bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Powdered and beaded sawdust materials modified iron (III) oxide-hydroxide for adsorption of lead (II) ion and reactive blue 4 dye
Authors: Praipipat Pornsawai , Ngamsurach Pimploy , Kosumphan Sichon , Mokkarat Jirasak 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe problems of lead and reactive blue 4 (RB4) dye contamination in wastewater are concerns because of their toxicities to aquatic life and water quality, so lead and RB4 dye removals are recommended to remove from wastewater before discharging. Sawdust powder (SP), sawdust powder doped iron (III) oxide-hydroxide (SPF), sawdust beads (SPB), and sawdust powder doped iron (III) oxide-hydroxide beads (SPFB) were synthesized and characterized with various techniques, and their lead or RB4 dye removal efficiencies were investigated by batch experiments, adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and desorption experiments. SPFB demonstrated higher specific surface area (11.020 m2 g−1) and smaller pore size (3.937 nm) than other materials. SP and SPF were irregular shapes with heterogeneous structures whereas SPB and SPFB had spherical shapes with coarse surfaces. Calcium (Ca) and oxygen (O) were found in all materials whereas iron (Fe) was only found in SPF and SPFB. O–H, C–H, C=C, and C–O were detected in all materials. Their lead removal efficiencies of all materials were higher than 82%, and RB4 dye removal efficiencies of SPB and SPFB were higher than 87%. Therefore, adding iron (III) oxide-hydroxide and changing material form helped to improve material efficiencies for lead or RB4 dye adsorption. SP and SPB corresponded to Langmuir model related to a physical adsorption process whereas SPF and SPFB corresponded to the Freundlich model correlated to a chemisorption process. All materials corresponded to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model relating to the chemical adsorption process. All materials could be reused more than 5 cycles with high lead removal of 63%, and SPB and SPFB also could be reused more than 5 cycles for high RB4 dye removal of 72%. Therefore, SPFB was a potential material to apply for lead or RB4 dye removal in industrial applications.
A recent view about encephalomyocarditis virus circulating in compartmentalised animal population in Northern Italy
Authors: Foglia E. A. , Pezzoni G. , Bonilauri P. , Torri D. , Grazioli S. , Brocchi E. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractEncephalomyocarditis virus (Picornaviridae, Cardiovirus A) is the causative agent of the homonymous disease, which may induce myocarditis, encephalitis and reproductive disorders in various mammals, especially in swine. Despite the disease occurred endemically in pig farms since 1997, the recent increase of death experimented in Northern Italy prompted to furtherly investigate the evolution of the virus and the actual spread of the infection. Italian EMC viruses, collected between 2013 and 2019, showed an overall antigenic stability. The in-house ELISA Monoclonal Antibodies based, able to reveal changes in seven different antigenic sites, showed only sporadic and occasional mutations in considered samples and the subsequent phylogenetic analysis confirmed antigenic panel’s remarks. All the isolates could be classified within a unique lineage, which comprise other European strains and confirm that the viruses currently circulating in Italy developed from a unique common ancestor. Despite the demonstrated stability of virus, some putative newly emerged variants were detected through antigenic profile analysis and phylogenesis. Finally, the serosurvey proved that spread of EMCV is greater than the diffusion of fatal infections would suggest, due to subclinical circulation of EMCV. It demonstrated an increase in the proportion of seropositive farms, if compared with previous data with no remarkable differences between farms with and without clinical evidence of disease.
Spatial‐temporal correlation graph convolutional networks for traffic forecasting
Authors: Huang Ru , Chen Zijian , Zhai Guangtao , He Jianhua , Chu Xiaoli 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTraffic forecasting, as a fundamental and challenging problem of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), has always been the focus of researchers. Nevertheless, accurate traffic forecasting still exists some problems due to the complex spatial‐temporal dependencies and irregularities of traffic flows. Most of the existing methods typically use the spatial adjacency matrix and complicated mechanism to model spatial‐temporal relationships separately, while ignoring the latent spatial‐temporal correlations. In this paper, a novel architecture is proposed named spatial‐temporal correlation graph convolutional networks (STCGCN) for traffic prediction. First, an informative fused graph structure is constructed to better learn the complex spatial‐temporal correlations, which breaks the limitation that the general spatial adjacency matrix cannot reflect temporal correlations. Moreover, spatial‐temporal correlation graph convolution and gated temporal convolution are performed in parallel and they are integrated into a unified layer, which enables capturing both local and global spatial‐temporal dependencies simultaneously. By stacking multiple layers, STCGCN can learn more long‐range spatial‐temporal dependencies. Experimental results on five public traffic datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed STCGCN in urban traffic forecasting.
Outcomes after Anterior Interosseous Nerve to Ulnar Motor Nerve Transfer
Authors: Gross Jeffrey N. , Dawson Steven E. , Wu Gerald J. , Loewenstein Scott , Borschel Gregory H. , Adkinson Joshua M. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background Ulnar nerve lesions proximal to the elbow can result in loss of intrinsic muscle function of the hand. The anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) to deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve (DBUN) transfer has been demonstrated to provide intrinsic muscle reinnervation, thereby preventing clawing and improving pinch and grip strength. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the AIN to DBUN transfer in restoring intrinsic muscle function for patients with traumatic ulnar nerve lesions.
Methods We performed a prospective, multi-institutional study of outcomes following AIN to DBUN transfer for high ulnar nerve injuries. Twelve patients were identified, nine of which were enrolled in the study. The mean time from injury to surgery was 15 weeks.
Results At final follow-up (mean postoperative follow-up 18 months + 15.5), clawing was observed in all nine patients with metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension of the ring finger averaging 8.9 degrees (+ 10.8) and small finger averaging 14.6 degrees (+ 12.5). Grip strength of the affected hand was 27% of the unaffected extremity. Pinch strength of the affected hand was 29% of the unaffected extremity. None of our patients experienced claw prevention after either end-to-end (n = 4) or end-to-side (n = 5) AIN to DBUN transfer.
Conclusion We conclude that, in traumatic high ulnar nerve injuries, the AIN to DBUN transfer does not provide adequate intrinsic muscle reinnervation to prevent clawing and normalize grip and pinch strength.
Palmar Dislocation Fracture of the Hamate: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Ravoyard Salomé , Andre Lisa , Chammas Michel , Degeorge Benjamin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objective Hamate dislocations are rare lesions of the carpus, which make their diagnosis difficult or even missed, and their management non-standardized.
Case Description We report the case of a 34-year-old victim of a high kinetic traffic accident. The initial evaluation revealed multiple fractures of both upper limbs, including a palmar fracture dislocation fracture of the hamate, without any vascular or nerve complications. Open surgical treatment via a dorsal approach allowed reduction and fixation of the hamate by temporary multiple pinning. At 12-month follow-up the patient had pain free motion of the wrist with a DASH score of 3. Radiographs showed evidence of proximal pole hamate sclerosis and carpo-metacarpal narrowing.
Literature Review Owing to its rarity, literature on this topic is extremity limited. Various mechanisms have been described to explain these injuries, including dorsal pressure on the carpus associated with traction of the annular carpal ligament on its hamate insertion. Symptoms can be minimal and only three cases of nerve complications have been reported. Long-term outcomes following these injuries usually result in decrease in wrist motion and grip strength.
Clinical Relevance The rarity of dislocations with or without hamate fracture favors the absence or the delay of diagnosis, which must lead to a precise radiographic analysis and to the implementation of a CT scan in case of high kinetics carpal trauma, even if it is poorly symptomatic.
Level of Evidence Level 5, case study.
The effects of radio frequency atmospheric pressure plasma and thermal treatment on the hydrogenation of TiO2 thin film
Authors: ZHANG Yu , WANG Haozhe , HE Tao , LI Yan , GUO Ying , SHI Jianjun , XU Yu , ZHANG Jing 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The effects of radio frequency (RF) atmospheric pressure (AP) He/H2 plasma and thermal treatment on the hydrogenation of TiO2 thin films were investigated and compared in this work. The color of the original TiO2 film changes from white to black after being hydrogenated in He/H2 plasma at 160 W (gas temperature ∼381 °C) within 5 min, while the color of the thermally treated TiO2 film did not change significantly even in pure H2 or He/H2 atmosphere with higher temperature (470 °C) and longer time (30 min). This indicated that a more effective hydrogenation reaction happened through RF AP He/H2 plasma treatment than through pure H2 or He/H2 thermal treatment. The color change of TiO2 film was measured based on the Commission Internationale d’Eclairage L*a*b* color space system. Hydrogenated TiO2 film displayed improved visible light absorption with increased plasma power. The morphology of the cauliflower-like nanoparticles of the TiO2 film surface remained unchanged after plasma processing. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the contents of Ti3+ species and Ti–OH bonds in the plasma-hydrogenated black TiO2 increased compared with those in the thermally treated TiO2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Raman spectra indicated that plasma would destroy the crystal structure of the TiO2 surface layer, while thermal annealing would increase the overall crystallinity. The different trends of XRD and Raman spectra results suggested that plasma modification on the TiO2 surface layer is more drastic than on its inner layer, which was also consistent with transmission electron microscopy results. Optical emission spectra results suggest that numerous active species were generated during RF AP He/H2 plasma processing, while there were no peaks detected from thermal processing. A possible mechanism for the TiO2 hydrogenation process by plasma has been proposed. Numerous active species were generated in the bulk plasma region, accelerated in the sheath region, and bumped toward the TiO2 film, which will react with the TiO2 surface to form OVs and disordered layers. This leads to the tailoring of the band gap of black TiO2 and causes its light absorption to extend into the visible region.
Influence of different embedding methods on flexural and actuation performance of piezoelectric intelligent structures
Authors: Li Xining , Liu Yuzhi , Zhang Yaomao 
Published: January 2023

Abstact
Embedding piezoelectric materials as actuators or sensors into structures to form intelligent piezoelectric structures is a research hotspot. Piezoelectric intelligent structures should not only have good sensing and actuation performance, but should also ensure mechanical performance. The influence of forming and cutting embeddings of macro fiber composites (MFC) on the flexural and actuation properties of a piezoelectric composite curved shell was studied by simulation and experiment. The flexural performance was evaluated using a three-point bending simulation and test, and the actuation performance was evaluated by simulating the actuation deformation of a curved piezoelectric cantilever beam. Compared with forming embedding, cutting embedding destroys the continuity of the fiber, resulting in a reduction in the strength of the structure. However, it exhibits good actuation performance. Simultaneously, the influence of ply direction on performance was studied.
(De)securitization and Ontological Security: The Case of the US Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Authors: Pop Adrian , Onel Ioan-David 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Given Washington’s vast expenditure during its 20 years of operations in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s ascent to power in August 2021, after defeating the Afghan National Security Forces, generated strong feelings of shame and anxiety for the USA. Coupled with a dissonance between the US withdrawal and its narrative on fighting terrorism, this eventually culminated in an ontological security crisis for the USA. This paper aims to provide an understanding on how the US elite tried to overcome this moment of crisis and re-establish the US ontological security. For this purpose, the paper elaborates on the existing literature on the link between securitization/desecuritization and ontological security. It argues that, in the aftermath of the withdrawal, the USA employed both securitization and desecuritization practices at the narrative level, accompanied concomitantly by actions at the relational level, to overcome the state’s ontological security crisis ensuing from the Taliban’s ascent to power. However, the results have been, at best, mixed. Through reviewing multiple sources, both internal and external to the USA, the article suggests that the US narrative has been partially challenged and hence failed to re-establish the US ontological security.
The longevity-associated BPIFB4 gene supports cardiac function and vascularization in ageing cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cattaneo Monica , Beltrami Antonio P , Thomas Anita C , Spinetti Gaia , Alvino Valeria Vincenza , Avolio Elisa , Veneziano Claudia , Rolle Irene Giulia , Sponga Sandro , Sangalli Elena , Maciag Anna , Dal Piaz Fabrizio , Vecchione Carmine , Alenezi Aishah , Paisey Stephen , Puca Annibale A , Madeddu Paolo 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Aims
The ageing heart naturally incurs a progressive decline in function and perfusion that available treatments cannot halt. However, some exceptional individuals maintain good health until the very late stage of their life due to favourable gene–environment interaction. We have previously shown that carriers of a longevity-associated variant (LAV) of the BPIFB4 gene enjoy prolonged health spans and lesser cardiovascular complications. Moreover, supplementation of LAV-BPIFB4 via an adeno-associated viral vector improves cardiovascular performance in limb ischaemia, atherosclerosis, and diabetes models. Here, we asked whether the LAV-BPIFB4 gene could address the unmet therapeutic need to delay the heart’s spontaneous ageing.

Methods and results
Immunohistological studies showed a remarkable reduction in vessel coverage by pericytes in failing hearts explanted from elderly patients. This defect was attenuated in patients carrying the homozygous LAV-BPIFB4 genotype. Moreover, pericytes isolated from older hearts showed low levels of BPIFB4, depressed pro-angiogenic activity, and loss of ribosome biogenesis. LAV-BPIFB4 supplementation restored pericyte function and pericyte-endothelial cell interactions through a mechanism involving the nucleolar protein nucleolin. Conversely, BPIFB4 silencing in normal pericytes mimed the heart failure pericytes. Finally, gene therapy with LAV-BPIFB4 prevented cardiac deterioration in middle-aged mice and rescued cardiac function and myocardial perfusion in older mice by improving microvasculature density and pericyte coverage.

Conclusions
We report the success of the LAV-BPIFB4 gene/protein in improving homeostatic processes in the heart’s ageing. These findings open to using LAV-BPIFB4 to reverse the decline of heart performance in older people.
Assessment of aortic and cerebral haemodynamics and vascular brain injury with 3 and 7 T magnetic resonance imaging in patients with aortic coarctation
Authors: Meijs Timion A , van Tuijl Rick J , van den Brink Hilde , Weaver Nick A , Siero Jeroen C W , van der Worp H Bart , Braun Kees P J , Leiner Tim , de Jong Pim A , Zwanenburg Jaco J M , Doevendans Pieter A , Voskuil Michiel , Grotenhuis Heynric B 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimsCoarctation of the aorta (CoA) is characterized by a central arteriopathy resulting in increased arterial stiffness. The condition is associated with an increased risk of stroke. We aimed to assess the aortic and cerebral haemodynamics and the presence of vascular brain injury in patients with previous surgical CoA repair.Methods and resultsTwenty-seven patients with CoA (median age 22 years, range 12–72) and 25 age- and sex-matched controls (median age 24 years, range 12–64) underwent 3 T (heart, aorta, and brain) and 7 T (brain) magnetic resonance imaging scans. Haemodynamic parameters were measured using two-dimensional phase-contrast images of the ascending and descending aorta, internal carotid artery (ICA), basilar artery (BA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and perforating arteries. Vascular brain injury was assessed by rating white matter hyperintensities, cortical microinfarcts, lacunes, and microbleeds. Pulse wave velocities in the aortic arch and descending aorta were increased and ascending aortic distensibility was decreased in patients with CoA vs. controls. Patients with CoA showed a higher mean flow velocity in the right ICA, left ICA, and BA and a reduced distensibility in the right ICA, BA, and left MCA. Haemodynamic parameters in the perforating arteries, total cerebral blood flow, intracranial volumes, and vascular brain injury were similar between the groups.ConclusionPatients with CoA show an increased flow velocity and reduced distensibility in the aorta and proximal cerebral arteries, which suggests the presence of a generalized arteriopathy that extends into the cerebral arterial tree. No substantial vascular brain injury was observed in this relatively young CoA population, although the study was inadequately powered regarding this endpoint.
Impact of preoperative mitral regurgitation on left ventricular assist device patients: propensity score-matched analysis of the EUROMACS dataset
Authors: Loforte Antonio , Nersesian Gaik , Lewin Daniel , Lanmueller Pia , Gliozzi Gregorio , Stein Julia , Cavalli Giulio Giovanni , Schoenrath Felix , Netuka Ivan , Zimpfer Daniel , de By Theo M M H , Gummert Jan , Falk Volkmar , Meyns Bart , Faerber Gloria , Pacini Davide , Potapov Evgenij 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequently observed in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation. We investigated the impact of preoperative MR on left ventricular assist device patients.

METHODS
A retrospective propensity score-matched analysis of adult patients enrolled in the EUROMACS registry between 1 January 2011 and 30 November 2021 was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the grade of preoperative MR: none-to-mild (MR 0–II) or moderate-to-severe (MR III–IV).

RESULTS
Following 1:1 propensity score matching, each group consisted of 914 patients. Incidence of postoperative temporary right ventricular support, reoperation for bleeding and dialysis was similar. MR III–IV demonstrated shorter median intensive care unit stay [14 days (6; 27.8) vs 10 days (5; 22), P = 0.004] and ventilation time [72 h (22, 320) vs 31 h (18, 150), P &lt; 0.001]. Mortality was lower for MR III–IV patients [subdistribution hazard ratio: 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59–0.73, P &lt; 0.001]. The 1-year survival was 68.1% (95% CI: 65.1–71.3%) in MR 0–II and 75% (95% CI: 72.1–78%) in MR III–IV. A lower incidence of total complications [odds ratio (OR): 0.93 (0.89–0.98), P = 0.003] and trend towards a lower risk of neurological dysfunction (subdistribution hazard ratio: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.61–1.01, P = 0.063) and sustained ventricular tachycardia [OR: 0.93 (0.54–1.03), P = 0.074] were demonstrated for MR III–IV. The risk of fatal stroke and pump thrombosis was similar.

CONCLUSIONS
Moderate-to-severe MR in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation is associated with better mid-term survival and lower incidence of total major adverse events and complications. The incidence of severe postoperative complications including fatal stroke and device thrombosis was similar.
Stability analysis for time-varying positive systems with stochastic impulses
Authors: Yu Mingzheng , Liu Jian , Jiao Ticao , Wang Lei , Ma Qian 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis article addresses the stochastically exponential stability and mean stability of positive time-varying systems with stochastic impulses. The term ‘stochastic impulse’ means the randomness of impulsive densities or intensities. More specifically, the impulsive maps are not unique and the impulsive intensities are independent random variables with different distributions. The occurrence instants of impulses are restricted by several different processes, e.g. a mode-dependent average impulsive interval, a Markov chain, a Poisson process and a renewal process. Using a time-varying copositive Lyapunov function and stochastic analysis theory, several stochastic stability conditions are given. Finally, an example with four cases is presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Investigating outbreaks of initially unknown aetiology in complex settings: findings and recommendations from 10 case studies
Authors: Perrocheau Anne , Jephcott Freya , Asgari-Jirhanden Nima , Greig Jane , Peyraud Nicolas , Tempowski Joanna 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Outbreaks of unknown aetiology in complex settings pose challenges and there is little information about investigation methods. We reviewed investigations into such outbreaks to identify methods favouring or impeding identification of the cause.

Methods
We used two approaches: reviewing scientific literature and soliciting key informants. Case studies were developed through interviews with people involved and triangulated with documents available from the time of the investigation.

Results
Ten outbreaks in African or Asian countries within the period 2007–2017 were selected. The cause was identified in seven, of which two had an unclear mode of transmission, and in three, neither origin nor transmission mode was identified. Four events were caused by infectious agents and three by chemical poisoning. Despite differences in the outbreaks, similar obstacles were noted: incomplete or delayed description of patients, comorbidities confounding clinical pictures and case definitions wrongly attributed. Repeated rounds of data collection and laboratory investigations were common and there was limited capacity to ship samples.

Discussion
It was not possible to define activities that led to prompt identification of the cause in the case studies selected. Based on the observations, we conclude that basing case definitions on precise medical observations, implementing initial comprehensive data collection, including environmental, social and behavioural information; and involving local informants could save precious time and hasten implementation of control measures.