bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human gut microbiome impacts skeletal muscle mass via gut microbial synthesis of the short‐chain fatty acid butyrate among healthy menopausal women
Authors: Lv Wan‐Qiang , Lin Xu , Shen Hui , Liu Hui‐Min , Qiu Xiang , Li Bo‐Yang , Shen Wen‐Di , Ge Chang‐Li , Lv Feng‐Ye , Shen Jie , Xiao Hong‐Mei , Deng Hong‐Wen
Published: September 2021

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that human gut microbiome plays an important role in variation of skeletal muscle mass (SMM). However, specific causal mechanistic relationship of human gut microbiome with SMM remains largely unresolved. Understanding the causal mechanistic relationship may provide a basis for novel interventions for loss of SMM. This study investigated whether human gut microbiome has a causal effect on SMM among Chinese community‐dwelling healthy menopausal women.

Methods

Estimated SMM was derived from whole‐body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. We performed integrated analyses on whole‐genome sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and serum short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as well as available host SMM measurements among community‐dwelling healthy menopausal women (N = 482). We combined the results with summary statistics from genome‐wide association analyses for human gut microbiome (N = 952) and SMM traits (N = 28 330). As a prerequisite for causality, we used a computational protocol that was proposed to measure correlations among gut metagenome, metabolome, and the host trait to investigate the relationship between human gut microbiome and SMM. Causal inference methods were applied to assess the potential causal effects of gut microbial features on SMM, through one‐sample and two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, respectively.

Results

In metagenomic association analyses, the increased capacity for gut microbial synthesis of the SCFA butyrate was significantly associated with serum butyrate levels [Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC) = 0.13, P = 0.02] and skeletal muscle index (SCC = 0.084, P = 0.002). Of interest was the finding that two main butyrate‐producing bacterial species were both positively associated with the increased capacity for gut microbial synthesis of butyrate [Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (SCC = 0.25, P = 6.6 × 10−7) and Butyricimonas virosa (SCC = 0.15, P = 0.001)] and for skeletal muscle index [F. prausnitzii (SCC = 0.16, P = 6.2 × 10−4) and B. virosa (SCC = 0.17, P = 2.4 × 10−4)]. One‐sample MR results showed a causal effect between gut microbial synthesis of the SCFA butyrate and appendicular lean mass (β = 0.04, 95% confidence interval 0.029 to 0.051, P = 0.003). Two‐sample MR results further confirmed the causal effect between gut microbial synthesis of the SCFA butyrate and appendicular lean mass (β = 0.06, 95% confidence interval 0 to 0.13, P = 0.06).

Conclusions

Our results may help the future development of novel intervention approaches for preventing or alleviating loss of SMM.
Superensembles of raw and bias‐adjusted regional climate models for Mediterranean region, Turkey
Authors: Mesta Buket , Kentel Elcin
Published: September 2021

For regional‐scale studies on climate change and relevant impact assessment, the projections of regional climate models (RCMs) are used due to their advantage of high resolution and better representation of the local climate relative to the global climate models. However, direct use of RCM outputs is prone to uncertainties and biases that may significantly diminish the accuracy of results. EURO‐COordinated Regional Downscaling EXperiment (CORDEX) initiative that is a part of the global Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment Project provides high‐resolution RCM projections for the European domain and bias‐adjusted regional projections under the “CORDEX‐Adjust” Project for climate change impact assessment studies. This study aims to perform a multi‐model analysis of precipitation data using bias‐adjusted and raw/non‐bias adjusted CORDEX RCMs to obtain an evaluation of their representativeness for local climate conditions and adequacy to be used for climate change impact assessment. For this purpose, the analysis focuses on four CORDEX RCMs and their 12 bias‐adjusted versions generated with cumulative distribution function transformation, quantile mapping, and distribution‐based scaling methodologies. For the analysis in total, 16 hindcast results of raw and bias‐adjusted RCMs, and three superensembles (SEs) generated through multiple linear regression are compared for their performance regarding their goodness of fit to the ground‐based precipitation monitoring data from eight meteorological stations in the Mediterranean region in Turkey. The analysis verified that the skill of individual simulations including the bias‐adjusted outputs is significantly variable in spatial and temporal means. On the other hand, SE formed by using all 16 hindcast outputs has the highest skill for the representation of variability in precipitation in time as well as for the reproduction of annual climatology at all stations, although potential drawbacks concerning seasonality and the range of anomaly may still exist which might be significant depending on the specific aim of impact assessment.
Dynamical‐statistical long‐term prediction for tropical cyclone landfalls in East Asia
Authors: Kim So‐Hee , Ahn Joong‐Bae , Sun Jianqi
Published: September 2021

This study develops a statistical‐dynamical seasonal typhoon forecast model (SDTFM) that utilizes the statistical correlation between East Asia (EA) tropical cyclone (TC) landfall and atmospheric circulation predicted by a coupled general circulation model for seasonal prediction and its predictability is verified. A total of 40 ensemble members produced through different data assimilation and time‐lag methods introduced as a way to reduce the initial condition error and model uncertainty enabled the development of the new SDTFM. According to the results, the SDTFM developed in this study showed significant predictability in TC landfall prediction when using the month of May for the initial conditions for the entire East Asia (EEA) and its three sub‐domains: Northern East Asia (NEA), Middle East Asia (MEA), and Southern East Asia (SEA). The predicted TC season is July–September (JAS), and only for SEA, including South China, the Philippines, and Vietnam, it is July–November (JASON) considering the relatively long landfall period. The models developed for each domain significantly predict the interannual variability of TC landfall at the 99% confidence level. The cross‐validated results are still significant at the 99% confidence level in NEA and SEA and the 95% confidence level in MEA and EEA.
Association of enhanced circulating trimethylamine N‐oxide with vascular endothelial dysfunction in periodontitis patients
Authors: Zhou Jiamin , Chen Shan , Ren Jing , Zou Huiqiong , Liu Yafang , Chen Yanbin , Qiu Yumin , Zhuang Weijie , Tao Jun , Yang Junying
Published: September 2021

Background

Accumulating evidences indicate that periodontitis is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction. Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO), a harmful microbiota generated metabolite, has been implicated as a nontraditional risk factor for impaired endothelial function. However, whether increased circulating levels of TMAO in periodontitis patients induces endothelial dysfunction remains unknown.

Methods

Patients with periodontitis and periodontally healthy controls were enrolled. Periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was calculated to assess the inflammatory burden posed by periodontitis. The circulating TMAO was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS). Vascular endothelial function including peripheral endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), brachial arterial flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD), and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were assessed. We also isolated and cultured EPCs from participants’ peripheral blood to investigate the effect of TMAO on EPC functions in vitro.

Results

One hundred and twenty two patients with Stage III‐IV periodontitis and 81 healthy controls were included. Patients with periodontitis presented elevated TMAO (P = 0.002), lower EPCs (P = 0.025), and declined FMD levels (P = 0.005). The TMAO concentrations were correlated with reduced circulating EPCs and FMD levels. Moreover, TMAO can injury EPCs function in vitro, and may induce cell pyroptosis via Bax/caspase‐3/GSDME pathway.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates for the first time that circulating TMAO levels are increased in patients with Stage III‐IV periodontitis, and correlated with vascular endothelial dysfunction. These findings may provide a novel insight into the mechanism of vascular endothelial dysfunction in patient with periodontitis via TMAO‐downregulated EPC functions.
Homogeneous liquid–liquid extraction as an alternative sample preparation technique for biomedical analysis
Authors: Hammad Sherin F. , Abdallah Inas A. , Bedair Alaa , Mansour Fotouh R.
Published: September 2021

Liquid‐liquid extraction is a widely used technique of sample preparation in biomedical analysis. In spite of the high pre‐concentration capacities of liquid–liquid extraction, it suffers from a number of limitations including time and effort consumption, large organic solvent utilization, and poor performance in highly polar analytes. Homogeneous liquid–liquid extraction is an alternative sample preparation technique that overcomes some drawbacks of conventional liquid–liquid extraction, and allows employing greener organic solvents in sample treatment. In homogeneous liquid–liquid extraction, a homogeneous phase is formed between the aqueous sample and the water‐miscible extractant, followed by chemically or physically induced phase separation. To form the homogeneous phase, aqueous samples are mixed with water‐miscible organic solvents, water‐immiscible solvents/cosolvents, surfactants, or smart polymers. Then, phase separation is induced chemically (adding salt, sugar, or buffer) or physically (changing temperature or pH). This mode is rapid, sustainable, and cost‐effective in comparison with other sample preparation techniques. Moreover, homogeneous liquid–liquid extraction is more suitable for the extraction of delicate macromolecules such as enzymes, hormones, and proteins and it is more compatible with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, which is a vital technique in metabolomics and proteomics. In this review, the principle, types, applications, automation, and technical aspects of homogeneous liquid–liquid extraction are discussed.
A validated HPLC‐MS/MS method for determination of simmitecan and its metabolite chimmitecan in human plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumor
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zhan Yan , Zhong Dafang , Chen Xiaoyan , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Qi , Bo Yunhai , Shen Lin , Gong Jifang , Li Jian , Yang Fen
Published: September 2021

Simmitecan is a new ester anticancer prodrug which can exert the antiproliferation activity through its active metabolite, chimmitecan. In the current study, a simple and reliable liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of simmitecan and chimmitecan in human plasma. Both irinotecan and 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin were used as the internal standards. Plasma samples were protein precipitated by acetonitrile (0.2% formic acid, v/v) and processed samples were chromatographed on a Hypersil GOLDTM C18 column (100 × 4.6 mm, i.d. 3.0 μm) with acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium acetate (0.1% formic acid, v/v) as the mobile phase. The calibration curves showed good linearity (R ≥ 0.99) over the concentration range of 1–500 ng/mL and 0.25–125 ng/mL for simmitecan and chimmitecan, respectively. Intra‐ and inter‐run precisions (CV%) were ≤10.2% for simmitecan and ≤12.1% for chimmitecan. The accuracies were 99.4–103.5% for simmitecan and 95.4–103.5% for chimmitecan. This method was further successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of simmitecan in Chinese advanced solid cancer patients after administration of simmitecan hydrochloride injection.
Kinetic model for Ostwald's rule of stages with applications to Boc‐diphenylalanine self‐assembly
Authors: Barlow Douglas A. , Pantha Buddhi
Published: September 2021

A kinetic model which describes Ostwald's rule of stages, during the process of crystal growth from solution, is reported here. Reaction equations for stages are given where the stages convert from one to another. The final stage reacts to release a portion of solute back into solution, while the remainder converts to the final equilibrium form. Additionally, a remnant of the solute that was not consumed by any of the transitional stages, ultimately is converted into the final product. This particular model was motivated by a recent report for Boc‐diphenylalanine self‐assembly where the dissolved peptide was observed to go through two polymorphic stages before reaching the equilibrium supramolecular assembly [A. Levin et al., Nat. Commun. 5, 5219, (2014)]. Kinetic data for the concentration of solute present during the process are listed in the above‐mentioned report. We show here how the model, for , describes the time‐dependent behavior of the solute decay during the growth process. After comparing the model to the experimental data, we are able to report values for all of the rate constants and propose a rule whereby the relative magnitudes of these constants can be used to predict whether a supersaturated substance will noticeably pass through transitional stages or simply convert from solute to the equilibrium solid form.
Existence and nonexistence of solutions to cone elliptic equations via Galerkin method
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Huong , Nguyen Nhu Thang
Published: September 2021

Based on singular analysis on manifolds with conical singularities, we establish the existence and nonexistence of solutions for a class of semilinear degenerate elliptic problems on conic manifolds with boundary by utilizing Galerkin method.
Design of millimeter‐wave bandpass filters based on improved asymmetric parallel‐coupled microstrip line structure for direct detection system of CubeSat radiometer
Authors: Chen Yao , Zhang Sheng‐Wei
Published: September 2021

In this paper, two improved asymmetric parallel‐coupled microstrip bandpass filters with center frequencies of 89 GHz and 150 GHz were designed and implemented. The improvement of the circuit structure is based on the rotation of several asymmetric parallel‐coupled microstrip line segments, which achieves a great area reduction compared to the conventional structure. The improved bandpass filters were designed and optimized based on the conventional structure. The measured results show that the return loss of the W‐band bandpass filter is better than 16 dB and that of the D‐band bandpass filter is better than 15 dB within the passband. The insertion loss is less than 2.3 dB and 2.5 dB within the passband for W‐band and D‐band bandpass filters, respectively. These results verify the feasibility of the improved asymmetric parallel‐coupled microstrip line bandpass filter as a broadband pre‐filter for the direct detection system of a CubeSat radiometer.
Krüppel‐like factor 10 regulates the contractile properties of skeletal muscle fibers in mice
Authors: Kammoun Malek , Pouletaut Philippe , Morandat Sandrine , Subramaniam Malayannan , Hawse John R. , Bensamoun Sabine F.
Published: September 2021

Introduction/Aims

Klf10 is a member of the Krüppel‐like family of transcription factors, which is implicated in mediating muscle structure (fiber size, organization of the sarcomere), muscle metabolic activity (respiratory chain), and passive force. The aim of this study was to further characterize the roles of Klf10 in the contractile properties of skeletal muscle fibers.

Methods

Fifty‐two single fibers were extracted from female wild‐type (WT) and Klf10 knockout (KO) oxidative (soleus) and glycolytic (extensor digitorum longus [EDL]) skinned muscles. Each fiber was immersed successively in relaxing (R), washing (W), and activating (A) solutions. Calcium was included in the activating solution to induce a maximum contraction of the fiber. The maximum force (Fmax) was measured and normalized to the cross‐sectional area to obtain the maximum stress (Stressmax). After a steady state in contraction was reached, a quick stretch‐release was performed; the force at the maximum stretch (Fstretch) was measured and the stiffness was assessed.

Results

Deletion of the Klf10 gene induced changes in the contractile parameters (Fmax, Stressmax, Stiffness), which were lower and higher for soleus and EDL fibers compared with littermates, respectively. These measurements also revealed changes in the proportion and resistance of attached cross‐bridges.

Discussion

Klf10 plays a major role in the homeostasis of the contractile behavior of skeletal muscle fibers in a muscle fiber type–specific manner. These findings further implicate important roles for Klf10 in skeletal muscle function and shed new light on understanding the molecular processes regulating the contractility of skeletal muscle fibers.
A new 3D stress MRI measurement strategy to quantify surgical correction of prolapse in three support systems
Authors: Chen Luyun , Swenson Carolyn W. , Xie Bing , Ashton‐Miller James A. , DeLancey John O.
Published: September 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop and test the feasibility of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based measurement strategy to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical procedures in restoring normal anatomy in all three systems of pelvic floor support and quantify the structural changes induced by prolapse surgery.

Methods

Patients underwent clinical examination and stress MRI preoperatively and again 3 months postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative measures of three MRI‐based structural support systems were made: (1) vaginal wall, (2) apical and paravaginal support, and (3) hiatal closure system. Preoperative to postoperative structural changes were calculated and compared to normal values, and bivariate associations were determined.

Results

The three structural support systems were successfully quantified for both preoperative and postoperative MRIs regardless of operative approaches in all 15 women in the pilot group. Apical support was restored to normal in 11 of 12 patients who underwent an apical suspension procedure and 9 of 14 patients with a posterior repair had normalization of genital hiatus size. Mid‐vaginal paravaginal location was elevated an average of 2.5 ± 2.0 cm despite no paravaginal repairs being performed. Paravaginal location improvements were also significantly correlated with apical elevation (r values 0.99–0.87, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A strategy that quantifies structural‐specific preoperative impairments and improvements after prolapse surgery was successfully developed. Early findings reveal that prolapse surgery is more successful in restoring normal anatomy at Level I than Level III. Improvement in paravaginal location is significantly correlated with apical elevation.
Hedgehog Inhibitor Induction with Addition of Concurrent Superficial Radiotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Series
Authors: Weissman Joshua P. , Samlowski Wolfram , Meoz Raul
Published: September 2021

Background

Locally advanced basal cell cancer is a rare and challenging clinical problem. Historically, these patients were treated with aggressive surgery or radiotherapy. Most sporadic basal cell carcinomas have somatic mutations in the hedgehog pathway. Oral hedgehog inhibitors induce rapid and often complete clinical responses in locally advanced basal cell tumors. Unfortunately, these responses are usually transient. We hypothesized that treatment failure represents persistence of drug resistant cells that could be eradicated by addition of localized radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective review of our patients with locally advanced basal cell cancer treated with sonidegib or vismodegib induction therapy who were treated with added superficial radiotherapy at the time of maximal response.

Results

Twelve patients met inclusion criteria. All patients achieved a complete response following hedgehog inhibitor therapy with addition of radiotherapy. Progression-free survival at 40 months was 89%, with a median follow-up of 40 months. Relapses occurred in only 2 of 12 patients (16.6%). Nine patients experienced grade I–II toxicity from hedgehog inhibitor induction therapy (taste changes [3], weight loss [3], muscle cramps [3]). Eight patients experienced mild radiotherapy-induced skin toxicity during concurrent therapy. No patients had to discontinue treatment.

Conclusion

Induction therapy with hedgehog inhibitors followed by addition of concurrent radiation therapy resulted in an extremely high clinical response rate with relatively minor and reversible toxicity. This gave a high rate of progression-free survival and a low disease-specific progression rate. Further prospective evaluation of this treatment approach is needed to confirm the apparent clinical activity.

Implications for Practice

Locally advanced basal cell cancers are challenging to treat. Previously, aggressive surgical resection or radiotherapy represented the best treatment options. Most basal cell cancers have somatic mutations in the hedgehog pathway. Oral inhibitors of this pathway produce rapid but transient clinical responses. This study reports 12 patients treated with hedgehog inhibitor induction therapy to near-maximal response. Addition of concurrent involved field radiotherapy resulted in a very high complete response rate with minimal toxicity. There was prolonged progression-free survival in 90% of patients. This study identified a novel treatment approach for patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma.
Impact of COVID‐19 social distancing on viral infection in France: A delayed outbreak of RSV
Authors: Delestrain Céline , Danis Kostas , Hau Isabelle , Behillil Sylvie , Billard Marie‐Noëlle , Krajten Leyla , Cohen Robert , Bont Louis , Epaud Ralph
Published: September 2021

Introduction

COVID‐19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures have deeply modified the natural course of seasonal viral infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Methods

We analyzed French national data from three networks: emergency departments (ED) of French hospitals, general practitioners (GP), and hospital laboratories. We compared the number of ED or GP visits for bronchiolitis in children <2 years of age, and the percentage of RSV positive tests in the 2020 to 2021 season with those of the two previous seasons (2018–2019 and 2019–2020). We used time series of the previous 5 years to calculate epidemic thresholds.

Results

During the 2020–2021 season, the epidemic begun in February (Week 05) in the Ile de France (Paris and suburbs) region, 12 weeks later compared with the previous seasons and progressively spread across all the French metropolitan regions. The highest number of bronchiolitis cases in 2021 (Week 12) occurred 10–12 weeks after the previous seasonal peaks of previous seasons, but the number of cases remained lower than in the previous seasonal peaks.

Conclusion

We identified a delayed RSV epidemic in the period that usually corresponds at the end of the epidemic season, raising concerns for the burden of RSV in the already strained healthcare systems during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
The use of ipratropium bromide for treating moderate to severe asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients in an emergency setting: A cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Rodriguez‐Martinez Carlos E. , Sossa‐Briceño Monica P. , Buendia Jefferson Antonio
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Although the efficacy of the addition of ipratropium bromide (IB) to short‐acting β2‐agonists (SABAs) for treating children with moderate to severe asthma exacerbations has been demonstrated, evidence of its cost‐effectiveness is scarce. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of treatment with a combination of SABAs and IB compared with SABAs alone for the treatment of children with moderate to severe asthma exacerbations.

Methods

To achieve the objectives of the study, a decision‐analysis model was adapted. Effectiveness parameters were obtained from a systematic review of the literature with meta‐analysis. Cost data were obtained from hospital bills and from the national manual of drug prices in Colombia. The study was carried out from the perspective of the national healthcare system in Colombia. The main outcome of the model was avoidance of hospital admission.

Results

In children with moderate to severe asthma exacerbations, the base‐case analysis showed that compared to SABAs alone, treatment with a combination of SABAs and IB was associated with lower overall treatment costs (US$126.24 vs. US$170.69 mean cost per patient) and a higher probability of hospital admission avoided (0.7999 vs. 0.7100), thus leading to dominance. For children with severe asthma exacerbations, these values were US$132.99 versus US$170.69 and 0.7883 versus 0.7100, respectively.

Conclusions

In Colombia, when compared to therapy with SABAs alone, therapy with a combination of SABAs and IB for treating pediatric patients with moderate to severe asthma exacerbations involves a lower probability of hospital admission at lower treatment costs.
Lithium in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: September 2021

There is limited information on the safe use of drugs in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. While lithium is highly effective in the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder, concerns over drug safety might lead to lithium discontinuation, resulting in relapse during pregnancy or the perinatal period.
Sensitivity of secondary electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to a range of volatile organic compounds: Ligand switching ion chemistry and the influence of Zspray™ guiding electric fields
Authors: Dryahina Kseniya , Polášek Miroslav , Smith David , Španěl Patrik
Published: September 2021

Rationale

Secondary electrospray ionization (SESI) is currently only semi‐quantitative. In the Zspray™ arrangement of SESI‐MS, the transfer of ions from near atmospheric pressure to a triple quadrupole is achieved by guiding electric fields that partially desolvate both reagent and analyte ions which must be understood. Also, to make SESI‐MS more quantitative, the mechanisms and the kinetics of the reaction processes, especially ligand switching reactions of hydrated hydronium reagent ions, H3O+(H2O)n, with volatile organic compound (VOC) molecules, need to be understood.

Methods

A modified Zspray™ ESI ion source operating at sub‐atmospheric pressure with analyte sample gas introduced via an inlet coaxial with the spray was used. Variation of the ion‐guiding electric fields was used to reveal the degree of desolvation of both reagent and analyte ions. The instrument sensitivity was determined for several classes of VOCs by introducing bag samples of suitably varying concentrations as quantified on‐line using selected ion flow tube MS.

Results

Electric field desolvation resulted in largely protonated VOCs, MH+, and their monohydrates, MH+H2O, and for some VOCs proton‐bound dimer ions, MH+M, were formed. There was a highly linear response of the ion signal to the measured VOC sample concentration, which provided the instrument sensitivities, S, for 25 VOCs. The startling results show very wide variations in S from near 0 to 1 for hydrocarbons, and up to 100, on a relative scale, for polar compounds such as monoketones and unsaturated aldehydes.

Conclusions

The complex ion chemistry occurring in the SESI ion source, largely involving gas‐phase ligand switching, results in widely variable sensitivities for different classes of VOCs. The sensitivity is observed to depend on the dipole moment and proton affinity of the analyte VOC molecule, M, and to decrease with the observed fraction of MH+H2O, but other yet unrecognized factors must play a significant role.
A novel control strategy for quadrotors with variable mass and external disturbance
Authors: Zhao Jing , Ding Xiaoqian , Jiang Bin , Jiang Guoping , Xie Fei
Published: September 2021

Considering a class of quadrotor with variable mass of load and external disturbance, a novel control strategy based on adaptive non‐singular fast terminal sliding mode control is proposed to control in this article. Like external disturbances, internal disturbance caused by mass change will further affect the stability of the system and reduce the reliability of the system. Firstly, the dynamic modeling of a quadrotor with variable mass is carried out based on Euler Newton formulation. Then, a non‐singular fast terminal sliding mode controller based on adaptive integral backstepping is designed to overcome some external and internal disturbances. Meanwhile, an adaptive mass estimation algorithm is developed for real‐time mass estimation. Finally, through several groups of compared simulation results shows that the proposed method owns superior tracking performance for the quadrotor in both of mass change and external disturbance conditions.
Kernel density estimation in mixture models with known mixture proportions
Authors: Liu Siyun , Yu Tao
Published: September 2021

In this article, we consider the density estimation for data with a mixture structure, where the component densities are assumed unknown, but for each observation, the probabilities of its membership to the subpopulations are known or estimable from other resources. Data of this kind arise from practice and have wide applications. Motivated from the classical kernel density estimation method for a single population, we propose a weighted kernel density estimation method to estimate the component density functions nonparametrically. Within the framework of the EM algorithm, we derive an algorithm that computes our proposed estimates effectively. Via extensive simulation studies, we demonstrate that our methods outperform the existing methods in most occasions. We further compare our methods with existing methods by real data examples.
Bacteria‐Mediated Tumor Therapy via Photothermally‐Programmed Cytolysin A Expression
Authors: Wang Longyu , Qin Wenjun , Xu Wenxuan , Huang Fan , Xie Xiaochen , Wang Fei , Ma Lixin , Zhang Cheng
Published: September 2021

By leveraging the ability of bacteria to express therapeutic protein cytolysin A (ClyA) through plasmid transformation, a thermally‐activated biohybrid (TAB@Au) is constructed by biomineralizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the E. coli surface. Due to the feature of anaerobic bacteria homing to tumor microenvironments, the bacteria‐based antitumor vehicles can be efficaciously accumulated at tumor sites. Under NIR laser irradiation, the biomineralized AuNPs harvest transdermal photons and convert them into local heat for photothermal therapy. After that, the produced heat elicits the expression of ClyA for killing tumor cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments verify the conception that the current therapeutic modality greatly inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells. In terms of the spatial specificity and non‐invasiveness of NIR laser, the bacteria‐based phototherapy represents an appealing way for tumor therapy.
Cardiovascular effects of intravenous vatinoxan in wild boars (Sus scrofa) anaesthetised with intramuscular medetomidine‐tiletamine‐zolazepam
Authors: Einwaller Joy , Meyer Leith C. R. , Auer Ulrike , Raekallio Marja , Nowack Julia , Haw Anna , Vetter Sebastian , Painer Johanna , Stalder Gabrielle
Published: September 2021

Background

The potent sedative medetomidine is a commonly used adjunct for the immobilisation of non‐domestic mammals. However, its use is associated with pronounced cardiovascular side effects, such as bradycardia, vasoconstriction and decreased cardiac output. We investigated the effects of the peripherally‐acting alpha‐2‐adrenoceptor antagonist vatinoxan on cardiovascular properties in medetomidine‐tiletamine‐zolazepam anaesthetised wild boar (Sus scrofa).

Methods

Twelve wild boars, anaesthetised twice with medetomidine (0.1 mg/kg) and tiletamine/zolazepam (2.5 mg/kg) IM in a randomised, crossover study, were administered (0.1 mg/kg) vatinoxan or an equivalent volume of saline IV (control). Cardiovascular variables, including heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) and cardiac output (CO), were assessed 5 min prior to vatinoxan/saline administration until the end of anaesthesia 30 min later.

Results

MAP (p < 0.0001), MPAP (p < 0.001) and MPAOP (p < 0.0001) significantly decreased from baseline after vatinoxan until the end of anaesthesia. HR increased significantly (p < 0.0001) from baseline after vatinoxan administration. However, the effect on HR subsided 3 min after vatinoxan. All variables remained constant after saline injection. There was no significant effect of vatinoxan or saline on CO.

Conclusion

Vatinoxan significantly reduced systemic and pulmonary artery hypertension, induced by medetomidine in wild boar.
Conclusion
Authors: Distiller Natasha
Published: September 2021

The work of this book has been to engage with notions of human being that are mainstream in Western modernity. These common sense ideas have been forged and disseminated in the psy disciplines. I have sought to offer an alternative way of thinking about self and other that might alter how and why we think about our psychotherapeutic work. In the first chapter, I argued that the psy disciplines benefit when they learn from the humanities. In the final chapter, I outlined existing psychotherapy practices that already apply an understanding that human being is complicitous, even if those are not the terms they use. In between, I offered illustrations to bring into focus how systems of power evolve from specific historical events and from material practices, and then reinforce or underwrite these practices (see Kendi, 2016 for the example of racism in America as an illustration of how material practices can cause cultural formations as much as the other way around).
A Semantic Search Engine for Historical Handwritten Document Images
Authors: Ngo Vuong M. , Munnelly Gary , Orlandi Fabrizio , Crooks Peter , O’Sullivan Declan , Conlan Owen
Published: September 2021

A very large number of historical manuscript collections are available in image formats and require extensive manual processing in order to search through them. So, we propose and build a search engine for automatically storing, indexing and efficiently searching the manuscript images. Firstly, a handwritten text recognition technique is used to convert the images into textual representations. In the next steps, we apply the named entity recognition and historical knowledge graph to build a semantic search model, which can understand the user’s intent in the query and the contextual meaning of concepts in documents, to return correctly the transcriptions and their corresponding images for users.
Sobolev Gradients for the Möbius Energy
Authors: Reiter Philipp , Schumacher Henrik
Published: September 2021

Aiming to optimize the shape of closed embedded curves within prescribed isotopy classes, we use a gradient-based approach to approximate stationary points of the Möbius energy. The gradients are computed with respect to Sobolev inner products similar to the $$W^{3/2,2}$$

W

3
/
2
,
2

-inner product. This leads to optimization methods that are significantly more efficient and robust than standard techniques based on $$L^2$$

L
2

-gradients.
Combining simultaneous density and velocity measurements of rotor blade tip vortices under cyclic pitch conditions
Authors: Braukmann Johannes N. , Goerttler Andreas , Wolf C. Christian , Schwarz Clemens , Raffel Markus
Published: September 2021

An investigation into blade tip vortices of a sub-scale rotor under cyclic pitch conditions is carried out. Background oriented schlieren (BOS), particle image velocimetry (PIV), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are applied to the same test cases. This approach allows to combine the velocity data from PIV in a measurement plane, the density related data from BOS in a measurement volume, and the comprehensive set of flow variables provided by unsteady detached eddy simulations. Vortices up to an age of $$\varPsi _{{\text {v}}}= {70}^\circ$$

Ψ
v

=

70

∘

in case of PIV and CFD, and up to $$\varPsi _{{\text {v}}}= {200}^\circ$$

Ψ
v

=

200

∘

in case of BOS are considered. The vortex locations are obtained through all three techniques. The unsteadiness of the vortices was obtained by the experimental results, whereas CFD provides an average solution. An increased position scatter was observed during the downstroke of the pitch cycle with both experimental methods and was found to be in good agreement. In the second part, the PIV velocity data are compared to common vortex models. An approach to link the density distribution and the swirl velocity is applied to the measured data. Based on the CFD results, it is shown that the assumption of isothermal flow yields better agreement between velocity and density than isentropic flow.

Graphic abstract
Management, treatment and prognostic significance of lateral lymph node metastases in rectal cancer—a regional cohort study
Authors: Agger E. , Åkerlund V. , Ekberg O. , Jörgren F. , Lydrup M. L. , Buchwald P.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Lateral lymph node metastases in rectal cancer remain a clinical challenge. Different treatment regimens have been suggested. This retrospective regional cohort study examines outcome after combined oncological and surgical treatment of MRI-positive lateral lymph nodes (LLN).

Methods

Data from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry (SCRCR) and patient records were used for retrospective analysis of resected high-risk rectal cancers between 2009 and 2014. The aim was to compare tumour characteristics, neoadjuvant therapy, recurrence and outcome after lateral lymph node dissection.

Results

One thousand and one hundred nineteen cases were identified and after exclusion 344 patients with cT3–T4 ≤ 10 cm from the anal verge were analysed. Thirty (8.7%) patients with MRI-positive LLN were identified. Synchronous distant metastases were associated with MRI-positive LLN (p-value 0.019). Long-course chemoradiotherapy was clinical practice in cases of MRI-positive LLN. No differences in local (p-value 0.154) or distant (p-value 0.343) recurrence rates between MRI-positive LLN patients and MRI-negative patients were detected. Only four patients underwent lateral lymph node dissection (LLND). There was no significant difference in overall survival during follow-up between the MRI-negative (CI at 95%; 99–109 months) and MRI-positive group (CI at 95%; 69–108 months; p-value 0.14).

Conclusion

Lateral lymph node metastases present a challenging clinical situation. The present study shows that combination of neoadjuvant therapy and selective LLND is an applicable strategy in cases of MRI-positive LLN.
Assessing the quality of state-of-the-art regional climate information: the case of the UK Climate Projections 2018
Authors: Baldissera Pacchetti Marina , Dessai Suraje , Stainforth David A. , Bradley Seamus
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we assess the quality of state-of-the-art regional climate information intended to support climate adaptation decision-making. We use the UK Climate Projections 2018 as an example of such information. Their probabilistic, global, and regional land projections exemplify some of the key methodologies that are at the forefront of constructing regional climate information for decision support in adapting to a changing climate. We assess the quality of the evidence and the methodology used to support their statements about future regional climate along six quality dimensions: transparency; theory; independence, number, and comprehensiveness of evidence; and historical empirical adequacy. The assessment produced two major insights. First, a major issue that taints the quality of UKCP18 is the lack of transparency, which is particularly problematic since the information is directed towards non-expert users who would need to develop technical skills to evaluate the quality and epistemic reliability of this information. Second, the probabilistic projections are of lower quality than the global projections because the former lack both transparency and a theory underpinning the method used to produce quantified uncertainty estimates about future climate. The assessment also shows how different dimensions are satisfied depending on the evidence used, the methodology chosen to analyze the evidence, and the type of statements that are constructed in the different strands of UKCP18. This research highlights the importance of knowledge quality assessment of regional climate information that intends to support climate change adaptation decisions.
Cybercrime Victimisation and Polyvictimisation in Finland—Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Näsi Matti , Danielsson Petri , Kaakinen Markus
Published: September 2021

This study examines the prevalence of different types of cybercrime victimisation and their shared risk factors among the population of Finland. We examine how respondents’ socio-economic background variables, past offline victimisation experiences, online activity, user skills, and protective measures impact the risk of the most common forms of online victimisation and online polyvictimisation. Our nationally representative survey data were collected from 5455 Finns aged 15 to 74 years (response rate 39%) as part of the Finnish National Crime Survey in 2018. According to our findings, the five most common forms of victimisation were malware, harassment, sexual harassment, hacking, and fraud. Online routines and exposure to potential offenders, along with past offline victimisation experiences, served as notable risk factors for a range of different victimisation experiences online. Our findings show slightly different SES risk factors for victimisation of different online offences, thereby indicating the diverse nature of different types of online victimisation. Our findings also show that young age, better financial situation, high internet use, and user skills, along with past offline victimisation of property crime and violence, associate with increased risk of online polyvictimisation. High user protection decreased the risk of online polyvictimisation.
Visualising weekly learning outcomes (VWLO) and the intention to continue using a learning management system (CIU): the role of cognitive absorption and perceived learning self-regulation
Authors: Al-Shaikhli Dhuha , Jin Li , Porter Alan , Tarczynski Andrzej
Published: September 2021

This research, using goal setting theory, proposes a new educational intervention to improve the perceptions of a Learning management System (LMS) as an organising technology, so as to improve the intention to continue using it. This research developed Visualised Weekly Learning Outcomes (VWLO) as a mechanism for exposing learners to the required learning outcomes week by week. The research used the Partial Least Square Method to analyse 151 responses from an IT university course and found that the perceived ease of use and usefulness of the VWLO, as an intervention, improves the learners’ perception of self-regulation and cognitive absorption from the LMS, which in turn affects the learners’ intention to continue using the LMS.
Memory Disjunctivism: a Causal Theory
Authors: Moran Alex
Published: September 2021

Relationalists about episodic memory must endorse a disjunctivist theory of memory-experience according to which cases of genuine memory and cases of total confabulation involve distinct kinds of mental event with different natures. This paper is concerned with a pair of arguments against this view, which are analogues of the ‘causal argument’ and the ‘screening off argument’ that have been pressed in recent literature against relationalist (and hence disjunctivist) theories of perception. The central claim to be advanced is that to deal with these two arguments, memory disjunctivists both can and should draw on resources that are standardly appealed to by rival common factor theories of episodic memory, and, in particular, to the idea that genuine memories and merely apparent ones are to be distinguished, at least in part, in terms of the distinctive ways in which they are caused. On the proposed view, there are substantive causal constraints associated both with cases of genuine memory and with cases of mere confabulation. The resulting theory thus tells us something important about the nature both of genuine memories and of mere confabulations, namely, that such experiences must be caused in certain distinctive ways and cannot occur except as the result of a distinctive sort of causal process. In addition, the theory enables the disjunctivist to offer a unified response to an important pair of arguments against her view.
Surviving Climate Chaos
Authors: Caldecott Julian
Published: September 2021

Surviving climate chaos needs communities and ecosystems able to cope with near-random impacts. Their strength depends upon their integrity, so preserving and restoring this is essential. Total climate breakdown might be postponed by extreme efforts to conserve carbon and recapture pollutants, but climate chaos everywhere is now inevitable. Adaptation efforts by Paris Agreement countries are converging on community-based and ecosystem-based strategies, and case studies in Bolivia, Nepal and Tanzania confirm that these are the best ways forward. But success depends on local empowerment through forums, ecosystem tenure security and environmental education. When replicated, networked and shielded by governments, they can strengthen societies against climate chaos while achieving sustainable development. These vital messages are highlighted for all those who seek or have already found a role in promoting adaptation: for students, researchers and teachers, government officials and aid professionals, and for everyone who is now living under threat of climate chaos.
Judaism and Violence
Authors: Eisen Robert
Published: September 2021

This Element explores the potential in Judaism to incite Jews to engage in violence against non-Jews. The analysis proceeds in historical fashion, with sections devoted to the Hebrew Bible, rabbinic Judaism, medieval and early modern Judaism, and modern Zionism. The last topic is given special attention because of its relevance to the current Middle East conflict. This Element also draws on insights from social psychology to explain Jewish violence - particularly Social Identity Theory.
Who Cares? A Pilot Study of Pandemic Influenza Risk Perception in an Urban Population
Authors: Davies Tecwyn , Meyrowitsch Dan Wolf
Published: September 2021

Objective:

The association of urban population sociodemographic factors and components of pandemic influenza risk perception were studied.

Methods:

A prospective questionnaire-based study was undertaken between March 14, 2019 and October 18, 2019. A total of 464 questionnaires were distributed to 4 primary medical centers in 2 cities in England and Wales. Persons aged over 16 years presenting to the medical centers were asked to participate.

Results:

A total of 222 questionnaires were completed (return rate 47.8%). Participants were aged 16-84 years, with a median age of 45.5 years. Prevalence of 1 or more chronic diseases was 29.1%. Seasonal flu vaccination within 5 years was reported by 58.9%. Bivariate analyses of chronic disease and influenza vaccination observed a statistically significant association with influenza personal susceptibility expression (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.22 - 0.94) and (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.25 - 0.99) respectively. Multivariate analysis observed a statistically significant association between the presence of chronic disease and low comparative risk expression (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15 – 0.74) (P = 0.007).

Conclusions:

Respondents identifying as ‘healthy’ are more likely to express lower risk perception of pandemic influenza. Importantly, this target group is not the usual focus of influenza campaigns and are perhaps more likely to disregard health advice. Factors influencing perceptions of this target group could be an important focus of future pandemic risk perception research.