bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multivariate trait analysis reveals diatom plasticity constrained to a reduced set of biological axes
Authors: Argyle Phoebe A , Walworth Nathan G , Hinners Jana , Collins Sinéad , Levine Naomi M , Doblin Martina A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Trait-based approaches to phytoplankton ecology have gained traction in recent decades as phenotypic traits are incorporated into ecological and biogeochemical models. Here, we use high-throughput phenotyping to explore both intra- and interspecific constraints on trait combinations that are expressed in the cosmopolitan marine diatom genus Thalassiosira. We demonstrate that within Thalassiosira, phenotypic diversity cannot be predicted from genotypic diversity, and moreover, plasticity can create highly divergent phenotypes that are incongruent with taxonomic grouping. Significantly, multivariate phenotypes can be represented in reduced dimensional space using principal component analysis with 77.7% of the variance captured by two orthogonal axes, here termed a ‘trait-scape’. Furthermore, this trait-scape can be recovered with a reduced set of traits. Plastic responses to the new environments expanded phenotypic trait values and the trait-scape, however, the overall pattern of response to the new environments was similar between strains and many trait correlations remained constant. These findings demonstrate that trait-scapes can be used to reveal common constraints on multi-trait plasticity in phytoplankton with divergent underlying phenotypes. Understanding how to integrate trait correlational constraints and trade-offs into theoretical frameworks like biogeochemical models will be critical to predict how microbial responses to environmental change will impact elemental cycling now and into the future.
Nicht-Interventionelle Studie zum Einfluss eines
Damiana-Präparates auf die Verbesserung der Symptomatik des Mangels oder
Verlusts von sexuellem Verlangen bei Frauen
Authors: Rotmann Andre-Robert , Mordhorst Neele , Klein Thomas , Kassen Annette 
Published: October 2021

ZusammenfassungBlattextrakte von Damiana (Turnera diffusa) werden in der Therapie des
Mangels oder Verlusts von sexuellem Verlangen eingesetzt. Zur Erhebung der
Veränderung der empfundenen klinischen Symptomatik wurde eine
multizentrische, nicht-interventionelle Studie (NIS) bei Frauen (n=70)
durchgeführt. Nach achtwöchiger Einnahme eines pflanzlichen
Arzneimittels mit Damiana-Extrakt (675 mg täglich) zeigten die
Patientinnen (n=35; 46,1±10,9 Jahre) eine signifikante Zunahme
beim weiblichen sexuellen Funktionsindex (Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-d);
p<0,01) und dessen Domänen. Währenddessen sank der Score
der weiblichen sexuellen Belastungsskala (Female Sexual Distress
Scale–Revised (FSDS-R)) signifikant (p<0,01) bei tendenzieller
Zunahme der Lebensqualität (Münchner
Lebensqualitäts-Dimensionen Liste (MLDL)). Die Ergebnisse der NIS legen
nahe, dass das Arzneimittel einen positiven Beitrag auf die individuelle
Symptomatik sowie den empfundenen persönlichen Leidensdruck leisten kann
und können daher als Basis für konfirmatorische klinische
Studien dienen.
Facile Synthesis of Spirocyclic Tetrahydroquinolines via C(sp3)–H Functionalization in a Cascade Redox Process
Authors: Xiao Jian , Yu Shitao , Yu Liping , Qiu Bin , Dong Peizhen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAn environmentally benign cascade redox process was developed for the efficient construction of the pharmaceutically significant spirocyclic tetrahydroquinolines via sequential SNAr/Knoevenagel condensation/[1,5]-hydride transfer/cyclization. This green transformation has the features of being catalyst-free, additive-free, operationally simple, and has high step- and atom-economy.
Airway Management and Risk Factors for Prolonged Intubation in Patients with Severe Croup
Authors: Oi Tadashi , Tsuboi Norihiko , Tsuboi Kaoru , Nakagawa Satoshi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCroup is a common respiratory illness in children with a substantial variation in the severity of symptoms. Most of the patients present with mild symptoms, but patients with severe croup require intensive care unit (ICU) management. The aim of this study was to investigate the airway management of patients with severe croup who required intubation and determine the risk factors for prolonged intubation. We performed an 18-year retrospective observational cohort study at the pediatric ICU of a tertiary children's hospital in Japan. A total of 16 patients with croup who were intubated for upper airway obstruction were included in the study. Most patients (13of 16, 81%) were intubated with an endotracheal tube (ETT) smaller than their age-appropriate size. The median difference in the internal diameter (ID) between the selected ETT and the age-appropriate size was 1.0 mm (interquartile range: 0.5–1.0). Multivariate analysis performed on factors affecting the cumulative incidence of extubation revealed that the difference in ID between the selected ETT and age-appropriate size (mm) significantly reduced the duration of intubation (hazard ratio: 0.092, p = 0.03). A downsized ETT without a cuff may be recommended for intubation of patients with croup.
Progressive Pseudorheumatoid Dysplasia of Childhood (PPRD)—A Case Series with Recurrent c.740_741del Variant
Authors: Nilay Mayank , Rawool Anup , Mandal Kausik 
Published: October 2021

AbstractProgressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD) is an autosomal recessive arthropathy, affecting school-aged children. It is characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage. The majority of the pathogenic variations are found in exon 2, exon 4, and exon 5 of the putative gene, CCN6 (WISP3). Three unrelated individuals with clinical diagnosis of PPD were included in this study. Detailed clinicoradiological evaluation was attempted with brief literature review. Exome sequencing was performed in all three cases. All the pathogenic variations detected in our cohort were located in exons 2 and 4 of WISP3 gene. Though the clinicoradiological features are already well described, this study in north India highlights the occurrence of a recurring pathogenic variant. The c.740_741del variant was a recurrent pathogenic variant seen in all three patients in this cohort. This may be a common pathogenic variant in the North Indian population; however, a larger cohort needs to be studied before drawing final conclusions. A proper molecular diagnosis is a must to end the diagnostic odyssey, safeguarding patients with PPRD from unnecessary use of drugs like corticosteroids.
Activity coefficients of aqueous electrolytes from implicit-water molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Saravi Sina Hassanjani , Panagiotopoulos Athanassios Z. 
Published: October 2021

We obtain activity coefficients in NaCl and KCl solutions from implicit-water molecular dynamics simulations, at 298.15 K and 1 bar, using two distinct approaches. In the first approach, we consider ions in a continuum with constant relative permittivity (ɛr) equal to that of pure water; in the other approach, we take into account the concentration-dependence of ɛr, as obtained from explicit-water simulations. Individual ion activity coefficients (IIACs) are calculated using gradual insertion of single ions with uniform neutralizing backgrounds to ensure electroneutrality. Mean ionic activity coefficients (MIACs) obtained from the corresponding IIACs in simulations with constant ɛr show reasonable agreement with experimental data for both salts. Surprisingly, large systematic negative deviations are observed for both IIACs and MIACs in simulations with concentration-dependent ɛr. Our results suggest that the absence of hydration structure in implicit-water simulations cannot be compensated by correcting for the concentration-dependence of the relative permittivity ɛr. Moreover, even in simulations with constant ɛr for which the calculated MIACs are reasonable, the relative positioning of IIACs of anions and cations is incorrect for NaCl. We conclude that there are severe inherent limitations associated with implicit-water simulations in providing accurate activities of aqueous electrolytes, a finding with direct relevance to the development of electrolyte theories and to the use and interpretation of implicit-solvent simulations.
An inverse averaging finite element method for solving three-dimensional Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations in nanopore system simulations
Authors: Zhang Qianru , Wang Qin , Zhang Linbo , Lu Benzhuo 
Published: October 2021

The Poisson–Nernst–Planck (PNP) model plays an important role in simulating nanopore systems. In nanopore simulations, the large-size nanopore system and convection-domination Nernst–Planck (NP) equations will bring convergence difficulties and numerical instability problems. Therefore, we propose an improved finite element method (FEM) with an inverse averaging technique to solve the three-dimensional PNP model, named inverse averaging FEM (IAFEM). At first, the Slotboom variables are introduced aiming at transforming non-symmetric NP equations into self-adjoint second-order elliptic equations with exponentially behaved coefficients. Then, these exponential coefficients are approximated with their harmonic averages, which are calculated with an inverse averaging technique on every edge of each tetrahedral element in the grid. Our scheme shows good convergence when simulating single or porous nanopore systems. In addition, it is still stable when the NP equations are convection domination. Our method can also guarantee the conservation of computed currents well, which is the advantage that many stabilization schemes do not possess. Our numerical experiments on benchmark problems verify the accuracy and robustness of our scheme. The numerical results also show that the method performs better than the standard FEM when dealing with convection-domination problems. A successful simulation combined with realistic chemical experiments is also presented to illustrate that the IAFEM is still effective for three-dimensional interconnected nanopore systems.
Toward efficient photochemistry from upper excited electronic states: Detection of long S2 lifetime of perylene
Authors: Ni Wenjun , Gurzadyan Gagik G. , Sun Licheng , Gelin Maxim F. 
Published: October 2021

A long 0.9 ps lifetime of the upper excited singlet state in perylene is resolved by femtosecond pump–probe measurements under ultraviolet (4.96 eV) excitation and further validated by theoretical simulations of transient absorption kinetics. This finding prompts exploration and development of novel perylene-based materials for upper excited state photochemistry applications.
Design, fabrication and implementation of a high-performance compliant nanopositioner via 3D printing with continuous fiber-reinforced composite
Authors: Cui Mengjia , Shang Erwei , Jiang Shouqian , Liu Yu , Zhang Zhen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Nanopositioning systems have been widely applied in scientific and emerging industrial applications. With simplicity in design and operation, flexure bearings with spatial constraints and voice coil based nano-actuators are considered in designing compliant compact nanopositioning systems. To achieve nano-metric positioning quality, monolithic fabrication of the positioner is preferred, which calls for 3D printing fabrication. However, conventional plastic material-based 3D printing suffers from low mechanical performances, and it is challenging to monolithically fabricate 3D compliant mechanisms with high mechanical performances. Here, we study the fabrication of continuous carbon fiber reinforced composites by 3D printing of the double parallelogram flexure beam structures for spatial constrained nanopositioner with enhanced vertical stiffness. Also, with the consideration of the beam structure design, the process parameters for embedding the carbon fibers are optimized to enhance the beam strengths. Experimental results demonstrate a significant performance improvement with the composite based nanopositioner in both stiffness and natural frequency, and its positioning resolution of 30 nm is achieved. The result of this study will serve as the building block to apply advanced 3D printing of composite structure for precision engineering in the presence of more complex spatial structures.
Magnetic position sensors
Authors: Ripka Pavel , Mirzaei Mehran , Blažek Josef 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Magnetic position sensors are popular in industrial and automotive applications since they are robust, resistant to dust and oil, and can be cheap. This was traditionally accompanied by low accuracy. However, new precise magnetic position sensors have been developed which can achieve 0.015% error and 10 nm resolution. The maximum achievable range is about 20 m. DC magnetic position sensors use a permanent magnet as a field source; a magnetic field sensor measures the field from that source, which is a function of distance. As a field sensor, magnetoresistors are often used instead of traditional Hall sensors. Eddy current position sensors also work with non-magnetic conduction targets. Magnetostrictive position sensors are based on the time of flight of the elastic waves excited in the magnetostrictive material. These sensors can be several meters long and their applications range from level meters to hydraulics. Magnetic trackers and long-range position sensors utilize AC field sources, which are detectable from distances up to 20 m. Compared to optical instruments, magnetic trackers do not need a direct view. Their applications include surgery, mixed reality, and underground and underwater navigation.
The interplay of policy and energy retrofit decision-making for real estate decarbonization
Authors: Petkov Ivalin , Knoeri Christof , Hoffmann Volker H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Retrofitting existing buildings is critical for meeting global and institutional net-zero CO2 emissions goals. Prominent energy and climate policy strategies are aiming to increase notoriously low retrofitting rates by triggering energy efficient and/or decarbonized real estate investments. Although many real estate assets are owned by large-scale investors (LSIs), the interplay of their retrofit decision-making and policies are under researched. Relying on interviews with four major owner types, industry experts, and policymakers, we unpack the ‘black box’ of retrofit investment and demonstrate how LSIs can transform retrofit decision-making processes to meet emissions goals. We show that to accelerate deep retrofits, policymakers should focus on integrated policy mixes, and consider the cross-impacts of policy instruments from various domains on the value-driven retrofitting decision. Instruments indirectly influencing retrofits, such as those targeting affordability or densification, represent a critical avenue for improving the retrofitting policy mix by moving away from single instruments directly targeting energy or emissions aspects. This policy mix should specifically target asset management budgetary decisions, which mainly drive investment planning relevant for deep retrofits.
Use of Low-Cost Particle Counters for Cotton Dust Exposure Assessment in Textile Mills in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Nafees Asaad Ahmed , Iqbal Abdul Rehman , Cullinan Paul , De Matteis Sara , Burney Peter , Semple Sean 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objective
There is a lack of consensus on methods for cotton dust measurement in the textile industry, and techniques vary between countries—relying mostly on cumbersome, traditional approaches. We undertook comparisons of standard, gravimetric methods with low-cost optical particle counters for personal and area dust measurements in textile mills in Pakistan.

Methods
We included male textile workers from the weaving sections of seven cotton mills in Karachi. We used the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) sampler with a Casella Apex 2 standard pump and the Purple Air (PA-II-SD) for measuring personal exposures to inhalable airborne particles (n = 31). We used the Dylos DC1700 particle counter, in addition to the two above, for area-level measurements (n = 29).

Results
There were no significant correlations between the IOM and PA for personal dust measurements using the original (r = −0.15, P = 0.4) or log-transformed data (r = −0.32, P = 0.07). Similarly, there were no significant correlations when comparing the IOM with either of the particle counters (PA and Dylos) for area dust measurements, using the original (r = −0.07, P = 0.7; r = 0.10, P = 0.6) or log-transformed data (r = −0.09, P = 0.6; r = 0.07, P = 0.7).

Conclusion
Our findings show a lack of correlation between the gravimetric method and the use of particle counters in both personal and area measurements of cotton dust, precluding their use for measuring occupational exposures to airborne dust in textile mills. There continues to be a need to develop low-cost instruments to help textile industries in low- and middle-income countries to perform cotton dust exposure assessment.
Case Report of Idiopathic Masseteric Hypoplasia Treated With Polymethyl Methacrylate-Collagen Gel
Authors: Windle Brian 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Congenital hypoplasia of the masseter muscle is a rare condition most commonly associated with craniofacial or poly-malformation syndromes, with a small number of reported idiopathic cases. The condition is most commonly managed by orthodonture and later surgical intervention; however, surgery is not an option for all patients. Nonsurgical approaches to correcting asymmetry may be considered for patients for whom the functional impact of hypoplasia has been largely managed and the patient’s concern is primarily aesthetic. In this case study, the patient presented for a consultation seeking a nonsurgical solution for marked facial asymmetry. The patient underwent physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging to confirm diagnosis of congenital masseter muscle hypoplasia. To treat the asymmetry, a total of 9.6 cc of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-collagen gel (Bellafill; Suneva Medical, Inc., San Diego, CA) was injected along the border of the mandible from the gonial angle out to the area of the mental foramen and slightly above over the course of 6 months (2 visits spaced 3 months apart) to provide long-term, nonsurgical correction. The patient was very satisfied with the results, highlighting the potential for PMMA-collagen gel to be used in clinical situations in which durable, nonsurgical correction of lower-face asymmetry is needed.

Level of Evidence: 5
VGF as a biomarker and therapeutic target in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases
Authors: Quinn James P , Kandigian Savannah E , Trombetta Bianca A , Arnold Steven E , Carlyle Becky C 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNeurosecretory protein VGF (non-acronymic) belongs to the granin family of neuropeptides. VGF and VGF-derived peptides have been repeatedly identified in well-powered and well-designed multi-omic studies as dysregulated in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. New therapeutics is urgently needed for these devastating and costly diseases, as are new biomarkers to improve disease diagnosis and mechanistic understanding. From a list of 537 genes involved in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, VGF was highlighted by the Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Alzheimer’s disease as the potential therapeutic target of greatest interest. VGF levels are consistently decreased in brain tissue and CSF samples from patients with Alzheimer’s disease compared to controls, and its levels correlate with disease severity and Alzheimer’s disease pathology. In the brain, VGF exists as multiple functional VGF-derived peptides. Full-length human VGF1–615 undergoes proteolytic processing by prohormone convertases and other proteases in the regulated secretory pathway to produce at least 12 active VGF-derived peptides. In cell and animal models, these VGF-derived peptides have been linked to energy balance regulation, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, learning and memory, and depression-related behaviours throughout development and adulthood. The C-terminal VGF-derived peptides, TLQP-62 (VGF554–615) and TLQP-21 (VGF554–574) have differential effects on Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, neuronal and microglial activity, and learning and memory. TLQP-62 activates neuronal cell-surface receptors and regulates long-term hippocampal memory formation. TLQP-62 also prevents immune-mediated memory impairment, depression-like and anxiety-like behaviours in mice. TLQP-21 binds to microglial cell-surface receptors, triggering microglial chemotaxis and phagocytosis. These actions were reported to reduce amyloid-β plaques and decrease neuritic dystrophy in a transgenic mouse model of familial Alzheimer’s disease. Expression differences of VGF-derived peptides have also been associated with frontotemporal lobar dementias, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lewy body diseases, Huntington’s disease, pain, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and antidepressant response. This review summarizes current knowledge and highlights questions for future investigation regarding the roles of VGF and its dysregulation in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disease. Finally, the potential of VGF and VGF-derived peptides as biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases is highlighted.
Neutralizing Anti–Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Autoantibodies in Patients With Central Nervous System and Localized Cryptococcosis: Longitudinal Follow-up and Literature Review
Authors: Kuo Po Hsien , Wu Un In , Pan Yi Hua , Wang Jann Tay , Wang Yu Chen , Sun Hsin Yun , Sheng Wang Huei , Chen Yee Chun , Chang Shan Chwen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Neutralizing anti–granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) autoantibodies (AAbs) have been increasingly recognized to predispose healthy individuals to disseminated cryptococcosis. However, studies have only considered patients with central nervous system (CNS) infection. No longitudinal study has captured the disease spectrum and clinical course.

Methods
We prospectively enrolled adults without human immunodeficiency virus infection who had disseminated or unusual cryptococcosis. We compared the demographics, clinical features, kinetics of serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) titers, anti–GM-CSF AAb concentrations, and treatment outcomes between patients with (case patients) and without (control patients) anti–GM-CSF AAbs. Additional reports from the literature were also reviewed.

Results
Twenty-three patients were enrolled, of whom 6 tested positive for anti–GM-CSF AAbs. All case patients with positive fungal cultures (5/5 [100%]) were infected with Cryptococcus gattii VGII. Among them, 3 had exclusively pulmonary involvement, and 1 had only musculoskeletal lesions. Patients with CNS cryptococcosis exhibited a higher serum concentration of anti–GM-CSF AAbs than those with extraneural cryptococcosis. Case patients had higher initial and peak levels of serum CrAg and longer duration of antigenemia compared with the control patients. All case patients who had completed antifungal therapy had favorable outcomes without recurrence.

Conclusions
Testing for anti–GM-CSF AAbs should be considered for not only previously healthy patients with disseminated cryptococcosis but also those with unexplained, localized cryptococcosis. Recurrence after completion of antifungal therapy was rare despite the persistence of anti–GM-CSF AAbs.