bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The study of virtual reality adaptive learning method based on learning style model
Authors: Lin Yi , Wang Shunbo , Lan Yangfan
Published: October 2021

Learning style is the endogenous cause of students' unique behaviors when they are performing learning tasks. The adaptive learning system that considers learning style can provide a personalized experience to stimulate students' enthusiasm, which had been widely studied in recent years. However, most of such existing systems are constructed based on a desktop environment, which leads to the less‐than‐ideal effect of personalized learning due to the limitation of interaction means and environmental dimension. Therefore, an adaptive virtual reality learning method based on the learning style model was proposed in this study. This method continuously iterated the identification of learning style based on students' subjective and objective data. Then, the content of virtual learning environment was sustainedly adjusted according to the identification results, thus enabling the environment to dynamically adapt to students' learning styles. To evaluate the feasibility of this proposed method, a controlled experiment on 152 participants was conducted. Results show that this method obtained relatively stable and accurate results of learning style identification, with an accuracy range of 74.38%–80.30%. Moreover, learning in the virtual environment constructed based on this method had a positive impact on students' learning motivation and outcomes.
Redox Isomerization/(3+2) Allenoate Annulation by Auto‐Tandem Phosphine Catalysis
Authors: Maddigan‐Wyatt Jeremy T. , Blyth Mitchell T. , Ametovski Jhi , Coote Michelle L. , Hooper Joel F. , Lupton David W.
Published: October 2021

A phosphine‐catalyzed approach to pyrrolines has been developed that involves two mechanistically unlinked catalytic processes. The first involves the redox isomerization of amino crotonates to provide access to aliphatic tosyl imines, which then engage in a (3+2) annulation with various allenoates. The reaction shows generality, with 24 examples established, along with a low yielding and moderately enantioselective variant. Mechanistic studies indicate that the viability of the process is linked to the selection of catalysts with similar propensity to add to the two coupling partners.
Probing the Boundaries between Lewis‐Basic and Redox Behavior of a Parent Borylene
Authors: Arrowsmith Merle , Endres Sara , Heinz Myron , Nestler Vincent , Holthausen Max C. , Braunschweig Holger
Published: October 2021

The parent borylene (CAAC)(Me3P)BH, 1 (CAAC=cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene), acts both as a Lewis base and one‐electron reducing agent towards group 13 trichlorides (ECl3, E=B, Al, Ga, In), yielding the adducts 1‐ECl3 and increasing proportions of the radical cation [1]•+ for the heavier group 13 analogues. With boron trihalides (BX3, X=F, Cl, Br, I) 1 undergoes sequential adduct formation and halide abstraction reactions to yield borylboronium cations and shows an increasing tendency towards redox processes for the heavier halides. Calculations confirm that 1 acts as a strong Lewis base towards EX3 and show a marked increase in the B−E bond dissociation energies down both group 13 and the halide group.
When minority influence is enough to increase tolerance of fraud: An experimental small‐group study
Authors: Sardais Cyrille , Guinovker Alexandre , Bellavance François , Agogué Marine
Published: October 2021

This paper studies minority influence on individual tolerance to certain instances of fraud. Using an experimental approach, we divided 100 students from a business school into 25 groups and compared the individual trajectory of each group according to whether they were in a group composed of only fraud‐intolerant individuals (control), in a group with one fraud‐tolerant individual (minority), or in a group with two fraud‐tolerant individuals (equality). Our results indicate that individual fraud tolerance increases significantly after a group discussion in which only one more fraud‐tolerant individual participates, demonstrating the magnitude of the minority influence on the trajectory of individuals who were initially fraud intolerant.
Synthesis, Binding Affinity Analysis, and 18F Radiosynthesis of Small‐Molecular‐Weight HIF‐1α‐Binding Compounds
Authors: Dawn Woodfield Jenilee , Bhardwaj Atul , Bergman Cody , Wuest Frank
Published: October 2021

Eleven small‐molecular‐weight compounds and three cyclic peptides were synthesized and evaluated for binding to hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). Microscale thermophoresis analysis identified peptide [19F]SFB‐link‐c‐(Ppg)LLFVY 3 and small‐molecule inhibitor 5 as potent HIF‐1α binding compounds with KD values of 0.46±0.2 μM and 7.8±3.4 μM, respectively. Both compounds represent novel HIF‐1α‐targeting compounds that are predicted to interact with the PAS‐B region of HIF‐1α, as confirmed with molecular docking studies. Lead structures 3 and 5 were further radiolabelled with fluorine‐18 for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents targeting HIF‐1α in vivo.
Supercritical CO2‐assisted Fabrication of Two‐dimensional Graphdiyne Oxide Nanosheets for Enhanced Photothermal Conversion
Authors: Yang Jian , Liu Wei , Xu Lekai , Gao Bo , Qi Qi , Du Jiang , Yang Huanhuan , Ma Wenjie , Tian Qingyong , Xu Qun
Published: October 2021

Graphdiyne (GDY) is a new two‐dimensional ordered carbon oxide composed ofspandsp2hybrid carbon atoms. It holds great application potential due to the uniformly distributed pores and design flexibility. However, the present preparation technology is still limited to obtain graphdiyne oxide (GDYO) nanosheets from oxidation of exfoliated GDY, just depending on strong corrosive acid as an oxidant. Herein, this work reports a simple, efficient, liquid‐phase exfoliation strategy, in which supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2) was first proposed to directly exfoliate GDY and prompt their oxidation into ultrathin GDYO nanosheets. The introduced CO2molecules can cause the increase of bond lengths and bending degree of the intermediate C bond, and it can weaken and further break acetylenic bonds, which is proved by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Meanwhile, experimentally GDYO nanosheets also show excellent light‐to‐heat conversion performance with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 63.95%. Therefore, this work provides a new environmentally friendly way to design and develop advanced carbon‐based materials and indicates GDYO‐based materials fundamentally significant in biomedicine, environmental governance.
Frustrated Lewis Pairs Based on Carbon⋅⋅⋅Carbon+Tetrel Bonds: A DFT Study
Authors: de las Nieves‐Piña María , Frontera Antonio , Mooibroek Tiddo J. , Bauzá Antonio
Published: October 2021

The ability of Triangulenium (TA+) compounds to form Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLPs) with N‐HeteroCycle Carbenes (NHCs) is analysed in this manuscript at the PBE0‐D3/def2‐TZVP level of theory. We have used six TA+‐based moieties, three presenting similar bridging groups (O (trioxo), −CH2(triaryl) and −NH (triaza)) and another three mixing, O, −CH2and NH moieties. In addition, several aryl‐substituted NHCs have been used as electron donor moieties to undergo carbon⋅⋅⋅carbon+tetrel bonds with the TA+derivatives. More precisely, −Me,−iPr, −tBu and −Ph groups were used. Finally, we have used Bader's quantum theory of “atoms in molecules” (QTAIM) and Natural Bonding Analysis (NBO) to characterize the carbon⋅⋅⋅carbon+tetrel bonds described herein. We expect the results gathered herein will be useful for further exploitation of carbon⋅⋅⋅carbon+bonds in the formation of FLPs as well as to expand the current knowledge of tetrel bonds to the fields of synthetic chemistry and catalysis.
Understanding Conflict Between Religious/Spiritual and Queer Identities: A Framework for Counselors
Authors: Killian Thomas , Levering Kimery R. , Brottem Lainey J.
Published: October 2021

All individuals possess multiple intersecting identities, both contextually determined and at various stages of development. Contradictory or incompatible societal expectations attached to differing identities may cause internal conflict. Simultaneous navigation of queer and religious/spiritual identities may result in experiencing lack of affirmation and negative messaging, affecting successful negotiation and integration of these two identities, potentially affecting mental health. Awareness of this potential intersectional conflict is important for counselors treating these individuals. Here we present counselors with a framework for understanding intersecting identities by applying self‐categorization theory and exploring the continued influence effect.
Synthesis of Adamantyl H‐Phosphinate Esters
Authors: Winters Karen R. , Ricke Chloe , Montchamp Jean‐Luc
Published: October 2021

Adamantyl H‐phosphinate esters have been described by Leclaire, Giordano, and coworkers as “universal precursors of P‐stereogenic compounds” after resolution by chiral HPLC, because these esters resist racemization during displacement with organometallics. In that work, the racemic esters were prepared from phosphorus trichloride or dichlorophosphines (RPCl2). We decided to investigate alternative methods for the preparation of these important precursors. Esterification methods included EDC, PivCl, and T3P. A protocol to avoid chromatographic purification was also developed and used for multigram‐scale synthesis. Finally, adamantyl hypophosphite 1‐AdOP(O)H2 was also prepared and used in the synthesis adamantyl H‐phosphinate esters, thereby providing an alternative to the esterification of H‐phosphinic acids, although 1‐AdOP(O)H2 was much less reactive than other hypophosphite esters.
The effect of outcome severity on moral judgement and interpersonal goals of perpetrators, victims, and bystanders
Authors: Frisch Lisa Katharina , Kneer Markus , Krueger Joachim Israel , Ullrich Johannes
Published: October 2021

When two actors have the same mental state but one happens to harm another person (unlucky actor) and the other one does not (lucky actor), the latter elicits a milder moral judgement. To understand how this outcome effect would affect post‐harm interactions between victims and perpetrators, we examined how the social role from which transgressions are perceived moderates the outcome effect, and how outcome effects on moral judgements transfer to agentic and communal interpersonal goals. Three vignette experiments (N = 950) revealed similar outcome effects on moral judgement across social roles. In contrast, outcome effects on agentic and communal goals varied by social role: victims exhibited the strongest outcome effects and perpetrators the weakest, with bystanders falling in between. Moral judgement did not mediate the effects of outcome severity on interpersonal goals. We discuss the possibility that outcome severity raises normative expectations regarding post‐harm interactions that are unrelated to moral considerations.
Potential applications of the CRISPR/Cas technology for genetic improvement of yam (Dioscorea spp.)
Authors: Syombua Easter D. , Tripathi Jaindra N. , Obiero George O. , Nguu Edward K. , Yang Bing , Wang Kan , Tripathi Leena
Published: October 2021

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is an economically important crop grown in the tropical and subtropical regions, producing tuberous roots that serve as a staple food, an income source, and an excellent source of various pharmaceutical precursors. Yam production is constrained by disease and pest infestations and a range of abiotic stresses. Genetic improvement can significantly mitigate these challenges, improve productivity, expand the yam markets, and increase economic gains. However, several intrinsic attributes of the crop have curtailed progress in yam breeding. Advanced genetic engineering such as genome editing by sequence‐specific nucleases has emerged as complementary approaches to conventional breeding techniques. Mainly, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) system for genome editing has provided robust platforms for gene function analysis and crop improvement in the post‐genomic era. Despite its significance, research towards improving the yam species remains under‐represented compared to other staple tuber crops such as cassava and sweet potato. Thus, it is critical to explore avenues for increasing the genetic gains from this under‐exploited crop. The present review focuses on the progress and prospects for applying the CRISPR/Cas technology for yam improvement. The study elaborates on the currently available CRISPR/Cas tool for yam genome engineering and explores the potential applications of this toolkit in mitigating the various challenges encountered in yam production and consumption. Furthermore, we have delved into the challenges associated with this technology and the improvements made to minimize these challenges. The insights presented herein provide a guide for yam improvement to increase genetic gains from this under‐researched and under‐utilized resource.
User‐centered requirement elicitation for the procurement of medical equipment used by different services and types of end‐users
Authors: Cardoso Ricardo B. , Brust‐Renck Priscila G. , Fogliatto Flavio S. , Tortorella Guilherme L. , Samson Daniel
Published: October 2021

We propose a method to collect data on user requirements of medical equipment shared by different users and services, relate those requirements with the equipment's technical features, and rank the most important features to be considered when procuring the equipment, leading to more effective procurement decision making. Our method is structured in three phases: (i) elicit the device's technical characteristics, (ii) determine user requirements, and (iii) relate technical characteristics to user requirements. The method is applied to rank the most relevant features of a hospital recliner used by seven services and three types of users. Our results indicate the 10 most relevant factors (requirements) for an “ideal” hospital recliner with potential impact on outputs (importance scores). A final list of 32 items was useful for comparing user requirements and identifying key features that address the most relevant requirements. User‐centered approaches to requirements elicitation in medical equipment procurement promote healthcare benefits, safety, and end‐user satisfaction. Potential use of our approach goes beyond our application case study into many other categories of procurement decisions and into other industry and business applications, wherever multiple stakeholders' requirements should be considered in decisions with multiple value dimensions of value.
A perspective on prognostic models in chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the era of targeted agents
Authors: Molica Stefano , Seymour John F. , Polliack Aaron
Published: October 2021

Despite the increase in the number of prognostic models currently available for evaluating patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), their current application and utilization in clinical practice in the era of targeted agents is unclear. A critical reappraisal of recently developed prognostic models is presented in this review. The underlying CLL's genetic instability and changes in the host's health and comorbidities can all contribute to the acquisition of additional risk factors for adverse outcomes during the course of the disease. Therefore, available risk models solely based on pretreatment variables only partially predict patients' clinical outcome. A dynamic prognostic model that takes into account changes in the risk profile over time could indeed be useful in routine clinical practice. The next generation of risk assessment models should incorporate post‐treatment and response biomarkers such as minimal residual disease. Finally, recent advances in the field of machine learning present novel opportunities to generate models capable of providing an individualized estimation of clinical outcomes in CLL. However, in the era of improved prognostic models, it is important to remember that these indices should supplement but not replace clinical expertise and medical decision‐making.
Individuals' personal characteristics associated with private health insurance policy possession in Greece
Authors: Nomikos Nikos , Naoum Panagiota , Naoum Vasiliki , Athanasakis Kostas , Kyriopoulos John , Pavi Elpida
Published: October 2021

Background

Possession of private health insurance has been associated with personal and socioeconomic characteristics, such as income and age. The objective of the present study is to assess the individuals' personal characteristics associated with private health insurance possession in Greece.

Methods

The data used in the present analysis derived from the ‘Health and Welfare’ survey conducted by the Hellenic National School of Public Health in Greece and refer to year 2017. The sample of the analysis consisted of 1,932 adults aged 18 years or older. Α binary logistic regression model was conducted, in order to investigate the factors associated with private health insurance possession.

Results

The factors that were found to be associated with private health insurance possession were: area of residence; Attica, family income level; 1,501€–2,000€, 2,001€+, absence of chronic condition, occupation; employer/self‐employed, absence of public insurance, time since last health check‐up; less than or equal to 5 and more than 1 years ago, more than 5 years or never and level of education; secondary, tertiary.

Conclusions

Private health insurance covers a low percent of the Greek population and has a low contribution to private health spending, compared with other countries. The personal characteristics that were found to be associated with private health insurance possession in Greece by the present study are in line with previous studies in other countries. These results are expected to provide policy advice on how to enhance coverage in order to reduce out‐of‐pocket expenditure, which is considered high in Greece.
Doctor‐patient relationship: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Hamid Syed Abdul , Begum Afroza , Azim Md. Ragaul , Islam Md. Sirajul
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

This study analyses the nature and magnitude of the doctor‐patient relationship in Bangladesh, intending to trigger policy discussions for improving healthcare quality. The dearth of research on the nature and degree of this relationship in Bangladesh as well as the global context motivates us to conduct this study.

Method

We use primary data from three different surveys conducted during July to October 2018. The study conducts a public perception survey on 701 individuals at various public places in Dhaka City. In addition, we interview 100 exit‐patients from two major public hospitals, four for‐profit‐private hospitals, and one not‐for‐profit private hospital in Dhaka City. We also interview a total of 62 doctors of different ladders. Each survey uses a structured questionnaire with a set of questions customized in the Bangladesh context.

Results

The score of the doctor‐patient relationship is found quite low from the viewpoint of the public, the patients, and the doctors. However, the score is comparatively high from the doctor's point of view. The results show that lack of optimum time allocation for the patients, not explaining the prescription clearly, and discriminating the patients by their social status are the main factors for a poor relationship with doctors.

Conclusions

The doctor‐patient relationship is substantially poor from the public, patients, and the doctors' viewpoints. Orienting the doctors to non‐therapeutic care (ie, respectful behavior, privacy, dignity, prompt attention, clear communication) in all levels of medical education and training, and improving working conditions of the hospitals are the crucial policy implications.
Media Coverage and Charitable Giving after the 2004 Tsunami
Authors: Brown Philip H. , Minty Jessica H.
Published: October 2021

Media coverage of humanitarian crises is widely believed to influence charitable giving, yet this assertion has received little empirical scrutiny. Using Internet donations after the 2004 tsunami as a case study, we show that media coverage of disasters has a dramatic impact on donations to relief agencies. An additional minute of nightly news coverage or an additional story in major newspapers raises donations by 17–21%, controlling for the time that has elapsed since the disaster, for tax considerations, and for weekends. Repeating the analysis using instrumental variables to account for simultaneity and omitted variable bias, we find that an additional minute of news coverage raises donations by about 2.5%, an effect that remains both economically and statistically significant. We also find evidence of donor fatigue as well as evidence that tax incentives are effective in increasing charitable donations.
Identifying the Demand and Supply Effects of Financial Crises on Bank Credit—Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Chen Nan‐Kuang , Wang Hung‐Jen
Published: October 2021

In the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis, Taiwan's bank credits slowed down dramatically while the economy experienced one of the worst recessions in recent history. Whether the slowdown was mainly caused by the demand or the supply effect is unclear. An innovative empirical approach is adopted that uses the short‐side rule of bank loans' market transactions to help infer the relative shifts of the demand and supply. For the disaggregate data, a novel model is proposed that accommodates the short‐side rule and yet requires only data from the borrowers or the lenders. We find that a large decline in supply is mainly responsible for the slowdown, and we identify the deposit drain and the increase in overdue loans as the main contributing factors. Results also indicate that smaller firms are disproportionately affected by the credit cutback, and that shrinkages in alternative financing sources might have indirectly contributed to the excess demand.
Every Breath You Take: The Effect of Postpartum Maternal Smoking on Childhood Asthma
Authors: Sabia Joseph J.
Published: October 2021

Recent studies in the public health literature and a June 2006 Surgeon General's report have cited a link between exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and childhood asthma. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, this paper explores the sensitivity of this relationship to unobserved heterogeneity. Cross‐section estimates show consistent evidence of a positive relationship between postpartum maternal smoking and childhood asthma, particularly among populations at high risk for asthma: racial minorities and children of mothers with low educational attainment. Importantly, this relationship persists after controlling for fixed individual‐level unobservables. Difference‐in‐difference estimates show that the onset of maternal smoking is associated with a 4 to 7 percentage‐point increase in childhood asthma rates. The results of several falsification tests—which examine the effect of maternal smoking on other health outcomes not expected to be causally affected by exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke—lend credibility to the fixed effects identification strategy.
Changing Inflation Dynamics and Uncertainty in the United States
Authors: Miles William , Vijverberg Chu‐Ping C.
Published: October 2021

Inflation uncertainty has been shown theoretically and empirically to lower real output (Friedman 1977; Grier et al. 2004). Employing a Markov‐switching model with regime‐varying variance, as well as more traditional generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) estimation, we investigate recent changes in the level, persistence, and uncertainty of U.S. inflation. Despite the great strides in lowering inflation in the 1980s and 1990s, we find that uncertainty has risen palpably in the current decade. This is disturbing given the aforementioned findings of the negative impact of inflation uncertainty on output. Moreover, analyzing both the standard Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the CPI minus energy, our results suggest that volatile energy costs contribute to the higher inflation uncertainty in the United States in the current decade.
Mesenchymal stromal cell extracellular vesicles as therapy for acute and chronic respiratory diseases: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tieu Alvin , Hu Kevin , Gnyra Catherine , Montroy Joshua , Fergusson Dean A. , Allan David S. , Stewart Duncan J. , Thébaud Bernard , Lalu Manoj M.
Published: October 2021

Preclinical studies suggest mesenchymal stromal cell extracellular vesicles (MSC‐EVs) reduce inflammation and improve organ function in lung diseases; however, an objective analysis of all available data is needed prior to translation. Using rigorous meta‐research methods, we determined the effectiveness of MSC‐EVs for preclinical respiratory diseases and identified experimental conditions that may further refine this therapy. A systematic search of MEDLINE/Embase identified 1167 records. After screening, 52 articles were included for data extraction and evaluated for risk of bias and quality of reporting in study design. A random effects meta‐analysis was conducted for acute lung injury (ALI; N = 23), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD; N = 8) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; N = 7). Subgroup analyses identified EV methods/characteristics that may be associated with improved efficacy. Data is presented as standardized mean differences (SMD) or risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). For ALI, MSC‐EVs markedly reduced lung injury (SMD ‐4.33, CI ‐5.73 to ‐2.92), vascular permeability (SMD ‐2.43, CI ‐3.05 to ‐1.82), and mortality (RR 0.39, CI 0.22 to 0.68). Small EVs were more consistently effective than large EVs whereas no differences were observed between tissue sources, immunocompatibility or isolation techniques. For BPD, alveolarization was improved by MSC‐EVs (SMD ‐1.45, CI ‐2.08 to ‐0.82) with small EVs more consistently beneficial then small/large EVs. In PAH, right ventricular systolic pressure (SMD ‐4.16, CI ‐5.68 to ‐2.64) and hypertrophy (SMD ‐2.80, CI ‐3.68 to ‐1.91) were significantly attenuated by EVs. In BPD and PAH, EVs isolated by ultracentrifugation demonstrated therapeutic benefit whereas tangential flow filtration (N = 2) displayed minimal efficacy. Lastly, risk of bias and quality of reporting for experimental design were consistently unclear across all studies. Our findings demonstrate clear potential of MSC‐EVs to be developed as therapy for acute and chronic lung diseases. However, greater transparency in research design and direct comparisons of isolation technique and EV subtypes are needed to generate robust evidence to guide clinical translation.

Protocol Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020145334
Stroma‐derived extracellular vesicle mRNA signatures inform histological nature of prostate cancer
Authors: Shephard Alex P. , Giles Peter , Mbengue Mariama , Alraies Amr , Spary Lisa K. , Kynaston Howard , Gurney Mark J. , Falcón‐Pérez Juan M. , Royo Félix , Tabi Zsuzsanna , Parthimos Dimitris , Errington Rachel J. , Clayton Aled , Webber Jason P.
Published: October 2021

Histological assessment of prostate cancer is the key diagnostic test and can predict disease outcome. This is however an invasive procedure that carries associated risks, hence non‐invasive assays to support the diagnostic pathway are much needed. A key feature of disease progression, and subsequent poor prognosis, is the presence of an altered stroma. Here we explored the utility of prostate stromal cell‐derived vesicles as indicators of an altered tumour environment. We compared vesicles from six donor‐matched pairs of adjacent‐normal versus disease‐associated primary stromal cultures. We identified 19 differentially expressed transcripts that discriminate disease from normal stromal extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs isolated from patient serum were investigated for these putative disease‐discriminating mRNA. A set of transcripts including Caveolin‐1 (CAV1), TMP2, THBS1, and CTGF were found to be successful in discriminating clinically insignificant (Gleason = 6) disease from clinically significant (Gleason > 8) prostate cancer. Furthermore, correlation between transcript expression and progression‐free survival suggests that levels of these mRNA may predict disease outcome. Informed by a machine learning approach, combining measures of the five most informative EV‐associated mRNAs with PSA was shown to significantly improve assay sensitivity and specificity. An in‐silico model was produced, showcasing the superiority of this multi‐modal liquid biopsy compared to needle biopsy for predicting disease progression. This proof of concept highlights the utility of serum EV analytics as a companion diagnostic test with prognostic utility, which may obviate the need for biopsy.
Large‐scale group genetic counseling: Evaluation of a novel service delivery model in a Canadian hereditary cancer clinic
Authors: Lohn Zoe , Fok Alexandra , Richardson Matthew , Derocher Heather , Mung Sze Wing , Nuk Jennifer , Yuson Jamie , Jevon Mandy , A.Schrader Kasmintan , Sun Sophie
Published: October 2021

Increasing demand for genetic services has led to the development of streamlined genetic counseling (GC) models. We piloted large‐scale group pre‐test GC with up to 50 patients per group and compared this to a traditional one‐on‐one approach. Patients referred to the British Columbia (BC) Cancer Hereditary Cancer Program were eligible if they had: (a) family history meeting our program's referral criteria; (b) no relevant personal history of cancer; (c) no prior genetic testing in the family; and (d) no living testable relative in BC. Patient‐reported outcome measures included: (a) Genetic Counselling Outcome Scale (GCOS) prior to pre‐test GC (T1) and at 4 weeks post‐test GC (T2); (b) Satisfaction Survey after pre‐test GC; and (c) the Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (MICRA) for patients undergoing testing (4 weeks after post‐test GC). In total, 391 patients underwent GC, 184 by group and 207 by one‐on‐one appointments. Between May 2018 and May 2019, 6 pre‐test group sessions were conducted (median number of patients per group = 28; range 15–48). 8% of patients (n = 32) declined large group GC due to personal preference for one‐on‐one GC. There were no statistically significant differences in MICRA and GCOS survey results when comparing the pre‐test large group versus traditional pre‐test one‐on‐one models (based on 3 MICRA subscales: p = 0.063, p = 0.612, p = 0.842; and GCOS p = 0.169). Overall, the large group pre‐test counseling approach was more time‐efficient with 15–48 patient group sessions conducted over a mean duration of 80 min as compared to 42 min per patient with the traditional one‐on‐one GC model. Large‐scale group GC was feasible and acceptable to patients and represents a novel streamlined model for GC to enable timely access to cancer genetic services.
Comparison of two types of xenogeneic matrices to treat single gingival recessions: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , Rossato Amanda , Miguel Manuela Maria Viana , Fonseca Manuela Bafini , Bautista Cristhian Reynaldo Gomez , de Marco Andrea Carvalho , Mathias‐Santamaria Ingrid Fernandes , Ferreira Ferraz Laís Fernanda
Published: October 2021

Background

Xenogeneic matrices (XMs) have been increasingly used for root coverage procedures. This study compared the use of two types of XM (collagen matrix [CM] and xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix [XDM]) associated with the coronally advanced flap technique (CAF) to treat single gingival recessions.

Methods

Seventy‐five patients presenting single RT1 gingival recession were treated by CAF (control group, n = 25), CAF+CM (test group 1, n = 25), or CAF+XDM (test group 2, n = 25) and completed 6‐month follow‐up. Clinical, patient‐centered, and esthetic assessments were performed and intra‐ and intergroup differences were analyzed.

Results

At 6 months, the mean recession reduction for CAF, CAF+CM, and CAF+XDM was 2.4 ± 0.8 mm, 2.4 ± 0.9 mm and 2.1 ± 0.8 mm, respectively (P > 0.05). The corresponding mean percentage of root coverage was 78.9% ± 26.2% for CAF, 78.0% ± 28.5% for CAF+CM, and 65.6% ± 26.9% for CAF+XDM (P > 0.05). Dentin hypersensitivity and esthetic conditions showed significantly improvements in all groups. Test groups presented significant gains in gingival thickness (GT; CAF+CM: 0.4 ± 0.3 mm; CAF+XDM: 0.4 ± 0.2 mm) compared to the control group (CAF: 0.0 ± 0.1 mm; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The CAF, CAF+CM, and CAF+XDM treatments each provided similar results in the treatment of single gingival recessions. The addition of either CM or XDM to CAF increases the GT.
Insight into the effect of fatty acid composition on the texture of French fries
Authors: Li Peiyan , Zhu Ling , Li Xiaojing , Wu Gangcheng , Yang Dan , Qi Xiguang , Liu Tongtong , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Several researchers have reported that the texture of fries is affected by the fatty acid composition of oil, although the mechanism of this effect is not clear. In this regard, fries were fried in refined rapeseed oil and fully hydrogenated rapeseed oil with diverse proportions (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%) and were analyzed based on the content of moisture and oil, texture, thermal properties, crystalline properties and microstructure.

RESULTS

The outcomes presented that fries fried in fully hydrogenated oil had less oil absorption and moisture loss than those fried in refined oil. The results from the texture analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction showed that hardness, enthalpy and relative crystallinity increased with an increase in the proportion of fully hydrogenated oil. However, the peaks of starch–lipid complexes were hardly observed during frying. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy results displayed that some physically trapped fat was observed in fries fried in mixed hydrogenated oil. Stereomicroscope images showed that the crust thickness of the fries increased slightly with an increase in the proportion of fully hydrogenated oil.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the upsurge in crust thickness and oil crystals was responsible for an increase in the hardness of the fries. This indicated that the texture of fries can be manipulated by altering the fatty acid composition of the oil. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Therapeutic strategies: Surgery for human papillomavirus‐associated oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Mclean Timothy , Fitzgerald Conall , Boyle Jay O.
Published: October 2021

Treatment of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) has undergone considerable evolution since the discovery of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated OPC. It is widely understood that HPV OPC affects a younger population and standard treatment offers improved oncologic outcomes compared with non‐HPV OPC but can cause significant toxicities and long‐term side effects. Surgery for treatment de‐escalation is an active area of research. The purpose of this review is to explore surgery as it relates to the treatment of HPV OPC with a focus on the evolution of treatment, rationale for surgery, surgical techniques, outcomes, and the role of surgery in de‐escalation of treatment.
Therapeutic effects of nerve growth factor‐targeting therapy on bladder overactivity in rats with prostatic inflammation
Authors: Igarashi Taro , Tyagi Pradeep , Mizoguchi Shinsuke , Saito Tetsuichi , Furuta Akira , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Egawa Shin , Wang Zhou , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: October 2021

Background

The present study examined the effect of liposomes conjugated with antisense oligonucleotide of nerve growth factor (NGF‐OND) on local overexpression of NGF and bladder overactivity using rats with prostatic inflammation (PI).

Methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into three groups: (1) Control group; intact rats, (2) PI‐NS group; rats with PI and intravesical instillation of normal saline (NS), (3) PI‐OND group; rats with PI and intravesical instillation of NGF‐OND. On Day 0, PI was induced by intraprostatic 5%‐formalin injection. On Day 14, NGF‐OND or NS was instilled directly into the bladder after laparotomy. On Day 28, therapeutic effects of NGF‐OND were evaluated by awake cystometry and histological analysis as well as reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction measurements of messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of NGF in the bladder and prostate, inflammatory markers in the prostate, C‐fiber afferent markers, and an A‐type K+ channel α‐subunit (Kv 1.4) in L6‐S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG).

Results

Intravesical NFG‐OND treatment reduced PI‐induced overexpression of NGF in both bladder and prostate, and reduced PI‐induced bladder overactivity evident as longer intercontraction intervals in association with reductions of TRPV1 and TRPA1 mRNA expression levels in DRG. mRNA expression of Kv1.4 in DRG was reduced after PI, but improved in the PI‐OND group.

Conclusions

These results indicate that NGF locally expressed in the bladder is an important mediator inducing bladder overactivity with upregulation of C‐fiber afferent markers and downregulation of an A‐type K+ channel subunit in DRG following PI, and that liposome‐based, local NGF‐targeting therapy could be effective for not only bladder overactivity and afferent sensitization, but also PI. Thus, local blockade of NGF in the bladder could be a therapeutic modality for male LUTS due to BPH with PI.
A qualitative study of architectural design issues in DevOps
Authors: Shahin Mojtaba , Rezaei Nasab Ali , Ali Babar Muhammad
Published: October 2021

Software architecture is critical in succeeding with Development and Operations (DevOps). However, designing software architectures that enable and support DevOps (DevOps‐driven software architectures) is a challenge for organizations. We assert that one of the essential steps towards characterizing DevOps‐driven architectures is to understand architectural design issues raised in DevOps. At the same time, some of the architectural issues that emerge in the DevOps context (and their corresponding architectural practices or tactics) may stem from the context (i.e., domain) and characteristics of software organizations. To this end, we conducted a mixed‐methods study that consists of a qualitative case study of two teams in a company during their DevOps transformation and a content analysis of Stack Overflow and DevOps Stack Exchange posts to understand architectural design issues in DevOps. Our study found eight specific and contextual architectural design issues faced by the two teams and classified architectural design issues discussed in Stack Overflow and DevOps Stack Exchange into 11 groups. Our aggregated results reveal that the main characteristics of DevOps‐driven architectures are being loosely coupled and prioritizing deployability, testability, supportability, and modifiability over other quality attributes. Finally, we discuss some concrete implications for research and practice.
Impacts of state COVID‐19 reopening policy on human mobility and mixing behavior
Authors: Nguyen Thuy D. , Gupta Sumedha , Andersen Martin S. , Bento Ana I. , Simon Kosali I. , Wing Coady
Published: October 2021

This study quantifies the effect of the 2020 state COVID economic activity reopening policies on daily mobility and mixing behavior, adding to the economic literature on individual responses to public health policy that addresses public contagion risks. We harness cellular device signal data and the timing of reopening plans to provide an assessment of the extent to which human mobility and physical proximity in the United States respond to the reversal of state closure policies. We observe substantial increases in mixing activities, 13.56% at 4 days and 48.65% at 4 weeks, following reopening events. Echoing a theme from the literature on the 2020 closures, mobility outside the home increased on average prior to these state actions. Furthermore, the largest increases in mobility occurred in states that were early adopters of closure measures and hard‐hit by the pandemic, suggesting that psychological fatigue is an important barrier to implementation of closure policies extending for prolonged periods of time.
Bio‐fabricated green silver nano‐architecture for degradation of methylene blue water contaminant: A mini‐review
Authors: Emmanuel Stephen Sunday , Adesibikan Ademidun Adeola
Published: October 2021

The advent of global industrialization advancements has proven to be both a blessing and a curse for humanity, with significant detrimental consequences on marine bodies, and methylene blue is one of the common offenders through textile industry runoffs. These dye runoffs are complex, neurotoxic, and carcinogenic and prevent sunlight from penetrating the water to hinder photosynthesis and increase the biological/biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), hence hampering the ontogenesis of photoautotrophic organisms and thus threatening marine life and causing an increase in unavailability and inaccessibility to healthy water for eco‐fundamental networking. Traditional methods came into the limelight, but they are costly and inefficient. Amazingly, due to exceptional surface features, eco‐friendliness, cost‐effectiveness, catalytic efficiency, and antibacterial capabilities, biosynthesized nanoparticles emerged as a potential solution to these drawbacks encounter by the traditional approach. This review was based on a comprehensive review of publicly available literature (majorly 2019–2021 original research reports) using major scientific databases such as SciFinder, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The keywords that were utilized to scoop up the scientific journals were as follows: dye degradation and decolorization, biosynthesis, methylene blue, silver nanoparticles, wastewater, and dye runoffs. Thus, this review highlights the green sources used for the bio‐fabrication of silver nanoparticles, the current level of knowledge of biosynthesis mechanism, mechanism of degradation, and methylene blue dye degradation efficiency.

Practitioner Points

Bio‐fabrication mechanism of green silver nano‐architecture from plant, bacteria, fungi, and algae extract has been discussed.

Various biological capping/reducing agents have been reported.

Degradation efficiency of methylene blue dyes using silver nanoparticles has been discussed.

Mechanism of degradation of methylene blue by green silver nanoparticles has been reported.
Mobile Edge Computing for Beyond 5G/6G
Authors: Zhang Yan
Published: October 2021

This chapter first introduces the mobile edge computing (MEC) paradigm in beyond 5G and 6G networks. The motivations, applications, and challenges of integrating MEC into 6G are discussed in detail. We then present a new paradigm, MEC-empowered edge model sharing, as a use case for 6G. Furthermore, the architecture and processes of the MEC-empowered edge model sharing system are provided to show the integration angles of MEC and 6G networks.
Hidden dark matter from Starobinsky inflation
Authors: Li Qiang , Moroi Takeo , Nakayama Kazunori , Yin Wen
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The Starobinsky inflation model is one of the simplest inflation models that is consistent with the cosmic microwave background observations. In order to explain dark matter of the universe, we consider a minimal extension of the Starobinsky inflation model with introducing the dark sector which communicates with the visible sector only via the gravitational interaction. In Starobinsky inflation model, a sizable amount of dark-sector particle may be produced by the inflaton decay. Thus, a scalar, a fermion or a vector boson in the dark sector may become dark matter. We pay particular attention to the case with dark non-Abelian gauge interaction to make a dark glueball a dark matter candidate. In the minimal setup, we show that it is difficult to explain the observed dark matter abundance without conflicting observational constraints on the coldness and the self-interaction of dark matter. We propose scenarios in which the dark glueball, as well as other dark-sector particles, from the inflaton decay become viable dark matter candidates. We also discuss possibilities to test such scenarios.
Laser welding of current collector foil stacks in battery production–mechanical properties of joints welded with a green high-power disk laser
Authors: Grabmann Sophie , Kriegler Johannes , Harst Felix , Günter Florian J. , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: October 2021

The qualification of production systems that enable reliable and stable production processes is a major challenge in manufacturing large-format lithium-ion batteries. During cell assembly, the electrode sheets of the anode and the cathode are stacked, and are electrically contacted by a welding process. It was shown that laser beam welding employing a beam source in the green wavelength range is a promising joining approach in terms of high productivity. Therefore, the influence of the process parameters, such as the laser power, the welding speed, the pulse frequency, and the pulse duration, on the weld seam quality was investigated. Particular emphasis was placed on the mechanical strength of the weld seam. Statistically planned experiments were used to determine feasible parameter sets for welding the most common current collectors of lithium-ion battery electrodes, copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). The influence of the individual process parameters on the tensile shear force was evaluated. Stacks of 40 metal foils were welded with a thin metal sheet in lap joint configuration. Based on an analysis of the requirements for minimum mechanical seam strengths, this study confirms that laser beam welding using a green high-power disk source is an auspicious process for the internal contacting of lithium-ion batteries.
Gross motor function in children with Congenital Zika Syndrome from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Carla Trevisan M. , Hamanaka Tatiana , Pone Sheila , Aibe Mitsue Senra , Gomes Saint Clair , Nielsen-Saines Karin , Brickley Elizabeth B. , Moreira Maria Elisabeth , Pone Marcos
Published: October 2021

Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) is characterized by many impairments especially in the central nervous system, potentially compromising neurodevelopment and causing significant morbidity in affected children. The aim was to assess gross motor function in children with CZS. This was a cross-sectional investigation nested within a prospective cohort study of children with CZS based in a Brazilian referral hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Between March/2017 and February/2018, we performed gross motor function assessments using the Gross Motor Function Classification (GMFCS) and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), estimating the mean and standard deviation of GMFM scores among GMFCS groups. The study sample included 72 children, with a median age of 13 months (7–25). Of these, 63 (87.5%) had severe motor impairment, 3 (4%) had moderate impairment, and 6 (8%) had mild impairment. The mean GMFM score for each group was respectively 11.6, 26.1, and 81.6, with statistically significant differences (p-value < 0.001). Severely affected children only achieved head control in the sitting posture when supported. Children with milder forms were able to develop walking skills.

Conclusion: Most children with CZS have major motor disabilities and a poor prognosis. Better understanding of limitations and functionality in children with CZS can serve as a prognostic guide in their management.

What is Known:• Severe motor impairment was present in 63 (87.5%) children with CZS.• The degree of neurological impairment was inversely associated with motor performance.

What is New:• Microcephaly was more frequent among children with severe gross motor function impairment.• Children with CZS have major motor disabilities and a poor prognosis.