bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term safety and efficacy of Preserflo™ Microshunt in glaucoma patients: a multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bhayani Raj , Martínez de la Casa Jose Maria , Figus Michele , Klabe Karsten , Rabiolo Alessandro , Mercieca Karl
Published: March 2022

Background/aims

To evaluate 1-year success rates and safety profile of Preserflo™ Microshunt in glaucoma patients.

Methods

Retrospective multicentre cohort study of 100 consecutive eyes (91 patients) from four tertiary-referral glaucoma centres. Four intraocular pressure (IOP) criteria were defined: A: IOP ≤ 21 mmHg+IOP reduction ≥20% from baseline; B: IOP ≤ 18 mmHg+IOP reduction ≥20%; C: IOP ≤ 15 mmHg+IOP reduction ≥25%; D: IOP≤12 mmHg+IOP reduction ≥30%. Success was defined as qualified or complete based on whether reached with or without medication. Primary outcome was success according to the above criteria. Secondary outcomes included: IOP, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), medication use, complications, postoperative interventions, and failure-associated factors.

Results

Qualified and complete success rates (95% CI) at 12 months were 74%(66–83%) and 58%(49–69%) for criterion A, 72%(63–82%) and 57%(48–68%) for B, 52%(43–63%) and 47%(38–58%) for C, 29%(21–40%) and 26%(19–36%) for D. Overall median (interquartile range (IQR)) preoperative IOP decreased from 21.5(19–28) mmHg to 13(11–16) mmHg at 12 months. BCVA was not significantly different up to 12 months (p = 0.79). Preoperative median (IQR) number of medications decreased from 3 (2–3) to 0 (0–1) at 12 months. Twelve eyes underwent needling, five surgical revision and one device removal due to corneal oedema. There were no hypotony-related complications. Non-Caucasian ethnicity was the only risk factor consistently associated with increased failure.

Conclusions

Preserflo™ Microshunt is a viable surgical option in glaucoma patients, with reasonable short-term success rates, decreased medications use, excellent safety profile, smooth postoperative care, and rapid learning curve. Success rates for the most stringent IOP cutoffs were modest, indicating that it may not be the optimal surgery when very low target IOP is required.
Oxytocin receptors influence the development and maintenance of social behavior in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Gemmer Anja , Mirkes Kristina , Anneser Lukas , Eilers Tim , Kibat Caroline , Mathuru Ajay , Ryu Soojin , Schuman Erin
Published: March 2022

Zebrafish are highly social teleost fish and an excellent model to study social behavior. The neuropeptide Oxytocin is associated different social behaviors as well as disorders resulting in social impairment like autism spectrum disorder. However, how Oxytocin receptor signaling affects the development and expression kinetics of social behavior is not known. In this study we investigated the role of the two oxytocin receptors, Oxtr and Oxtrl, in the development and maintenance of social preference and shoaling behavior in 2- to 8-week-old zebrafish. Using CRISPR/Cas9 mediated oxtr and oxtrl knock-out fish, we found that the development of social preference is accelerated if one of the Oxytocin receptors is knocked-out and that the knock-out fish reach significantly higher levels of social preference. Moreover, oxtr−/− fish showed impairments in the maintenance of social preference. Social isolation prior to testing led to impaired maintenance of social preference in both wild-type and oxtr and oxtrl knock-out fish. Knocking-out either of the Oxytocin receptors also led to increased group spacing and reduced polarization in a 20-fish shoal at 8 weeks post fertilization, but not at 4. These results show that the development and maintenance of social behavior is influenced by the Oxytocin receptors and that the effects are not just pro- or antisocial, but dependent on both the age and social context of the fish.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Mechanical performance of sustainable high strength ductile fiber reinforced concrete (HSDFRC) with wooden ash
Authors: Ahmad Jawad , Martínez-García Rebeca , de-Prado-Gil Jesús , Pasha Amjad Ali , Irshad Kashif , Bourchak Mostefa
Published: March 2022

The knowledge of sustainable development believes that natural resources should be treated limited, and waste must be managed rationally. This idea and the constant striving to reduce production costs make the use of waste materials potential substitutes for traditionally used raw materials. In cement concrete technology, there are many possibilities to use waste materials either as cement replacement or aggregate in concrete production. The basic aim of this research work is to study the impact of wooden ash (WA) as binding material in proportions 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight of cement on high strength ductile cementitious composite concrete. The fresh property was evaluated through the slump cone test, while the mechanical property was evaluated through compressive and split tensile strength test. Load deflection curve, ductility index, and maximum and minimum crack were also studied to find flexure cracking behaviors of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) beam. The durability of high-strength ductile concrete was studied through water absorption and acid attacks test. Pozzolanic activity of wooden ash was studied through XRD analysis.
Assessment of image reconstruction algorithm coupled with fine-resolution array of Cherenkov detectors
Authors: Maloney Luke , Duce Mackenzie , Erickson Anna
Published: March 2022

The ability to reconstruct fine-resolution images in a high-count-rate environment is an ongoing challenge to the fields of nuclear security, medicine, and high energy physics. This study presents the characterization and performance of an image reconstruction algorithm and detector array in such an environment. The detector array is composed of quartz Cherenkov radiators and lutetium–yttrium oxyorthosilicate inorganic scintillators detector elements with light collection via silicon photomultipliers (SiPM). The reconstruction algorithm was evaluated using ANSI testing standard N42.46-2008 for imaging performance of active interrogation systems for national security applications; this included spatial resolution, wire detection, and penetration studies. The array was tested using a 6-MVp pulsed photon beam where test objects were translated through the detector field of view demonstrating a capability to resolve a 2.05-mm wire at a source standoff of 2.2 m, a horizontal spatial resolution of 3 mm, and a contrast sensitivity of 1.5%.
Low-dose multi-detector computed tomography for periradicular infiltrations at the cervical and lumbar spine
Authors: Paprottka Karolin J. , Kupfer Karina , Schultz Vivian , Beer Meinrad , Zimmer Claus , Baum Thomas , Kirschke Jan S. , Sollmann Nico
Published: March 2022

Periradicular infiltrations are frequently performed in daily neuroradiological routine and are often guided by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), thus leading to radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate MDCT with low dose (LD) and model-based iterative reconstruction for image-guided periradicular infiltrations at the cervical and lumbosacral spine. We retrospectively analyzed 204 MDCT scans acquired for the purpose of cervical or lumbosacral periradicular interventions, which were either derived from scanning with standard dose (SD; 40 mA and 120 kVp) or LD (20–30 mA and 120 kVp) using a 128-slice MDCT scanner. The SD cases were matched to the LD cases considering sex, age, level of infiltration, presence of spinal instrumentation, and body diameter. All images were reconstructed using model-based iterative image reconstruction and were evaluated by two readers (R1 and R2) using 5- or 3-point Likert scales (score of 1 reflects the best value per category). Furthermore, noise in imaging data was quantitatively measured by the standard deviation (StDev) of muscle tissue. The dose length product (DLP) was statistically significantly lower for LD scans (6.75 ± 6.43 mGy*cm vs. 10.16 ± 7.70 mGy*cm; p < 0.01; reduction of 33.5%). Image noise was comparable between LD and SD scans (13.13 ± 3.66 HU vs. 13.37 ± 4.08 HU; p = 0.85). Overall image quality was scored as good to very good with only minimal artifacts according to both readers, and determination of the nerve root was possible in almost all patients (LD vs. SD: p > 0.05 for all items). This resulted in high confidence for intervention planning as well as periprocedural intervention guidance for both SD and LD scans. The inter-reader agreement was at least substantial (weighted Cohen’s κ ≥ 0.62), except for confidence in intervention planning for LD scans (κ = 0.49). In conclusion, considerable dose reduction for planning and performing periradicular infiltrations with MDCT using model-based iterative image reconstruction is feasible and can be performed without clinically relevant drawbacks regarding image quality or confidence for planning.
Putative native South Amerindian origin of head lice clade F: evidence from head lice nits infesting human shrunken heads
Authors: Amanzougaghene Nadia , Charlier Philippe , Fenollar Florence , Raoult Didier , Mediannikov Oleg
Published: March 2022

The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is a strictly obligate human ectoparasite with a long history of association with humans. Here, 17 ancient head lice nits were recovered from six shrunken human heads (known as tsantsas) of individuals from the Shuar/Jivaro tribe, a native Amazonian population from Ecuador, South America. Cytochrome b DNA analysis revealed the presence of three known mitochondrial clades. Clade A was the most frequent (52.94%), followed by F (35.29%), and B (11.76%). Eleven haplotypes were found in 17 samples, and nine of the haplotypes were novel, indicating an unusually high genetic diversity. In conclusion, we confirmed the presence of clades A, B and F in South Amerindian population. Moreover, the description of clade F, together with its previous reports in another Amerindian population from French Guiana, strongly support the hypothesis of a native South American origin for this clade, and probably derived from clade B which was carried to America by an ancestral Eurasian Beringian population. Further support to our conclusion and new insights might come from the analysis of a larger collection of modern and ancient native American lice.
Monitoring IgG against Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteins in an Asian elephant cured of tuberculosis that developed from long-term latency
Authors: Ishikawa Satoshi , Ozeki Yuriko , Suga Satomi , Mukai Yasuhiko , Kobayashi Haruka , Inouchi Erina , Kaboso Shaban A. , Gebretsadik Gebremichal , Dewi Desak Nyoman Surya Suameitria , Nishiyama Akihito , Tateishi Yoshitaka , Takihara Hayato , Okuda Shujiro , Yoshida Shiomi , Misawa Naoaki , Matsumoto Sohkichi
Published: March 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is fatal in elephants, hence protecting elephants from TB is key not only in the conservation of this endangered animal, but also to prevent TB transmission from elephants to humans. Most human TB cases arise from long-term asymptomatic infections. Significant diagnostic challenges remain in the detection of both infection and disease development from latency in elephants due to their huge bodies. In this study, we assessed cryopreserved sera collected for over 16 years, from the first Japanese treatment case of elephant TB. Semi-quantification of IgG levels to 11 proteins showed high detection levels of 3 proteins, namely ESAT6/CFP10, MPB83 and Ag85B. The level of IgG specific to these 3 antigens was measured longitudinally, revealing high and stable ESAT6/CFP10 IgG levels regardless of onset or treatment. Ag85B-specifc IgG levels were largely responsive to onset or treatment, while those of MPB83 showed intermediate responses. These results suggest that ESAT6/CFP10 is immunodominant in both asymptomatic and symptomatic phases, making it useful in the detection of infection. On the other hand, Ag85B has the potential to be a marker for the prediction of disease onset and in the evaluation of treatment effectiveness in elephants.
The source of the fat significantly affects the results of high-fat diet intervention
Authors: An Jiaxing , Wang Qian , Yi Suqin , Liu Xuemei , Jin Hai , Xu Jingyu , Wen Guorong , Zhu Jiaxing , Tuo Biguang
Published: March 2022

High-fat diet (HFD) is widely used in animal models of many diseases, it helps to understand the pathogenic mechanism of related diseases. Several dietary fats were commonly used in HFD, such as corn oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and lard. However, it was reported that different dietary fat could have completely different effects on physiological indicators and the gut microbiome, and the sources of dietary fat used in high-fat diet research have not been comprehensively compared. In this research, we conduct comparative experiments on various sources of dietary fats to test their different effects during the high-fat diet intervention. We investigated the effects of twelve common dietary fats in high-fat diet intervention of mice, body/liver weight changes, four blood lipid indices, and gut microbiome were analyzed. Our results showed that the source of dietary fat used in high-fat diet significantly affects the changes of body/liver weight and triglyceride (TRIG) in the blood. Furthermore, the intervention of canola oil increased the alpha diversity of gut microbiota, and lard has decreased diversity compared with the control group. The composition of saturated fatty acid (SFA) in fat has the most significant effects on the gut microbiome. All dietary fats treatments have an increasing Firmicutes abundance and a reduced Bacteroidetes abundance in gut microbiome, while the canola oil has a slight variation compared to other intervention groups, and the lard group has the largest changes. This study showed that different types of dietary fat have different effects on the body indicators and intestinal microbiota of mice, and canola oil produced less disturbance than other types of dietary fats in high-fat diet.
Structure and activity of the DHNA Coenzyme-A Thioesterase from Staphylococcus aureus providing insights for innovative drug development
Authors: Murad Aline Melro , Brognaro Hévila , Falke Sven , Lindner Jasmin , Perbandt Markus , Mudogo Celestin , Schubert Robin , Wrenger Carsten , Betzel Christian
Published: March 2022

Humanity is facing an increasing health threat caused by a variety of multidrug resistant bacteria. Within this scenario, Staphylococcus aureus, in particular methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is responsible for a number of hospital-acquired bacterial infections. The emergence of microbial antibiotic resistance urgently requires the identification of new and innovative strategies to treat antibiotic resistant microorganisms. In this context, structure and function analysis of potential drug targets in metabolic pathways vital for bacteria endurance, such as the vitamin K2 synthesis pathway, becomes interesting. We have solved and refined the crystal structure of the S. aureus DHNA thioesterase (SaDHNA), a key enzyme in the vitamin K2 pathway. The crystallographic structure in combination with small angle X-ray solution scattering data revealed a functional tetramer of SaDHNA. Complementary activity assays of SaDHNA indicated a preference for hydrolysing long acyl chains. Site-directed mutagenesis of SaDHNA confirmed the functional importance of Asp16 and Glu31 for thioesterase activity and substrate binding at the putative active site, respectively. Docking studies were performed and rational designed peptides were synthesized and tested for SaDHNA inhibition activity. The high-resolution structure of SaDHNA and complementary information about substrate binding will support future drug discovery and design investigations to inhibit the vitamin K2 synthesis pathway.
Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that narrowband 280 and 310 nm UV-B induce distinctive responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tsurumoto Tomohiro , Fujikawa Yasuo , Onoda Yushi , Ochi Yukari , Ohta Daisaku , Okazawa Atsushi
Published: March 2022

In plants, the UV-B photoreceptor UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8) perceives UV-B and induces UV-B responses. UVR8 absorbs a range of UV-B (260–335 nm). However, the responsiveness of plants to each UV-B wavelength has not been intensively studied so far. Here, we performed transcriptome and metabolome analyses of Arabidopsis using UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) with peak wavelengths of 280 and 310 nm to investigate the differences in the wavelength-specific UV-B responses. Irradiation with both UV-LEDs induced gene expression of the transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), which has a central role in the UVR8 signaling pathway. However, the overall transcriptomic and metabolic responses to 280 and 310 nm UV-LED irradiation were different. Most of the known UV-B-responsive genes, such as defense-related genes, responded only to 280 nm UV-LED irradiation. Lipids, polyamines and organic acids were the metabolites most affected by 280 nm UV-LED irradiation, whereas the effect of 310 nm UV-LED irradiation on the metabolome was considerably less. Enzymatic genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway upstream in anthocyanin biosynthesis were up-regulated only by 280 nm UV-LED irradiation. These results revealed that the responsivenesses of Arabidopsis to 280 and 310 nm UV-B were significantly different, suggesting that UV-B signaling is mediated by more complex pathways than the current model.
Molecular docking assisted biological functions and phytochemical screening of Amaranthus lividus L. extract
Authors: Durhan Burhan , Yalçın Emine , Çavuşoğlu Kültiğin , Acar Ali
Published: March 2022

In this study, the phytochemical content of Amaranthus lividus extract and its multi-biological activities were investigated. Total protein, phenol, flavonoid, saponin and condensed tannin contents were determined for phytochemical analysis. In addition, GC–MS and HPLC analyzes were carried out for the determination of the active components of the extract. In determining the multi-biological activities, radical scavenging, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative and anti-microbial activities of the extract were investigated. GC–MS analysis revealed that the leaf extract of A. lividus contains phytol and β-sitosterol as major compounds and the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, vanillin and kaemferol compounds were determined with HPLC analysis. The radical scavenging effect of A. lividus extract was determined as 75.6% against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 85.2% against superoxide. In anti-bacterial studies, it was determined that A.lividus extract formed different inhibition zones against all tested bacteria. The highest inhibition zone was 14.3 ± 0.7 mm against Bacillus subtilis. In addition, the anti-microbial activity of the extract was demonstrated by molecular docking studies of the binding of gallic acid and phytol to aquaporin and arginase enzyme of bacteria, and the mechanism of anti-microbial activity was explained. A. lividus extract, which provided a 68.59–33.13% reduction in the formation of chromosomal aberrations such as unequal distribution of chromatin, micronucleus formation, fragment, sticky chromosome, bridge and vagrant chromosome, exhibited a strong anti-mutagenic effect. A. lividus extract has a reducing effect on the number of dividing cells and exhibits an anti-proliferative effect of 25.7% compared to the control group. The antiproliferative mechanism of action was investigated by molecular docking and it was determined that the gallic acid and phytol in the extract decreased proliferation by interacting with telomerase. As a result, A.lividus extract consumed as food is a potential natural anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-proliferative source with its rich phytochemical content.
Facile preparation of graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet/agar composite hydrogels for removal of tetracycline via the synergy of adsorption and photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Wei Jun
Published: March 2022

Compared with the BCN/agar composite hydrogel, the CNNS/agar 4 composite hydrogel exhibited a much higher photocatalytic activity for tetracycline degradation due to suppressive recombination of electrons and holes.
Theory-augmented informatics of ionic liquid electrolytes for co-design with nanoporous electrode materials
Authors: Weitzner Stephen E. , Pham Tuan Anh , Meshot Eric R.
Published: March 2022

We propose a figure of merit to evaluate electrochemical performance in nanoporous electrodes to screen ionic liquid candidates by combining density functional theory with informatics to co-optimize voltage window, viscosity, and pore-ion size matching.
Stereochemistry and stoichiometry in aliphatic polyester photopolymers for 3D printing tailored biomaterial scaffolds
Authors: Brooks S. L. , Constant E. J. , King O. M. , Weems A. C.
Published: March 2022

Stereoselective aliphatic polyester biomaterials were synthesized through ring opening copolymerization using a tin catalyst, which could then be crosslinked using thiol–ene or free radical methods to tailor physical properties.
Pulsed laser polymerization–size exclusion chromatography investigations into backbiting in ethylhexyl acrylate polymerization
Authors: Quintens Greg , Junkers Tanja
Published: March 2022

Rate coefficients for secondary radical propagation, backbiting and tertiary radical monomer addition for ethylhexyl acrylate have been determined.
A fluorescence strategy for direct quantification of arm components in mikto-arm star copolymers
Authors: Shi Wencheng , Wu Boyu , Guo Xiaofeng , Feng Anchao , Thang San H.
Published: March 2022

The arm components of mikto-arm star polymers were quantitatively analyzed with a novel fluorescence strategy.
Nickel-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of aryl iodides with 1 atm CO
Authors: Liu Ning , Wu Xianqing , Wang Chenglong , Qu Jingping , Chen Yifeng
Published: March 2022

We developed the nickel-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of aromatic iodides with alcohols under atmospheric pressure of carbon monoxide.
Photocurrent, humidity sensitivity and proton conductivity properties of a new sulfide semiconductor CsCuS4
Authors: Yan Qiu-Nan , Liu Bin-Wen , Jiang Xiao-Ming , Zhao Jin-Xu , Pei Shao-Min , Chen Wen-Fa , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: March 2022

CsCuS4 was obtained by halide salt flux method, in which polysulfide anion S42− is relatively rare in Cu chalcogenides. It is multifunctional and exhibits significant photocurrent, humidity-sensitive, and proton-conductive properties.
Synthesis of 2,5-bis(9H-fluoren-9-ylidene)-2,5-dihydrothiophene derivatives and a systematic study of the substituent effect
Authors: He Sijia , Jiang Hua , Cai Jinfang , Liu Zhiqi
Published: March 2022

A new two-step synthetic strategy for 2,5-bis(9H-fluoren-9-ylidene)-2,5-dihydrothiophene (ThBF) derivatives and their substituent effects were described in this article.
A stable and easily regenerable solid amine adsorbent derived from a polyethylenimine-impregnated dialdehyde-cellulose/graphene-oxide composite
Authors: Qiu Xianyu , Wang Xiaoqiong , Chen Shuixia
Published: March 2022

A DAC-GO composite adsorbent with high CO2 adsorption capacity and low regeneration energy consumption was prepared through oxidation-gelation and crosslinking-amination.
Antibacterial, wearable, transparent tannic acid–thioctic acid–phytic acid hydrogel for adhesive bandages
Authors: Shao Xian-hui , Yang Xiao , Zhou Yue , Xia Qing-chang , Lu Yun-ping , Yan Xiao , Chen Chen , Zheng Ting-ting , Zhang Lin-lin , Ma Yu-ning , Ma Yu-xia , Gao Shu-zhong
Published: March 2022

Three naturally derived organic acids, namely tannic acid, thioctic acid and phytic acid, were used to fabricate a novel tissue adhesive hydrogel.
Solar-driven simultaneous desalination and power generation enabled by graphene oxide nanoribbon papers
Authors: Sun Yang , Zhao Zongbin , Zhao Guanyu , Yang Yongzhen , Liu Xuguang , Wang Luxiang , Jia Dianzeng , Wang Xuzhen , Qiu Jieshan
Published: March 2022

We constructed an alkaline-earth metal ion-mediated graphene oxide nanoribbon paper for desalination and power generation. The evaporation device exhibits photothermal conversion efficiency of 91.5% and a power density of 0.11 W m−2.
Reflection sensitivity of InAs/GaAs epitaxial quantum dot lasers under direct modulation
Authors: Ding Shihao , Dong Bozhang , Huang Heming , Bowers John E. , Grillot Frédéric
Published: March 2022

This paper reports on the reflection sensitivity under direct modulation operation of a 1.3 μm InAs/GaAs quantum dot laser that is epitaxially grown on silicon. The quantum dot laser exhibits a high tolerance to back reflections with low error transmission at 6 Gbps. This study paves the way for developing directly modulated isolator‐free photonic integrated circuits based on quantum dot lasers.
METrans: Multi‐encoder transformer for ischemic stroke segmentation
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Shuyu , Liang Wei
Published: March 2022

Ischemic stroke is the most common brain disease. Segmentation of the stroke lesion from a medical scan is vital to plan the surgical procedure. The purpose of this work is to develop an efficient network based on self‐attention and spatial‐channel attention mechanisms. In this letter, a novel multi‐encoder transformer (METrans) is proposed, which overcomes the inability of U‐Nets to model long‐range contextual interactions. Different from traditional segmentation methods, four encoders with different scales are explored to extract the multi‐scale features. Then, the feature maps are fed into a transformer for global feature modelling. The proposed methodology is tested on ATLAS, ISLES 2015, and ISLES 2018 datasets. The extensive experimental results suggest that METrans achieves consistent improvements over the state‐of‐the‐art for segmentation tasks.
Improved longitudinal control strategy for connected and automated truck platoon against cyberattacks
Authors: Lyu Hao , Wang Ting , Cheng Rongjun , Ge Hongxia
Published: March 2022

With the conception of internet of vehicle, the longitudinal control strategy of connected and automated truck platoon (CATP) to effectively deal with threat of cyberattacks has become an urgent challenge. Based on this, by flexibly changing the communication topology of truck platoon, this paper designs a communication topology safety response system (CTSRS), and further combined with the distributed model predictive control (DMPC) method, an improved longitudinal control strategy of CATP is tentatively proposed. The sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of truck platoon are derived by taking the cost function of CATP as the Lyapunov candidate function. Besides, the Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM) data is used to simulate the motion trajectory of the leading truck, which verifies the superior performance of DMPC in controlling the truck platoon to adjust the following behavior according to the different driving behavior of the leading truck. Finally, the cyberattacks scenario is set to conduct the comparative numerical simulation of platoon evolution. Numerical results show that DMPC can still ensure the stability and security of the truck platoon even if the trucks are suffered cyberattacks while CTSRS is enabled, which proves the feasibility of the improved longitudinal control strategy in resisting the threat of cyberattacks.
Fabrication and actuation characterisation of a new UV curing acrylic dielectric elastomer
Authors: Dong Wen‐Zhuo , Zhao Yu , Yin Li‐Juan , Dang Zhi‐Min
Published: March 2022

Most commonly used dielectric elastomers (DEs) such as acrylic dielectric elastomers VHBTM 4910 need a high actuation voltage and pre‐stretching to obtain a large actuation strain, and present high mechanical loss caused by viscoelasticity. In this work, we fabricated a new acrylic elastomer by UV curing based on CN9021 and lauryl acrylate. By manipulating crosslinker content, crosslink density changed and physical entanglements of the new material can be affected. Therefore, mechanical properties such as Young's Modulus and mechanical loss of the new material can be controlled, and little change of its glass transition temperature was induced. Results of the actuation test show that the new DE is capable of 9.0% actuation area strain under 11 kV/mm and a good performance under oscillating voltage with different waveforms and frequencies.
Low‐carbon coordinated scheduling of integrated electricity‐gas distribution system with hybrid AC/DC network
Authors: Qing Yuliang , Liu Tianqi , He Chuan , Nan Lu , Dong Guicen , Gao Weikai , Yu Yinqian
Published: March 2022

Under the promotion of low‐carbon policies, the coordinated operation of integrated electricity‐gas distribution system (IEGDS) considering CO2 emission is of great significance to accelerate the process of energy conservation and could improve the economy of IEGDS. The paper proposes a low‐carbon coordinated operation of the IEGDS considering hybrid AC/DC distribution network, carbon capture and carbon storage. Firstly, the coordinated scheduling model of the IEGDS is discussed, with coupling constraints of gas turbines and power‐to‐gas. Secondly, the paper presents the model of hybrid AC/DC power distribution system, where non‐linear network constraints are relaxed into second‐order‐cone programming forms. Regarding carbon emission, the CO2 produced by fossil fuel burning can be partly captured by carbon capture plant, stored in carbon storage tank, and transported by trucks to carbon storage warehouse that trades with the carbon market. With the cooperation of various components, a comprehensive model considering carbon flow and trading in the distribution system is innovatively presented here. Numerical experiments validate the effectiveness of proposed low‐carbon coordinated scheduling model for the integrated electricity and natural gas distribution system.
Pharmacist engagement in a community pharmacy hypertension management program in collaboration with an academic medical center
Authors: Vordenberg Sarah E , Kim Jae , Serlin David C , Fan Audrey L , Choe Hae Mi
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To explore the perceptions of pharmacists and administrators who had an integral role in designing and operationalizing an integrated community pharmacist hypertension management program with collaboration between an academic medical center and a regional chain community pharmacy.

Community pharmacists (n = 3), ambulatory care pharmacists (n = 2), medical directors (n = 2), and health-system (n = 1) and pharmacy (n = 1) administrators reported positive experiences engaging with the hypertension management program. Strengths of the program included comprehensive training by the ambulatory care pharmacists, community pharmacist access to the electronic health record (EHR), and primary care providers who were receptive to referring patients and accepting recommendations from the community pharmacists. All participants felt that the program had a positive outlook and saw opportunity for expansion, such as extended hours of operation, new locations, and additional pharmacists.

Conclusion

Pharmacists are well positioned to extend hypertension management programs from primary care clinics into local pharmacies if they have appropriate training, access to the EHR, and ongoing support from collaborating primary care offices. Additional research using implementation science methods is needed to further test the scalability and replicability of the program among different patient populations, community pharmacies, and health systems.
Gender inequality in PGY1 residency leadership positions and conferral of health-system pharmacy professional awards
Authors: Payne-Cardona Monique , Arnold Lindsay M , Jaiprasert Sorraya , Leonard Joy , Panahi Sara , Farrell Natalija M
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To address gender inequality, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) created a steering committee that recommended the collection of baseline and ongoing metrics of pharmacy leadership. The purpose of this study was to quantify gender inequality in distributions of residency program director (RPD) and director of pharmacy (DOP) positions and to investigate gender distributions among recipients of ASHP professional leadership awards.

Methods

RPD and DOP information for postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) programs included in the online ASHP residency directory were collected in December of 2020. Publicly available records were used to collect information on recipients of the Harvey A.K. Whitney Award and John W. Webb Award during the periods 1950-2020 and 1985-2020, respectively. Gender information for RPDs, DOPs, and award recipients was collected from listed pronouns available in public records. A χ 2 test was used for analysis of the collected data.

Results

A total of 1,176 PGY1 residency programs were included. Of the RPD positions assessed, 66% (n = 775) were filled by women pharmacists (P < 0.0001), while the percentage of DOP leadership positions held by women was 42% (n = 496) (P < 0.0001). Evaluation of data on recipients of the Harvey A.K. Whitney Award and John W. Webb Award revealed the occurrence of female recipients is 19.7% (n = 14) and 16.7% (n = 6), respectively (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

RPD positions have a higher prevalence of being filled by women. DOP positions remain male-dominated and revealed gender inequality among senior-level leadership roles. Pharmacy leadership award analysis identified further gender inequality. The results from the study serve as a baseline of current gender metrics for pharmacy leaderships in hospital systems with PGY1 residency programs.
Reimagining cholinergic therapy for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Giacobini Ezio , Cuello A Claudio , Fisher Abraham
Published: March 2022

Currently, enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission via cholinesterase inhibitors represents the main available approach to treat cognitive and behavioural symptoms of the early as well as late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Restoring the cholinergic system has been a primary means of improving cognition in Alzheimer’s disease, as four of the six approved therapies are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

Memantine is an N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist with a well-documented clinical effect on behavioural symptoms, which is often added to cholinesterase inhibitors to potentiate their effect and aducanumab, targeting the amyloid pathology, has recently been approved.

The early, progressive and selective degeneration of the cholinergic system together and its close relation to cognitive deficits supports the use of cholinergic therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

This review provides an updated view of the basal forebrain cholinergic system, its relation to cognition and its relevance for therapy of Alzheimer’s disease. It deals with the three main aspects that form the basis of the cholinergic-oriented therapy of Alzheimer’s disease, its origin, its mechanism of action, its clinical effects, advantages and limits of a cholinergic therapeutic approach. It includes a new and updated overview of the involvement of muscarinic receptors in Alzheimer’s disease as well as the recent development of new and highly selective M1 muscarinic receptor agonists with disease-modifying potential. It also addresses the discovery of a novel nerve growth factor metabolic pathway responsible for the trophic maintenance of the basal forebrain system and its deregulation in Alzheimer’s disease. It discusses new clinical studies and provides evidence for the long-term efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitor therapy suggesting a disease-modifying effect of these drugs.

The classical symptomatic cholinergic therapy based on cholinesterase inhibitors is judiciously discussed for its maximal efficacy and best clinical application. The review proposes new alternatives of cholinergic therapy that should be developed to amplify its clinical effect and supplement the disease-modifying effect of new treatments to slow down or arrest disease progression.
Digitalization, Digitization and Datafication: The "Three D" Transformation of Forced Migration Management
Authors: Witteborn Saskia
Published: March 2022

Digitalization, digitization, and datafication—referred to as the three Ds transforming forced migration management—are composed of practices of abstraction which constitute socio-spatial processes and the imaginary supporting these processes. Against the backdrop of migration management initiatives in Germany and in the European Union, the article highlights how practices like data sharing and predictive modeling create a space of abstraction which is consolidated by the imaginary of quantification and automation. This space and imaginary, based on the premises of efficiency, transparency, and control and actualized by a technocratic apparatus, define the management of migration as well as the figure of the migrant. The article concludes that the three Ds will increasingly shape forced migrants’ lives through the leveling logics of technocratic control. Academic attention to data ownership and data justice is more important than ever.
Ethnography of community governance: a case of COVID-19 response of an urban slum in Bangladesh
Authors: Zaman Shahaduz , Hossain Faruq , Matin Imran
Published: March 2022

Although COVID-19 cases and deaths in different clusters of Bangladesh were increasing rapidly for most of the year 2020, surprisingly very few cases were reported in the urban slums, identified as the potential hotspots of Coronavirus. While the epidemiological puzzle of the low incidence of COVID-19 in slums remains unresolved, an ethnography in an urban slum in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, reveals how, in the context of indifference from the state, the slum dwellers themselves initiated several informal but robust interventions to tackle the pandemic. This study reveals the power of community governance from below, which we understand using Bayat’s (2013) concept of ‘quiet encroachment’ and Roy’s (2009) argument about the role of informality in urban governance. To adapt to the pandemic situation, we applied an innovative ‘peer research’ approach for data collection.
Distinct functional levels of human voice processing in the auditory cortex
Authors: Staib Matthias , Frühholz Sascha
Published: March 2022

Voice signaling is integral to human communication, and a cortical voice area seemed to support the discrimination of voices from other auditory objects. This large cortical voice area in the auditory cortex (AC) was suggested to process voices selectively, but its functional differentiation remained elusive. We used neuroimaging while humans processed voices and nonvoice sounds, and artificial sounds that mimicked certain voice sound features. First and surprisingly, specific auditory cortical voice processing beyond basic acoustic sound analyses is only supported by a very small portion of the originally described voice area in higher-order AC located centrally in superior Te3. Second, besides this core voice processing area, large parts of the remaining voice area in low- and higher-order AC only accessorily process voices and might primarily pick up nonspecific psychoacoustic differences between voices and nonvoices. Third, a specific subfield of low-order AC seems to specifically decode acoustic sound features that are relevant but not exclusive for voice detection. Taken together, the previously defined voice area might have been overestimated since cortical support for human voice processing seems rather restricted. Cortical voice processing also seems to be functionally more diverse and embedded in broader functional principles of the human auditory system.
“Cheap Talk” in International Trade Law
Authors: Park Tae Jung
Published: March 2022

There is a dilemma in the field of international trade law: Many negotiating countries fail to complete treaties during the renegotiation period.1 Due to tight schedules in the primary negotiation, the parties normally insert a renegotiation clause to postpone completion of a treaty. However, the parties frequently postpone the completion of the treaty even in the renegotiation phase. The literature has neglected to consider the existence and causes of these issues, as well as the solutions to them. This article aims to remedy this neglect.
Patterns of Labour Market Adjustment to Trade Shocks with Imperfect Capital Mobility
Authors: Artuc Erhan , Brambilla Irene , Porto Guido
Published: March 2022

We explore how different investment frictions affect the patterns of responses of labour markets to tariff cuts. To investigate these patterns, we formulate a multi-sector dynamic model featuring capital and labour adjustment costs that we fit to Argentine data. Using counterfactual simulations of a tariff decline in the textile sector, we show that capital adjustment can create long-run responses of real wages that are larger than the short-run responses. This happens as textile firms disinvest during the transition. We also show that the reduction of tariffs on capital inputs boosts investment and real wages across sectors.
Chlorogenic Acid Activates Nrf2/SKN-1 and Prolongs the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans via the Akt-FOXO3/DAF16a-DDB1 Pathway and Activation of DAF16f
Authors: Siswanto Ferbian Milas , Sakuma Rika , Oguro Ami , Imaoka Susumu
Published: March 2022

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is the most abundant polyphenol in coffee. It has been widely reported to exhibit antioxidant activity by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) potentially via the canonical Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-Nrf2 pathway. We herein demonstrated that the knockdown of WD40 repeat protein 23 (WDR23), but not Keap1, abolished the effects of CGA on the activation of Nrf2. CGA decreased the expression of DDB1, an adaptor for WDR23-Cullin 4A-RING ligase (CRL4AWDR23). FOXO3, a major target for inactivation by the PI3K/Akt pathway, was identified as the transcription factor responsible for the basal and CGA-inhibited expression of the DDB1 gene. CGA blocked FOXO3 binding to importin-7 (IPO7), thereby inhibiting the nuclear accumulation of FOXO3, down-regulating the expression of DDB1, inhibiting the activity of CRL4WDR23, and ultimately increasing that of Nrf2. This pathway was conserved in Caenorhabditis elegans, and CGA extended the lifespan partly through this pathway. We found that in C. elegans, the isoform DAF-16a, but not DAF-16f, regulated the expression levels of ddb-1 mRNA and SKN-1 protein. CGA prolonged the mean lifespan of DAF-16a- and DAF-16f-rescued worms by 24% and 9%, respectively, suggesting that both isoforms involve in lifespan-extending effects of CGA, with DAF-16a being more important than DAF-16f. Based on these results, we established a novel Akt-FOXO3/DAF16a-DDB1 axis that links nutrient sensing and oxidative stress response pathways. Our results also provide a novel molecular mechanism for Nrf2/SKN-1 activation by CGA and the increased lifespan of C. elegans by CGA via this pathway.
The Clinical Effectiveness of a Physiotherapy Delivered Physical and Psychological Group Intervention for Older Adults With Neurogenic Claudication: The BOOST Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Williamson Esther , Boniface Graham , Marian Ioana R , Dutton Susan J , Garrett Angela , Morris Alana , Hansen Zara , Ward Lesley , Nicolson Philippa J A , Rogers David , Barker Karen L , Fairbank Jeremy C , Fitch Judith , French David P , Comer Christine , Mallen Christian D , Lamb Sarah E ,   BOOST Research Group, Maredza Mandy , Petrou Stavros , Bruce Julie , Griffith Frances , Collins Gary , Hutchinson Charles , Gagen Richard , Slack Mandy , Conway Oliver , Fitch Judith , Turner Eileen , Arden John , Torgerson David , Sackley Catherine , McCabe Candy , Taylor Stephanie , Hewitt Catherine , Forster Anne , Bearne Lindsey , Watson Jim
Published: March 2022

Background

Neurogenic claudication (NC) is a debilitating spinal condition affecting older adults’ mobility and quality of life.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial of 438 participants evaluated the effectiveness of a physical and psychological group intervention (BOOST program) compared to physiotherapy assessment and tailored advice (best practice advice [BPA]) for older adults with NC. Participants were identified from spinal clinics (community and secondary care) and general practice records and randomized 2:1 to the BOOST program or BPA. The primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at 12 months. Data were also collected at 6 months. Other outcomes included ODI walking item, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and falls. The primary analysis was intention-to-treat.

Results

The average age of participants was 74.9 years (standard deviation [SD] 6.0) and 57% (246/435) were female. There was no significant difference in ODI scores between treatment groups at 12 months (adjusted mean difference [MD]: −1.4 [95% confidence intervals (CI) −4.03, 1.17]), but, at 6 months, ODI scores favored the BOOST program (adjusted MD: −3.7 [95% CI −6.27, −1.06]). At 12 months, the BOOST program resulted in greater improvements in walking capacity (6MWT MD: 21.7m [95% CI 5.96, 37.38]) and ODI walking item (MD: −0.2 [95% CI −0.45, −0.01]) and reduced falls risk (odds ratio: 0.6 [95% CI 0.40, 0.98]) compared to BPA. No serious adverse events were related to either treatment.

Conclusions

The BOOST program substantially improved mobility for older adults with NC. Future iterations of the program will consider ways to improve long-term pain-related disability.

Clinical Trials Registration Number: ISRCTN12698674
Association of Indication for Hospitalization With Subsequent Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers
Authors: Sprung Juraj , Laporta Mariana L , Knopman David S , Petersen Ronald C , Mielke Michelle M , Jack Clifford R , Martin David P , Hanson Andrew C , Schroeder Darrell R , Schulte Phillip J , Przybelski Scott A , Valencia Morales Diana J , Weingarten Toby N , Vemuri Prashanthi , Warner David O
Published: March 2022

Background

Hospitalization in older age is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, typically preceded by neuropathologic changes. We assess the association between indication for hospitalization and brain neurodegeneration.

Methods

Included were participants from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, a population-based longitudinal study, with ≥1 brain imaging available in those older than 60 years of age between 2004 and 2017. Primary analyses used linear mixed-effects models to assess association of hospitalization with changes in longitudinal trajectory of cortical thinning, amyloid accumulation, and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Additional analyses were performed with imaging outcomes dichotomized (normal vs abnormal) using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Of 2 480 participants, 1 966 had no hospitalization and 514 had ≥1 admission. Hospitalization was associated with accelerated cortical thinning (annual slope change −0.003 mm [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.005 to −0.001], p = .002), but not amyloid accumulation (0.003 [95% CI −0.001 to 0.006], p = .107), or WMH increase (0.011 cm3 [95% CI −0.001 to 0.023], p = .062). Interaction analyses assessing whether trajectory changes are dependent on admission type (medical vs surgical) found interactions for all outcomes. While surgical hospitalizations were not, medical hospitalizations were associated with accelerated cortical thinning (−0.004 mm [95% CI −0.008 to −0.001, p = .014); amyloid accumulation (0.010, [95% CI 0.002 to 0.017, p = .011), and WMH increase (0.035 cm3 [95% CI 0.012 to 0.058, p = .006). Hospitalization was not associated with developing abnormal cortical thinning (p = .407), amyloid accumulation (p = .596), or WMH/infarctions score (p = .565).

Conclusions

Medical hospitalizations were associated with accelerated cortical thinning, amyloid accumulation, and WMH increases. These changes were modest and did not translate to increased risk for crossing the abnormality threshold.