bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contribution to Nuclear Safety Demonstration Through System Modelling and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Roumili Emir , Bossu Jean‐François , Chapurlat Vincent , Daclin Nicolas , Tixier Jérôme , Plana Robert 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTNuclear Power Plant (NPP) engineering projects become increasingly complex. For instance, a nuclear reactor includes more than 50 buildings, 500 km of piping, 500,000 components and 100 million units of data (requirements, reports, schemes …). However, nuclear safety demonstration of any nuclear facility is at the heart of the nuclear industry, being the most important and limiting factor for all requested engineering activities. Ensuring all these activities are performed considering safety demonstration is mandatory to get permission to license, build, operate, dismantle, and more. This article synthetizes an innovative method that mixes and takes advantages of artificial intelligence techniques and systems engineering principles, processes, and model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) principles and usages. This method aims to guide and support engineers to improve their vision, their knowledge and vocabulary, and their capacities in terms of, first, safety requirements elicitation, and second of safety requirements demonstration.
Near infrared spectroscopy reveals instability in retinal mitochondrial metabolism and haemodynamics with blue light exposure at environmental levels
Authors: Kaynezhad Pardis , Fosbury Robert , Hogg Chris , Tachtsidis Ilias , Sivaprasad Sobha , Jeffery Glen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBlue light (~400‐470 nm) is considered potentially detrimental to the retina but is present in natural environmental light. Mitochondrial density is highest in the retina, and they exhibit a prominent optical absorption around 420 nm arising from the Soret band of their porphyrins, including in cytochrome‐c‐oxidase in their respiratory chain. We examine the impact of continuous 420 nm at environmental energy levels on retinal mitochondrial metabolism and haemodynamics in vivo in real time using broadband near‐infrared spectroscopy. One hour environmental exposure to 420 nm induces significant metabolic instability in retinal mitochondria and blood signals, which continues for up to 1 h post blue exposure. Porphyrins are important in mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and cytochrome‐c‐oxidase is a key part of the electron transport chain through which this is achieved. Hence, environmental 420 nm likely restricts respiration and ATP production that may impact on retinal function.
An autofocus algorithm considering wavelength changes for large scale microscopic hyperspectral pathological imaging system
Authors: Zhang Qing , Wang Yan , Li Qingli , Tao Xiang , Zhou Xiufeng , Zhang Yonghe , Liu Gang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMicroscopic hyperspectral imaging technology has been widely used to acquire pathological information of tissue sections. Autofocus is one of the most important steps in microscopic hyperspectral imaging systems to capture large scale or even whole slide images of pathological slides with high quality and high speed. However, there are quite few autofocus algorithm put forward for the microscopic hyperspectral imaging system. Therefore, this article proposes a Laplace operator based autofocus algorithm for microscopic hyperspectral imaging system which takes the influence of wavelength changes into consideration. Through the proposed algorithm, the focal length for each wavelength can be adjusted automatically to ensure that each single band image can be autofocused precisely with adaptive image sharpness evaluation method. In addition, to increase the capture speed, the relationship of wavelength and focal length is derived and the focal offsets among different single band images are calculated for pre‐focusing. We have employed the proposed method on our own datasets and the experimental results show that it can capture large‐scale microscopic hyperspectral pathology images with high precise.
Design and evaluation of nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with Salvia officinalis extract for Alzheimer's disease treatment
Authors: Markova Elena , Taneska Lea , Kostovska Monika , Shalabalija Dushko , Mihailova Ljubica , Glavas Dodov Marija , Makreski Petre , Geskovski Nikola , Petrushevska Marija , N. Taravari Arben , Simonoska Crcarevska Maja 
Published: January 2022

AbstractConsidering the potential of Salvia officinalis in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), as well as the ability of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) to successfully deliver drug molecules across blood–brain barrier (BBB), the objective of this study was design, development, optimization and characterization of freeze‐dried salvia officinalis extract (FSE) loaded NLC intended for intranasal administration. NLC were prepared by solvent evaporation method and the optimization was carried out using central composite design (CCD) of experiments. Further, the optimized formulation (NLCo) was coated either with chitosan (NLCc) or poloxamer (NLCp). Surface characterization of the particles demonstrated a spherical shape with smooth exterior. Particle size of optimal formulations after 0.45 μm pore size filtration ranged from 127 ± 0.68 nm to 140 ± 0.74 nm. The zeta potential was −25.6 ± 0.404 mV; 22.4 ± 1.106 mV and − 6.74 ± 0.609 mV for NLCo, NLCc, and NLCp, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the formation of NLC whereas Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the FSE encapsulation into particles. All formulations showcased relatively high drug loading (>86.74 mcg FSE/mg solid lipid) and were characterized by prolonged and controlled release that followed Peppas‐Sahlin in vitro release kinetic model. Protein adsorption studies revealed the lowest adsorption of the proteins onto NLCp (43.53 ± 0.07%) and highest protein adsorption onto NLCc (55.97 ± 0.75%) surface. The modified ORAC assay demonstrated higher antioxidative activity for NLCo (95.31 ± 1.86%) and NLCc (97.76 ± 4.00%) as compared to FSE (90.30 ± 1.53%). Results obtained from cell cultures tests pointed to the potential of prepared NLCs for FSE brain targeting and controlled release.
The key role of organic anion transporter 3 in the drug–drug interaction between tranilast and methotrexate
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Yuan Wenjing , Shen Qingqing , Wu Qipeng , Jiang Zhenzhou , Wu Wei , Zhang Luyong , Huang Xin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTranilast, N‐(3′,4′‐dimethoxycinnamoyl)‐anthranilic acid, is an anti‐allergic drug and is considered for use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate, an antimetabolite and folate antagonist to treat some cancers, is also a first‐line drug for RA. The aim of this study was to understand whether tranilast could inhibit renal uptake transporters (Oat1, Oat3, and Oct2) and whether MTX combined with TL would have drug–drug interactions. The results of kidney slices and HEK293T‐OAT3 cell uptake experiments showed that TL (10 μM) could inhibit the uptake of penicillin G and MTX, which are substrates of OAT3. When TL (10 mg/kg) was combined with MTX (5 mg/kg), the area under the curve and peak concentration of MTX increased by 46.46% and 113.51%, respectively, while the pharmacokinetic process of tranilast (10 mg/kg) was not changed by methotrexate (5 mg/kg). TL could increase plasma exposure of MTX by inhibiting Oat3 in vitro and in vivo.
Novel variants underlying autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorders with intellectual disability in Iranian consanguineous families
Authors: Moudi Mahdiyeh , Vahidi Mehrjardi Mohammad Yahya , Hozhabri Hossein , Metanat Zahra , Kalantar Seyed Mehdi , Taheri Mohsen , Ghasemi Nasrin , Dehghani Mohammadreza 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundIntellectual disability (ID) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that is characterized by significant impairment in intellectual and adaptive functioning with onset during the developmental period. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES)‐based studies in the consanguineous families with individuals affected with ID have shown a high burden of relevant variants. So far, over 700 genes have been reported in syndromic and non‐syndromic ID. However, genetic causes in more than 50% of ID patients still remain unclear.MethodsWhole‐exome sequencing was applied for investigation of various variants of ID, then Sanger sequencing and in silico analysis in ten patients from five Iranian consanguineous families diagnosed with autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorders, intellectual disability, performed for confirming the causative mutation within the probands. The most patients presented moderate‐to‐severe intellectual disability, developmental delay, seizure, speech problem, high level of lactate, and onset before 10 years.ResultsFiltering the data identified by WES, two novel homozygous missense variants in FBXO31 and TIMM50 genes and one previously reported mutation in the CEP290 gene in the probands were found. Sanger sequencing confirmed the homozygote variant's presence of TIMM50 and FBXO31 genes in six patients and two affected siblings in their respective families. Our computational results predicted that the variants are located in the conserved regions across different species and have the impacts on the protein stability.ConclusionHence, we provide evidence for the pathogenicity of two novel variants in the patients which will expand our knowledge about potential mutation involved in the heterogeneous disease.
Comparison of three molecular diagnostic assays for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection: Evaluation of analytical sensitivity and clinical performance
Authors: Kim Ha Nui , Yoon Soo‐Young , Lim Chae Seung , Yoon Jung 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection using real‐time reverse‐transcription PCR (rRT‐PCR) is the standard diagnostic test for COVID‐19 infection. Various rRT‐PCR assays are currently used worldwide, targeting different genes of the SARS‐CoV‐2. Here, we compared the analytical sensitivity and clinical performance (sensitivity and specificity) of Allplex SARS‐CoV‐2/FluA/FluB/RSV assay (Seegene), Standard M nCoV real‐time detection kit (SD Biosensor), and U‐TOP COVID‐19 detection kit (Seasun Biomaterials) for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection.MethodsTwo hundred and forty‐nine nasopharyngeal swab samples were evaluated to compare the clinical performance of the rRT‐PCR assays. For the analytical performance evaluation, two RNA controls with known viral loads—SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA control and SARS‐COV‐2 B.1.351 RNA control—were used to investigate the potential impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, particularly the B.1.351 lineage.ResultsLimits of detection ranged from 650 to 1300 copies/ml for rRT‐PCR assays, and the mean differences in cycle threshold (Ct) values of the two RNA controls were within 1.0 for each target in the rRT‐PCR assays (0.05–0.73), without any prominent Ct value shift or dropouts in the SARS‐COV‐2 B.1.351 RNA control. Using the consensus criterion as the reference standard, 89 samples were positive, whereas 160 were negative. The overall clinical performance of rRT‐PCR assays was comparable (sensitivity 98.88%–100%; specificity 99.38%–100%), whereas the sensitivities of each target gene were more variable.ConclusionsThe three rRT‐PCR assays showed comparable analytical sensitivity and clinical performance. The analytical and clinical sensitivities of each target gene were influenced more by the primer and probe design than the target gene itself.
Computed tomography‐defined body composition as prognostic markers for unfavourable outcomes and in‐hospital mortality in coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Meyer Hans‐Jonas , Wienke Andreas , Surov Alexey 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundLow skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) and visceral fat areas can be assessed by cross‐sectional images. These parameters are associated with several clinically relevant factors in various disorders with predictive and prognostic implications. Our aim was to establish the effect of computed tomography (CT)‐defined LSMM and fat areas on unfavourable outcomes and in‐hospital mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients based on a large patient sample.MethodsMEDLINE library, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were screened for the associations between CT‐defined LSMM as well as fat areas and in‐hospital mortality in COVID‐19 patients up to September 2021. In total, six studies were suitable for the analysis and included into the present analysis.ResultsThe included studies comprised 1059 patients, 591 men (55.8%) and 468 women (44.2%), with a mean age of 60.1 years ranging from 48 to 66 years. The pooled prevalence of LSMM was 33.6%. The pooled odds ratio for the effect of LSMM on in‐hospital mortality in univariate analysis was 5.84 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–31.83]. It was 2.73 (95% CI 0.54–13.70) in multivariate analysis. The pooled odds ratio of high visceral fat area on unfavourable outcome in univariate analysis was 2.65 (95% CI 1.57–4.47).ConclusionsComputed tomography‐defined LSMM and high visceral fat area have a relevant association with in‐hospital mortality in COVID‐19 patients and should be included as relevant prognostic biomarkers into clinical routine.
Three cases of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma evaluated using conventional and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound: Case reports
Authors: Fang Jian‐Qiang , Ji Ya‐Yun , Zhao Wei‐An , Pu Cui , Mi Si‐Yuan , Zhang Bin‐Yu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractHepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a very rare vascular endothelial cell tumor, which lacks typical clinical manifestations and specificity of imaging features. Whether the background of fatty liver and the difference in Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) characteristics between large and small lesions has not been well defined. In this case reports, we described the ultrasound image features of three patients with HEHE. These three patients with HEHE have certain similar characteristics of conventional ultrasound and CEUS. CEUS imaging features include large nodules show earlier perfusion than liver parenchyma, with rim‐enhancement, nonenhancing regions in the center, while small nodules show earlier perfusion than liver parenchyma, with hyperenhancement. All nodules show faster washout than hepatic parenchyma, showing heterogeneous hypoenhancement, and more washout lesions can be found in the PVP and LP. Conventional ultrasound and CEUS not only help to improve the diagnostic confidence of HEHE of rare liver tumors, but also can guide the biopsy area, making it easier to make accurate pathological diagnosis.
Association of physiological reserve measures with adverse outcomes following liver transplantation
Authors: Kimber James S , Woodman Richard J , Narayana Sumudu K , John Libby , Ramachandran Jeyamani , Schembri David , Chen John W C , Muller Kate R , Wigg Alan J 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and AimThe comparative utility of physiological reserve measures in predicting important clinical outcomes following liver transplantation (LT) requires further study. The aim of this work was therefore to compare the utility of physiological reserve measures in predicting early adverse clinical outcomes post‐LT.MethodsA single‐center, retrospective cohort study of LT patients consecutively recruited between 1 January 2015, and 31 August 2020. Outcomes measured were sepsis and death within 12 months of LT, hospital length of stay (LOS), and intensive care LOS. Physiological reserve measures were handgrip strength, mid‐arm muscle circumference, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) measures. Analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression for sepsis and death, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression for hospital and intensive care LOS.ResultsData were obtained for 109 subjects. Patients were predominantly (64%) male with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 57 (49–63) and median (IQR) Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score of 16 (11–21). In multivariate analysis, the odds of sepsis were lower in patients in the highest versus lowest tertile (odds ratio = 0.004; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00–0.13; P = 0.002). Hospital LOS was linearly associated with handgrip strength (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.03; 95% CI 1.00–1.06; P = 0.03) in multivariate analysis. Intensive care LOS was associated with peak VO2 (HR 1.83; 95% CI 1.06–3.16; P = 0.03) and VE/VCO2 slope (HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.58–0.88; P = 0.002) in multivariate analysis.ConclusionHandgrip strength and CPET both identify candidates at high risk of adverse outcomes after LT.
β‐Nitrostyrenes as a valuable precursor for the synthesis of β‐aryl‐γ‐lactam and 2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline derivatives
Authors: Lenin Dandamudi V. , Patel Disha , Malvi Payal 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe successfully demonstrated two different reaction pathways for the synthesis of β‐aryl‐γ‐lactam and 2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline derivatives using β‐nitrostyrenes. The reaction strategy involves the Michael addition followed by reduction and cyclization reactions. Michael adducts containing two different nitro group such as one on aryl ring and another on side chain, selectively takes the path to involve nitro group on aryl to form 2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline derivatives as cyclized product. Michael adducts with nitro group on side chain alone forms β‐aryl‐γ‐lactam derivatives as cyclized product. This methodology is appealing with reliability and scalability with gram scale products that can be synthesized. These heterocyclic compounds can be exploited for their biological activity.
Microwave assisted L‐proline catalyzed one‐pot three–component reaction for the synthesis of 4‐aminoaryl‐2‐phenyl‐2H‐3‐nitrochromene hybrid via Domino Michael‐Henry‐Michael addition reaction
Authors: Khan Danish , Sharma Saurabh , Shukla Prakhar 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA highly efficient oxidant free, microwave assisted L‐proline catalyzed one pot three‐component reaction has been developed for the synthesis of 4‐aminoaryl‐3‐nitro‐2H‐chromene using o‐hydroxy‐ω‐nitrostyrene, arylaldehyde and arylamine in DMSO solvent. This method involves the stepwise intermolecular Aza Michael addition, nitro‐enolate formation, Henry reaction and intramolecular Oxa‐Michael addition to produce the final product. Various controlled experiments were carried out and intermediates were characterized by ESI‐MS to support the possible reaction path for the formation of desired product. A wide range of substrates were well tolerated and the diverse range of 4‐(phenylamino)‐3‐nitro‐2‐phenyl‐2H‐chromenes have been synthesized in good‐to‐high yields at 80°C within 8–10 min.
Stayed at home—But can't stop working despite being ill?! Guilt as a driver of presenteeism at work and home
Authors: Brosi Prisca , Gerpott Fabiola H. 
Published: January 2022

SummaryWe argue that the literature on presenteeism needs to consider that employees not only go to work despite being ill but also often work from home despite being ill, especially since the COVID‐19 crisis enabled home‐office work on a large scale. We label this phenomenon “workahomeism” and develop theory that shows its distinctness from traditional presenteeism through the evoked pattern of guilt. Across three studies (a vignette experiment, a critical incident study, and a within‐person intervention study), we tested whether employees' work‐related reactions to illness (i.e., workahomeism, presenteeism, and resting at home) differ in terms of experienced and anticipated guilt. We found that when employees considered engaging in workahomeism, they anticipated feeling less guilty than when resting at home. However, when employees actually engaged in workahomeism, they felt as guilty or even more guilty than when resting at home. In contrast, employees' anticipated guilt for presenteeism as compared to workahomeism changed from the same to more after the beginning of the COVID‐19 crisis. Furthermore, we identify facets of guilt in response to workahomeism (i.e., guilt toward colleagues and about own health) and demonstrate that organizations can change guilt patterns by asking employees to reflect on the consequences of workahomeism and presenteeism.
Sulfur fertilization strategy affects grass yield, nitrogen uptake, and nitrate leaching: A field lysimeter study#
Authors: Aspel Claire , Murphy Paul N. C. , McLaughlin Michael J. , Forrestal Patrick J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundGlobally and at the European Union level there are mounting concerns regarding nitrogen (N) losses from agricultural systems and pressure to reduce N losses to water and air. Suboptimal plant sulfur (S) availability can reduce plant N efficiency and thereby increase N loss potential. Climate change action demands lower sulfur dioxide emissions thus S deposition levels are at an all‐time low.AimsThe objectives of the current study were to (1) determine the potential for adequate S nutrition to increase grassland yield and N efficiency, (2) determine if alleviating S deficiency reduces nitrate leaching, and (3) evaluate a number of strategies for applying S including the use of cattle slurry.MethodsThis work was completed using a free‐draining sandy loam grassland lysimeter facility. There were six treatments using calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), CAN + calcium sulfate (CAN+S), ammonium sulfate + CAN (AS+CAN), and slurry (Slurry+CAN and Slurry+CAN+S, respectively) to deliver S strategies. The yield, plant N and S uptake, and nitrate and sulfate leachate were measured to compare treatments.ResultsApplication of mineral S fertilizer increased yields significantly (up to 2,907 kg ha–1) and increased apparent fertilizer nitrogen recovery from 39% to 47–49%. Alleviating S deficiency also significantly decreased nitrate leaching to levels not differing significantly from the control. There was a reduction of 46% in nitrate leaching with the addition of mineral S (CAN+S and AS+CAN) compared to N only. The nitrate concentration standard for drinking water was not breached for treatments that included S (6.6–11 mg NO3–‐N L–1), whereas it was breached for those without S (23–40 mg NO3–‐N L–1). The S applied in the slurry treatment was not adequate (9 kg S ha–1) to meet plant requirements.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that optimization of S nutrition has the potential to deliver large agronomic and environmental benefits along with potential as a nitrate leaching migration strategy on S‐deficient soils.