bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving interfacial strength of epoxy composites by constructing “palm‐tree”‐like structure on carbon fiber
Authors: Lu Zhaohui , Li Muxuan , Liang Mei , Chen Yang , Zou Huawei , Ren Xiancheng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractModified graphene oxide (GO)/carbon fiber (CF)/epoxy (EP) composites are prepared by combining grafting and sizing methods. The effects of different molecular chain lengths of poly(oxypropylene)amines on the surface grafting of GO, as well as the interfacial structure and properties of CF and EP resin after sizing, were investigated. The “palm‐tree”‐like structure interfacial enhancement theory was innovatively proposed. The characterization results showed that the short‐chain poly(oxypropylene)amines modified GO (D400‐GO) had a good effect on the interfacial properties of CF and EP resin. When the content of D400‐GO was 0.20 wt%, the interfacial shear strength was as high as 70.56 MPa, which was 37% higher than the virgin CF. In this article, a new theoretical model is proposed for multiscale interfacial enhancement.
The many etiologies of nonimmune hydrops fetalis diagnosed by exome sequencing
Authors: Wagner Tova , Fahham Duha , Frumkin Ayala , Shaag Avraham , Yagel Simcha , Yanai Nili , Porat Shay , Mor‐Shaked Hagar , Meiner Vardiella , Daum Hagit 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo explain the importance of identifying an etiology for the pathological finding of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) and to explore the impact of exome sequencing in recurrent NIHF. In addition, we present two cases of pregnancies affected with recurrent NIHF, in which genetic investigation was advantageous.MethodsOur study aimed to investigate the genetic background, if available, of all fetuses with NIHF referred to our tertiary medical center from January 2013 to August 2020. We summarized the etiology of NIHF if known, sonographic findings, genetic investigation and the pregnancies' outcomes.ResultsWe encountered 144 families with NIHF. Genetic investigation was performed by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in 63 (63/144. 44%) fetuses. Seventeen of 63 (27%) had a positive CMA result. In the negative CMA group, 15 (15/46, 33%) opted for exome sequencing, of which seven exomes were positive (47%). Among these, there were four couples with recurrent pregnancies affected by hydrops. Among the remaining 11 exome investigations for non‐recurrent hydrops, another three were diagnostic.ConclusionAs identifying the etiology of the NIHF is an invaluable tool for the prognosis of the pregnancy, exome sequencing can provide further elucidation of the underlying pathogenesis of NIHF. Thus, genetic investigation should be recommended for cases of NIHF.
A reasoned approach towards administering COVID‐19 vaccines to pregnant women
Authors: Pramanick Angsumita , Kanneganti Abhiram , Wong Jing Lin Jeslyn , Li Sarah Weiling , Dimri Pooja Sharma , Mahyuddin Aniza Puteri , Kumar Sailesh , Illanes Sebastian Enrique , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Su Lin Lin , Biswas Arijit , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah , Huang Ruby Yun‐Ju , Mattar Citra Nurfarah Zaini , Choolani Mahesh 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThere are over 50 SARS‐CoV‐2 candidate vaccines undergoing Phase II and III clinical trials. Several vaccines have been approved by regulatory authorities and rolled out for use in different countries. Due to concerns of potential teratogenicity or adverse effect on maternal physiology, pregnancy has been a specific exclusion criterion for most vaccine trials with only two trials not excluding pregnant women. Thus, other than limited animal studies, gradually emerging development and reproductive toxicity data, and observational data from vaccine registries, there is a paucity of reliable information to guide recommendations for the safe vaccination of pregnant women. Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe COVID‐19, especially in women with comorbidities, resulting in increased rates of preterm birth and maternal morbidity. We discuss the major SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines, their mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety profile and possible benefits to the maternal‐fetal dyad to create a rational approach towards maternal vaccination while anticipating and mitigating vaccine‐related complications. Pregnant women with high exposure risks or co‐morbidities predisposing to severe COVID‐19 infection should be prioritised for vaccination. Those with risk factors for adverse effects should be counselled accordingly. It is essential to support patient autonomy by shared decision‐making involving a risk‐benefit discussion with the pregnant woman.
Non‐invasive prenatal testing in the management of twin pregnancies
Authors: Benn Peter , Rebarber Andrei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTwin pregnancies are common and associated with pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes. Prenatal clinical management is intensive and has been hampered by inferior screening and less acceptable invasive testing. For aneuploidy screening, meta‐analyses show that non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) through analysis of cell‐free DNA (cf‐DNA) is superior to serum and ultrasound‐based tests. The positive predictive value for NIPT is driven strongly by the discriminatory power of the assay and only secondarily by the prior risk. Uncertainties in a priori risks for aneuploidies in twin pregnancies are therefore of lesser importance with NIPT. Additional information on zygosity can be obtained using NIPT. Establishing zygosity can be helpful when chorionicity was not reliably established early in pregnancy or where the there is a concern for one versus two affected fetuses. In dizygotic twin pregnancies, individual fetal fractions can be measured to ensure that both values are satisfactory. Vanishing twins can be identified by NIPT. Although clinical utility of routinely detecting vanishing twins has not yet been demonstrated, there are individual cases where cf‐DNA analysis could be helpful in explaining unusual clinical or laboratory observations. We conclude that cf‐DNA analysis and ultrasound have synergistic roles in the management of multiple gestational pregnancies.
Genotype‐dependent and heat‐induced grain chalkiness in rice correlates with the expression patterns of starch biosynthesis genes
Authors: Gann Peter James , Esguerra Manuel , Counce Paul Allen , Srivastava Vibha 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStarch biosynthesis is a complex process underlying grain chalkiness in rice in a genotype‐dependent manner. Coordinated expression of starch biosynthesis genes is important for producing translucent rice grains, while disruption in this process leads to opaque or chalky grains. To better understand the dynamics of starch biosynthesis genes in grain chalkiness, six rice genotypes showing variable chalk levels were subjected to gene expression analysis during reproductive stages. In the chalky genotypes, peak expression of the large subunit genes of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), encoding the first key step in starch biosynthesis, occurred in the stages before grain filling commenced, creating a gap with the upregulation of starch synthase genes, granule bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) and starch synthase IIA (SSIIA). Whereas, in low‐chalk genotypes, AGPase large subunit genes expressed at later stages, generally following the expression patterns of GBSSI and SSIIA. However, heat treatment altered the expression in a genotype‐dependent manner that was accompanied by transformed grain morphology and increased chalkiness. The suppression of AGPase subunit genes during early grain filling stages was observed in the chalky genotypes or upon heat treatment, which could result in a limited pool of ADP‐Glucose for synthesizing amylose and amylopectin, the major components of the starch. This suboptimal starch biosynthesis process could subsequently lead to inefficient grain filling and air pockets that contribute to chalkiness. In summary, this study suggests a mechanism of grain chalkiness based on the expression patterns of the starch biosynthesis genes in rice.
Impact of CYP3A5 phenotype on tacrolimus time in therapeutic range and clinical outcomes in pediatric renal and heart transplant recipients
Authors: Leino Abbie D. , Park Jeong M. , Pasternak Amy L. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStudy ObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of CYP3A5 phenotype on time in therapeutic range (TTR) of tacrolimus post‐transplant in pediatric patients.Design and Data SourceThis retrospective study assessed medical records of pediatric kidney and heart recipients with available CYP3A5 genotype for tacrolimus dosing, troughs, and the clinical events (biopsy‐proven acute rejection [BPAR] and de novo donor‐specific antibodies [dnDSA]).Measurements and Main ResultsThe primary outcome, mean TTR in the first 90 days post‐transplant, was 9.0% (95% CI: −16.1, −1.9) lower in CYP3A5 expressers (p = 0.014) when adjusting for time to therapeutic concentration and organ type. There was no difference between CYP3A5 phenotypes in time to the first clinical event using TTR during the first 90 days. When applying TTR over the first year, there was a significant difference in event‐free survival (EFS) which was 50.0% for CYP3A5 expressers/TTR < 35%, 45.5% for expressers/TTR ≥ 35%, 38.1% for nonexpressers/TTR < 35%, and 72.9% for nonexpressers/TTR ≥ 35% (log‐rank p = 0.03). A post hoc analysis of EFS identified CYP3A5 expressers had lower EFS compared to nonexpressers in patients with TTR ≥ 35% (p = 0.04) but no difference among patients with TTR < 35% (p = 0.6).ConclusionsThe relationship between TTR and CYP3A5 phenotype suggests that achieving a TTR ≥ 35% during the first year may be a modifiable factor to attenuate the risk of BPAR and dnDSA.
Therapeutic review of cabotegravir/rilpivirine long‐acting antiretroviral injectable and implementation considerations at an HIV specialty clinic
Authors: Howe Zach W. , Norman Sarah , Lueken Abbie F. , Huesgen Emily , Farmer Eric K. , Jarrell Kaitlyn , Mathis Joscelyn E. , Bonham Kyle W. , Hahn Julie 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first complete parenteral antiretroviral (ART) regimen for treatment of people living with HIV (PLWH). As a monthly intramuscular (IM) injection, this therapy constitutes a major departure from the traditional paradigm of oral therapy requiring (at least) daily administration that has defined HIV treatment for decades. Composed of a second‐generation integrase inhibitor (INSTI) and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), CAB/RPV has achieved high rates of sustained virologic suppression with a favorable safety profile for treatment‐experienced PLWH following oral lead‐in (OLI) during several clinical trials. In addition to the clinical benefits of this agent, patient‐reported outcomes associated with convenience, confidentiality, and the tolerability of the injections have consistently reflected positive perceptions of CAB/RPV. The novel nature of this therapy in the field of HIV presents logistical challenges. Clinics will need to address barriers related to management of clinic workflow, procurement, reimbursement, and nonadherence. The aim of this review was to summarize the available safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data of this long‐acting (LA) injectable regimen as well as discuss some potential considerations for prescribing and operationalization.
Poly(ether imide)s with tailored end groups
Authors: Cao Ke , Xu Zhen , Guo Dong , Liu Guoliang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPoly(ether imide) (PEI) from polycondensation of 2,2‐bis[4‐(3,4‐dicarboxyphenoxy) phenyl] propane dianhydride (BPADA) and m‐phenylenediamine (mPD) is a type of high‐temperature engineering thermoplastics that have high glass transition temperature and outstanding mechanical properties. Owing to its wide use in many fields including automotive, aircraft, and electronics, the research of PEI has surged in the last few decades. As science and technology continue to progress rapidly, there is a growing demand for PEIs with better properties. Although a few approaches have successfully improved the properties of PEI, it is recognized that these approaches require complex procedures and are uneconomical. Contrastingly, end‐group modification of PEI is highly effective, simple, and economical. Over the last few years, our group has extensively studied the methods for improving the properties of PEI through end‐group modification. The end‐group moieties and polymer blocks introduce multiple hydrogen bonding, electrostatics, and microphase separation to PEI. In this article, we first classify the end groups based on their characteristics. Then, we compare their effects on the properties of PEIs, including thermal, rheological, mechanical, optical, flame‐retardant, and morphological, and discuss the roots of these effects. The in‐depth comparisons and discussion generate principles to guide the synthesis of PEIs with tailored properties by modifying the end groups. This timely article will provide insights into the synthesis of other novel high‐temperature polymers and entice endeavors to develop novel end groups.
Markers of cholesterol synthesis to cholesterol absorption across the spectrum of non‐dialysis CKD: An observational study
Authors: Emrich Insa E. , Heine Gunnar H. , Schulze P. Christian , Rogacev Kyrill S. , Fliser Danilo , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Böhm Michael , Lütjohann Dieter , Weingärtner Oliver 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn dialysis patients, cholesterol‐lowering therapy with statins is less effective than in other high‐risk patients. This may be explained by a shift from cholesterol synthesis toward cholesterol absorption. In line, markers of cholesterol absorption—such as campesterol—better predict atherosclerotic cardiovascular events than markers of cholesterol synthesis—such as lathosterol—in dialysis patients. To test the association between markers of cholesterol absorption such as campesterol—and markers of cholesterol synthesis—such as lathosterol—against cardiovascular events in non‐dialysis CKD patients. Altogether 251 patients not on lipid‐lowering agents were followed annually for the composite endpoint atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and all‐cause death. During follow‐up of 5.2 ± 2.1 years, 61 participants reached the primary endpoint atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease/all‐cause death [ASCVD/D], 47 participants suffered from ASCVD, and 46 participants died. In univariate Cox regression analysis, campesterol/lathosterol ratio did not significantly predict ASCVD/D (HR 0.643; 0.358–1.155; 3rd vs. 1st tertile), all‐cause death (HR 1.309; 0.604–2.838; 3rd vs. 1st tertile) nor ASCVD (HR 0.589; 0.311–1.118; 3rd vs. 1st tertile). We did not observe a shift from cholesterol synthesis to cholesterol absorption across the spectrum of non‐dialysis CKD. Campesterol/lathosterol ratio did not predict future ASCVD or all‐cause death in non‐dialysis CKD.
Declines and pronounced regional disparities in meperidine use in the United States
Authors: Boyle John M. , McCall Kenneth L. , Nichols Stephanie D. , Piper Brian J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThere have been increasing concerns about adverse effects and drug interactions with meperidine. The goal of this study was to characterize meperidine use in the United States. Meperidine distribution data were obtained from the Drug Enforcement Administration's Automated of Reports and Consolidated Orders System. The Medicare Part D Prescriber Public Use File was utilized to capture overall trends in national prescriptions in this observational report. Nationally, meperidine distribution decreased by 94.6% from 2001 to 2019. In 2019, Arkansas, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Mississippi saw significantly greater distribution when compared with the US state average of 9.27 mg per 10 persons (SD = 6.82). Meperidine distribution showed an 18‐fold difference between the highest state (Arkansas = 36.8 mg) and lowest state (Minnesota = 2.1 mg). Five of the six states with the lowest distribution were in the Northeast. Meperidine distribution per state was correlated with the prevalence of adult obesity (r(48) = +0.48, p < .001). Family medicine and internal medicine physicians accounted for 28.9% and 20.5%, respectively, of meperidine total daily supply (TDS) in 2017. Interventional pain management (5.66) and pain management (3.48) physicians accounted for the longest TDS per provider. The use of meperidine declined over the last two decades. Meperidine varied by geographic region with south‐central states, and those with more obesity, showing greater distribution. Primary care doctors continue to account for the majority of meperidine daily supply. Increasing knowledge of meperidine's undesirable adverse effects like seizures and serious drug–drug interactions is likely responsible for these pronounced reductions.
Carrageenan nasal spray may double the rate of recovery from coronavirus and influenza virus infections: Re‐analysis of randomized trial data
Authors: Hemilä Harri , Chalker Elizabeth 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this individual patient data meta‐analysis we examined datasets of two randomized placebo‐controlled trials which investigated the effect of nasal carrageenan separately on children and adults. In both trials, iota‐carrageenan was administered nasally three times per day for 7 days for patients with the common cold and follow‐up lasted for 21 days. We used Cox regression to estimate the effect of carrageenan on recovery rate. We also used quantile regression to calculate the effect of carrageenan on colds of differing lengths. Nasal carrageenan increased the recovery rate from all colds by 54% (95% CI 15%–105%; p = .003). The increase in recovery rate was 139% for coronavirus infections, 119% for influenza A infections, and 70% for rhinovirus infections. The mean duration of all colds in the placebo groups of the first four quintiles were 4.0, 6.8, 8.8, and 13.7 days, respectively. The fifth quintile contained patients with censored data. The 13.7‐day colds were shortened by 3.8 days (28% reduction), and 8.8‐day colds by 1.3 days (15% reduction). Carrageenan had no meaningful effect on shorter colds. In the placebo group, 21 patients had colds lasting over 20 days, compared with six patients in the carrageenan group, which corresponds to a 71% (p = .003) reduction in the risk of longer colds. Given that carrageenan has an effect on diverse virus groups, and effects at the clinical level on two old coronaviruses, it seems plausible that carrageenan may have an effect on COVID‐19. Further research on nasal iota‐carrageenan is warranted.
Monitoring combined multivariate process approaching hybrid kernel‐CUSUM analysis
Authors: Atashgar Karim , Saeedian Faeze , NamAvar Zahra 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn some complicated cases, a multivariate process/product can be characterized better by a combined technical specification vector. A combined technical specification vector is referred to as the case that the quality of a process/product is evaluated by different continuous and discrete random variables at the same time. In this case that there is also the covariance condition, the vector could not follow a single joint distribution. This research approaching kernel method and support vector data description (SVDD) proposes a new multivariate cumulative scheme named MK‐CUSUM to monitor the random vector of a process/product with combined technical specifications. The numerical analysis indicates that the proposed scheme is capable of detecting out‐of‐control conditions effectively when the process experiences different shifts in the random mean vector. The comparative performance report addresses that the proposed scheme is superior compared to the models of literature.
Minimization of constraint violation probability in model predictive control
Authors: Brüdigam Tim , Gaßmann Victor , Wollherr Dirk , Leibold Marion 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFor Model Predictive Control in safety‐critical systems it is not only important to bound the probability of constraint violation but to reduce this constraint violation probability as much as possible. Therefore, an approach is necessary that minimizes the constraint violation probability while ensuring that the Model Predictive Control optimization problem remains feasible even under changing uncertainty. We propose a novel two‐step Model Predictive Control scheme that yields a solution with minimal constraint violation probability for a norm constraint in an environment with uncertainty. After minimal constraint violation is guaranteed, the solution is then also optimized with respect to other control objectives. Recursive feasibility and convergence of the method are proved. A simulation demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method for a collision avoidance example.
Finite‐time formation control and obstacle avoidance of multi‐agent system with application
Authors: Shou Yingxin , Xu Bin , Lu Haibo , Zhang Aidong , Mei Tao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe finite‐time formation tracking control is investigated for a multi‐agent system (MAS) with obstacle avoidance. For the collision and obstacle avoidance problem in the formation process, the artificial potential field is used as the formation planning design, and the virtual structure is adopted to improve the organizational ability of the formation. The trajectory tracking control follows the back‐stepping scheme, and the finite‐time technique is developed in the control design. Considering the dynamics uncertainty of the agent system, a neural network is applied for estimating and the prediction error‐based adaptive law is established to achieve the precise estimation performance. Moreover, the predefined performance function is embedded to satisfy the output constraint. The uniformly ultimate boundedness of the system error signals and the finite‐time convergence of the MAS are guaranteed. The simulation study is performed to validate the proposed control for multiple autonomous underwater vehicles system, while the results manifest that the obstacle avoidance with high‐precision tracking and formation performance will be achieved under the formation trajectory tracking controller.
A catalogue of the flood forecasting practices in the Danube River Basin
Authors: Bezak Nejc , Petan Sašo , Kobold Mira , Brilly Mitja , Bálint Zoltán , Balabanova Snezhanka , Cazac Valeriu , Csík András , Godina Reinhold , Janál Petr , Klemar Željka , Kopáčiková Eva , Liedl Philipp , Matreata Marius , Korniienko Viktoriia , Vladiković Dejan , Šraj Mojca 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFloods are one of the most devastating natural disasters that can cause large economic damage and endanger human lives. Flood forecasting is one of the flood risk mitigation measures serving to protect human lives and social estate. The Danube River Basin (DRB) is the world's most international river basin, flowing through the territory of 19 countries, covering more than 800,000 km2. The frequency of floods in the DRB increased in the last decades, urging the need for a more effective and harmonized regional and cross‐border cooperation in the field of flood forecasting. Reliable and comprehensive hydrologic data are the basis of flood forecasting. This paper provides an overview of the national flood forecasting systems in the DRB. Detailed information about meteorological and hydrological measurements, flood modelling, forecasting, and flood warnings is provided for 12 countries that cover almost 95% of the total DRB area. Notably, significant differences exist among the countries in terms of the measuring network density, the models used as well as forecasting and warnings methodology. These differences can be attributed to the geographical and climatological setting, political situation, historical forecasting development, etc. It can be seen that there is still much room left for improvements of measurement networks (e.g., density, measured parameters) and models used that could be improved to enhance the flood forecasting in the DRB.