bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients with severe COVID‐19 have reduced circulating levels of angiotensin‐(1–7): A cohort study
Authors: Seyedmehdi Seyed Mohammad , Imanparast Fatemeh , Mohaghegh Pegah , Mahmoudian Saeed , Dehlaqi Mona Karimi , Mehvari Fatemeh , Abdullah Mihan Pour
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) acts as a functional receptor for the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 into host cells. Angiotensin (1–7) (Ang (1–7)) obtained from the function of ACE2 improves heart and lung function. We investigated the relationship between Ang (1–7) level and disease severity in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

This cohort study was carried out at Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, Iran from September 2020 to October 2020. To do so, the Ang (1–7) levels of 331 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients with and without underlying disease were measured by ELISA kit. The need for oxygen, intubation, and mechanical ventilation were recorded for all the patients.

Results

Results showed a significant inverse relationship between the levels of Ang 1–7 and the severity of the disease (needed oxygen, intubation, and mechanical ventilation). According to the results, median (interquartile range) of Ang (1–7) levels was significantly lower in patients who needed oxygen versus those who needed no oxygen (44.50 (91) vs. 82.25 (68), p = 0.002), patients who needed intubation and mechanical ventilation versus those who did not (9.80 (62) vs. 68.70 (102), p < 0.000) and patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU) than people hospitalized in other wards. We also found that the older patients were more in need of ICU and mechanical ventilation than younger patients.

Conclusions

Higher levels of Ang (1–7) have been associated with decreased disease severity. Besides this, we perceived that synthetic Ang 1–7 peptides may be useful to treat and reduce the complications of COVID‐19.
Finding the optimal mammography screening strategy: A cost‐effectiveness analysis of 920 modelled strategies
Authors: Kregting Lindy M. , Sankatsing Valérie D. V. , Heijnsdijk Eveline A. M. , de Koning Harry J. , van Ravesteyn Nicolien T.
Published: March 2022

Breast cancer screening policies have been designed decades ago, but current screening strategies may not be optimal anymore. Next to that, screening capacity issues may restrict feasibility. This cost‐effectiveness study evaluates an extensive set of breast cancer screening strategies in the Netherlands. Using the Microsimulation Screening Analysis‐Breast (MISCAN‐Breast) model, the cost‐effectiveness of 920 breast cancer screening strategies with varying starting ages (40‐60), stopping ages (64‐84) and intervals (1‐4 years) were simulated. The number of quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained and additional net costs (in €) per 1000 women were predicted (3.5% discounted) and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated to compare screening scenarios. Sensitivity analyses were performed using different assumptions. In total, 26 strategies covering all four intervals were on the efficiency frontier. Using a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of €20 000/QALY gained, the biennial 40 to 76 screening strategy was optimal. However, this strategy resulted in more overdiagnoses and false positives, and required a high screening capacity. The current strategy in the Netherlands, biennial 50 to 74 years, was dominated. Triennial screening in the age range 44 to 71 (ICER 9364) or 44 to 74 (ICER 11144) resulted in slightly more QALYs gained and lower costs than the current Dutch strategy. Furthermore, these strategies were estimated to require a lower screening capacity. Findings were robust when varying attendance and effectiveness of treatment. In conclusion, switching from biennial to triennial screening while simultaneously lowering the starting age to 44 can increase benefits at lower costs and with a minor increase in harms compared to the current strategy.
A novel best‐worst‐method two‐stage data envelopment analysis model considering decision makers' preferences: An application in bank branches evaluation
Authors: Omrani Hashem , Alizadeh Arash , Emrouznejad Ali , Oveysi Zeynab
Published: March 2022

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) model has been applied for evaluating bank branches and recognizing efficient and inefficient branches can help bank managers to provide appropriate strategies to improve the inefficient branches' performance. Conventional DEA models are based on the ‘black box’ approach. However, the process of providing services in banks is made up of interactive and interdependent processes. Additionally, some managers tend to incorporate their preferences in evaluation process. In this paper, best worst method (BWM) is used for incorporating decision maker (DM) preferences in two‐stage DEA model. First, BWM model is applied to obtain the weights of inputs, intermediate measures and outputs based on DM's judgement. Second, generated weights are imposed on two‐stage DEA model as additional constraints and a novel bi‐objective BWM‐two stage DEA model is introduced. Finally, the proposed bi‐objective BWM‐two stage DEA model is solved using min‐max approach. To illustrate the capability of proposed model, 45 Agricultural Bank (Agribank) branches in West Azerbaijan province of Iran are evaluated. The branches' processes are considered as two stages ‘production’ and ‘profitability’ and efficiency of branches are calculated in each stage. According to the efficiencies of each sub‐stage, branches are divided to four groups and recommendations are made for each group.
Understanding the relationships between personal growth initiative, hope, and abstinence self‐efficacy
Authors: Niles Jennifer K. , Gutierrez Daniel , Dukes Allison T. , Mullen Patrick R. , Goode Corrinia D.
Published: March 2022

Literature suggests personal growth initiative (PGI) and hope play critical roles in problematic substance use. Authors describe the association between PGI and abstinence self‐efficacy (ASE) and the mediating factor of hope. Implications for addictions counselors and school counselors are provided.
The effect of person‐first language on attitudes toward people with addiction
Authors: Baker Emily A. , Hamilton Mark , Culpepper Danielle , McCune Grace , Silone Gabriella
Published: March 2022

We examined the impact of language on addiction stigma when using postmodified nouns versus premodified nouns. Use of postmodified nouns was associated with less authoritarian stigmatizing attitudes and higher benevolence than those who received the version with premodified nouns.
Randomized multi‐angle illumination for improved linear array photoacoustic computed tomography in brain
Authors: Manwar Rayyan , Lara Juliana Benavides , Prakash Ravi , Ranjbaran Seyed Mohsen , Avanaki Kamran
Published: March 2022

One of the key challenges in linear array transducer‐based photoacoustic computed tomography is to image structures embedded deep within the biological tissue with limited optical energy. Here, we utilized a manually controlled multi‐angle illumination technique to allow the incident photons to interact with the imaging targets for longer periods of time and diffuse further in all directions. We have developed and optimized a compact probe that enables manual changes to the angle of illumination while acquiring photoacoustic signals. The performance has been demonstrated and evaluated by imaging complex blood vessel mimicking phantoms in‐vitro and sheep brain samples ex‐vivo. For effective image reconstruction from the data acquired by multi‐angle illumination method, we have utilized a method based on the extraction of maximum intensity. In both cases, multi‐angle illumination has out‐performed the conventional fixed angle illumination technique to improve the overall image quality. Specifically, extraction of the imaging targets located at greater axial depths was possible using this multi‐angle illumination technique.
Disulfiram prevents collagen crosslinking and inhibits renal fibrosis by inhibiting lysyl oxidase enzymes
Authors: Saifi Mohd Aslam , Shaikh Arbaz Sujat , Kaki Venkata Rao , Godugu Chandraiah
Published: March 2022

Chronic kidney disease is one of the major health burdens affecting a considerable number of people worldwide. The aberrant regulation of lysyl oxidase (LOX) family of enzymes results in establishment of dense extracellular matrix (ECM). Since, LOX enzymes need copper (Cu) for their proper catalytic activity; the present study investigated the efficacy of a copper chelator, disulfiram (DSF) in renal fibrosis. Antifibrotic activity of DSF was investigated in kidney epithelial cells stimulated by transforming growth factor‐β1 (5 ng/ml) as well as in two animal models. The renal injury was induced in animals by unilateral ureteral obstruction and folic acid administration (250 mg/kg). The DSF (3 and 10 mg/kg, every 3rd day) and standard LOX inhibitor, β‐aminopropionitrile (BAPN, 100 mg/kg, daily) administration was started on day 0 and continued till the day of sacrifice. DSF was found to be a potent LOX/LOXL2 inhibitor to reduce crosslinking of collagen fibrils leading to reduction in the collagen deposition. In addition, the DSF was demonstrated to inhibit epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in the tubular cells and fibrotic kidneys. Our results suggested that DSF, being a clinically available drug could be translated to clinics for its potent antifibrotic activity due to its inhibitory effect on LOX proteins.
The role of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in Fe(II) oxidation of pyrite in bioleaching processes
Authors: Kang Jin‐xing , Wang Ya‐yun
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Microbial leaching is an emerging ore extraction technology, especially for low‐grade ores. In sulfide and oxide ore bioleaching systems, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is becoming a widely applied microorganism for mineral processing. Many studies are currently focusing on the vital role of A. ferrooxidans in facilitating the efficiencies of sulfur and iron species transformation for sulfide ore bioleaching. Existing research usually investigates the composite action of A. ferrooxidans and Fe(III) for ore bioleaching, the effect of A. ferrooxidans alone being investigated to a lesser extent. An important effect is the role of A. ferrooxidans in the oxidative conversion of Fe(II) in pyrite bioleaching.

RESULTS

The oxidative dissolution of pyrite in an imitated A. ferrooxidansbioleaching system was investigated in this work, particularly concerning the effects of bacteria on Fe(II) oxidation of the pyrite. Results of the dissolution performance test, cyclic voltammetry and polarization analysis indicated that the preceding oxidation of Fe(II) has control over the pyrite dissolution rate in the imitated bioleaching system. The semiconductor properties and carrier density of the passivation films of pyrite formed under a variety of conditions indicated that the oxidative leaching of ferrous disulfide is subject to the movement of the holes of the Fe2+species and the oxygen vacancy of H2O at the interface. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans promotes pyrite bioleaching by accelerating the preferential oxidation of Fe(II) caused by movement of the electron hole of Fe2+ to H2O at the solid–liquid interface.

COCLUSION

The oxidation process of pyrite in this study turns out to involve hole movement. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Effects of metformin on the uterus of d‐galactose‐induced aging mice: Histomorphometric, immunohistochemical localization (B‐cell lymphoma 2, Bcl2‐associated X protein, and active capase3), and oxidative stress study
Authors: Rempuia Vanlal , Anima Borgohain , Jeremy Malsawmhriatzuala , Gurusubramanian Guruswami , Pankaj Pranay P. , Kharwar Rajesh K. , Roy Vikas K.
Published: March 2022

d‐galactose (DG)‐induced rodent aging model has widely been used for the study of age‐related dysfunctions of various organs, including gonads and uterus. Antidiabetic drug metformin has gained an attention as antiaging drug in model organism and human but its effect on uterus has not been studied in relation to induced aging. Therefore, we investigated the effect of metformin on uterus of DG‐induced aging mice model. Mice were randomly divided into three groups, that is, control (CN), DG‐induced aging model and aging model treated with metformin. Histomorphometric results showed significantly decreased number of uterine glands, endometrial thickness, and increased luminal epithelium height in aging model. Furthermore, metformin resumed the number of uterine glands, endometrial thickness, and luminal epithelium height up to CN group. Metformin has also significantly decreased the age‐associated oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxide). Superoxide dismutase was significantly decreased in both treated groups compared to the CN group. However, catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes were significantly increased by metformin compared to the aging model. Immunostaining of active caspase3 and BAX were intense in the endometrium of aging model compare to CN‐ and metformin‐treated groups. Localization of B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) showed intense immunostaining in the uterus of CN‐ and metformin‐treated groups, with mild immunostaining in aging model. Our observations suggested that metformin treatment might be helpful for management of age‐associated uterine dysfunctions. Moreover, it may be concluded that metformin might ameliorate uterine dysfunctions by reducing oxidative stress, suppressing apoptosis, and increasing the survival/antiapoptotic protein Bcl2.
Optimization of emission cost and economic analysis for microgrid by considering a metaheuristic algorithm‐assisted dispatch model
Authors: Somakumar Radhika , Kasinathan Padmanathan , Monicka Gayathri , Rajagopalan Arul , Ramachandaramurthy Vigna K. , Subramaniam Umashankar
Published: March 2022

Electric vehicles (EVs) have witnessed a steady and continuous rise in the last few years. The increased prevalence of EVs results in high demand for electricity from the power grid and it can be effectively handled by combining EV charging infrastructure with renewable energy sources (RES). However, the intermittent characteristic of RES introduces an additional challenge to the power grid. This paper proposes a metaheuristic algorithm called self‐adaptive elephant herd optimization algorithm (SA‐EHO) to achieve the desired dispatch model of microgrid (MG) with EVs and RES. The proposed algorithm optimizes both economic and emission cost of MG which comprises diesel engine (DE), solar photovoltaic (PV), EVs, fuel cell (FC), wind turbine (WT), and loads. The output constraints associated with a distributed power supply such as power limits of distributed generators (DG) and charging of EVs followed by its discharging are subjected to optimization. Finally, the performance of the proposed model is compared and proved over other existing models. Especially, a minimal total cost of the proposed model is 16.79%, 21.58%, 20%, 26.67%, and 1.33% superior to traditional HSA, GA, EHO, MSA, and FS‐MSA models at 100th iteration. Furthermore, the reserved cost of the proposed scheme for the third scenario is 77.78%, 90.91%, 85.71%, 90.91%, and 90.91% superior to existing models such as HSA, GA, EHO, MSA, and FS‐MSA, respectively.
Age alters gait compensations following meniscal injury in male rats
Authors: Chan Kiara M. , Yeater Taylor D. , Allen Kyle D.
Published: March 2022

With age, susceptibility to osteoarthritis (OA) and OA‐related pain and disability increases. Like in OA patients, gait patterns in rodent OA models shift to protect the injured limb during loading. However, unlike in OA patients, it is unknown how age affects gait changes in rodent OA models. In this study, gait compensations following meniscal injury in 3‐, 6‐, and 9‐month‐old rats were evaluated to examine age‐effects of OA‐related joint dysfunction. Rats 3, 6, and 9 months received medial collateral ligament transection plus medial meniscus transection (MCLT + MMT) surgery (n = 8/age group) or a skin incision (n = 8/age group). Postsurgery, rats underwent gait testing at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Postmortem, joints were processed for histology to assess cartilage damage. MCLT + MMT rats walked with reduced vertical loading in their injured limbs immediately after injury and throughout OA progression. Compared to sham‐operated limbs, 6‐ and 9‐month MCLT + MMT animals reduced loading in their injured limbs while 3‐month MCLT + MMT animals did not. MCLT + MMT rats also increased stance time on the injured limb compared to the contralateral limb. Additionally, for the MCLT + MMT animals, 6‐ and 9‐month animals had significantly worse cartilage damage compared to 3‐month animals. These data indicated age at injury onset affects how animals load the OA‐affected joint, with older animals developing gait compensations that more markedly reduce weight on the injured limb during walking.
Correlations between metabolites in the synovial fluid and serum: A mouse injury study
Authors: Wallace Cameron W. , Hislop Brady , Hahn Alyssa K. , Erdogan Ayten E. , Brahmachary Priyanka P. , June Ronald K.
Published: March 2022

Osteoarthritis occurs frequently after joint injury. Currently, osteoarthritis is diagnosed by radiographic changes that are typically found after the disease has progressed to multiple tissues. The primary objective was to compare potential metabolomic biomarkers of joint injury between synovial fluid and serum in a mouse model of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. The secondary objective was to gain insight into the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis by examining metabolomic profiles after joint injury. Twelve‐week‐old adult female C57BL/6 mice (n = 12) were randomly assigned to control, Day 1, or Day 8 postinjury groups. Randomly selected stifle joints were subjected to a single rapid compression. At Days 1 and 8 postinjury, serum was extracted before mice were euthanized for synovial fluid collection. Metabolomic profiling detected ~2500 metabolites across serum and synovial fluid. Of these, 179 were positively correlated and 51 were negatively correlated between synovial fluid and serum, indicating the potential for the development of metabolomic biomarkers. Synovial fluid captured injury‐induced differences in metabolomic profiles at both Days 1 and 8 after injury whereas serum did not. However, synovial fluid and serum were distinct at both time points after injury. In synovial fluid, pathways of interest mapped to amino acid synthesis and degradation, bupropion degradation, and transfer RNA (tRNA) charging. In serum, pathways were amino acid synthesis and degradation, the phospholipase pathway, and nicotine degradation. These results provide a rich picture of the injury response at early time points after joint injury. Furthermore, the correlations between synovial fluid and serum metabolites suggest the potential to gain insight into intra‐articular pathophysiology through analysis of serum metabolites.
Changes in physical and chemical properties of saline soil amended with municipal solid waste compost and chemical fertilizers in a mustard–pearl millet cropping system
Authors: Meena Murli Dhar , Narjary Bhaskar , Sheoran Parvender , Jat Hanuman Sahay , Joshi Pramod Kumar , Chinchmalatpure Anil R.
Published: March 2022

Soil salinity is a severe threat in arid and semiarid agro‐ecosystem of India, and it is directly influenced by soil physical properties. Therefore, understanding the dynamic nature of salinity is the key to implementing suitable management options for re‐builing the fertility of saline soils. In this context, we conducted field experiments in saline soil, comprising five treatments (1‐5 following) and a control (C). These are: C) no amendments and chemical fertilizer; T1) recommended dose nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N‐P‐K) fertilizers @60:30:30 kg ha−1; T2) 100% recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (RDF).; T3) rice straw compost (RSC) @14 Mg ha−1; T4) gypsum enriched compost (GEC) @14 Mg ha−1; and T5) municipal solid waste compost @16 Mg ha−1(MSWC) applied for three consecutive years (2012 to 2015). Our results revealed that compost and chemical fertilizer had significant effect on soil organic carbon, soil aggregate stability indices, soil water retention, transmission characteristics, and pore size distribution. This improvement in soil physical properties imparted into better soil physical environment and significant reduction in soil salinity (75%) was apparent with application of MSWC. Multivariate analysis indicated that mean weight diameter (MWD) and retension pores (RP) were the two main soil physical properties that help to reduce soil salinity. Our results revealed that, MWD increased by 49.1% in MSWC and 37.7% in GEC over control (C) (0.53 mm). Improvement in soil environment under composted soil produced significantly higher grain yield of mustard (2.22 Mg ha−1) and pearl millet (2.29 Mg ha−1) with MSWC as compared to control (C). Organic amendments significantly improved the soil physical environment.
Galvanic corrosion of X80 pipeline steel double‐sided submerged arc welded joints in simulated near‐neutral soil solution
Authors: Wang X.M. , Zhao W. , Wang J.B. , Xiao G.C. , Zhang H. , Guo N.
Published: March 2022

The corrosion behaviors of double‐sided submerged arc welded joints in X80 pipeline steel with or without coupling were studied in simulated near‐neutral soil solution. The galvanic effect in the welded joint was evaluated by corrosion morphology, corrosion depth, and electrochemical measurements. When the weld metal (WM), heat affected zone (HAZ) and base metal (BM) samples were immersed in the solution isolated, pitting holes occurred around the martensite/austenite constituents in the weld metal and base metal samples, which was mainly due to the preferential corrosion of ferrite. However, no pitting holes occurred in the heat affected zone due to small specific surface area induced by the coarse martensite/austenite constituents. Polarization curves results showed that the corrosion current density of coupled base metal was 5 times larger than that of isolated base metal and the corrosion current density of isolated heat affected zone was three times larger than that of coupled heat affected zone after 48 h immersion. The corrosion current density of coupled heat affected zone was one order of magnitude lower than that of coupled weld metal and base metal. When the welded joint was exposed to an aggressive environment, the base metal samples were determined to be the most anodic zone while the heat affected zone was the most cathodic zone. The weld metal underwent little galvanic interaction, as its corrosion potential was close to the coupled potential. In addition, the galvanic effect among the welded joints decreased with the prolong of immersion time.
Skin Conditions and Movement Disorders: Hiding in Plain Sight
Authors: Kulcsarova Kristina , Baloghova Janette , Necpal Jan , Skorvanek Matej
Published: March 2022

Skin manifestations are well‐recognized non‐motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movement disorders. Skin conditions are usually well visible during routine clinical examination and their recognition may play a major role in diagnostic work‐up. In this educational review we: (1) briefly outline skin conditions related to Parkinson's disease, including therapy‐related skin complications and their management; (2) discuss the role of skin biopsies in early diagnosis of PD and differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes; and focus more on areas which have not been reviewed in the literature before, including (3) skin conditions related to atypical parkinsonism, and (4) skin conditions related to hyperkinetic movement disorders. In case of rare hyperkinetic movement disorders, specific dermatological manifestations, like presence of angiokeratomas, telangiectasias, Mongolian spots, lipomas, ichthyosis, progeroid skin changes and others may point to a very specific group of disorders and help guide further investigations.
Expanding the clinical spectrum of autosomal‐recessive renal tubular dysgenesis: Two siblings with neonatal survival and review of the literature
Authors: Vincent Krista M. , Alrajhi Afrah , Lazier Joanna , Bonin Brigitte , Lawrence Sarah , Weiler Gabrielle , Armour Christine M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Autosomal‐recessive renal tubular dysgenesis (AR‐RTD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by defects in the renin‐angiotensin system that manifests as fetal anuria leading to oligohydramnios and Potter sequence. Although the most common outcome is neonatal death from renal failure, pulmonary hypoplasia, and/or refractory arterial hypotension; several cases have been reported that describe survival past the neonatal period.

Methods

Herein, we report the first family with biallelic ACE variants and more than one affected child surviving past the neonatal period, as well as provide a review of the previously reported 18 cases with better outcomes.

Results

While both siblings with identical compound heterozygous ACE variants have received different treatments, neither required renal replacement therapy. We show that both vasopressin and fludrocortisone in the neonatal period may provide survival advantages, though outcomes may also be dependent on the type of gene variant, as well as other factors.

Conclusion

While AR‐RTD is most often a lethal disease in the neonatal period, it is not universally so. A better understanding of the factors affecting survival will help to guide prognostication and medical decision‐making.
Double‐slot subwavelength grating waveguide for on‐chip carbon dioxide sensing
Authors: Lang Jiaming , Pi Mingquan , Zhao Huan , Peng Zihang , Ji Jialin , Huang Yijun , Zheng Chuantao , Wang Xibin , Daming Zhang  , Wang Yiding
Published: March 2022

A novel double‐slot subwavelength grating with high sensitivity and small size was presented for the detection of carbon dioxide (CO2). Compared with single‐slot structure, the proposed double‐slot structure reduces the influence of slot width on the transmission intensity and thus improves the sensor performance. For enabling selectivity and sensitivity, the gap of the grating is filled with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). The refractive index of PHMB decreases after the absorption of CO2 molecules, which changes the effective refractive index of the waveguide mode. For getting the highest sensitivity, the proposed sensor was numerically simulated and optimized. The limit of detection for CO2 can be as low as 6.3 parts per million (ppm), which is lower than other reported waveguide CO2 sensors based on PHMB. The proposed sensor is capable of atmospheric CO2 monitoring with an acceptable limit of detection.
Study of water vapor line parameters in the region around 1.1 µm by tunable diode laser spectroscopy
Authors: Zheng Jianjie , Ma Hongliang , Liu Qiang , Qian Xianmei , Zhu Wenyue , Cao Zhensong , Chen Jie , Yang Tao , Xu Qiuyi
Published: March 2022

To analyze the absolute line intensities, as well as the coefficients of air‐ and self‐broadening of water vapor, 31 transition lines were measured using an external‐cavity diode laser (ECDL) in the range of 9090–9750 cm−1. A multispectrum fitting (MSF) program was used in conjunction with a quadratic speed‐dependent Voigt profile (qSDVP) and a Voigt profile (VP) to extract the line intensities and self‐ and air‐broadening coefficients. Values at room temperature (296 K) were then compared with the HITRAN2016 and HITRAN2020 database. The analysis results show that the line intensities and air‐broadening coefficients are more consistent with the database while also verifying that the self‐broadening coefficients obtained based on qSDVP are larger than those based on VP.
Remote sensing of vehicle emitted carbon oxides employing wavelength modulation spectroscopy and a segment modulation method
Authors: Lin Hongze , Wu Kaihua , Zhang Ting , Lai Xiaomin , Mei Liang
Published: March 2022

Vehicle exhaust emission is one of the major atmospheric pollution sources. Excessive emitters, which make up 10 percent of all vehicles, contribute more than half of the total pollution emission. To identify these excessive emitters, a remote‐sensing device (RSD) with a laser wavelength around 1580 nm is built. To increase the system sensitivity, a segment modulation method is proposed so that the 2f signals of CO2 and CO can be optimized, respectively. In vitro tests show that the linearity reached .999 and .998 for CO2 and CO, respectively. A field test is also conducted to monitor the dilution process of exhaust emission after the vehicle passes the RSD.
Cerebral hemodynamic response to caffeine: effect of dietary caffeine consumption
Authors: Peng Shin‐Lei , Chu Lok Wang Lauren , Su Feng‐Yi
Published: March 2022

Caffeine has a significant effect on cerebrovascular systems, and the dual action of caffeine on both neural and vascular responses leads to concerns for the interpretation of blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) functional MRI. However, potential differences in the brain response to caffeine with regard to consumption habits have not been fully elucidated, as BOLD responses may vary with the dietary caffeine consumption history. The main aim of this study was to characterize the acute effect of caffeine on cerebral hemodynamic responses in participants with different patterns of caffeine consumption habits. Fifteen non‐habitual and 11 habitual volunteers were included in this study. The cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to the breath‐hold challenge were measured before and after 200 mg caffeine administration. The non‐habitual individuals exhibited a pattern of progressive reduction in CBF with time. The CVR was diminished in the caffeinated condition (P < 0.05). In the habitual group, the pattern of CBF decrease was smaller and homogeneous across the brain, and reached steady state rapidly. The CVR was not affected in the presence of caffeine (P > 0.05). Our results demonstrated that the cerebral hemodynamic response to caffeine was subject to the habitual consumption patterns of the participants. The compromised CVR following caffeine administration in the non‐habitual group may partially explain the suppressed BOLD response to a visual stimulation in low‐caffeine‐level users.
Cognitive predictors of social adjustment in pediatric brain tumor survivors treated with photon versus proton radiation therapy
Authors: Warren Emily A. H. , Raghubar Kimberly P. , Cirino Paul T. , Child Amanda E. , Lupo Philip J. , Grosshans David R. , Paulino Arnold C. , Okcu M. Fatih , Minard Charles G. , Ris M. Douglas , Mahajan Anita , Viana Andres , Chintagumpala Murali , Kahalley Lisa S.
Published: March 2022

Background

Pediatric brain tumor survivors are at risk for poor social outcomes. It remains unknown whether cognitive sparing with proton radiotherapy (PRT) supports better social outcomes relative to photon radiotherapy (XRT). We hypothesized that survivors treated with PRT would outperform those treated with XRT on measures of cognitive and social outcomes. Further, we hypothesized that cognitive performance would predict survivor social outcomes.

Procedure

Survivors who underwent PRT (n = 38) or XRT (n = 20) participated in a neurocognitive evaluation >1 year post radiotherapy. Group differences in cognitive and social functioning were assessed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Regression analyses examined predictors of peer relations and social skills.

Results

Age at evaluation, radiation dose, tumor diameter, and sex did not differ between groups (all p > .05). XRT participants were younger at diagnosis (XRT M = 5.0 years, PRT M = 7.6 years) and further out from radiotherapy (XRT M = 8.7 years, PRT M = 4.6 years). The XRT group performed worse than the PRT group on measures of processing speed (p = .01) and verbal memory (p < .01); however, social outcomes did not differ by radiation type. The proportion of survivors with impairment in peer relations and social skills exceeded expectation; χ2(1) = 38.67, p < .001; χ2(1) = 5.63, p < .05. Household poverty predicted peer relation difficulties (t = 2.18, p < .05), and verbal memory approached significance (t = −1.99, p = .05). Tumor diameter predicted social skills (t = −2.07, p < .05).

Conclusions

Regardless of radiation modality, survivors are at risk for social challenges. Deficits in verbal memory may place survivors at particular risk. Results support monitoring of cognitive and social functioning throughout survivorship, as well as consideration of sociodemographic risk factors.
Experimental investigations on thermal, flame retardant, and impact properties of additively manufactured continuous FRPC
Authors: Naik Mahesh , Thakur Dineshsingh , Chandel Sunil , Salunkhe Sachin
Published: March 2022

As an additive manufacturing (AM) technology, fused deposition modeling (FDM) is widely used to fabricate highly complex components. Polymer components fabricated by FDM technique have weak mechanical properties. To enhance the mechanical properties, 3D printing of polymer composites is done by reinforcing particles, nanomaterials, short and continuous fibers into thermoplastic polymers. The thermal, flame retardant, and impact properties of a continuous kevlar fiber‐reinforced onyx 3D‐printed composite are investigated in this study. Additionally, the effect of fiber arrangement and orientation (0°, 90°, 0°/90°, and +45°/−45°) on the impact strength of 3D‐printed composites have been investigated. The impact strength of the 3D‐printed composite specimens was determined using izod impact testing. It was found that specimens with fiber arrangement having fiber and matrix layer configuration as 21O|20K|20O|20K|21O have a higher impact strength and specimens with fiber arrangement as 31O|40K|31O have lower impact strength. Furthermore, specimen 3D printed with a unidirectional 0° fiber angle had the highest impact strength, while specimen 3D printed with a unidirectional 90° fiber angle had the lowest impact strength. Furthermore, flammability tests and thermogravimetric analysis were performed to investigate the flame retardant and thermal properties of 3D‐printed composites. Morphological study of onyx and kevlar fiber filament was also done using scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Experimental and numerical study of the behavior of epoxy foam‐filled 3D woven spacer composites under bending load
Authors: Zheng Liangang , Xiao Yuanxin , Liu Li , Xu Fujun
Published: March 2022

In this work, three‐dimensional woven spacer glass fiber/epoxy composites (3DWSC) and epoxy foam‐filled three‐dimensional woven spacer composites (FF‐3DWSC) were prepared, and the behavior of the two composites under bending load was investigated experimentally and numerically. The results show that compared with 3DWSC, FF‐3DWSC displayed a higher bending strength of 134.30 MPa and superior bending stiffness of 9.48 × 106 N·mm2, which was attributed to the synergistic effect of the foam and the skeleton. And unlike the serious damage caused by the significant stress concentration in 3DWSC under bending load, less damage appeared in FF‐3DWSC because the stress was dispersed by the efficient transmission of the load between foam and column yarns. Besides, there was no delamination between the foam and the skeleton after the bending test, indicating the excellent integrated structure of FF‐3DWSC. In addition, the bending behavior of 3DWSC and FF‐3DWSC was simulated on the macro‐scale model by HyperMesh and HyperView. As a result, the finite element analysis results were in close agreement with the experimental results, demonstrating the finite element simulation method proposed here is capable of being used in replacing time‐consuming experiments to study the bending properties of such 3D composites.
Proton pump inhibitors may enhance the risk of citalopram‐ and escitalopram‐associated sudden cardiac death among patients receiving hemodialysis
Authors: Assimon Magdalene M. , Pun Patrick H. , Al‐Khatib Sana M. , Brookhart M. Alan , Gaynes Bradley N. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Flythe Jennifer E.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Polypharmacy is common in the hemodialysis population and increases the likelihood that patients will be exposed to clinically significant drug–drug interactions. Concurrent use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with citalopram or escitalopram may potentiate the QT‐prolonging effects of these selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors through pharmacodynamic and/or pharmacokinetic interactions.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the U.S. Renal Data System (2007–2017) and a new‐user design to examine the differential risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) associated with citalopram/escitalopram initiation vs. sertraline initiation in the presence and absence of PPI use among adults receiving hemodialysis. We studied 72 559 patients:14 983 (21%) citalopram/escitalopram initiators using a PPI; 26 503 (36%) citalopram/escitalopram initiators not using a PPI;10 779 (15%) sertraline initiators using a PPI; and 20 294 (28%) sertraline initiators not using a PPI (referent). The outcome of interest was 1‐year SCD. We used inverse probability of treatment weighted survival models to estimate weighted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Compared with sertraline initiators not using a PPI, citalopram/escitalopram initiators using a PPI had the numerically highest risk of SCD (HR [95% CI] = 1.31 [1.11–1.54]), followed by citalopram/escitalopram initiators not using a PPI (HR [95% CI] = 1.22 [1.06–1.41]). Sertraline initiators using a PPI had a similar risk of SCD compared with those not using a PPI (HR [95% CI] = 1.03 [0.85–1.26]).

Conclusions

Existing PPI use may elevate the risk of SCD associated with citalopram or escitalopram initiation among hemodialysis patients.
Enhanced dielectric and energy storage properties of polypropylene by high‐energy electron beam irradiation
Authors: Hu Jing , Zhao Xuanchen , Xie Junhao , Liu Yan , Sun Shulin
Published: March 2022

In this work, electron beam irradiation technology was used to increase the dielectric and energy storage performance of polypropylene (PP) films. Electron beam irradiation makes no difference on the crystal morphology but decreased the crystallinity and crystal size of PP. Besides, irradiation improved the thermal stability and polarity of PP. The irradiated PP films behaved much higher dielectric constant than pure PP films. Actually, the dielectric constant of the irradiated PP with 30 kGy was 3.98, while the dielectric constant of pristine PP was only 2.8. Furthermore, the irradiated PP films still kept low dielectric loss and AC conductivity. Weibull distribution test results proved electron beam irradiation improved the breakdown strength of PP films. The discharged energy storage of PP films increased from 1.3 J/cm3 of pristine PP film to 3.6 J/cm3 of irradiated PP with 30 kGy film. Moreover, the PP film irradiated with 30 kGy displayed an excellent charge–discharge efficiency of more than 95%. This research provides an easy and practical approach to investigate dielectric PP material for energy storage.
Transcranial direct current stimulation for upper extremity spasticity rehabilitation in stroke survivors: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Alashram Anas R. , Padua Elvira , Aburub Aseel , Raju Manikandan , Annino Giuseppe
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To examine the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on upper extremity spasticity after stroke and to define the most effective tDCS parameters.

Literature Survey

Systematic review in the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, PEDro, CINAHL, MEDLINE, REHABDATA, AMED, and Web of Science databases. Studies up to June 2020 were included.

Methodology

Studies were included if the sample was composed of individuals with stroke, the intervention followed a tDCS intervention (alone or combined with another intervention), and the study was a randomized controlled trial including at least one measurement assessing upper extremity spasticity. Two authors independently screened the included studies. Conflicting decisions between authors were resolved by discussion with the third author. The methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. The authors determined that the meta‐analysis was not feasible due to the heterogeneity in the protocols among the included studies.

Synthesis

After the screening of 1204 records, a total of seven studies met the specified inclusion criteria and involved 320 participants (mean age = 60.3), 31.1% of whom were females. Patients with ischemic stroke comprised 77.2% of the total patients, and 42.2% were with right hemispheric stroke. Six studies exhibited “high” quality and one exhibited “moderate” quality. Five of the selected studies that combined the tDCS intervention and other traditional interventions showed a significant reduction in upper extremity spasticity after stroke following tDCS intervention. The other two studies that delivered tDCs alone did not show a significant difference.

Conclusions

The evidence for the effect of tDCS on upper extremity spasticity after stroke was limited. The optimal tDCS treatment dosage remains unclear. Additional studies with large sample sizes and long‐term follow‐up are strongly warranted.
Prospective clinical trial of disulfiram plus copper in men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Tian , Kephart Julie , Bronson Elizabeth , Anand Monika , Daly Christine , Spasojevic Ivan , Bakthavatsalam Subha , Franz Katherine , Berg Hannah , Karachaliou Georgia S. , James Olga G. , Howard Lauren , Halabi Susan , Harrison Michael R. , Armstrong Andrew J. , George Daniel J.
Published: March 2022

Background

In preclinical models of prostate cancer (PC), disulfiram (DSF) reduced tumor growth only when co‐administered with copper (Cu), and Cu uptake in tumors is partially regulated by androgen‐receptor signaling. However, prior trials of DSF in PC used DSF as monotherapy.

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of concurrent administration of DSF with Cu, we conducted a phase 1b clinical trial of patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving Cu with DSF.

Design, setting, and participants

Patients with mCRPC were treated in two cohorts: mCRPC with nonliver/peritoneal metastases (A), and mCRPC with liver and/or peritoneal metastases (B). Baseline Cu avidity was measured by 64CuCl2 PET scan. Intravenous (IV) CuCl2 was given weekly for three doses with oral daily DSF followed by daily oral Cu gluconate and DSF until disease progression. DSF and metabolite diethyldithiocarbamic acid methyl ester (Me‐DDC) levels in plasma were measured. DSF and Me‐DDC were then assessed for cytotoxicity in vitro.

Results

We treated nine patients with mCRPC (six on cohort A and three on cohort B). Bone and nodal metastases showed differential and heterogeneous Cu uptake on 64CuCl2 PET scans. No confirmed PSA declines or radiographic responses were observed. Median PFS was 2.8 months and median OS was 8.3 months. Common adverse events included fatigue and psychomotor depression; no Grade 4/5 AEs were observed. Me‐DDC was measurable in all samples (LOQ = 0.512 ng/ml), whereas DSF was not (LOQ = 0.032 ng/ml, LOD = 0.01 ng/ml); Me‐DDC was not cytotoxic in vitro.

Conclusions

Oral DSF is not an effective treatment for mCRPC due to rapid metabolism into an inactive metabolite, Me‐DDC. This trial has stopped enrollment and further work is needed to identify a stable DSF formulation for treatment of mCRPC.
Wind‐Topo: Downscaling near‐surface wind fields to high‐resolution topography in highly complex terrain with deep learning
Authors: Dujardin Jérôme , Lehning Michael
Published: March 2022

Predicting wind flow in highly complex terrain like the Alps is a challenge for all models. When physical processes need to be resolved in a spatially explicit manner, grids with high horizontal resolution of a few hundred meters are often required and drastically limit, in many cases, the extent and duration of the simulations. Many surface process models, like the simulation of heterogeneous snow cover across a season, however, need long time series on large domains as inputs. Statistical downscaling can provide the required data, but no model can reach the desired resolutions effectively and provide temporally resolved wind speed and direction on highly complex topography. The assessment of the potential for wind energy in the Alps, a promising player in the energy transition, is an example where the current shortcomings cause strong limitations. We present “Wind‐Topo”, a novel approach based on deep learning that discovers some of the interactions between high‐resolution topography and coarser‐resolution states of the atmosphere to generate near‐surface wind fields with a 50‐m resolution. In our test case, we use a large number of measurement stations in Switzerland to train the model and an operational weather prediction model (COSMO‐1) as predictor. Wind‐Topo employs a custom architecture that analyses the state of the atmosphere on various scales and associates it with high‐resolution topography. A dedicated loss function leads to good scoring metrics as well as accurate wind‐speed distributions at 60 independent stations used for a thorough validation. 50‐m resolution wind fields are generated efficiently and exhibit several expected orographic effects like ridge acceleration, sheltering, and deflection. Furthermore, the bias and mean absolute error from COSMO‐1 at the alpine validation stations, which are 0.72 and 1.77 ms respectively, are reduced to 0.07 and 1.21 ms.
Editorial
Authors: Testik Murat Caner , Göb Rainer
Published: March 2022

Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 38, No. 1
Mapping terrestrial groundwater‐dependent ecosystems in arid Australia using Landsat‐8 time‐series data and singular value decomposition
Authors: Brim Box Jayne , Leiper Ian , Nano Catherine , Stokeld Danielle , Jobson Peter , Tomlinson Adrian , Cobban Dale , Bond Tim , Randall Debbie , Box Paul
Published: March 2022

The spatial extent of terrestrial vegetation types reliant on groundwater in arid Australia is poorly known, largely because they are located in remote areas that are expensive to survey. In previous attempts, the use of traditional remote sensing approaches failed to discriminate vegetation using groundwater from surrounding vegetation. Difficulties in discerning vegetation groundwater use by remote sensing may be exacerbated by the unpredictable rainfall patterns and lack of annual wet and dry seasons common in arid Australia. This study presents a novel approach to mapping terrestrial groundwater‐dependent ecosystems (GDEs) by applying singular value decomposition (SVD) to time‐series of vegetation indices derived from Landsat‐8 data, to isolate the temporal and spatial sources of variation associated with groundwater use. In‐situ data from 442 sites were used to supervise and validate logistic regression models and neural networks, to determine whether sites could be correctly classified as GDEs using components obtained from the SVD. These results were used to produce a probability map of GDE occurrence across a 557 000 ha study area. Overall accuracy of the final classification map was 79%, with 72% of sites correctly identified as GDEs (true positives) and 16% incorrectly classified as GDEs (false positives). The approach is broadly applicable in arid regions globally, and is easily validated if general background knowledge of regional vegetation exists. Globally, and going forward, increased water extraction is expected to severely limit water available for GDEs. Successfully mapping GDEs in arid environments is a critical step towards their sustainable management, and the human and natural systems reliant upon them.