli Arturo , Eugene Francois , Vannier Stephane , Caroff Jildaz , Denier Christian , Boulanger Marion , Gauberti Maxime , Rouchaud Aymeric , Macian Montoro Francisco , Rosso Charlotte , Ben Hassen Wagih , Turc Guillaume , Ozkul-Wermester Ozlem , Papagiannaki Chrysanthi , Albucher Jean François , Le Bras Anthony , Evain Sarah , Wolff Valerie , Pop Raoul , Timsit Serge , Gentric Jean-Christophe , Bourdain Frederic , Veunac Louis , de Havenon Adam , Liebeskind David S , Maier Benjamin , Gory Benjamin
Published: February 2022

Background

It is unknown whether collateral status modifies the effect of pretreatment intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) on the outcomes of patients with large vessel occlusions treated with endovascular therapy (EVT). We aimed to assess whether collateral status modifies the effect of IVT on the outcomes of EVT in clinical practice.

Methods

We used data from the ongoing prospective multicentric Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry in France. Patients with anterior circulation proximal large vessel occlusions treated with EVT within 6 hours of symptom onset were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups based on pretreatment with IVT. The two groups were matched based on baseline characteristics. We tested the interaction between collateral status and IVT in unadjusted and adjusted models.

Results

A total of 1589 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 55% received IVT. Using a propensity score matching method, 724 no IVT patients were matched to 549 IVT patients. In propensity score weighted analysis, IVT was associated with higher odds of early neurological improvement (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.33 to 2.26), favorable functional outcome (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.24), excellent functional outcome (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.47 to 2.83), and successful reperfusion (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.51 to 3.16). IVT was not associated with mortality or hemorrhagic complications. There was no interaction between collateral status and IVT association with any of the outcomes.

Conclusions

Collateral status does not modify the effect of pretreatment IVT on the efficacy and safety outcomes of EVT.
Transvascular in vivo microscopy of the subarachnoid space
Authors: Anagnostakou Vania , Epshtein Mark , Ughi Giovanni J , King Robert M , Valavanis Antonios , Puri Ajit S , Gounis Matthew J
Published: February 2022

Background

The micro-architectonics of the subarachnoid space (SAS) remain partially understood and largely ignored, likely the result of the inability to image these structures in vivo. We explored transvascular imaging with high-frequency optical coherence tomography (HF-OCT) to interrogate the SAS.

Methods

In vivo HF-OCT was performed in 10 dogs in both the posterior and anterior cerebral circulations. The conduit vessels used were the basilar, anterior spinal, and middle and anterior cerebral arteries through which the perivascular SAS was imaged. The HF-OCT imaging probe was introduced via a microcatheter and images were acquired using a contrast injection (3.5 mL/s) for blood clearance. Segmentation and three-dimensional rendering of HF-OCT images were performed to study the different configurations and porosity of the subarachnoid trabeculae (SAT) as a function of location.

Results

Of 13 acquisitions, three were excluded due to suboptimal image quality. Analysis of 15 locations from seven animals was performed showing six distinct configurations of arachnoid structures in the posterior circulation and middle cerebral artery, ranging from minimal presence of SAT to dense networks and membranes. Different locations showed predilection for specific arachnoid morphologies. At the basilar bifurcation, a thick, fenestrated membrane had a unique morphology. SAT average thickness was 100 µm and did not vary significantly based on location. Similarly, the porosity of the SAT averaged 91% and showed low variability.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated the feasibility to image the structures of the SAS with transvascular HF-OCT. Future studies are planned to further map the SAT to increase our understanding of their function and possible impact on neurovascular pathologies.
Dose-dependent effects of high intensity focused ultrasound on compound action potentials in an ex vivo rodent peripheral nerve model: comparison to local anesthetics
Authors: Anderson Thomas Anthony , Delgado Jorge , Sun Sharon , Behzadian Negin , Vilches-Moure Jose , Szlavik Robert B , Butts-Pauly Kim , Yeomans David
Published: February 2022

Background

In animal models, focused ultrasound can reversibly or permanently inhibit nerve conduction, suggesting a potential role in managing pain. We hypothesized focused ultrasound’s effects on action potential parameters may be similar to those of local anesthetics.

Methods

In an ex vivo rat sciatic nerve model, action potential amplitude, area under the curve, latency to 10% peak, latency to 100% peak, rate of rise, and half peak width changes were assessed after separately applying increasing focused ultrasound pressures or concentrations of bupivacaine and ropivacaine. Focused ultrasound’s effects on nerve structure were examined histologically.

Results

Increasing focused ultrasound pressures decreased action potential amplitude, area under the curve, and rate of rise, increased latency to 10% peak, and did not change latency to 100% peak or half peak width. Increasing local anesthetic concentrations decreased action potential amplitude, area under the curve, and rate of rise and increased latency to 10% peak, latency to 100% peak, and half peak width. At the highest focused ultrasound pressures, nerve architecture was altered compared with controls.

Discussion

While some action potential parameters were altered comparably by focused ultrasound and local anesthetics, there were small but notable differences. It is not evident if these differences may lead to differences in clinical pain effects when focused ultrasound is applied in vivo or if focused ultrasound pressures that result in clinically relevant changes damage nerve structures. Given the potential advantages of a non-invasive technique for managing pain conditions, further investigation may be warranted in an in vivo pain model.
Bowhead whale calf detections in the western Beaufort sea during the open water season, 2012–2019
Authors: Clarke J.T. , Ferguson M.C. , Okkonen S.R. , Brower A.A. , Willoughby A.L.
Published: February 2022

Successful reproduction is essential to a species existence. Here we summarize Bering–Chukchi–Beaufort (BCB) bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus Linnaeus, 1758) calf distribution, ratio of calf to adult sightings, and encounter rate from data collected during line–transect aerial surveys conducted from July to October 2012–2019 in the western Beaufort Sea (140°W–157°W). During 223,000 on effort km, a total of 274 calves were seen: 100 in summer (July–August) and 174 in fall (September–October), compared with nearly 3,200 non-calves. Calves were widely distributed in the study area in August and September, with distribution in July largely east of 150°W and distribution in October west of 143°W. Calf ratios and encounter rates appear to follow a 3–4 year cycle. Most calves (240/274; 88%) were seen near an adult assumed to be the maternal female, but 9% (26/274) of all calves were observed unaccompanied at the surface and 3% (8/274) were observed with large whales at the surface but not close by. Of the total calves detected, 60% (165/274) were observed after circling was initiated, highlighting the importance of closely investigating all bowhead whale sightings if identification of calves is critical to project goals. Bowhead whale calf data from the eastern Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulf in August 2019 are also summarized.
Molecular analysis of nematode-responsive defence genes CRF1, WRKY45, and PR7 in Solanum lycopersicum tissues during the infection of plant-parasitic nematode species of the genus Meloidogyne
Authors: Bozbuga Refik
Published: February 2022

Several pathogens, including nematodes, have severe effects on plant development and growth, and immense populations of parasitic nematodes may cause plant death and crop loss. Obligate plant-parasitic nematodes and root-knot nematodes belonging to the genus Meloidogyne are significant parasites in crops. During nematode infection, damage-associated molecular patterns play a role in the activation of plant defence responses to pathogens. Several genes are involved in Meloidogyne parasitism. However, the expression of nematode-responsive genes CRF1, WRKY45, and PR7 during infection with different parasitic nematode species is not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal plant responses to differential gene expression of nematode-responsive genes in tomato plants, and their relationship to nematode reproduction and comparative phylogeny. Molecular methods for gene expression, greenhouse work for nematode reproduction, and phylogenetic analysis were used to determine nematode–plant interactions. The results revealed that differential gene expression of CRF1, WRKY45, and PR7 depended on the nematode species. The relative CRF1 gene expression reached its highest level at 3 dpi, following nematode infection. In conclusion, plant defense responses disturbed the expression of nematode-responsive genes, and the differential expression of nematode-responsive genes was affected by nematode species and nematode parasitism.
The role of pore pressure and its prediction in deep geothermal energy drilling – examples from the North Alpine Foreland Basin, SE Germany
Authors: Drews Michael C. , Shatyrbayeva Indira , Bohnsack Daniel , Duschl Florian , Obermeier Peter , Loewer Markus , Flechtner Ferdinand , Keim Maximilian
Published: February 2022

Pore pressure prediction is a well-developed key discipline for well planning in the hydrocarbon industry, suggesting a similar importance for deep geothermal wells, especially, since drilling cost is often the largest investment in deep geothermal energy projects. To address the role of pore pressure prediction in deep geothermal energy, we investigated pore pressure-related drilling problems in the overpressured North Alpine Foreland Basin in SE Germany – one of Europe's most extensively explored deep geothermal energy plays. In the past, pore pressure was mainly predicted via maximum drilling mud weights of offset hydrocarbon wells, but recently more data became available, which led to a re-evaluation of the pore pressure distribution in this area. To compare the impact of pore pressure and its prediction, 70% of all deep geothermal wells drilled have been investigated for pore pressure-related drilling problems and two deep geothermal projects are given as more detailed examples. Thereby, pore pressure-related drilling problems were encountered in one third of all wells drilled, resulting in several side-tracks and an estimated drilling rate decrease of up to 40%, highlighting the importance of accurate pore pressure prediction to significantly reduce the cost of deep geothermal drilling in overpressured environments.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Geopressure collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/geopressure
Analysis of buckling failure process for the Xiaguiwa landslide in southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Guo Yanchen , Dai Fuchu , Zhao Siyuan , Yao Aijun
Published: February 2022

Detailed field investigations at the Xiaguiwa landslide in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau (China) demonstrated how deep-seated buckling deformation can develop in a rapid slope failure. The results suggest that there exist three distinct phases during the buckling failure process: the moderately deformed phase, the heavily deformed phase and the failure phase. The Xiaguiwa landslide finally blocked the Jinsha River, formed a dammed lake and produced lacustrine deposits; these results represent common post-failure features associated with a rapid large landslide in the high-relief region in the Tibetan Plateau.
A Twitter Framework to assess the Effectiveness of Indian Government Campaign
Authors: Dhiman Aarzoo , Toshniwal Durga
Published: February 2022

Many government and private agencies introduce social, governmental, educational, commercial and public-health based campaigns to refine various sections of the society. Traditionally, citizen feedback and on-field surveys are performed to assess the effectiveness of such campaigns. However, there is limited availability of the social media tools that assess the impact of different government campaigns automatically. In this research work, a framework has been proposed which uses the social media data i.e. Twitter data pertaining to an Indian Cleanliness Campaign
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA)
to perform the effectiveness assessment. This research work has been performed in two parts. First, Twitter data has been processed to predict the perceptions of citizens using
Word Embeddings
-based
Tweet Pooling
and
Subjectivity score
-based
Sentiment Analysis
and second, the performance of the cities has been predicted using the
demographic features
based predictor models. The experimentation shows a 0.77 correlation between the proposed framework and the government surveys while predicting the citizens’ perspectives and 80(+/-15)% accuracy while predicting the performance of cities using Random Forest Regression. Furthermore, the cities have been clustered using Twitter and the demographic data to find out the interesting patterns and behaviors. This research work provides better insights to the potential of social media data in the interventional studies of the developing countries such as India.
Survey on Digital Video Stabilization: Concepts, Methods, and Challenges
Authors: Roberto e Souza Marcos , Maia Helena de Almeida , Pedrini Helio
Published: February 2022

Digital video stabilization is a challenging task that aims to transform a potentially shaky video into a pleasant one by smoothing the camera trajectory. Despite the various works found in the literature addressing this task, their organization and analysis have not yet received much attention. In this work, we present a thorough review of the literature for video stabilization, organized according to a proposed taxonomy. A formal definition for the problem is introduced, along with a brief interpretation in physical terms. We also provide a comprehensive discussion on the main challenges and future trends for this active area.
LoRa Networking Techniques for Large-scale and Long-term IoT: A Down-to-top Survey
Authors: Li Chenning , Cao Zhichao
Published: February 2022

Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWANs) are an emerging Internet-of-Things (IoT) paradigm, which caters to large-scale and long-term sensory data collection demand. Among the commercialized LPWAN technologies, LoRa (Long Range) attracts much interest from academia and industry due to its open-source physical (PHY) layer and standardized networking stack. In the flourishing LoRa community, many observations and countermeasures have been proposed to understand and improve the performance of LoRa networking in practice. From the perspective of the LoRa networking stack; however, we lack a whole picture to comprehensively understand what has been done or not and reveal what the future trends are.

This survey proposes a taxonomy of a two-dimensional (i.e., networking layers, performance metrics) to categorize and compare the cutting-edge LoRa networking techniques. One dimension is the layered structure of the LoRa networking stack. From down to the top, we have the PHY layer, Link layer, Media-access Control (MAC) layer, and Application (App) layer. In each layer, we focus on the three most representative layer-specific research issues for fine-grained categorizing. The other dimension is LoRa networking performance metrics, including range, throughput, energy, and security. We compare different techniques in terms of these metrics and further overview the open issues and challenges, followed by our observed future trends. According to our proposed taxonomy, we aim at clarifying several ways to achieve a more effective LoRa networking stack and find more LoRa applicable scenarios, leading to a brand-new step toward a large-scale and long-term IoT.
Security and Privacy in Unified Communication
Authors: Reisinger Thomas , Wagner Isabel , Boiten Eerke Albert
Published: February 2022

The use of unified communication; video conferencing, audio conferencing, and instant messaging has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, security and privacy considerations have often been neglected. This article provides a comprehensive survey of security and privacy in Unified Communication (UC). We systematically analyze security and privacy threats and mitigations in a generic UC scenario. Based on this, we analyze security and privacy features of the major UC market leaders, and we draw conclusions on the overall UC landscape. While confidentiality in communication channels is generally well protected through encryption, other privacy properties are mostly lacking on UC platforms.
Fuzzy Contrast Set Based Deep Attention Network for Lexical Analysis and Mental Health Treatment
Authors: Ahmed Usman , Lin Jerry Chun-Wei , Srivastava Gautam
Published: February 2022

Internet-delivered psychological treatments (IDPT) consider mental problems based on Internet interaction. With such increased interaction because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more online tools have been widely used to provide evidence-based mental health services. This increase helps cover more population by using fewer resources for mental health treatments. Adaptivity and customization for the remedy routine can help solve mental health issues quickly. In this research, we propose a fuzzy contrast-based model that uses an attention network for positional weighted words and classifies mental patient authored text into distinct symptoms. After that, the trained embedding is used to label mental data. Then the attention network expands its lexicons to adapt to the usage of transfer learning techniques. The proposed model uses similarity and contrast sets to classify the weighted attention words. The fuzzy model then uses the sets to classify the mental health data into distinct classes. Our method is compared with non-embedding and traditional techniques to demonstrate the proposed model. From the experiments, the feature vector can achieve a high ROC curve of 0.82 with problems associated with nine symptoms.
PhiNets: A Scalable Backbone for Low-power AI at the Edge
Authors: Paissan Francesco , Ancilotto Alberto , Farella Elisabetta
Published: February 2022

In the Internet of Things era, where we see many interconnected and heterogeneous mobile and fixed smart devices, distributing the intelligence from the cloud to the edge has become a necessity. Due to limited computational and communication capabilities, low memory and limited energy budget, bringing artificial intelligence algorithms to peripheral devices, such as end-nodes of a sensor network, is a challenging task and requires the design of innovative solutions. In this work, we present
PhiNets
, a new scalable backbone optimized for deep-learning-based image processing on resource-constrained platforms.
PhiNets
are based on inverted residual blocks specifically designed to decouple the computational cost, working memory, and parameter memory, thus exploiting all available resources for a given platform. With a YoloV2 detection head and Simple Online and Realtime Tracking (SORT), the proposed architecture achieves state-of-the-art results in (i) detection on the COCO and VOC2012 benchmarks, and (ii) tracking on the MOT15 benchmark.
PhiNets
obtain a reduction in parameter count of around 90% with respect to previous state-of-the-art models (EfficientNetv1, MobileNetv2) and achieve better performance with lower computational cost. Moreover, we demonstrate our approach on a prototype node based on an STM32H743 microcontroller (MCU) with 2 MB of internal Flash and 1MB of RAM and achieve power requirements in the order of 10 mW. The code for the
PhiNets
is publicly available on GitHub.

1
IL-6 Revisited: From Rheumatoid Arthritis to CAR T Cell Therapy and COVID-19
Authors: Kishimoto Tadamitsu , Kang Sujin
Published: February 2022

The diverse biological activity of interleukin-6 (IL-6) contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis. Emergent infection or tissue injury induces rapid production of IL-6 and activates host defense through augmentation of acute-phase proteins and immune responses. However, excessive IL-6 production and uncontrolled IL-6 receptor signaling are critical to pathogenesis. Over the years, therapeutic agents targeting IL-6 signaling, such as tocilizumab, a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, have shown remarkable efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis, Castleman disease, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and their efficacy in other diseases is continually being reported. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the benefit of tocilizumab for several types of acute inflammatory diseases, including cytokine storms induced by chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we refocus attention on the biology of IL-6 and summarize the distinct pathological roles of IL-6 signaling in several acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
T Cell Responses to the Microbiota
Authors: Ivanov Ivaylo I. , Tuganbaev Timur , Skelly Ashwin N. , Honda Kenya
Published: February 2022

The immune system employs recognition tools to communicate with its microbial evolutionary partner. Among all the methods of microbial perception, T cells enable the widest spectrum of microbial recognition resolution, ranging from the crudest detection of whole groups of microbes to the finest detection of specific antigens. The application of this recognition capability to the crucial task of combatting infections has been the focus of classical immunology. We now appreciate that the coevolution of the immune system and the microbiota has led to development of a lush immunological decision tree downstream of microbial recognition, of which an inflammatory response is but one branch. In this review we discuss known T cell–microbe interactions in the gut and place them in the context of an algorithmic framework of recognition, context-dependent interpretation, and response circuits across multiple levels of microbial recognition resolution. The malleability of T cells in response to the microbiota presents an opportunity to edit immune response cellularity, identity, and functionality by utilizing microbiota-controlled pathways to promote human health.
Classical and Nonclassical Nucleation and Growth Mechanisms for Nanoparticle Formation
Authors: Jun Young-Shin , Zhu Yaguang , Wang Ying , Ghim Deoukchen , Wu Xuanhao , Kim Doyoon , Jung Haesung
Published: February 2022

All solid materials are created via nucleation. In this evolutionary process, nuclei form in solution or at interfaces, expand by monomeric growth and oriented attachment, and undergo phase transformation. Nucleation determines the location and size of nuclei, whereas growth controls the size, shape, and aggregation of newly formed nanoparticles. These physical properties of nanoparticles can affect their functionalities, reactivities, and porosities, as well as their fate and transport. Recent advances in nanoscale analytical technologies allow in situ real-time observations, enabling us to uncover the molecular nature of nuclei and the critical controlling factors for nucleation and growth. Although a single theory cannot yet fully explain such evolving processes, we have started to better understand how both classical andnonclassical theories can work together, and we have begun to recognize the importance of connecting these theories. This review discusses the recent convergence of knowledge about the nucleation and growth of nanoparticles.
Non-Modernization: Power–Culture Trajectories and the Dynamics of Political Institutions
Authors: Acemoglu Daron , Robinson James
Published: February 2022

Modernization theory is a cornerstone of much of political science, despite the mounting evidence against its predictions. We outline a theory in which the distribution of political power critically combines with political culture. We call the basic components of culture “attributes” and argue that these can be combined into larger cultural configurations. These configurations interact with the distribution of power and lead to three distinct self-reinforcing paths of political development, with very different state–society relations, institutions, and economic structures. These are paths to Despotic, Absent, and Shackled Leviathans. The role of cultural configurations is critical in legitimizing the social arrangements in each path. None of the three different paths we highlight support modernization theory. We discuss how political equilibria can change in ways critically dependent on cultural and political entrepreneurship in order to formulate and popularize new cultural configurations and institutionalize political changes.
Review—Micro/Nanoelectrodes and Their Use in Electrocrystallization: Historical Perspective and Current Trends
Authors: Mao Guangzhao , Kilani Mohamed , Ahmed Mostak
Published: February 2022

Crystallization is at the heart of many industrial processes in pharmaceuticals, dyes and pigments, microelectronics, and emerging wearable sensors. This paper reviews nucleation and early-stage crystal growth activated by an electrical pulse at microelectrodes and nanoelectrodes. We review thermodynamic and kinetic theories of electrochemistry developed around microelectrodes. We describe various methods to make microelectrodes and nanoelectrodes. Fundamental understanding is still needed for predicting and controlling nucleation and early-stage crystal growth. Using nanoelectrodes, nucleation and growth kinetics can be studied on one nucleation site at a time. In contrast, on macroelectrodes, nanoparticles are nucleated at random sites and at different times. This gives rise to overlapping growth zones resulting in inhomogeneous particle deposition and growth. The random size and density distributions prevent electrodeposition from being widely adopted as a manufacturing tool for making nanodevices. We describe advances in electrodeposition of metal nanoparticles and organic charge-transfer complexes on micro/nanoelectrodes. We anticipate increased interests in applying electrochemistry for making nanodevices particularly nanosensors and nanosensor arrays. These electrochemically fabricated nanosensor arrays will in turn fulfill the promise of nanoelectrodes as the most advanced analytical tools for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and renewable energy.
Sex differences in right ventricular adaptation to pressure overload in a rat model
Authors: Cheng Tik-Chee , Tabima Diana M. , Caggiano Laura R. , Frump Andrea L. , Hacker Timothy A. , Eickhoff Jens C. , Lahm Tim , Chesler Naomi C.
Published: February 2022

Sex differences in right ventricular mechanical efficiency and energetic adaptation to increased right ventricular afterload were measured. Despite sex-dependent differences in contractile and fibrotic responses, right ventricular mechanoenergetic adaptation was comparable between the sexes, suggesting a homeostatic target.
Cardiovasomobility: an integrative understanding of how disuse impacts cardiovascular and skeletal muscle health
Authors: Trinity Joel D. , Drummond Micah J. , Fermoyle Caitlin C. , McKenzie Alec I. , Supiano Mark A. , Richardson Russell S.
Published: February 2022

Cardiovasomobility is a novel concept that encompasses the integration of cardiovascular and skeletal muscle function in health and disease with critical modification by physical activity, or lack thereof. Compelling evidence indicates that physical activity improves health while a sedentary, or inactive, lifestyle accelerates cardiovascular and skeletal muscle dysfunction and hastens disease progression. Identifying causative factors for vascular and skeletal muscle dysfunction, especially in humans, has proven difficult due to the limitations associated with cross-sectional investigations. Therefore, experimental models of physical inactivity and disuse, which mimic hospitalization, injury, and illness, provide important insight into the mechanisms and consequences of vascular and skeletal muscle dysfunction. This review provides an overview of the experimental models of disuse and inactivity and focuses on the integrated responses of the vasculature and skeletal muscle in response to disuse/inactivity. The time course and magnitude of dysfunction evoked by various models of disuse/inactivity are discussed in detail, and evidence in support of the critical roles of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress are presented. Lastly, strategies aimed at preserving vascular and skeletal muscle dysfunction during disuse/inactivity are reviewed. Within the context of cardiovasomobility, experimental manipulation of physical activity provides valuable insight into the mechanisms responsible for vascular and skeletal muscle dysfunction that limit mobility, degrade quality of life, and hasten the onset of disease.
No effect of acute tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) supplementation on vascular dysfunction in the old
Authors: Bisconti Angela V. , Garten Ryan S. , Broxterman Ryan M. , Jarrett Catherine L. , Park Soung Hun , Shields Katherine L. , Clifton Heather L. , Ratchford Stephen M. , Reese Van , Zhao Jia , Wray D. Walter , Richardson Russell S.
Published: February 2022

Despite two different experimental approaches, acute BH4 supplementation did not affect vascular function in older adults, as measured by flow-mediated vasodilation. Plasma levels of both BH4 and BH2, the BH4 oxidized form, significantly increased after acute BH4 supplementation, resulting in an unchanged ratio of BH4/BH2, a key determining factor for endothelial nitric oxide synthase coupling. Therefore, likely due to the elevated oxidative stress with advancing age, acute BH4 supplementation does not correct vascular dysfunction in the old.
Comparing muscle V̇o2 from near-infrared spectroscopy desaturation rate to pulmonary V̇o2 during cycling below, at, and above the maximal lactate steady state
Authors: Azevedo Rafael de Almeida , Forot Jonas , Millet Guillaume Y. , Murias Juan M.
Published: February 2022

It is unknown if muscle oxygen uptake (V̇o2m) derived from near-infrared spectroscopy oxygen desaturation slope during 5-s blood flow occlusion, is similar to the pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇o2p) across time and among different exercise intensities. We showed that 1) V̇o2m and V̇o2p had similar responses across time and among intensities below, at, and above the maximal lactate steady state; 2) both variables were strongly correlated; and 3) there was no difference between females and males.
Physiological dead space during exercise in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Balmain Bryce N. , Tomlinson Andrew R. , MacNamara James P. , Sarma Satyam , Levine Benjamin D. , Hynan Linda S. , Babb Tony G.
Published: February 2022

Calculating VD/VT with and without correcting for VDM yields quantitively and qualitatively different results, which could have an important impact on the interpretation of V/Q mismatch in HFpEF. The finding that V/Q mismatch and gas exchange efficiency worsened, as reflected by an increase in VD/VTVDM during exercise, has not been previously demonstrated in HFpEF. Thus, further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms explaining the increase in VD/VTVDM during exercise in patients with HFpEF.
Biotechnological Application of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus delbrueckii sp. bulgaricus for Protein Enrichment of Fermented Unmalted and Malted Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)
Authors: Yafetto Levi , Nsiah-Asamoah Christiana Naa Atsreh , Birikorang Emmanuel , Odamtten George Tawia
Published: February 2022

This study evaluated changes in protein contents of malted and unmalted sorghum, and their formulated blends, after fermentation for 10 days at 25°C with mono and cocultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus delbrueckii sp. bulgaricus. Fermentation of unmalted and malted sorghum and their formulated blends of 1 : 1 (

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), 3 : 1 (

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), and 1 : 3 (

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) by S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus could increase their protein contents. Thus, there was an increase in protein content of fermented, malted sorghum by 68.40% for S. cerevisiae, 34.98% for L. bulgaricus, and 76.59% for cocultures of S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus; protein contents of fermented, unmalted sorghum also increased by 58.20, 39.36, and 55.00% for monoculture of S. cerevisiae, monoculture of L. bulgaricus, and coculture of S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus, respectively. S. cerevisiae was more effective in enriching protein content of the 1 : 3 (

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) formulated blend of unmalted-malted sorghum by 77.59%; L. bulgaricus was more effective in enriching protein content of the 3 : 1 (

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) unmalted-malted sorghum blend by 60.00%; coculture of S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus enriched the protein content of 3 : 1 (

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) unmalted-malted sorghum substrate by 44.54%. Significant (

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≤
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) increases in fat with corresponding decreases in carbohydrate and fibre contents were consistently recorded in malted and unmalted sorghum. In the formulated blends of sorghum, fat, carbohydrate, and fibre contents either increased or decreased erratically after fermentation. There were significantly (

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≤
0.05

) higher protein contents in malted sorghum, compared to unmalted sorghum. These findings show that solid-state microbial fermentation technology, using S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus, either as mono- or coculture, could effectively enrich the protein contents of unmalted and malted sorghum and their formulated blends. The implications of the findings for infant and adult nutrition are discussed, and future work to augment findings is suggested.
Building Classification Algorithm Based on Improved Hough Transform and Geographic Information System
Authors: Lu Guanyao , Xu Dan , Meng Yue
Published: February 2022

Although determining the type of building can be useful for 3D reconstruction, image retrieval, and other applications, it is often difficult to do so automatically. A building classification algorithm using a geographic information system (GIS) is proposed in this paper. The typical adjustment of building polygon, local convex-concave simplification of large-area polygon contour, and local exaggeration of competing polygon groups merging in small-area polygon is the main topics of this paper. The preliminary outline area is obtained by analyzing the corner characteristics of two basic types of buildings in urban buildings using a large-scale morphological screen. The classification statistics of all kinds of corners are carried out using the improved Hough transform and the proposed line segment and corner optimization algorithm, and the automatic classification of flat-roofed and nonflat-roofed buildings photographed by digital cameras is realized. The experimental results show that the algorithm simplifies the polygons in a reasonable way while maintaining the block shape. Furthermore, the optimization algorithm proposed in this paper effectively eliminates the influence of false contours, allowing for high-accuracy building type judgment.
Machine Learning‐Based Probabilistic Seismic Demand Model of Continuous Girder Bridges
Authors: Li Wenshan , Huang Yong , Xie Zikai
Published: February 2022

Probabilistic seismic demand model (PSDM) is one of the critical components of performance‐based earthquake engineering frameworks. The aim of this study is to propose a procedure to generate PSDMs for a typical regular continuous‐girder bridge subjected to far and near‐fault ground motions (GMs) utilizing machine‐learning methods. A series of nonlinear time history analyses (NTHAs) is carried out to calculate the damage caused by the far and near‐fault GMs for four different site conditions, and 21 seismic intensity measures (IMs) are considered. Subsequently, PSDMs are established for the IMs and engineering demand parameters based on the existing NTHA data using machine‐learning methods, which include linear regression, Bayesian regression (BR), and a tree‐based model. The results indicated that random forest (RF) is the most suitable model to predict the longitudinal and transverse curvature at the bottom of the four piers from the coefficients of determination. More specifically, the relative importance of each parameter in the model is evaluated, and peak ground velocity (PGV), peak spectral velocity (PSV), Arias intensity (AI), and Fajfar intensity (FI) are found to be the critical factors for the RF‐based PSDM. Finally, all of these parameters, except AI, are correlated with velocity. The research results explore a new method for establishing the seismic demand model of continuous‐girder bridges, which can provide suggestions for seismic damage prediction and seismic insurance risk evaluation.
A Machine Learning-Based Study of the Effects of Air Pollution and Weather in Respiratory Disease Patients Visiting Emergency Departments
Authors: Lee Eu Sun , Kim Jung-Youn , Yoon Young-Hoon , Kim Seoung Bum , Kahng Hyungu , Park Jinhyeok , Kim Jaehoon , Lee Minjae , Hwang Haeun , Park Sung Joon
Published: February 2022

Background. To date, investigating respiratory disease patients visiting the emergency departments related with fined dust is limited. This study aimed to analyze the effects of two variable-weather and air pollution on respiratory disease patients who visited emergency departments. Methods. This study utilized the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) database. The meteorological data were obtained from the National Climate Data Service. Each weather factor reflected the accumulated data of 4 days: a patient’s visit day and 3 days before the visit day. We utilized the RandomForestRegressor of scikit-learn for data analysis. Result. The study included 525,579 participants. This study found that multiple variables of weather and air pollution influenced the respiratory diseases of patients who visited emergency departments. Most of the respiratory disease patients had acute upper respiratory infections [J00–J06], influenza [J09–J11], and pneumonia [J12–J18], on which PM10 following temperature and steam pressure was the most influential. As the top three leading causes of admission to the emergency department, pneumonia [J12–J18], acute upper respiratory infections [J00–J06], and chronic lower respiratory diseases [J40–J47] were highly influenced by PM10. Conclusion. Most of the respiratory patients visiting EDs were diagnosed with acute upper respiratory infections, influenza, and pneumonia. Following temperature, steam pressure and PM10 had influential relations with these diseases. It is expected that the number of respiratory disease patients visiting the emergency departments will increase by day 3 when the steam pressure and temperature values are low, and the variables of air pollution are high. The number of respiratory disease patients visiting the emergency departments will increase by day 3 when the steam pressure and temperature values are low, and the variables of air pollution are high.
Effect of Nanoaluminium Nitride Ceramic Particles on Microstructure, Mechanical Wear, and Machining Behavior of Al‐Si‐Mg Alloy Matrix Composites Produced by Bottom Pouring Type Stir Casting Route
Authors: Meignanamoorthy M. , Mohanavel V. , Velmurugan P. , Ravichandran M. , Alonazi Wadi B. , Sivakumar S. , Gebrekidan Atkilt Mulu
Published: February 2022

Aluminium alloy strengthened with the ceramic particle is widely utilized for numerous engineering usages owing to its less weight, and superior mechanical and tribological behavior. The purpose of this research is to manufacture AA6063‐Nano AlN composites via stir casting (SC) process and to examine the mechanical, tribological, electrical, and thermal and CNC drilling behavior. Nano AlN was mixed with AA6063 at 4, 8, and 12 wt.%. The occurrence and dispersal of Nano AlN particles in AA6063 matrix were inspected via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The density and porosity were explored. The mechanical studies on microhardness, tensile strength and yield strength, flexural strength, and compressive strength have been done. SEM fractographic examination was made on the tensile fracture samples. The thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity and electrical conductivity, and salt spray corrosion analysis were made on the produced composites. The tribological behavior of the composites was studied using numerous parameters, reinforcement wt.%, load (L), sliding velocity (SV), and sliding distance (SD). The worn surface examination was done via SEM. The CNC drilling behavior was done at different parameter speed (S), feed (F), and depth of cut (DOC). Experiments were carried out according to the L9 orthogonal array (OA). Optimal process parameter to attain higher material removal rate (MRR) and least surface roughness (SR) was identified via Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). ANOVA outcomes revealed that feed rate is the foremost noteworthy parameter (45.89%) influencing MRR and SR.