bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mirabegron attenuates porcine ureteral contractility via α1-adrenoceptor antagonism
Authors: Lim Iris , Chess-Williams Russ 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The β3-agonist mirabegron is thought to induce relaxation of the detrusor muscle, contributing to the improvement of overactive bladder symptoms. There has been recent interest in purposing mirabegron as a medical expulsive therapy drug to improve the passage of smaller kidney stones by relaxing the ureteral smooth muscles. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of mirabegron on the activity of the ureter. Additionally, we investigated the receptor and mechanisms through which mirabegron exerts these effects. In vitro agonist-induced responses of isolated porcine distal ureteral tissues were measured in the absence and presence of mirabegron in organ bath experiments. The responses were expressed as frequency, area under the curve and maximum amplitude. Mirabegron at concentrations of 100 nM and lower failed to suppress phenylephrine- or 5-HT-induced contractions in the porcine ureteral strip. Mirabegron at 1 μM and 10 μM produced a rightward shift of phenylephrine concentration–response curves in these tissues. This effect of mirabegron (10 μM) was not present in 5-HT concentration–response curves. The mirabegron effect on phenylephrine-induced contractions was also not abolished by β-adrenoceptor antagonist SR 59230A (10 μM), β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (10 μM), α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (30 nM), and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l-NNA (10 μM). The present results show that mirabegron suppresses ureteral contractile responses in the porcine ureter via α1-adrenoceptor antagonism, since their effects were not present when the tissues were contracted with 5-HT. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects by mirabegron were not affected by β3-adrenoceptor antagonists.
Antarctic Porifera homogenates as a source of enzymes and antibacterial substances: first results
Authors: Caruso Gabriella , Papale Maria , Azzaro Maurizio , Rizzo Carmen , Laganà Pasqualina , Caruso Rosalba , Lo Giudice Angelina 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMarine Porifera (sponges) are known to produce several bioactive metabolites having a biotechnological potential, mostly derived from their bacterial symbionts; however, current knowledge on the production of metabolites such as enzymes and antibacterial molecules in sponges living in Antarctic environments is not fully exhaustive and needs further deepened investigation. The interest in discovering the broad spectrum of natural products potentially derived from species adapted to colonize extreme environments stimulates the research toward Antarctic sponge bioprospection. In this study, whole homogenates of Antarctic Demospongiae, belonging to five different species [Haliclona (Rhizoniera) sp., Haliclona (Rhizoniera) dancoi, Microxina sarai, Dendrilla antarctica, and Mycale acerata] were collected from Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea) and examined for presence and activity of enzymes, including lysozyme, and antibacterial substances. Enzyme activities (leucine aminopeptidase, beta-glucosidase, and alkaline phosphatase) were measured using fluorogenic substrates; lysozyme content was determined on plates containing lyophilized Micrococcus lysodeikticus cell walls as a substrate. Homogenates were screened in microtiter plates for their antibacterial activity against Antarctic bacterial isolates, and the absorbance reduction was measured with a microplate reader. All homogenates exhibited proteolytic, glycolytic, and phosphatasic activities, lysozyme and antibacterial activities at near “in situ” temperature (5 °C), with some differences among the examined species. Results confirmed that Antarctic sponge homogenates are interesting sources of different bioactive substances, likely produced from associated bacterial symbionts, and that could have great potential to be used in medicine or industrial applications.
Associations of erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acids with incidence of stroke and stroke types in adult Chinese: a prospective study of over 8000 individuals
Authors: Sun Liang , Du Huaidong , Zong Geng , Guo Yu , Chen Yan , Chen Yiping , Yin Huiyong , Pei Pei , Yang Ling , Chu Qianqian , Yu Canqing , Li Yixue , Lv Jun , Zheng He , Zhou Puchen , Chen Junshi , Li Liming , Chen Zhengming , Lin Xu ,   the China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
There is limited and inconsistent evidence about the relationships of erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with stroke and stroke types, particularly in China where the stroke rates are high. We aimed to investigate the associations of different erythrocyte PUFAs with incidence of total stroke, ischemic stroke (IS), and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in Chinese adults.

Methods
In the prospective China Kadoorie Biobank, erythrocyte PUFAs were measured using gas chromatography in 10,563 participants who attended 2013–14 resurvey. After a mean follow-up of 3.8 years, 412 incident stroke cases (342 IS, 53 ICH) were recorded among 8,159 participants without prior vascular diseases or diabetes. Cox regression yielded adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for stroke associated with 13 PUFAs.

Results
Overall, the mean body mass index was 24.0 (3.4) kg/m2 and the mean age was 58.1 (9.9) years. In multivariable analyses, 18:2n–6 was positively associated with ICH (HR = 2.33 [95% CIs 1.41, 3.82] for top versus bottom quintile, Ptrend = 0.007), but inversely associated with IS (0.69 [0.53,0.90], Ptrend = 0.027), while 20:3n-6 was positively associated with risk of IS (1.64 [1.32,2.04], Ptrend < 0.001), but not with ICH. Inverted-U shape curve associations were observed of 20:5n–3 with IS (Pnonlinear = 0.002) and total stroke (Pnonlinear = 0.008), with a threshold at 0.70%. After further adjustment for conventional CVD risk factors and dietary factors, these associations remained similar.

Conclusion
Among relatively lean Chinese adults, erythrocyte PUFAs 18:2n–6, 20:3n–6 and 20:5n–3 showed different associations with risks of IS and ICH. These results would improve the understanding of stroke etiology.
A deep learning based system for handwashing procedure evaluation
Authors: Greco Antonio , Percannella Gennaro , Ritrovato Pierluigi , Saggese Alessia , Vento Mario 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHand washing preparation can be considered as one of the main strategies for reducing the risk of surgical site contamination and thus the infections risks. Within this context, in this paper we propose an embedded system able to automatically analyze, in real-time, the sequence of images acquired by a depth camera to evaluate the quality of the handwashing procedure. In particular, the designed system runs on an NVIDIA Jetson Nano$$^{{\mathrm{TM}}}$$

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computing platform. We adopt a convolutional neural network, followed by a majority voting scheme, to classify the movement of the worker according to one of the ten gestures defined by the World Health Organization. To test the proposed system, we collect a dataset built by 74 different video sequences. The results achieved on this dataset confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The transferability and validity of a population-level simulation model for the economic evaluation of interventions in diabetes: the MICADO model
Authors: Emamipour Sajad , Pagano Eva , Di Cuonzo Daniela , Konings Stefan R. A. , van der Heijden Amber A. , Elders Petra , Beulens Joline W. J. , Leal Jose , Feenstra Talitha L. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Aims
Valid health economic models are essential to inform the adoption and reimbursement of therapies for diabetes mellitus. Often existing health economic models are applied in other countries and settings than those where they were developed. This practice requires assessing the transferability of a model developed from one setting to another. We evaluate the transferability of the MICADO model, developed for the Dutch 2007 setting, in two different settings using a range of adjustment steps. MICADO predicts micro- and macrovascular events at the population level.

Methods
MICADO simulation results were compared to observed events in an Italian 2000–2015 cohort (Casale Monferrato Survey [CMS]) and in a Dutch 2008–2019 (Hoorn Diabetes Care Center [DCS]) cohort after adjusting the demographic characteristics. Additional adjustments were performed to: (1) risk factors prevalence at baseline, (2) prevalence of complications, and (3) all-cause mortality risks by age and sex. Model validity was assessed by mean average percentage error (MAPE) of cumulative incidences over 10 years of follow-up, where lower values mean better accuracy.

Results
For mortality, MAPE was lower for CMS compared to DCS (0.38 vs. 0.70 following demographic adjustment) and adjustment step 3 improved it to 0.20 in CMS, whereas step 2 showed best results in DCS (0.65). MAPE for heart failure and stroke in DCS were 0.11 and 0.22, respectively, while for CMS was 0.42 and 0.41.

Conclusions
The transferability of the MICADO model varied by event and per cohort. Additional adjustments improved prediction of events for MICADO. To ensure a valid model in a new setting it is imperative to assess the impact of adjustments in terms of model accuracy, even when this involves the same country, but a new time period.
Management of severe intraoperative hemorrhage during intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures: the dry field technique
Authors: Oertel Joachim , Linsler Stefan , Strohm Lea , Senger Sebastian 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective
Neuroendoscopic procedures inside the ventricular system always bear the risk for an unexpected intraoperative hemorrhage with potentially devastating consequences. The authors present here their experience, and a stage-to-stage guide for the endoscopic management of intraoperative hemorrhages.

Methods
A step-by-step guide for the management to gain control of and stop the bleeding is described including a grading system. More advanced techniques are presented in cases examples.

Conclusion
Most of intraoperative hemorrhages can be controlled by constant irrigation and coagulation. More advanced techniques can be applied quickly and easily to ensure control of the hemorrhages and avoid the need for a microsurgical conversion.
The use of quantitative pupillometry in patients with pituitary tumors: a technical note
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Jakobs Martin , Jesser Jessica , Trong Philip Dao , Unterberg Andreas W. , Beynon Christopher 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Pituitary tumors may cause compression of the optic chiasm, resulting in decreased visual acuity. Therefore, decompression of the optic chiasm is a major goal of surgical treatment in such patients. Quantitative pupillometry has been used in various clinical settings for assessing the optic system but has not been applied in patients with pituitary tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of this technique to improve treatment modalities in patients undergoing surgical resection of pituitary tumors.

Method
Pupillometry using the automated NPi 200® Pupillometer was performed in seven patients who underwent surgical resection of large pituitary tumors at the University of Heidelberg in 2018. The neurological pupil index (NPi) was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively, and correlations with visual acuity and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings regarding optic chiasm compression were determined.

Results
All patients experienced visual disturbance due to a large pituitary tumor. The NPi was < 4.0 in all patients in at least one pupil. Intraoperative MRI demonstrated successful decompression of the optic chiasm in all cases. Postoperatively, the NPi values increased, and this increase was correlated with improved visual acuity.

Conclusions
We found that quantitative pupillometry can detect optic chiasm compression in patients with pituitary tumors. Furthermore, postoperative improvement of NPi values may indicate sufficient decompression of the optic chiasm. Further studies are warranted to substantiate the granularity of this technique to gain valuable information for patients with pituitary tumors who are indicated for surgery.
Formal verification of OIL component specifications using mCRL2
Authors: Bunte Olav , van Gool Louis C. M. , Willemse Tim A. C. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTo aid in making software bug-free, several high-tech companies are moving from coding to modelling. In some cases model checking techniques are explored or have already been adopted to get more value from these models. This also holds for Canon Production Printing, where the language OIL was developed for modelling control-software components. In this paper, we present OIL and give its semantics. We define a translation from OIL to mCRL2 to enable the use of model checking techniques. Moreover, we discuss validity requirements on OIL component specifications and show how these can be formalised and verified using model checking. To test the feasibility of these techniques, we apply them to two models of systems used in production.
Anion Exchange Capacity Explains Deep Soil Nitrate Accumulation in Brazilian Amazon Croplands
Authors: Huddell Alexandra , Neill Christopher , Palm Cheryl A. , Nunes Darlisson , Menge Duncan N. L. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDeep tropical soils with net anion exchange capacity can adsorb nitrate and might delay the eutrophication of surface waters that is often associated with many temperate croplands. We investigated anion exchange capacity and soil nitrate pools in deep soils in the Southern Brazilian Amazon, where conversion of tropical forest and Cerrado to intensive fertilized soybean and soybean-maize cropping expanded rapidly in the 2000s. We found that mean soil nitrate pools in the top 8 m increased from 143 kg N ha−1in forest to 1,052 in soybean and 1,161 kg N ha−1in soybean-maize croplands. This nitrate accumulation in croplands aligned with the estimated N surpluses in the croplands. Soil anion exchange capacity explained the magnitude of nitrate accumulation. High nitrate retention in soils was consistent with current low levels of streamwater nitrate exported from croplands. Soil exchange sites were far from saturation, which suggests that nitrate accumulation can continue for longer under current cropping practices, although mechanisms such as competition with other anions and preferential water flowpaths that bypass exchange sites could reduce the time to saturation.
Advanced Passive Thermal Control Materials and Devices for Spacecraft: A Review
Authors: Tachikawa Sumitaka , Nagano Hosei , Ohnishi Akira , Nagasaka Yuji 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn recent planetary exploration space missions, spacecraft are exposed to severe thermal environments that are sometimes more extreme than those experienced in earth orbits. The development of advanced thermal control materials and devices together with reliable and accurate measurements of their thermophysical properties are needed for the development of systems designed to meet the engineering challenges associated with these space missions. We provide a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art advanced passive thermal control materials and devices that are available for space applications, specifically, variable emissivity thermal control materials and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), radiofrequency (RF)-transparent and/or tunable solar absorptivity and total hemispherical emissivity thermal control materials, and a passive re-deployable radiator with advanced materials and insulation. Prior to our in-depth review of these thermal control materials, we briefly summarize the thermal environments surrounding spacecraft, the characteristics of thermophysical properties for spacecraft materials that differ from those of materials for ground use, and the significance of solar absorptivity and total hemispherical emissivity for passive thermal control in space. In all four topics of materials and devices, the following subjects are overviewed: the basic principle of passive thermal control techniques in space, the measurement of thermophysical properties of those novel materials, simulation and/or on-orbit verification thermal performance tests, degradation tests in space environments, and some aspects of the implementation of the above-described materials and devices in actual space missions.
The Effect of Bulk Residual Stress on Milling-Induced Residual Stress and Distortion
Authors: Chighizola C. R. , D’Elia C. R. , Jonsson J. E. , Weber D. , Kirsch B. , Aurich J. C. , Linke B. S. , Hill M. R. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Distortion arises during machining of metallic parts from two main mechanisms: 1) release of bulk residual stress (BRS) in the pre-form, and 2) permanent deformation induced by cut tools. Interaction between these mechanisms is unexplored.

Objective
Assess this interaction using aluminum samples that have a flat surface with variations of BRS, where that surface is subsequently milled, and we observe milling-induced residual stress (MIRS) and distortion.

Methods
Plate samples are cut from two kinds of large blocks, one kind stress-relieved by stretching and a second kind solution heat treated, quenched and aged. The BRS field in the plates is known from a recent series of measurements, being small in the stress relieved plates (within ±20 MPa) and large (±100 MPa) in the quenched plates, varying from tension to compression over the surface that is milled. MIRS is measured following milling using hole-drilling. Distortions of thin wafers cut at the milled surfaces are used to elucidate BRS/MIRS interactions. A finite element (FE) model and a strength of materials model are each used to assess consistency between wafer distortion and measured MIRS.

Results
Milling in samples with high BRS magnitude changes the directions of MIRS and distortion relative to the milling direction, with the direction of maximum curvature rotating toward or away from the milling direction depending on the sign and direction of BRS. High magnitude BRS was also found to increase the wafer peak arc height, nearly doubling the amount found in low BRS samples.

Conclusion
Measured residual stress and observed wafer distortion both show interactions between MIRS and BRS. Stress analysis models show that the differences in measured MIRS are consistent with the differences in observed distortion.
Dual-polarization multiplexing amorphous Si:H grating couplers for silicon photonic transmitters in the photonic BiCMOS backend of line
Authors: Georgieva Galina , Mai Christian , Seiler Pascal M. , Peczek Anna , Zimmermann Lars 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we report on polarization combining two-dimensional grating couplers (2D GCs) on amorphous Si:H, fabricated in the backend of line of a photonic BiCMOS platform. The 2D GCs can be used as an interface of a hybrid silicon photonic coherent transmitter, which can be implemented on bulk Si wafers. The fabricated 2D GCs operate in the telecom C-band and show an experimental coupling efficiency of − 5 dB with a wafer variation of ± 1.2 dB. Possibilities for efficiency enhancement and improved performance stability in future design generations are outlined and extension toward O-band devices is also investigated.
Graphical Abstract
Kinetics of human leukocyte antigen receptor HLA-DR+ monocytes and T lymphocytes during remission induction therapy in ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Tampe Désirée , Hakroush Samy , Biggemann Lorenz , Winkler Martin Sebastian , Tampe Björn 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAnti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is characterized by small vessel inflammation and the presence of autoantibodies against cytoplasmic proteases, most often proteinase-3 and myeloperoxidase. Peripheral blood monocytes are an important source of local macrophage accumulation within parenchymal organs, as evidenced by their presence in early lesions in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II cell surface receptor human leukocyte antigen receptor (HLA-DR) allows antigen presentation to T cells and is crucial for the initiation of an immune response. We herein report HLA-DR abundance in AAV and the kinetics of HLA-DR+monocytes and T lymphocytes during remission induction therapy in AAV. Life-threatening AAV with pulmonary hemorrhage and renal involvement was associated with the presence of HLA-DR in a considerable population of peripheral blood monocytes and T lymphocytes, and relapsing disease manifested despite persistent B cell depletion after remission induction with rituximab. Moreover, remission induction in AAV with steroids, plasma exchange and intravenous cyclophosphamide, and improvement of clinical symptoms were associated with a decrease in HLA-DR+differing between monocytes and T lymphocytes. Particularly, persistent suppression of HLA-DR+monocytes was observed during remission induction, while an initial decrease in HLA-DR+T lymphocytes was followed by recovery of this population during the further course. Detailed insights into HLA-DR kinetics could pave the way towards an increased understanding of immunopathology and identify patients that could mostly benefit from distinct remission induction regimens.
Blind nasal intubation as an alternative airway management modality for bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis in a resource constrained set-up: A clinical case report
Authors: Zemedkun Abebayehu , Angasa Dugo , Gobena Negeso , Regasa Teshome 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTIntroduction and importance:Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is increasing dramatically especially in developing countries due to the delay in treatment and difficulty access to specialized healthcare. Patients usually presents with restricted mouth opening, dentofacial deformity, malocclusion, impaired speech, difficulty in mastication, malnutrition, obstructive sleep apnea, and airway obstruction.Case presentation:This case report presented an 18 year old, 32 kg, 1.50 m female patient diagnosed as bilateral temporomandibular ankylosis and her airway was managed with blind nasal intubation without any apparent perioperative complication.Clinical discussion:Administration of anesthesia and airway management to patients with TMJ ankylosis ideally requires the availability of flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope and trained personnel who use the equipment and monitoring facilities. However, many facilities especially in developing countries are lacking the necessary equipments. Retrograde intubation, tracheotomy and blind intubation are also another possible option for airway management of these patients.Conclusion:We believe that blind nasal intubation can be an alternative airway management modality in resource constrained settings where flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope is not available.Highlights
The Problem of Blame
Authors: McCormick Kelly 
Published: April 2022

This book makes a case for the permissibility of reactive blame – the angry, harmful variety. Blame is a thorny philosophical problem, as it is notoriously difficult to specify the conditions under which an agent is deserving of blame, is deserving of blame in the basic sense, and furthermore why this is so. Kelly McCormick argues that sharpening the focus to reactive, angry blame can both show us how best to characterize the problem itself, and suggest a possible solution to it, because even reactive blame is both valuable and deserved in the basic sense. Finally, McCormick shows how, despite the many facets of the dark side of blame, adopting an explicitly victim-centered approach highlights a powerful argument from empathy for retaining reactive blame and its attendant attitudes and practices.