bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echocardiography-derived total atrial conduction time (PA-TDI duration): risk stratification and guidance in atrial fibrillation management
Authors: Müller Patrick , Weijs Bob , Bemelmans Nadine M. A. A. , Mügge Andreas , Eckardt Lars , Crijns Harry J. G. M. , Bax Jeroen J. , Linz Dominik , den Uijl Dennis W. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. To early detect and to avoid AF-related complications, several cardiac imaging modalities and approaches aim to quantify the severity of the underlying atrial cardiomyopathy (i.e., the extent of atrial remodeling). However, most established cardiac imaging modalities just incorporate single components of atrial remodeling and do not reflect the complete multifactorial process, which may contribute to their limited predictive value. Echocardiography-derived PA-TDI duration is a sophisticated echocardiographic parameter to assess total atrial conduction time and directly reflects both electrical and structural changes to the atria. Therefore, PA-TDI duration provides a more comprehensive quantification of the extent of atrial remodeling than other imaging modalities. In this article we review the role of PA-TDI duration as a marker of atrial remodeling and summarize the available data on PA-TDI duration to identify patients at risk for AF, as well as to guide AF management. Moreover, we discuss how to assess PA-TDI duration and provide recommendations on the implementation of PA-TDI duration into routine clinical care.
Graphic abstract
Single-stage total hip arthroplasty after failed fixation of proximal femoral fractures: an increased risk for periprosthetic joint infections?
Authors: Hemmann P. , Schmidutz F. , Ahrend M. D. , Yan S. G. , Stöckle U. , Schreiner A. J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Higher complication rates have been reported for total hip arthroplasty (THA) after osteosynthesis of proximal femur fractures (PFF). This study evaluated the infection risk for conversion of internal fixation of PFF to THA by a single-staged procedure in the absence of clear infection signs.

Methods
Patients undergoing a one-staged conversion to THA (2013–2018) after prior internal fixation of the proximal femur were included. Preoperative diagnostics with laboratory results, hip aspirations as well as intraoperative microbiology and sonication were assessed. Postoperative complications were recorded as well as patient demographics, duration between initial and conversion to THA, explanted osteosynthesis and implanted THA.

Results
Fifty-eight patients (24 male/34 female, 62.8 ± 14.5 years) were included with a mean time of 3.8 ± 7.5 years between internal fixation and conversion to THA (45 cementless, 3 cemented, 3 hybrid and 7 hybrid inverse THAs). Preoperative mean blood level CRP was 8.36 ± 14 mg/l (reference value < 5 mg/l) and leukocyte count was 7.11 ± 1.84^3/µl (4.5–10.000^3/µl). Fifty patients had intraoperative microbiological diagnostics, with either swabs in 86.2% and/or sonication in 29.3%. Positive microbiological results were recorded in 10% (5 of 50 patients), with pathogens identified being mainly Staphylococcus. Complications after conversion occurred in 9.6% including a postoperative low-grade infection rate of 5.8% after a mean of 2.5 years.

Conclusion
This study found a positive microbiological test result in 10% of a one-stage conversion of PFF fixation to THA. Moreover, we found a high infection rate (5.8%) for early postoperative periprosthetic joint infection. Interestingly, CRP has not been proven to be an adequate parameter for low-grade infections or occult colonized implants. Therefore, we recommend a comprehensive pre- and intraoperative diagnostic including hip aspiration, swabs and sonication when considering one-staged revision.
Virtual Igor: an analytical phantom for the simulation of the Saint Petersburg brick phantom in arbitrary layouts in MCNP
Authors: Meisenberg Oliver 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA computer code called Virtual Igor is presented. The code generates an analytical representation of the Saint Petersburg brick phantom family (Igor, Olga, Irina), which is frequently used for the calibration of whole-body counters, in arbitrary user-defined layouts for the use in the Monte-Carlo radiation transport code MCNP. The computer code reads a file in the ldraw format, which can easily be produced by simple freeware software with graphical user interfaces and which contains the types and coordinates of the bricks. Ldraw files with the canonical layouts of the brick phantom are provided with Virtual Igor. The code determines the positions of (2.75 cm)3 segments of the bricks, where 2.75 cm is the smallest length in the layout and, therefore, represents the spacing of the segment lattice. Each segment contains the exact geometry of the respective part of the brick, using cuboid and cylindrical surfaces. The user can define which rod source drill holes of which bricks contain the rod-type radionuclide sources. The method facilitates the comparison of different layouts of the Saint Petersburg brick phantom with each other and with anthropomorphic computational phantoms.
State-of-the-art surgery for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Liu Shanglei , Eisenstein Samuel 
Published: August 2021

AbstractUlcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune-mediated colitis which can present in varying degrees of severity and increases the individual’s risk of developing colon cancer. While first-line treatment for UC is medical management, surgical treatment may be necessary in up to 25–30% of patients. With an increasing armamentarium of biologic therapies, patients are presenting for surgery much later in their course, and careful understanding of the complex interplay of the disease, its management, and the patient’s overall health is necessary when considering he appropriate way in which to address their disease surgically. Surgery is generally a total proctocolectomy either with pelvic pouch reconstruction or permanent ileostomy; however, this may need to be spread across multiple procedures given the complexity of the surgery weighed against the overall state of the patient’s health. Minimally invasive surgery, employing either laparoscopic, robotic, or transanal laparoscopic approaches, is currently the preferred approach in the elective setting. There is also some emerging evidence that appendectomy may delay the progression of UC in some individuals. Those who treat these patients surgically must also be familiar with the numerous potential pitfalls of surgical intervention and have plans in place for managing problems such as pouchitis, cuffitis, and anastomotic complications.
Nightly torpor use in response to weather conditions and individual state in an insectivorous bat
Authors: Fjelldal Mari Aas , Wright Jonathan , Stawski Clare 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTorpor is a well-known energy conservation strategy in many mammal and bird species. It is often employed when environmental conditions are unfavourable to maximize survival probabilities. However, torpor often carries with it the physiological costs of a low body temperature and of rewarming in addition to potential missed opportunities for foraging. Therefore, we hypothesised that decision making regarding when to use torpor should reflect the most important environmental conditions for species distributions, and thus how they may be impacted by ongoing climate change. We investigated how weather conditions affect nightly torpor patterns in the nocturnal insectivorous Australian eastern long-eared bat (Nyctophilus bifax). By measuring the skin temperature of 37 free-ranging individuals, we confirmed that torpor was used more frequently during the winter and at subtropical compared to tropical locations. Using mixed-effect models we show that lower ambient temperatures were the main driver of individual torpor use, probably due to lower roost temperatures and prey availability. However, increased rain, wind and humidity, and decreasing barometric pressure, as well as brighter moonlight, also led to more time spent torpid per night. We suggest that bats evaluate multiple environmental cues to make decisions regarding torpor use versus active foraging based upon their expectations of the energetic benefits, prey availability and relative predation risk. Interactions between some of these effects and body mass (whilst controlling for forearm length) indicate that individual variation in body size and/or state-dependent effects of energy reserves also partly determined the use of nightly torpor in these bats.
Characterization of a novel + 70 Da modification in rhGM-CSF expressed in E. coli using chemical assays in combination with mass spectrometry
Authors: Sandberg Magdalena Widgren , Bunkenborg Jakob , Thyssen Stine , Villadsen Martin , Kofoed Thomas 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGranulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a cytokine and a white blood cell growth factor that has found usage as a therapeutic protein. During analysis of different fermentation batches of GM-CSF recombinantly expressed in E. coli, a covalent modification was identified on the protein by intact mass spectrometry. The modification gave a mass shift of + 70 Da and peptide mapping analysis demonstrated that it located to the protein N-terminus and lysine side chains. The chemical composition of C4H6O was found to be the best candidate by peptide fragmentation using tandem mass spectrometry. The modification likely contains a carbonyl group, since the mass of the modification increased by 2 Da by reduction with borane pyridine complex and it reacted with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. On the basis of chemical and tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation behavior, the modification could be attributed to crotonaldehyde, a reactive compound formed during lipid peroxidation. A low recorded oxygen pressure in the reactor during protein expression could be linked to the formation of this compound. This study shows the importance of maintaining full control over all reaction parameters during recombinant protein production.
Meta-proteomic analysis of the Shandrin mammoth by EVA technology and high-resolution mass spectrometry: what is its gut microbiota telling us?
Authors: Cucina Annamaria , Cunsolo Vincenzo , Di Francesco Antonella , Saletti Rosaria , Zilberstein Gleb , Zilberstein Svetlana , Tikhonov Alexei , Bublichenko Andrey G. , Righetti Pier Giorgio , Foti Salvatore 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDuring the last decade, paleoproteomics allowed us to open a direct window into the biological past, improving our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of extant and extinct species, past human diseases, and reconstruction of the human diet. In particular, meta-proteomic studies, mainly carried out on ancient human dental calculus, provided insights into past oral microbial communities and ancient diets. On the contrary, very few investigations regard the analysis of ancient gut microbiota, which may enable a greater understanding of how microorganisms and their hosts have co-evolved and spread under the influence of changing diet practices and habitat. In this respect, this paper reports the results of the first-ever meta-proteomic analysis carried out on a gut tissue sample some 40,000 years old. Proteins were extracted by applying EVA (ethylene–vinyl acetate) films to the surface of the gut sample of a woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenus), discovered in 1972 close to the Shandrin River (Yakutia, Russia), and then investigated via a shotgun MS-based approach. Proteomic and peptidomic analysis allowed in-depth exploration of its meta-proteome composition. The results were validated through the level of deamidation and other diagenetic chemical modifications of the sample peptides, which were used to discriminate the “original” endogenous peptides from contaminant ones. Overall, the results of the meta-proteomic analysis here reported agreeing with the previous paleobotanical studies and with the reconstructed habitat of the Shandrin mammoth and provided insight into its diet. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier < PXD025518 > .
DNA-interacting properties of two analogous square-planar cis-chlorido complexes: copper versus palladium
Authors: Palmeira-Mello Marcos V. , Caballero Ana B. , Lopez-Espinar Aida , Guedes Guilherme P. , Caubet Amparo , de Souza Alessandra M. Teles , Lanznaster Mauricio , Gamez Patrick 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTwo square-planar coordination compounds, namely [Cu(CPYA)Cl2] (1) and [Pd(CPYA)Cl2] (2), were prepared from the ligand 4-chloro-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)aniline (CPYA) and two chloride salts, and were fully characterized, including by X-ray diffraction. Spectroscopic, electrophoretic and AFM studies revealed that the two isostructural compounds were interacting differently with DNA. In both cases, the initial interaction involves electrostatic contacts of the CPYA ligand in the minor groove (as suggested by molecular docking), but subsequent strong binding occurs with the palladium(II) complex2, whereas the binding with the copper complex1is weaker and concentration dependent. The strong binding of2eventually leads to the cleavage of the double strand and the redox activity of1allows to oxidatively cleave the biomolecule.Graphic abstract
RETRACTED ARTICLE: An optimised homomorphic CRT-RSA algorithm for secure and efficient communication
Authors: Abid Rabia , Iwendi Celestine , Javed Abdul Rehman , Rizwan Muhammad , Jalil Zunera , Anajemba Joseph Henry , Biamba Cresantus 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSecure and reliable exchange of information between devices is crucial for any network in the current digital world. This information is maintained on storage devices, routing devices, and communication over the cloud. Cryptographic techniques are used to ensure the secure transmission of data, ensuring the user’s privacy by storing and transmitting data in a particular format. Using encryption, only the intended user possessing the key can access the information. During data or essential transmission, the channel should be secured by using robust encryption techniques. Homomorphic Encryption (HE) techniques have been used in the past for this purpose. However, one of the flaws of the conventional HE is seen either in its slow transmission or fast key decryption. Thus, this paper proposes an optimized Homomorphic Encryption Chinese Remainder Theorem with a Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (HE-CRT-RSA) algorithm to overcome this challenge. The proposed Technique, HE-CRT-RSA, utilizes multiple keys for efficient communication and security. In addition, the performance of the HE-CRT-RSA algorithm was evaluated in comparison with the classical RSA algorithm. The result of the proposed algorithm shows performance improvement with reduced decryption time. It is observed that the proposed HE-CRT-RSA is 3–4% faster than the classical Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA). The result also suggests that HE-CRT-RSA effectively enhances security issues of the cloud and helps to decrease the involvement of intruders or any third party during communication or inside the data/server centers.
Adoption of environmental standards and a lack of awareness: evidence from the food and beverage industry in Vietnam
Authors: Filippini Massimo , Srinivasan Suchita 
Published: September 2021

AbstractVoluntary approaches to environmental policy can contribute to stemming environmental degradation in developing countries with weak institutions. We evaluate the role of a lack of awareness of a law in explaining the voluntary adoption of environmental certification by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage industry in Vietnam. We find that firms, where owners or managers were unaware of the law were 38 percentage points less likely to receive environmental certification. Moreover, this effect is larger for firms that exported, had internet access or paid bribes, and it is weaker for household enterprises. Our results suggest that increasing legal awareness can weaken informational constraints for SMEs, where weak institutions and a lack of information often hamper the uptake of environmental policy initiatives.
The association between cognitive impairment/dementia and albuminuria: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Hongqin , Zhao Shuailin , Wang Ruiyu , Gao Baoshan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
To identify the association between albuminuria and dementia or cognitive impairment.

Methods
The literature search was performed to identify relevant scientific studies through August 2019, including PubMed/Medline and EMBASE. For inclusion, the studies had to fulfil the following criteria: population-based cohort, case–control or cross-sectional studies; quantifying an association of albuminuria with cognitive impairment or dementia; and reported odds ratio (OR), and the corresponding 95% confidential interval (95% CI). Random effects model was used to yield pooled estimates.

Results
A total of 16 studies (11 cohort studies and five cross-sectional studies) were included in the meta-analyses. Based on the fully adjusted estimates, albuminuria was associated with a significant higher risk of cognitive impairment or dementia. Furthermore, the same trend existed for cognitive impairment and dementia, respectively. In addition, both of Alzheimer’s diseases (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) were significantly associated with albuminuria.

Conclusion
Albuminuria was significantly associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Corresponding to an earlier subclinical time-point in kidney disease progress, albuminuria may be a potential factor predicting the future occurrence of dementia.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Ballistic Resistance of Composites Based on Sandwich Metallic Foams
Authors: Dmitruk Anna , Naplocha Krzysztof , Pach Joanna , Pyka Dariusz , Ziółkowski Grzegorz , Bocian Mirosław , Jamroziak Krzysztof 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn recent years, hybrid composite materials are of increasing interest during the search for new materials to be used as ballistic barriers (shields) and kinetic energy absorbers. The main objective of this study is to test the energy absorption capacity of Zn-Al alloys filled with various polymer materials (epoxy resin, polyurethane resin and silicone). The ballistic resistance of modern hybrid materials to direct firing of a 5.56 × 45 mm SS109 projectile and during quasi-static piercing test is examined. Next, a numerical simulation in the ABAQUS environment is performed. In order to accurately reproduce the foam structure, a computed microtomography (CT) system is used. In the simulation of deformations of viscoplastic bodies, the Lagrange and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) methods are applied. The obtained results from numerical analyses are verified with experimental results. Metallic foams are proven to have only a remote influence on the impact load, while, when filled with polyurethane resin, they show resistance to the overshoot. Performed simulation supports the detailed analysis of the impact energy dissipation for each of the samples.
Computing low-rank rightmost eigenpairs of a class of matrix-valued linear operators
Authors: Guglielmi Nicola , Kressner Daniel , Scalone Carmela 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this article, a new method is proposed to approximate the rightmost eigenpair of certain matrix-valued linear operators, in a low-rank setting. First, we introduce a suitable ordinary differential equation, whose solution allows us to approximate the rightmost eigenpair of the linear operator. After analyzing the behaviour of its solution on the whole space, we project the ODE on a low-rank manifold of prescribed rank and correspondingly analyze the behaviour of its solutions. For a general linear operator we prove that—under generic assumptions—the solution of the ODE converges globally to its leading eigenmatrix. The analysis of the projected operator is more subtle due to its nonlinearity; when ca is self-adjoint, we are able to prove that the associated low-rank ODE converges (at least locally) to its rightmost eigenmatrix in the low-rank manifold, a property which appears to hold also in the more general case. Two explicit numerical methods are proposed, the second being an adaptation of the projector splitting integrator proposed recently by Lubich and Oseledets. The numerical experiments show that the method is effective and competitive.
What is considered deception in experimental economics?
Authors: Charness Gary , Samek Anya , van de Ven Jeroen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn experimental economics there is a norm against using deception. But precisely what constitutes deception is unclear. While there is a consensus view that providing false information is not permitted, there are also “gray areas” with respect to practices that omit information or are misleading without an explicit lie being told. In this paper, we report the results of a large survey among experimental economists and students concerning various specific gray areas. We find that there is substantial heterogeneity across respondent choices. The data indicate a perception that costs and benefits matter, so that such practices might in fact be appropriate when the topic is important and there is no other way to gather data. Compared to researchers, students have different attitudes about some of the methods in the specific scenarios that we ask about. Few students express awareness of the no-deception policy at their schools. We also briefly discuss some potential alternatives to “gray-area” deception, primarily based on suggestions offered by respondents.
Approaches and involved principles to control pH/pCO2 stability in algal cultures
Authors: Gao Kunshan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractExperimental cultures of both microalgae and macroalgae are commonly carried out by phycologists or environmental biologists to look into morphological, physiological, and molecular responses to aquatic environmental changes. However, the species of inorganic carbon in algae cultures is often altered by algal photosynthetic CO2removal and/or bicarbonate utilization. The pH changes associated with altered carbonate chemistry in cultures impact physiological processes in microalgae and macroalgae even at their exponential growth phases, since extra energy is required to sustain intracellular acid–base homeostasis. Usually, pH increases during light period due to inorganic carbon uptake and utilization for photosynthesis and decreases during dark period because of respiratory CO2release. Therefore, to obtain relevant data aimed for physiological and/or molecular responses of algae to changed levels of environmental factors, stability of pH/pCO2in the cultures should be considered and controlled to rule out impacts of carbonate chemistry and pH changes. In this work, principles involved in changing pH processes in algal cultures are mechanistically analyzed and several approaches to control pH and pCO2are introduced. In order to sustain stability of pH/pCO2, the principles underline the following key points: (1) maintaining the rate of photosynthetic C removal less than or equal to the rate of CO2dissolution into the cultures which are aerated; or (2) sustaining dilute cultures with very low cell density without aeration, so that photosynthetic C removal is small enough not to cause significant pH/pCO2changes; or (3) stabilizing the changes in micro-environments surrounding the cells or thallus. To maintain pH drift < 1% in growing typical unicellular microalgae, the recommended cell concentration ranges from 50 × 103to 200 × 103 mL−1with aeration (air replacement rate of ca 500–1000 mL L−1 min−1) in semi-continuous cultures of < 1 L, and it ranges from 100 to 5000 cells mL−1for diatoms and from 100 to 100 × 103cells mL−1for coccolithophores in dilute cultures without aeration, respectively. For macroalgae, maintaining the thalli in flowing through- system or in semi-continuous cultures (continuously control algal biomass density) is recommended.