bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and echocardiography predictors of response to inhaled nitric oxide in hypoxemic term and near‐term neonates
Authors: Bischoff Adrianne R. , Giesinger Regan E. , Neary Elaine , Weisz Dany E. , Belik Jaques , McNamara Patrick J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractApproximately 40% of hypoxemic term/near‐term neonates are nonresponders to inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). Phenotypic characterization of patients less likely to respond may improve diagnostic precision and therapeutic decisions. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of neonates born ≥35 weeks gestation with hypoxemia who received iNO in the first 72 h of life and classified them into responders and nonresponders according to changes in the fraction of inspired oxygen, saturations and/or arterial partial pressure of oxygen after 1 h of administration. Comprehensive targeted neonatal echocardiography (TnECHO) data were collected when performed up to 6 h prior or 24 h after iNO initiation. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and binary logistic regression were used to compare the groups. There were 183 patients included (63% responders) and TnECHO was performed in 54 infants. The presence of lung disease, and particularly meconium aspiration syndrome (p = .004), was associated with nonresponse to iNO. Nonresponders were characterized by a higher need for rescue high‐frequency ventilation (p < .001), longer duration of mechanical ventilation (p < .001), and need for oxygen support (p = .003). Pulmonary hypertension documented on TnECHO was present in 96.3% of the patients but there was no difference in frequency or severity of pulmonary hypertension, or rates of low cardiac output between the groups. Moderate‐to‐severe right ventricular systolic dysfunction (p > .05) and lower left ventricular strain (p < .05) were more likely in the nonresponder group. In summary, response to iNO is influenced by lung disease, choice of ventilation strategy, and perhaps underlying cardiovascular physiology. Prospective pre‐ and post‐iNO echocardiography data may provide novel physiologic insights.
Effect of expiratory muscle training on peak cough flow in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Emirza Cigdem , Aslan Goksen Kuran , Kilinc Ayse Ayzit , Cokugras Haluk 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundCough is an important defense and airway clearance mechanism for removing thick and viscous secretions in cystic fibrosis (CF). The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of expiratory muscle training (EMT) on peak cough flow (PCF) and secondly on respiratory muscle functions, functional exercise capacity, and quality of life (QoL) in CF.MethodsThirty patients were randomized as training and sham groups. Both groups were trained with the EMT protocol, which involved twice per day for at least 5 days per week for 6 weeks. The training intensity in the training group was 30% of the maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). In the sham group, it remained at the lowest pressure (5 cmH2O). The primary outcome was PCF. The secondary outcomes were MEP, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), spirometric measures, six‐minute walking distance (6MWD), and QoL (Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire‐Revised).ResultsTwenty‐eight patients completed the study. Changes in PCF (p = .041) and MEP (p = .003) were higher in the training group than the sham group. Also, treatment burden (p = .008), digestive symptoms (p = .019), and vitality (p = .042) in QoL were more improved in the training group. MIP (p = .028) and 6MWD (p = .035) changed significantly only in the training group. Spirometric measurements did not change (p > .05).ConclusionsThe results of the study show that EMT could improve PCF, MEP, treatment burden, digestive symptoms, and vitality domains of QoL in patients with CF. Moreover, MIP and functional exercise capacity improved in the training group with EMT.
Monitoring systems for resistance to plant protection products across the world: Between redundancy and complementarity
Authors:   R4P network
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDMonitoring resistance to plant protection products (PPPs) is crucial for understanding the evolution of resistances in bioagressors, thereby allowing scientists to design sound bioagressor management strategies. Globally, resistance monitoring is implemented by a wide range of actors that fall into three distinct categories: academic, governmental, and private. The purpose of this study was to investigate worldwide diversity in PPP resistance monitoring systems and to shed light on their different facets.RESULTSA large survey involving 162 experts from 48 countries made it possible to identify and analyze 250 resistance monitoring systems. Through an in‐depth analysis, the features of the different monitoring systems were identified. The main factor differentiating monitoring systems was essentially the capabilities (funding, manpower, technology, etc.) of the actors involved in each system. In most countries, and especially in those with a high Human Development Index, academic, governmental, and private monitoring systems coexist. Overall, systems focus far more on monitoring established resistances than on the detection of emerging resistances. Governmental and private resistance monitoring systems generally have considerable capacities to generate data, whereas academic resistance monitoring systems are more specialized. Governmental actors federate and enroll a wider variety of stakeholders.CONCLUSIONThe results show functional complementarities between the coexisting actors in countries where they coexist. We suggest PPP resistance monitoring might be enhanced if the different actors focus more on detecting emerging resistances (and associated benefits) and increase collaborative and collective efforts and transparency.© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Medium‐term feasibility of the management of the invasive crayfish Procambarus clarkii with the sterile males release technique
Authors: Manfrin Chiara , Giglio Anita , Pallavicini Lorenzo , Zampa Lia , Vecchiet Lorenzo , Caputi Andrea , Chiandetti Cinzia , Beorchia Aulo , Vidimari Rossella , Giulianini Piero G 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe sterile male release technique (SMRT) is a useful method applied for controlling invasive and pest species. However, the use of X‐rays can lead to negative effects on the survival and health conditions of sterilized males.RESULTSThis study was set up to evaluate the functional integrity of physiological, morphological and behavioural responses in males of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852), exposed to a dose of 40 Gy of ionizing radiation. Concerning physiological responses, the results showed that the irradiation dose, tested at 5, 12, 28, 35, 65, 99, 132 and 193 days after treatment, has no effects on glycaemic and plasmatic total protein levels measured as biomarkers for general stress indexes. Nevertheless, the significant reduction of circulating haemocytes and the basal levels of phenoloxidase (PO) activities recorded in 40‐Gy irradiated crayfishes indicate that the exposure shrinks their capability to mount a rapid nonspecific response, and higher levels of plasmatic total PO activity indicate the ability to compensate and maintain an inducible response. Histological analyses performed at the end of the experiment showed no morphological damage in the testicular acini of irradiated males. Moreover, behavioural responses to two different water stimuli (vaporization and jet), measured at 15 and 45 days after the irradiation, were not modified in exposed crayfishes compared to the control group.CONCLUSIONSThese results confirm the validity of SMRT on young males when the breeding season is less than 4 months but exposure to X‐ray should be repeated at mid‐breeding season when temperatures allow a longer breeding season. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetics modeling to investigate formulation factors influencing the generic substitution of dabigatran etexilate
Authors: Farhan Nashid , Cristofoletti Rodrigo , Basu Sumit , Kim Sarah , Lingineni Karthik , Jiang Sibo , Brown Joshua D. , Fang Lanyan (Lucy) , Lesko Lawrence J. , Schmidt Stephan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe exposure‐response relationship of direct acting oral anti‐coagulants (DOACs) for bleeding risk is steep relative to ischemic stroke reduction. As a result, small changes in exposure may lead to bleeding events. The overall goal of this project was to determine the effect of critical formulation parameters on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and thus safety and efficacy of generic DOACs. In this first installment of our overall finding, we developed and verified a physiologically‐based PK (PBPK) model for dabigatran etexilate (DABE) and its metabolites. The model was developed following a middle out approach leveraging available in vitro and in vivo data. External validity of the model was confirmed by overlapping predicted and observed PK profiles for DABE as well as free and total dabigatran for a dataset not used during model development. The verified model was applied to interrogate the impact of modulating the microenvironment pH on DABE systemic exposure. The PBPK exploratory analyses highlighted the high sensitivity of DABE exposure to supersaturation ratio and precipitation kinetics.
Reliability assessment for failure‐dependent and uncertain systems: A Bayesian network based on copula method and probability‐box
Authors: Song Yufei , Mi Jinhua , Cheng Yuhua , Bai Libing , Chen Kai 
Published: January 2021

AbstractManaging failure dependence of complex systems with hybrid uncertainty is one of the hot problems in reliability assessment. Epistemic uncertainty is attributed to complex working environment, system structure, human factors, imperfect knowledge, etc. Probability‐box has powerful characteristics for uncertainty analysis and can be effectively adopted to represent epistemic uncertainty. However, arithmetic rules on probability‐box structures are mostly used among structures representing independent random variables. In most practical engineering applications, failure dependence is always introduced in system reliability analysis. Therefore, this paper proposes a developed Bayesian network combining copula method with probability‐box for system reliability assessment. There are four main steps involved in the reliability computation process: marginal distribution identification and estimation, copula function selection and parameter estimation, reliability analysis of components with correlations and Bayesian forward analysis. The benefits derived from the proposed approach are used to overcome the computational limitations of n‐dimensional integral operation, and the advantages of useful properties of copula function in reliability analysis of systems with correlations are adopted. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed Bayesian network, the proposed method is applied to a real large piston compressor.
Exposure to cigarette smoke affects endometrial maturation including angiogenesis and decidualization
Authors: Kida Naoko , Nishigaki Akemi , Kakita‐Kobayashi Maiko , Tsubokura Hiroaki , Hashimoto Yoshiko , Yoshida Aya , Hisamatsu Yoji , Tsuzuki‐Nakao Tomoko , Murata Hiromi , Okada Hidetaka 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeTo elucidate the effects of cigarette smoking on human endometrial maturation for reproductive function, the authors examined the in vitro effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on angiogenesis and decidualization in primary human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs).MethodsEndometrial stromal cells were cultured with CSE and/or estradiol‐17β (E2) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The mRNA, protein levels, and protein secretion of the angiogenic factors and decidual specific factors were assessed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Decidualization was also monitored by the changes in cellular morphology.ResultsEndometrial stromal cell proliferation substantially decreased after dose‐dependent treatments with CSE at concentrations above 1%, whereas cell death was induced at treatment concentrations above 1% CSE. Treatments above 0.025% CSE led to increased vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA through hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α accumulation. CSE concentrations at 0.01% and 0.025% increased the prolactin expression levels after treatment with E2 and MPA, whereas 0.1% and 0.25% CSE concentrations suppressed prolactin. Similar tendencies were observed in cellular morphology and other decidual specific factors.ConclusionThese results suggest that exposure to cigarette smoke affects endometrial appropriate maturation including the processes of angiogenesis and decidualization in the reproductive system.
Analysis of equivalent‐input‐disturbance‐based control systems and a coordinated design algorithm for uncertain systems
Authors: Yu Pan , Liu Kang‐Zhi , Liu Xudong , Li Xiaoli , Wu Min , She Jinhua 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe control method based on the equivalent‐input‐disturbance (EID) estimator and the Luenberger state observer has received much attention in recent years. However, the property of EID‐based control systems is still not well investigated. A number of design procedures were proposed but lacked sufficient theoretic justification. In this article, the two‐degree‐of‐freedom nature of an EID‐based control system is revealed. Specifically, the reference‐tracking is determined by an outer loop, while the disturbance rejection and robustness is determined by an inner loop consisting of the EID estimator and state observer. The bandwidth constraints on the inner loop are analyzed for plants having zeros or poles in the open right‐half plane by using the Bode and the Poisson integral formulas. These analyses provide a theoretic justification for conventional design procedures. Further, a coordinated design algorithm is provided for the EID‐based uncertain control systems. In addition, a comprehensive comparison of the EID‐based and the disturbance observer (DOB) based control systems is conducted in the system design aspect. Lastly, comparative studies of the EID‐based and DOB‐based control methods are given for various types of plants to validate the developed design algorithm.
Mars curiosity rover mobility trends during the first 7 years
Authors: Rankin Arturo , Maimone Mark , Biesiadecki Jeffrey , Patel Nikunj , Levine Dan , Toupet Olivier 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover landed on Mars on August 6, 2012. In the 7 years between landing and August 6, 2019 (sol 2488), Curiosity has driven 21,318.5 m over a variety of terrain types and slopes, employing multiple drive modes with varying amounts of onboard autonomy. Curiosity's drive distances each sol have ranged from its shortest drive of 2.6 cm to its longest drive of 142.5 m, with an average drive distance of 28.9 m. Real‐time human intervention is not possible during Curiosity's drives due to the latency in uplinking commands and downlinking telemetry. Instead, the operations team relies on Curiosity's fault protection, autonomous navigation, and visual odometry software to keep the rover safe during drives. During its first 7 years on Mars, Curiosity has attempted 738 drives. While 622 drives ran to completion, 116 drives were prevented or stopped early by Curiosity's fault protection software. The primary risks to mobility success have been wheel damage, wheel entrapment, progressive wheel sinkage, and the potential for hardware or cable failures that result in an inability to command one or more steer or drive actuators. In this paper, we describe Curiosity's mobility subsystem, mobility trends over the first 21.3 km of the mission, operational aspects of mobility fault protection, risks to continued mobility success, and risk mitigation strategies.
Three‐level quantum satellite communication framework and its applications
Authors: Zhu Dan , Zhu Hongfeng , Wang Zixi , Zhang Yuanle 
Published: January 2021

SummaryQuantum cryptography uses quantum natures to realize unconditional security without computational hard problems, which can achieve lots of significant applications of secure communication, multiparty secure computation, E‐commerce, and so on. Even it can get the free‐space optical communication with quantum channel. In this paper, we firstly proposed a three‐level quantum satellite communication framework that covers dozens of common solutions. Among the solutions, we select and give a quantum semi‐honest and semi‐quantum mutual authenticated key agreement scheme with three‐particle entangled states, which can provide secure service for cross‐realm traditional clients with quantum satellite and super nodes. More important, by the quantum satellite's helping, the quantum satellite and the two super nodes can authenticate each other, but the three nodes cannot get any information of the session key between the cross‐realm clients. The proposed scheme has the properties of completeness, information theoretic security, nonrepudiation, and unforgeability. Its information‐theoretic security is ensured by quantum indistinguishability mechanics. On the other hand, our scheme is more efficient than the similar schemes.
Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy of Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles: Signal Amplification and Second Near‐Infrared Construction
Authors: Zhen Xu , Pu Kanyi , Jiang Xiqun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPhotoacoustic (PA) imaging and photothermal therapy (PTT) have attracted extensive attention in disease diagnosis and treatment. Although many exogenous contrast agents have been developed for PA imaging and PTT, the design guidelines to amplify their imaging and therapy performances remain challenging and are highly demanded. Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) composed of polymers with π‐electron delocalized backbones can be designed to amplify their PA imaging and PTT performance, because of their clear structure–property relation and versatility in modifying their molecular structures to tune their photophysical properties. This review summarizes the recent advances in the photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy applications of semiconducting polymer nanoparticles with a focus on signal amplification and second near‐infrared (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) construction. The strategies such as structure–property screening, fluorescence quenching, accelerated heat dissipation, and size‐dependent heat dissipation are first discussed to amplify the PA brightness of SPNs for in vivo PA. The molecular approaches to shifting the absorption of SPNs for NIR‐II PA imaging and PTT are then introduced so as to improve the tissue penetration depth for diagnosis and therapy. At last, current challenges and perspectives of SPNs in the field of imaging and therapy are discussed.
In Vitro Three‐Dimensional Liver Models for Nanomaterial DNA Damage Assessment
Authors: Llewellyn Samantha V. , Niemeijer Marije , Nymark Penny , Moné Martijn J. , van de Water Bob , Conway Gillian E. , Jenkins Gareth J. S. , Doak Shareen H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWhilst the liver possesses the ability to repair and restore sections of damaged tissue following acute injury, prolonged exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENM) may induce repetitive injury leading to chronic liver disease. Screening ENM cytotoxicity using 3D liver models has recently been performed, but a significant challenge has been the application of such in vitro models for evaluating ENM associated genotoxicity; a vital component of regulatory human health risk assessment. This review considers the benefits, limitations, and adaptations of specific in vitro approaches to assess DNA damage in the liver, whilst identifying critical advancements required to support a multitude of biochemical endpoints, focusing on nano(geno)toxicology (e.g., secondary genotoxicity, DNA damage, and repair following prolonged or repeated exposures).
Influence of the Z/E Isomerism on the Pathway Complexity of a Squaramide‐Based Macrocycle
Authors: Orvay Francisca , Cerdá Jesús , Rotger Carmen , Ortí Enrique , Aragó Juan , Costa Antonio , Soberats Bartolome 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe rising interest on pathway complexity in supramolecular polymerization has prompted the finding of novel monomer designs able to stabilize kinetically trapped species and generate supramolecular polymorphs. In the present work, the exploitation of the Z/E (geometrical) isomerism of squaramide (SQ) units to produce various self‐assembled isoforms and complex supramolecular polymerization pathways in methylcyclohexane/CHCl3 mixtures is reported for the first time. This is achieved by using a new bissquaramidic macrocycle (MSq) that self‐assembles into two markedly different thermodynamic aggregates, AggA (discrete cyclic structures) and AggB (fibrillar structures), depending on the solvent composition and concentration. Remarkably, UV–vis, 1H NMR, and FT‐IR experiments together with quantum‐chemical calculations indicate that these two distinct aggregates are formed via two different hydrogen bonding patterns (side‐to‐side in AggA and head‐to‐tail in AggB) due to different conformations in the SQ units (Z,E in AggA and Z,Z in AggB). The ability of MSq to supramolecularly polymerize into two distinct aggregates is utilized to induce the kinetic‐to‐thermodynamic transformation from AggA to AggB, which occurs via an on‐pathway mechanism. It is believed that this system provides new insights for the design of potential supramolecular polymorphic materials by using squaramide units.
Strong and Robust Electrochemical Artificial Muscles by Ionic‐Liquid‐in‐Nanofiber‐Sheathed Carbon Nanotube Yarns
Authors: Ren Ming , Qiao Jian , Wang Yulian , Wu Kunjie , Dong Lizhong , Shen Xiaofan , Zhang Huichao , Yang Wei , Wu Yulong , Yong Zhenzhong , Chen Wei , Zhang Yongyi , Di Jiangtao , Li Qingwen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo address the lack of a suitable electrolyte that supports the stable operation of the electrochemical yarn muscles in air, an ionic‐liquid‐in‐nanofibers sheathed carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn muscle is prepared. The nanofibers serve as a separator to avoid the short‐circuiting of the yarns and a reservoir for ionic liquid. The ionic‐liquid‐in‐nanofiber‐sheathed yarn muscles are strong, providing an isometric stress of 10.8 MPa (about 31 times the skeletal muscles). The yarn muscles are highly robust, which can reversibly contract stably at such conditions as being knotted, wide‐range humidity (30 to 90 RH%) and temperature (25 to 70 °C), and long‐term cycling and storage in air. By utilizing the accumulated isometric stress, the yarn muscles achieve a high contraction rate of 36.3% s−1. The yarn muscles are tightly bundled to lift heavy weights and grasp objects. These unique features can make the strong and robust yarn muscles as a desirable actuation component for robotic devices.