bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new method for indexing continuous IoT data flows in metric space
Authors: Khettabi Karima , Kouahla Zineddine , Farou Brahim , Seridi Hamid , Ferrag Mohamed Amine
Published: July 2022

The continuous production of heterogeneous internet of things (IoT) data created a new challenge, which is their storage and retrieve efficiently. In this work, a new method of indexing, called threshold distance (TD), is proposed in the fog‐cloud architecture. In this method, the fog layer is divided into two levels: a clustering level and an indexing level. In the clustering fog level, the first data flow is grouped into clusters of homogenous objects using the density‐based spatial clustering applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm. In the indexing fog level, objects in each cluster are indexed in separated generalized hyperplane‐trees (GHT). After the clustering of the next data flow, objects are inserted in existing GHT or new GHT are created according the comparison of the distances between centers of the next clusters and those of the first clusters (took as representatives of their corresponding indexes) with a threshold distance value. To test the efficiency of the TD method, the experimental results were compared with those of our second proposed method called creation of a new tree (CNT) in which, data of each cluster is indexed in a new GHT. The experimental results show that the efficiency of the TD method in GHT construction depend on the size of the data flow. For the parallel kNN search, the TD method proved its efficiency whatever the size of the data flow.
Comparison of the enhanced attachment and proliferation of the human mesenchymal stem cells on the biomimetic nanopatterned surfaces of zein, silk fibroin, and gelatin
Authors: Huang Xueying , Zeng Jie , Wang Yi
Published: July 2022

Natural proteins have been reported to positively affect the attachment and proliferation of cells. For the first time, zein, a plant protein, was utilized to make patterned surface mimicking the extracellular matrix to assist the attachment and proliferation of stem cells. Zein would promote the attachment and proliferation of the stem cells more than 10 times of that of gelatin and silk fibroin, respectively, which are popular protein selections for the formation of the biomaterial scaffolds. The more the surface was covered by zein, the more the stem cell grown. It was revealed that the stem cells would grow and stretch in the direction of the patterns, and the stem cells preferred to grow in the grooves in the size of 8 μm, that was similar to the size of the stem cells, rather than the size larger or smaller than that of the cells, such as 50 and 2 μm. It was concluded that zein is a better choice than silk fibroin and gelatin with highly potential for the formation of patterned surface and structure as the biomaterial scaffolds for stem cell therapy.
Reduction of Mature B Cells and Immunoglobulins Results in Increased Trabecular Bone
Authors: Lagerquist Marie K. , Gupta Priti , Sehic Edina , Horkeby Karin L. , Scheffler Julia M. , Nordqvist Jauquline , Lawenius Lina , Islander Ulrika , Corciulo Carmen , Henning Petra , Carlsten Hans , Engdahl Cecilia
Published: July 2022

Inflammation has a significant effect on bone remodeling and can result in bone loss via increased stimulation of osteoclasts. Activated immunoglobulins, especially autoantibodies, can increase osteoclastogenesis and are associated with pathological bone loss. Whether immunoglobulins and mature B lymphocytes are important for general bone architecture has not been completely determined. Here we demonstrate, using a transgenic mouse model, that reduction of mature B cells and immunoglobulins leads to increased trabecular bone mass compared to wild‐type (WT) littermate controls. This bone effect is associated with a decrease in the number of osteoclasts and reduced bone resorption, despite decreased expression of osteoprotegerin. We also demonstrate that the reduction of mature B cells and immunoglobulins do not prevent bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency or arthritis compared to WT littermate controls. In conclusion, the reduction of mature B cells and immunoglobulins results in disturbed regulation of trabecular bone turnover in healthy conditions but is dispensable for pathological bone loss. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The hepatoprotective effects of taurine against oxidative stress induced by isotretinoin in rats
Authors: Taziki Shohreh , Gholamzadeh Faramarz , Hosseini Rozhin
Published: July 2022

Liver disorders are one of the principal reasons for mortality in the world. Isotretinoin is a systemic retinoid that has been approved for therapy of acne vulgaris since 1982. This drug causes complications in the body. Evidence suggests that Isotretinoin might cause hepatotoxicity. Our research aimed to study the exact mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by isotretinoin and the protective role of taurine in this toxicity. Biomarkers such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), superoxide dismutase, glutathione content (GSH), catalase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were examined. Furthermore, pathological changes were evaluated. The results showed that oral administration of Isotretinoin induced hepatotoxicity as showed by elevation in ALT, AST, and MDA; also, it reduced intracellular GSH in rat liver tissue. Administration of taurine prevented the hepatotoxicity induced by isotretinoin in rats significantly.
Quercetin attenuates cyclophosphamide induced‐immunosuppressive indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of male Wister rats
Authors: Ebokaiwe Azubuike P. , Ushang Odobi R. , Ogunwa Tomisin H. , Kikiowo Babatomiwa , Olusanya Olasiende
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the protective effect of quercetin against cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressive indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) via the mechanism of oxidative‐inflammatory stress and behavioral indices. Cyclophosphamide (CYP) was administered to male Wister rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg with or without quercetin 50 mg/kg every other day for 7 days. Experimental techniques including western blotting, immunohistochemistry analysis, and inflammatory and oxidative stress marker assays were carried out. We also conducted behavioral analyses such as open field, tail suspension, and Y‐maze tests for cognitive assessment. The results indicated that quercetin attenuated oxidative‐inflammatory stress induced by CYP in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of male Wister rats by augmenting the activities of antioxidant enzymes and suppressing lipid peroxidation as well as inflammatory mediators such as interleukin‐6 and interferon‐γ. Concomitantly, quercetin partially prevented the alteration in brain tissue histological architecture and mitigated the activities of IDO/tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenase (TDO) and protein expression of IDO1. This was corroborated by the IDO‐quercetin model obtained in silico, revealing a favorable inhibitory interaction between quercetin and the enzyme. Finally, the results of behavioral tests suggested that quercetin significantly prevented the depressive‐like posture of the CYP‐treated rats. Our study for the first time revealed that quercetin ameliorates the effect of CYP‐instigated IDO/TDO activities in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus via restoration of antioxidant enzymes and preventing oxidative‐inflammatory stress.
Integration of soil washing and cork permeable reactive barriers for the remediation of soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Silva Karyn NO , Henrique João MM , Đolić Maja B , Martínez‐Huitle Carlos A , Dos Santos Elisama V , Moreira Francisca C , Vilar Vítor JP
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Soil washing is a well‐known technology for the remediation of soils polluted by organic contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study aimed to go further by integrating soil washing and permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) made of cork granules to remove PAHs from the soil. While PAHs may be transferred from the soil to the washing solution in the soil washing step, the cork PRB may provide the removal of PAHs from the washing solution, ultimately leading to the reuse of this solution.

RESULTS

The integrated approach was tested by means of packed bed column experiments in the absence and presence of cork PRBs. Two PAHs were under focus: fluorene (FLU) and phenanthrene (PHE). In soil with 0.5 mmol L−1 kgsoil−1 of FLU and PHE, the soil washing technique employing thermally treated cork granules and a solution of 70%/30% water/acetonitrile (v/v) flowing at 2.2 mL min−1 promoted the transfer of ~58% of PAHs from the soil to the washing solution, while the cork PRB retained ~98% of the PAHs from the washing solution. The acetonitrile content of the water/acetonitrile washing solutions contributed to the soil washing since it was responsible for PAH desorption and elution, however it was unfavorable for PAH sorption onto the cork as acetonitrile competed with PAHs for cork sorption sites.

CONCLUSION

Cork PRBs were able to retain PAHs from soil washing solutions and provide final solutions free of PAHs, demonstrating the viability of integrating solvent‐aided soil washing with cork PRBs. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Silver removal and microbial community structure in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Almatouq Abdullah , Webster Gordon , Babatunde Akintunde
Published: July 2022

Background

Silver (Ag) removal, electric current generation and the microbial community responsible were investigated in two replicate dual‐chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The MFCs were inoculated with activated sludge and operated for electricity generation over 90 days.

Results

Silver was efficiently removed from synthetic wastewater at the cathode chamber of the MFC and the precipitated particles on the cathode electrode were verified as Ag using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The MFCs achieved a maximum power density of 1850 ± 25 mW m−2 and a maximum Ag removal of 99.8%. Furthermore, Illumina high‐throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed that both MFCs shared the same dominant bacterial phyla, namely Synergistetes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, with bacteria belonging to Butyricicoccus, Petrimonas, Desulfomicrobium and Desulfovibrio and large numbers of unassigned genera.

Conclusions

The dual‐chamber MFCs provided an efficient method for concurrent Ag removal and energy generation, and effectively removed and recovered Ag from various wastewater streams even at low Ag concentrations. However, continued Ag precipitation on the electrode surface during long‐term operation could lead to a deterioration in the performance of the MFC and an increase in internal resistance. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Achieving disability inclusive employment – Are the current approaches deep enough?
Authors: Shaw Jackie , Wickenden Mary , Thompson Stephen , Mader Philip
Published: July 2022

Diverse approaches to promoting disability inclusive employment aim to transform workplaces into truly inclusive environments, usually with intervention strategies targeting two main groups: employers and jobseekers with disabilities. However, they do not always consider other relevant stakeholders or address the relationships and interactions between diverse actors in the wider social ecosystem. These approaches often neglect deeper ‘vexing’ difficulties which block progress towards disability inclusive work environments. Most interventions rightly embrace hegemonic ‘social models of disability’ and use human rights arguments but may neglect entrenched structural factors. Disability inclusive employment is complex, with unaddressed invisible aspects that continue to limit progress. We explore some key relevant disability concepts and then interrogate evidence from the ‘Inclusion Works’ programme working in four middle‐ and low‐income countries, considering some intractable barriers underlying the slow movement towards inclusive employment. Finally, we propose that a more participatory action orientated approach involving disabled people and others is needed to both generate deeper understanding and provide pathways towards new solutions to obstinate problems through progressive action learning processes in context. Programmatic interventions that work across the levels of the ecosystem and address power relations and interactions between stakeholders could lead to more substantial forms of disability inclusive employment.
Appropriateness of gabapentinoid prescription for surgical and trauma pain in gabapentinoid‐naïve patients: a retrospective review
Authors: Woods Aaron , Drovandi Aaron , Konstantatos Alex , Bui Thuy
Published: July 2022

Background

The gabapentinoids pregabalin and gabapentin are not recommended for managing acute pain in the absence of neuropathic symptoms, but such use is prominent in this setting.

Aim

To assess gabapentinoid prescribing practices for gabapentinoid‐naïve patients after surgery and trauma.

Method

A retrospective review of surgical and trauma admissions at a large, Australian, tertiary teaching hospital for patients prescribed a gabapentinoid for the first time, from February 2019 to May 2019, inclusive.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐nine of 5494 (3.4%) gabapentinoid‐naïve surgical and trauma inpatients were prescribed a gabapentinoid, with 110 of the 189 (58.2%) also discharged on a gabapentinoid. Of the 110 patients, 60 (54.5%) were prescribed a gabapentinoid for either non‐neuropathic pain or undocumented pain indication, and the remainder for neuropathic symptoms. Only 66 (60.0%) patients discharged with a gabapentinoid had a plan for further management such as de‐escalation or general practitioner follow‐up. Of the 67 prescriptions written for patients on discharge, 32 (47.8%) were written as non‐government subsidised prescriptions. Four patients considered at high risk of developing addictive behaviours were discharged on a gabapentinoid.

Conclusion

In this study, initiation and maintenance of gabapentinoid therapy in previously naïve surgical and trauma patients was infrequent, although it was often prescribed for an unclear or non‐neuropathic indication with little provision of, or no information for, intended duration of use. This review provides an opportunity for further intervention at the transition of care to minimise inappropriate long‐term gabapentinoid use and could be used to facilitate further research evaluating the impact of hospital‐prescribed gabapentinoids in the community.
Development and validation of a novel stability‐indicating reverse phase HPLC method for the determination of sacubitril–valsartan premix stereoisomers: Cellulosetris(4‐methyl benzoate) stationary phase
Authors: Yerra Sudhakar , Pyata Kishore Babu , Boju Sreenivasulu , Sharma Hemant Kumar , Battula Venkateswara Rao
Published: July 2022

A new stability indicating reverse phase HPLC method has been developed and validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines for the determination of sacubitril‐valsartan premix stereoisomers, namely, (2R)‐valsartan, (2S,4S)‐sacubitril, (2R,4S)‐sacubitril, and (2R,4R)‐sacubitril. Primarily, stability indicating separation study was done on reverse phase LC conditions; it was described by peak homogeneity of sacubitril–valsartan and its stereoisomers. Cellulosetris(4‐methylbenzoate) packing column Chiralcel OJ‐RH(150 mm × 4.6 mm), 5 μm provided better resolution than those of amylose based stationary phase's. Resolution between two arbitrary adjacent analyte was found to be more than 2.0 with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid in water as mobile phase‐A and mobile phase‐B consisting of acetonitrile, methanol, and trifluoroacetic acid (90:10:0.1, v/v/v). Gradient elution was performed at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min, column temperature 20°C, injection volume 10 μl, UV detection at 254 nm and run time was 52 min. The detector response linearity of stereoisomers found to be linear (R2 ≥ 0.9998), limit of detection (0.290 μg/ml, 0.122 μg/ml, 0.123 μg/ml, and 0.124 μg/ml), and limit of quantification (0.878 μg/ml, 0.370 μg/ml, 0.373 μg/ml, and 0.375 μg/ml), respectively. Percentage recovery was found to be 98–105. Finally, the proposed method is user friendly and can be used in bulk drugs analysis.
Echocardiography and Lung Ultrasound in Long COVID and Post‐COVID Syndrome, a Review Document of the Austrian Society of Pneumology and the Austrian Society of Ultrasound in Medicine
Authors: Altersberger Martin , Goliasch Georg , Khafaga Mounir , Schneider Matthias , Cho Yerin , Winkler Roland , Funk Georg‐Christian , Binder Thomas , Huber Gustav , Zwick Ralf‐Harun , Genger Martin
Published: July 2022

Lung ultrasound has the potential to enable standardized follow‐up without radiation exposure and with lower associated costs in comparison to CT scans. It is a valuable tool to follow up on patients after a COVID‐19 infection and evaluate if there is pulmonary fibrosis developing. Echocardiography, including strain imaging, is a proven tool to assess various causes of dyspnea and adds valuable information in the context of long COVID care. Including two‐dimensional (2D) strain imaging, a better comprehension of myocardial damage in post‐COVID syndrome can be made. Especially 2D strain imaging (left and the right ventricular strain) can provide information about prognosis.
Economic Evaluation of Telerobotic Ultrasound Technology to Remotely Provide Ultrasound Services in Rural and Remote Communities
Authors: Adams Scott J. , Penz Erika , Imeah Biaka , Burbridge Brent , Obaid Haron , Babyn Paul , Mendez Ivar
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Telerobotic ultrasound technology allows radiologists and sonographers to remotely provide ultrasound services in underserved areas. This study aimed to compare costs associated with using telerobotic ultrasound to provide ultrasound services in rural and remote communities to costs associated with alternate models.

Methods

A cost‐minimization approach was used to compare four ultrasound service delivery models: telerobotic ultrasound (Model 1), telerobotic ultrasound and an itinerant sonographer (Model 2), itinerant sonographer without telerobotic ultrasound (Model 3), and travel to another community for all exams (Model 4). In Models 1–3, travel was assumed when exams could not be successfully performed telerobotically or by an itinerant sonographer. A publicly funded healthcare payer perspective was used for the reference case and a societal perspective was used for a secondary non‐reference case. Costs were based on the literature and experience using telerobotic ultrasound in Saskatchewan, Canada. Costs were expressed in 2020 Canadian dollars.

Results

Average cost per ultrasound exam was $342, $323, $368, and $478 for Models 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, from a publicly funded healthcare payer perspective, and $461, $355, $447, and $849, respectively, from a societal perspective. In one‐way sensitivity analyses, Model 2 was the lowest cost from a payer perspective for communities with population >2075 people, distance >350 km from the nearest ultrasound facility, or >47% of the population eligible for publicly funded medical transportation.

Conclusion

Health systems may wish to consider solutions such as telerobotic ultrasound and itinerant sonographers to reduce healthcare costs and improve access to ultrasound in rural and remote communities.
The Impact of Vocal Boost Manipulations on Musical Sound Quality for Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Limb Charles J. , Mo Jonathan , Jiradejvong Patpong , Jiam Nicole T.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate the impact of vocal boost manipulations on cochlear implant (CI) musical sound quality appraisals.

Methods

An anonymous, online study was distributed to 33 CI users. Participants listened to auditory tokens and assessed the musical quality of acoustic stimuli with vocal boosting and attenuation using a validated sound quality rating scale. Four versions of real‐world musical stimuli were created: a version with +9 dB vocal boost, a version with −9 dB vocal attenuation, a composite stimulus containing a 1,000 Hz low‐pass filter and white noise (“anchor”), and an unaltered version (“hidden reference”). Subjects listened to all four versions and provided ratings based on a 100‐point scale that reflected the perceived sound quality difference of the music clip relative to the reference excerpt.

Results

Vocal boost increased musical sound quality ratings relative to the reference clip (11.7; 95% CI, 1.62–21.8, p = 0.016) and vocal attenuation decreased musical sound quality ratings relative to the reference clip (28.5; 95% CI, 18.64–38.44, p < 0.001). When comparing the non‐musical training group and musical training group, there was a significant difference in musical sound quality rating scores for the vocal boost condition (21.2; 95% CI: 1.76–40.7, p = 0.028).

Conclusions

CI‐mediated musical sound quality appraisals are impacted by vocal boost and attenuation. Musically trained CI users to report greater musical sound quality enhancement with a vocal boost with respect to CI users with no musical training background. Implementation of front‐end vocal boost manipulations in music may improve sound quality and music appreciation among CI users.

Level of Evidence

2 (Individual cohort study) Laryngoscope, 133:938–947, 2023
Smell Impairment in Stage I‐II Obesity: Correlation with Biochemical Regulators and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Micarelli Alessandro , Mrakic‐Sposta Simona , Micarelli Beatrice , Malacrida Sandro , Misici Ilaria , Carbini Valentina , Iennaco Ilaria , Caputo Sara , Vezzoli Alessandra , Alessandrini Marco
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate the differences in olfactory sensitivity, nutritional habits, levels of modulators of feeding and smell, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measures and metabolic assays between two groups of participants with stage I and II obesity and reciprocal relationships between these parameters.

Methods

Eighteen participants with stage I (11 female; mean age = 54.3 ± 13.1 years) and 20 participants with stage II (10 female; mean age = 54.5 ± 11.9) obesity underwent a food frequency questionnaire and Sniffin' Sticks® test battery, anthropometric parameters, and BIA measurements as well as metabolic assays (including plasma levels of leptin, insulin, ghrelin, glucose, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 [IGF‐1] and usual laboratory parameters).

Results

The stage II obesity participants demonstrated significant higher levels of insulin and leptin and lower levels of ghrelin and IGF‐1, a reduction in odor identification (OI) and in total olfactory score, and an increase in visceral and total fat percentage. Among a mosaic of multiple correlations, ghrelin was found to positively correlate with OI and leptin negatively with odor discrimination.

Conclusion

The present study expands the notions positing the olfactory perception – and its connections with metabolic cues, foods habits and BIA measures – changes across the two most important obesity stages. This could ameliorate clinical and research deepening of obesity‐related olfactory behavior with possible consequences on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of onset and development of obesity, thus opening possible future strategies involving multidisciplinary contributions.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:2028–2035, 2022
Methane oxidation dynamics in a stratified lake: Insights revealed from a mass balance and carbon stable isotopes
Authors: Langenegger Timon , Vachon Dominic , Donis Daphne , McGinnis Daniel F.
Published: July 2022

Methane oxidation in lakes removes a large portion of methane (CH4). To date, methane oxidation estimates in lakes have often been derived at low spatial resolution in the water column, preventing understanding of the links to the physicochemical gradients in the stratified regions. We applied a mass balance approach with measured dissolved CH4 and sediment CH4 fluxes to derive high‐resolution depth profiles of specific CH4 oxidation rates () in the water column during the stratified period of a small eutrophic lake (Soppensee, Switzerland). Estimated ranged from 0 to 1 d−1 and the profiles agreed well with previous studies, and were also in agreement with rates from concurrent in situ oxidation experiments. A sensitivity analysis revealed that sediment CH4 flux is the largest source of uncertainty when deriving kox. Although previous studies have estimated methane oxidation based on δ13CCH4, we showed with numerical modeling that δ13CCH4 measurements could not be used to resolve the relative contributions of methane oxidation and sediment fluxes to the water column CH4 balance. Exploration of alternative approaches to derive methane oxidation is needed to reveal potentially unknown or misunderstood drivers of methane oxidation in lakes. The presented mass balance approach has the potential to calculate methane oxidation at high vertical resolution and enhance the spatial limitations of established incubation methods. As methane oxidation is responsible for removing most of the produced methane in lakes, it is as important to accurately resolve the key drivers to predict responses to future climate scenarios.
Association of serum metabolites and gut microbiota at hospital admission with nosocomial infection development in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Bajaj Jasmohan S. , Reddy K. Rajender , Tandon Puneeta , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe , Kamath Patrick S. , O'Leary Jacqueline G. , Wong Florence , Lai Jennifer , Vargas Hugo , Thuluvath Paul J. , Subramanian Ram M. , Pena‐Rodriguez Marcela , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Thacker Leroy R. , Gillevet Patrick M.
Published: July 2022

Cirrhosis is complicated by a high rate of nosocomial infections (NIs), which result in poor outcomes and are challenging to predict using clinical variables alone. Our aim was to determine predictors of NI using admission serum metabolomics and gut microbiota in inpatients with cirrhosis. In this multicenter inpatient cirrhosis study, serum was collected on admission for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry metabolomics, and a subset provided stool for 16SrRNA analysis. Hospital course, including NI development and death, were analyzed. Metabolomic analysis using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (demographics, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease [MELD] admission score, white blood count [WBC], rifaximin, and infection status adjusted) and random forest analyses for NI development were performed. Additional values of serum metabolites over clinical variables toward NI were evaluated using logistic regression. Stool microbiota and metabolomic correlations were compared in patients with and without NI development. A total of 602 patients (231 infection admissions) were included; 101 (17%) developed NIs, which resulted in worse inpatient outcomes, including intensive care unit transfer, organ failure, and death. A total of 127 patients also gave stool samples, and 20 of these patients developed NIs. The most common NIs were spontaneous bacterial peritonitis followed by urinary tract infection, Clostridioides difficile, and pneumonia. A total of 247 metabolites were significantly altered on ANCOVA. Higher MELD scores (odds ratio, 1.05; p < 0.0001), admission infection (odds ratio, 3.54; p < 0.0001), and admission WBC (odds ratio, 1.05; p = 0.04) predicted NI (area under the curve, 0.74), which increased to 0.77 (p = 0.05) with lower 1‐linolenoyl‐glycerolphosphocholine (GPC) and 1‐stearoyl‐GPC and higher N‐acetyltryptophan and N‐acetyl isoputreanine. Commensal microbiota were lower and pathobionts were higher in those who developed NIs. Microbial–metabolite correlation networks were complex and dense in patients with NIs, especially sub‐networks centered on Ruminococcaceae and Pseudomonadaceae. NIs are common and associated with poor outcomes in cirrhosis. Admission gut microbiota in patients with NIs showed higher pathobionts and lower commensal microbiota. Microbial–metabolomic correlations were more complex, dense, and homogeneous among those who developed NIs, indicating greater linkage strength. Serum metabolites and gut microbiota on admission are associated with NI development in cirrhosis.
Development of Multilevel Organic Phototransistor Memory using Conjugated/Insulating Polymer Blends with a Vertical Phase Separation
Authors: Chen Yi‐Wen , Lin Yan‐Cheng , Yang Wei‐Chen , Yang Yun‐Fang , Peng Yan‐Cheng , Chen Wei‐Cheng , Lin Bi‐Hsuan , Yu Yang‐Yen , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: July 2022

In this work, a series of methacrylate‐based polymers bearing benzene (poly(benzyl methacrylate)), naphthalene (poly(2‐naphthyl methacrylate)), anthracene (poly(9‐anthracenyl methyl methacrylate), PAMA), and pyrene (poly(1‐pyrenemethyl methacrylate)) are blended with conjugated polymer of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) to perform vertical phase separation during spin‐coating. The bilayer structure of the conjugated/insulating polymer blend is driven by their mismatch in surface energy, and the blend films are applied in the phototransistor memory device with the bottom layer of methacrylate‐based polymer as a photoactive electret and the top layer of P3HT as a semiconducting channel. It is found that the vertical phase separation morphology, conjugation, and energy levels of the pendant arene groups in the methacrylate‐based polymers are highly related to the photoresponse, memory retention/endurance of the phototransistor memory. Therefore, the device comprising the polymer blend of P3HT and PAMA successfully produces a high current contrast of 105 to 254 nm light and 104 to 450 nm light over 104 s. This study provides a facile approach to the fabrication of high‐performance phototransistor memory devices.
Pyridoxine‐responsive KCNQ2 epileptic encephalopathy: Additional cases and literature review
Authors: Chen Jun , Tao Qiuji , Fan Lijuan , Shen Yajun , Liu Jinfeng , Luo Huan , Yang Zuozhen , Liang Mengmeng , Gan Jing
Published: July 2022

Background

Typical patients with KCNQ2 (OMIM# 602235) epileptic encephalopathy present early neonatal‐onset intractable seizures with a burst suppression EEG pattern and severe developmental delay or regression, and those patients always fail first‐line treatment with sodium channel blockers. Vitamin B6, either pyridoxine or pyridoxal 50‐phosphate, has been demonstrated to improve seizure control in intractable epilepsy.

Methods

Here, we collected and summarized the clinical data for four independent cases diagnosed with pyridoxine‐responsive epileptic encephalopathy, and their exome sequencing data. Moreover, we reviewed all published cases and summarized the clinical features, genetic variants, and treatment of pyridoxine‐responsive KCNQ2 epileptic encephalopathy.

Results

All four cases showed refractory seizures during the neonatal period or infancy, accompanied by global development delay. Four pathogenetic variants of KCNQ2 were uncovered and confirmed by Sanger sequencing: KCNQ2 [NM_172107.4: c.2312C > T (p.Thr771Ile), c.873G > C (p.Arg291Ser), c.652 T > A (p.Trp218Arg) and c.913‐915del (p. Phe305del)]. Sodium channel blockers and other anti‐seizure medications failed to control their seizures. The frequency of seizures gradually decreased after treatment with high‐dose pyridoxine. In case 1, case 2, and case 4, clinical seizures relapsed when pyridoxine was withdrawn, and seizures were controlled again when pyridoxine treatment was resumed.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that pyridoxine may be a promising adjunctive treatment option for patients with KCNQ2 epileptic encephalopathy.
Blow‐up of solutions of wave equation with a nonlinear boundary condition and interior focusing source of variable order of growth
Authors: Aliev Akbar B. , Shafieva Gulshan Kh.
Published: July 2022

In this paper, being investigated an initial‐boundary value problem for a one‐dimensional wave equation with a nonlinear source of variable order and nonlinear dissipation at the boundary. The existence of a local solution of the problem under consideration is proved. Then the question of the absence of global solutions is investigated. Depending on the relationship between the order of growth of the nonlinear source and the nonlinear boundary dissipation, different results are obtained on the blow‐up of weak solutions in a finite time interval.
Convolutional neural network–based metal and streak artifacts reduction in dental CT images with sparse‐view sampling scheme
Authors: Kim Seongjun , Ahn Junhyun , Kim Byeongjoon , Kim Chulhong , Baek Jongduk
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Sparse‐view sampling has attracted attention for reducing the scan time and radiation dose of dental cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). Recently, various deep learning–based image reconstruction techniques for sparse‐view CT have been employed to produce high‐quality image while effectively reducing streak artifacts caused by the lack of projection views. However, most of these methods do not fully consider the effects of metal implants. As sparse‐view sampling strengthens the artifacts caused by metal objects, simultaneously reducing both metal and streak artifacts in sparse‐view CT images has been challenging. To solve this problem, in this study, we propose a novel framework.

Methods

The proposed method was based on the normalized metal artifact reduction (NMAR) method, and its performance was enhanced using two convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The first network reduced the initial artifacts while preserving the fine details to generate high‐quality priors for NMAR processing. Subsequently, the second network was employed to reduce the streak artifacts after NMAR processing of sparse‐view CT data. To validate the proposed method, we generated training and test data by computer simulations using both extended cardiac‐torso (XCAT) and clinical data sets.

Results

Visual inspection and quantitative evaluations demonstrated that the proposed method effectively reduced both metal and streak artifacts while preserving the details of anatomical structures compared with the conventional metal artifact reduction methods.

Conclusions

We propose a framework for reconstructing accurate CT images in metal‐inserted sparse‐view CT. The proposed method reduces streak artifacts from both metal objects and sparse‐view sampling while recovering the anatomical details, indicating the feasibility of fast‐scan dental CBCT imaging.
Accurate measurements of self‐diffusion coefficients with benchtop NMR using a QM model‐based approach
Authors: Steimers Ellen , Matviychuk Yevgen , Holland Daniel J. , Hasse Hans , von Harbou Erik
Published: July 2022

The measurement of self‐diffusion coefficients using pulsed‐field gradient (PFG) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a well‐established method. Recently, benchtop NMR spectrometers with gradient coils have also been used, which greatly simplify these measurements. However, a disadvantage of benchtop NMR spectrometers is the lower resolution of the acquired NMR signals compared to high‐field NMR spectrometers, which requires sophisticated analysis methods. In this work, we use a recently developed quantum mechanical (QM) model‐based approach for the estimation of self‐diffusion coefficients from complex benchtop NMR data. With the knowledge of the species present in the mixture, signatures for each species are created and adjusted to the measured NMR signal. With this model‐based approach, the self‐diffusion coefficients of all species in the mixtures were estimated with a discrepancy of less than 2 % compared to self‐diffusion coefficients estimated from high‐field NMR data sets of the same mixtures. These results suggest benchtop NMR is a reliable tool for quantitative analysis of self‐diffusion coefficients, even in complex mixtures.
A joint linear reconstruction for multishot diffusion weighted non‐Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill fast spin echo with full signal
Authors: Lee Philip K. , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Diffusion weighted Fast Spin Echo (DW‐FSE) is a promising approach for distortionless DW imaging that is robust to system imperfections such as eddy currents and off‐resonance. Due to non‐Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill (CPMG) magnetization, most DW‐FSE sequences discard a large fraction of the signal (), reducing signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) efficiency compared to DW‐EPI. The full FSE signal can be preserved by quadratically incrementing the transmit phase of the refocusing pulses, but this method of resolving non‐CPMG magnetization has only been applied to single‐shot DW‐FSE due to challenges associated with image reconstruction. We present a joint linear reconstruction for multishot quadratic phase increment data that addresses these challenges and corrects ghosting from both shot‐to‐shot phase and intrashot signal oscillations. Multishot imaging reduces T2 blur and joint reconstruction of shots improves g‐factor performance. A thorough analysis on the condition number of the proposed linear system is described.

Methods

A joint multishot reconstruction is derived from the non‐CPMG signal model. Multishot quadratic phase increment DW‐FSE was tested in a standardized diffusion phantom and compared to single‐shot DW‐FSE and DW‐EPI in vivo in the brain, cervical spine, and prostate. The pseudo multiple replica technique was applied to generate g‐factor and SNR maps.

Results

The proposed joint shot reconstruction eliminates ghosting from shot‐to‐shot phase and intrashot oscillations. g‐factor performance is improved compared to previously proposed reconstructions, permitting efficient multishot imaging. apparent diffusion coefficient estimates in phantom experiments and in vivo are comparable to those obtained with conventional methods.

Conclusion

Multi‐shot non‐CPMG DW‐FSE data with full signal can be jointly reconstructed using a linear model.
Tensor rank bounds and explicit QTT representations for the inverses of circulant matrices
Authors: Vysotsky Lev , Rakhuba Maxim
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we are concerned with the inversion of circulant matrices and their quantized tensor‐train (QTT) structure. In particular, we show that the inverse of a complex circulant matrix , generated by the first column of the form admits a QTT representation with the QTT ranks bounded by . Under certain assumptions on the entries of , we also derive an explicit QTT representation of . The latter can be used, for instance, to overcome stability issues arising when numerically solving differential equations with periodic boundary conditions in the QTT format.
Paleodietary reconstruction of endemic rodents from the precolumbian Dominican Republic: Discriminating wild feeding behavior from diets linked to human niche construction activities
Authors: Shev Gene T. , Laffoon Jason E.
Published: July 2022

In the Greater Antilles, certain animal taxa that have long been theorized to have been managed by indigenous peoples prior to AD1492, the main candidates being a group of endemic caviomorph rodents known as hutias (Capromyinae). This isotopic study investigates the paleodiets of several species of endemic rodents from three late precolonial sites in the northern Dominican Republic: El Flaco (cal. ad 990–1452), El Carril (cal. ad 1030–1262), and La Entrada (cal. ad 840–900) to assess whether human influence over animal diets can be determined. We examined bone collagen carbon (δ13Cco) and nitrogen (δ15N) and tooth enamel carbon (δ13Cen) isotope values of three species of hutias, Isolobodon portoricensis, Isolobodon montanus, and Plagiodontia aedium, alongside edible rat (Brotomys sp.), and domestic guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). To estimate dietary source contributions, we employed a Bayesian dietary mixing model (FRUITS v.3.0) and ran three different permutations to assess the relative contributions of C3 or C4/CAM plants. The addition of an extra 79 wild C3 and 40 wild C4/CAM plant species' isotope values from published sources to an established isotopic foodweb for the Caribbean region enabled us to discriminate between wild and domestic C3 and C4/CAM plant food sources in two of these models. Our results provide evidence of the significant consumption of domestic C4/CAM plants by some animals. This likely represents maize (Zea mays) consumption, which is known to have been ubiquitously cultivated by indigenous peoples in the region. This is particularly the case for I. portoricensis, as FRUITS modeling suggests that a few individuals consumed C4/CAM plants well beyond their expected natural diets as determined from feeding studies of extant hutia species. This may indicate human influence over endemic rodent diets due to niche construction activities such as horticultural practices and may reflect either opportunistic feeding on human produce or the purposeful supplementation of hutia diets by humans.
What are heritage values? Integrating natural and cultural heritage into environmental valuation
Authors: Azzopardi Elaine , Kenter Jasper O. , Young Juliette , Leakey Chris , O'Connor Seb , Martino Simone , Flannery Wesley , Sousa Lisa P. , Mylona Dimitra , Frangoudes Katia , Béguier Irène , Pafi Maria , da Silva Arturo Rey , Ainscough Jacob , Koutrakis Manos , da Silva Margarida Ferreira , Pita Cristina
Published: July 2022

There are strong links between heritage and the environment yet, heritage is not fully included in existing ecosystem‐based frameworks. Different understandings of heritage values exist, and heritage values are not yet related to key value categories in environmental values research.

To address this gap and facilitate a common values‐based approach, we develop a novel framework that links heritage and environmental values. First, we expand the understanding of heritage values by linking heritage to key environmental value categories. We then use the Life Framework of Values to show how heritage features in the different ways in which people relate to the world.

The resulting heritage values framework is operationalised by applying it to six case examples drawn from participatory research on the governance of European coastal and maritime heritage.

We found that the environment was not only considered to be a setting for heritage but was itself valued as heritage in different ways; that heritage is not extrinsic to the environment but is also a way in which people see meaning in the environment; and that multiple value frames and types were involved in shaping this perspective. The results highlight important discrepancies between stakeholders' perspectives and existing management approaches.

Applying the framework shows the ways in which heritage and nature are entwined by providing a structure for elucidating what can be valued as heritage, what values can inform heritage values and how heritage values feature in human–nature relations.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Early thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications associated with a risk‐adjusted postoperative anticoagulation protocol after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Lemoine Caroline P. , Brandt Katherine A. , Mohammad Saeed , Bhat Rukhmi , Superina Riccardo
Published: July 2022

Background

Systemic anticoagulation after pediatric liver transplantation (pLT) is believed to reduce the incidence of vascular thrombosis, but it may also cause an increase in hemorrhagic complications.

Procedure

A 5‐year retrospective review of pLT done at our institution was performed (2014–2018). The occurrence of early hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications was compared when using low‐dose or high‐dose anticoagulation after transplant (p < .05 considered significant).

Results

Sixty‐nine patients received 73 transplants during the study period. Median age at transplant was 2.3 years (40 days to 18.5 years). Low‐dose anticoagulation was utilized in 71% cases. Additionally, six patients were converted from low‐dose to high‐dose anticoagulation because of a thrombotic event or concerns for suboptimal vascular inflow. Postoperative anticoagulation was discontinued in 18 occurrences due to bleeding (low dose 19%, high dose 47% vs. low dose to high dose 17%, p = .085). Surgical take back for bleeding occurred in 17 occasions (low dose 13.5%, high dose 53% vs. low dose to high dose 33%, p = .005). The overall incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and portal vein thrombosis were each 5.5%, respectively. While patient survival was not statistically different between groups, graft survival was significantly lower in the high‐dose group (low dose 93%, high dose 73% vs. low dose to high dose 100%, p = .046). However, graft losses from HAT were similar between groups (low dose 2%, high dose 7% vs. low dose to high dose 0%, p = .56).

Conclusion

The use of a standardized risk‐adjusted anticoagulation protocol after pLT is associated with a low occurrence of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. High‐dose anticoagulation leads to more bleeding, but those risks outweigh the risks of possible graft loss.
Study on compression characteristics of honeycomb sandwich structure with multistage carbon fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Xue Debo , He Lei , Tan Shuai , Li Yuanshuai , Xue Peng , Yang Xianhai
Published: July 2022

Composite honeycomb sandwich structure shows the advantages of lightweight, high specific strength, and good energy absorption performance. It has been extensively applied to aviation, aerospace, rail transportation and other fields. In this study, a preparation method of multi‐layer honeycomb sandwich structure with the same bulk density is proposed. Various honeycomb sandwich structures with different layers were prepared and could effectively eliminate the effect of the change of bulk density on the mechanical properties of the experimental samples, which was proved by theory. The result of the experiment showed the variation law of transverse dimension of honeycomb sandwich structure. The results also suggest that with increasing the number of layers of the middle panel, both the compressive strength and the absorbed energy of the honeycomb sandwich structure increases. However, the transverse width of the honeycomb sandwich structure decreases under the restriction of the middle panel. When the strain was 0.409, the bearing capacity of two‐layer honeycomb and three‐layer honeycomb sandwich structure increased by 12.08% and 24.16%, respectively, the absorbed energy increased by 10.21% and 21.85%, respectively, and the transverse width decreased by 2.94% and 3.50%, respectively.
The effect of manufacturing methods on the interface debonding and flexural behavior of sandwich structures: Thermography approach and three‐point‐bending experiments
Authors: Taghavian Seyed Hossein , Ghasemi Ahmad Reza
Published: July 2022

In the present study, the interface debonding area between face sheets and the foam cores of the sandwich panels were inspected using the thermography method for the five groups of the samples. These samples were manufactured with different processes divided into two main groups; one‐step manufacturing process and two‐step manufacturing process. All of the specimens were subjected to the three‐point bending test after thermography detection technology. The one‐step manufactured samples presented the highest flexural strength and minimum discontinuity. Integrated infusion process in comparison with other processes shows about 40% superiority in mechanical properties at least. The results showed that Indentation beneath the loading roller is the initial failure mode of the one‐step manufactured samples. In addition, the main failure mode of the two‐step manufactured samples is the core shear mode.