bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of underexplored variation in biodiversity indices used for land‐use prioritization
Authors: Crawford Christopher L. , Estes Lyndon D. , Searchinger Timothy D. , Wilcove David S.
Published: June 2021

For biodiversity protection to play a persuasive role in land‐use planning, conservationists must be able to offer objective systems for ranking which natural areas to protect or convert. Representing biodiversity in spatially explicit indices is challenging because it entails numerous judgments regarding what variables to measure, how to measure them, and how to combine them. Surprisingly few studies have explored this variation. Here, we explore how this variation affects which areas are selected for agricultural conversion by a land‐use prioritization model designed to reduce the biodiversity losses associated with agricultural expansion in Zambia. We first explore the similarity between model recommendations generated by three recently published composite indices and a commonly used rarity‐weighted species richness metric. We then explore four underlying sources of ecological and methodological variation within these and other approaches, including different terrestrial vertebrate taxonomic groups, different species‐richness metrics, different mathematical methods for combining layers, and different spatial resolutions of inputs. The results generated using different biodiversity approaches show very low spatial agreement regarding which areas to convert to agriculture. There is little overlap in areas identified for conversion using previously published indices (mean Jaccard similarity, Jw, between 0.3 and 3.7%), different taxonomic groups (5.0% < mean Jw < 13.5%), or different measures of species richness (15.6% < mean Jw < 33.7%). Even with shared conservation goals, different methods for combining layers and different input spatial resolutions still produce meaningful, though smaller, differences among areas selected for conversion (40.9% < mean Jw < 67.5%). The choice of taxonomic group had the largest effect on conservation priorities, followed by the choice of species richness metric, the choice of combination method, and finally the choice of spatial resolution. These disagreements highlight the challenge of objectively representing biodiversity in land‐use planning tools, and present a credibility challenge for conservation scientists seeking to inform policy making. Our results suggest an urgent need for a more consistent and transparent framework for designing the biodiversity indices used in land‐use planning, which we propose here.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training combined with aerobic exercise training on neurovascular control in chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Trevizan Patricia F. , Antunes‐Correa Ligia M. , Lobo Denise M.L. , Oliveira Patricia A. , de Almeida Dirceu R. , Abduch Maria Cristina D. , Mathias Junior Wilson , Hajjar Ludhmila Abrahão , Kalil Filho Roberto , Negrão Carlos Eduardo
Published: June 2021

Aims

We tested the hypothesis that the effects of combined inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise training (IMT + AET) on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and forearm blood flow in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction are more pronounced than the effects of AET alone.

Methods and results

Patients aged 30–70 years, New York Heart Association Functional Class II‐III, and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% were randomly assigned to four groups: IMT (n = 11), AET (n = 12), IMT + AET (n = 9), and non‐training (NT; n = 10). MSNA was recorded using microneurography. Forearm blood flow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography and inspiratory muscle strength by maximal inspiratory pressure. IMT consisted of 30 min sessions, five times a week, for 4 months. Moderate AET consisted of 60 min sessions, three times a week for 4 months. AET (−10 ± 2 bursts/min, P = 0.03) and IMT + AET (−13 ± 4 bursts/min, P = 0.007) reduced MSNA. These responses in MSNA were not different between AET and IMT + AET groups. IMT (0.22 ± 0.08 mL/min/100 mL, P = 0.03), AET (0.27 ± 0.09 mL/min/100 mL, P = 0.01), and IMT + AET (0.35 ± 0.12 mL/min/100 mL, P = 0.008) increased forearm blood flow. No differences were found between groups. AET (3 ± 1 mL/kg/min, P = 0.006) and IMT + AET (4 ± 1 mL/kg/min, P = 0.001) increased peak oxygen consumption. These responses were similar between these groups. IMT (20 ± 3 cmH2O, P = 0.005) and IMT + AET (18 ± 3 cmH2O, P = 0.01) increased maximal inspiratory pressure. No significant changes were observed in the NT group.

Conclusions

IMT + AET causes no additive effects on neurovascular control in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction compared with AET alone. These findings may be, in part, because few patients had inspiratory muscle weakness.
Temporal changes of cardiac acoustic biomarkers and cardiac function in acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Shitara Jun , Kasai Takatoshi , Murata Nobutaka , Yamakawa Nobuhide , Yatsu Shoichiro , Murata Azusa , Matsumoto Hiroki , Kato Takao , Suda Shoko , Matsue Yuya , Naito Ryo , Hiki Masaru , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: June 2021

Aims

Relationships between cardiac acoustic biomarkers (CABs) measured by acoustic cardiography and clinical outcomes have been reported in heart failure (HF) patients. However, no studies have investigated the temporal change of CABs and the corresponding changes in HF status. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the temporal changes of CABs in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) reflect changes in cardiac function and status.

Methods and results

Sixty ADHF patients were enrolled prospectively. CABs and echocardiography data were collected at admission, before discharge, and at the first clinic visit. CABs included electromechanical activation time (EMAT); the time interval from Q wave onset on electrocardiography to the first heart sound (S1), QoS2; the time interval from Q wave onset on electrocardiography to the second heart sound (S2); and third heart sound (S3) and fourth heart sound (S4) intensities, defined as the peak‐to‐peak amplitudes of S3 and S4. EMATc (EMAT/RR) (P = 0.001), S3 intensity (P < 0.001), and S4 intensity (P < 0.001) were significantly decreased, and QoS2 (P = 0.005) was significantly increased from admission to discharge. The change in S3 intensity was significantly correlated with that of E/A (ρ = 0.571, P < 0.001), and the extended QoS2 was also significantly correlated with the increase in the stroke volume index (ρ = 0.383, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Some CABs in ADHF patients changed significantly in the normal direction throughout the treatment course and could be useful biomarkers in ADHF management.
An Update on Cyclohepta[b]indoles
Authors: Gierok Jan , Benedix Lars , Hiersemann Martin
Published: June 2021

The cyclohepta[b]indole scaffold constitutes a salient structural motif in natural products as well as in men‐made pharmaceutically active ingredients. Cyclohepta[b]indoles consist of an indole nucleus fused to a seven‐membered carbacycle. Interest in cyclohepta[b]indole chemistry originates from natural product chemistry and medicinal chemistry. The chemistry of cyclohepta[b]indole‐based organic functional materials may be a research area with some potential. The state of the art of cyclohepta[b]indoloid chemism has been comprehensively and scholarly summarized by the leading review article of Stempel and Gaich in 2016. Following this lead, our Minireview covers the literature from 2016 to 2021.
Secondary‐flow‐aided single‐train elastic‐inertial focusing in low elasticity viscoelastic fluids
Authors: Xiang Nan , Wang Silin , Ni Zhonghua
Published: June 2021

Elastic‐inertial focusing has attracted increasing interest in recent years due to the three‐dimensional (3D) single‐train focusing ability it offers. However, multi‐train focusing, instead of single‐train focusing, was observed in viscoelastic fluids with low elasticity as a result of the competition between inertia effect and viscoelasticity effect. To address this issue, we employed the secondary flow to facilitate single‐train elastic‐inertial focusing in low elasticity viscoelastic fluids. A three‐section contraction‐expansion channel was designed to induce the secondary flow to pinch the multiplex focusing trains into a single one exactly at the channel centerline. After demonstrating the focusing process and mechanism in our device, we systematically explored and discussed the effects of particle diameter, operational flow rate, polymer concentration, and channel dimension on particle focusing performances. Our device enables single‐train focusing of particles in viscoelastic fluids with low elasticity, and offers advantages of planar single‐layer structure, and sheathless, external‐field free operation.
Exploratory analysis on the association of mental health disorders with in‐hospital postoperative complications and mortality in head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Gao Jeff , Tseng Christopher C. , Barinsky Gregory L. , Povolotskiy Roman , Grube Jordon G. , Baredes Soly , Park Richard Chan Woo
Published: June 2021

Background

The objective was to assess the association of mental health disorders with in‐hospital complication and mortality rates in patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery.

Methods

In this exploratory retrospective study, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried from 2003 to 2014 for all patients with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer who underwent surgery. Univariate cross‐tabulation, logistic regression, and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to compare demographics, procedure‐related variables, and in‐hospital postoperative complications and mortality between patients with and without selected comorbid mental health disorders.

Results

Of 39 600 included patients, 3390 (8.6%) had a selected comorbid mental health disorder diagnosis. After PSM, patients with selected mental health disorders had increased risk of overall medical complications on multivariable analysis (OR 1.28 [CI 1.12–1.46], P < 0.001) but not overall surgical complications or mortality.

Conclusions

Patients with a mental health disorder diagnosis have increased risk of in‐hospital medical, certain surgical, and total complications.
Detecting and attributing drought‐induced changes in catchment hydrological behaviours in a southeastern Australia catchment using a data assimilation method
Authors: Liu Yanghe , Liu Pan , Zhang Lu , Zhang Xiaojing , Zhang Yunfan , Cheng Lei
Published: June 2021

It is widely recognized that multi‐year drought can induce changes in catchment hydrological behaviours. However, at present, our understanding about multi‐year drought‐induced changes in catchment hydrological behaviours and its driving factors at the process level is still very limited. This study proposed a new approach using a data assimilation technique with a process‐based hydrological model to detect multi‐year drought‐induced changes in catchment hydrological behaviours and to identify driving factors for the changes in an unimpaired Australian catchment (Wee Jasper) which experienced prolonged drought from 1997 to 2009. Modelling experiments demonstrated that the multi‐year drought caused a significant change in the catchment rainfall‐runoff relationship, indicated by significant step changes in the estimated time‐variant hydrological parameters SC (indicating catchment active water storage capacity) and C (reflecting catchment evapotranspiration dynamics), whose average values increased 23.4% and 10.2%, respectively, due to drought. The change in the rainfall‐runoff relationship identified by the data assimilation method is consistent with that arrived at by a statistical examination. The proposed method provides insights about the drivers of the changes in the rainfall‐runoff relationship at the processes level. Increasing catchment water storage capacity and decreasing ratio of rainfall to soil moisture for supplying actual evapotranspiration during drought are the main driving factors for the catchment behaviours change in the Wee Jasper catchment in terms of model structure. And they are related to decrease in catchment groundwater level and deep soil moisture. The proposed new method can be used as an effective technique for detecting both the change of hydrological behaviours induced by prolonged drought and its driving factors at the process level.
Determining water requirements for Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) floodplain woodlands of high conservation value using drip‐irrigation
Authors: Doody Tanya M. , Gehrig Susan L. , Vervoort R. Willem , Colloff Matthew J. , Doble Rebecca
Published: June 2021

Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens F. Muell.), is a keystone tree species of lowland semi‐arid floodplain ecosystems in south‐eastern Australia. E. largiflorens woodlands are of high conservation value and threatened by climate change‐induced drought and irrigation water diversions due to their location on upper floodplain areas where flood frequency has declined. Water requirements of E. largiflorens have not been well quantified using empirical data. Accordingly, knowledge gaps exist in relation to volumes of environmental water required to maintain and improve ecological condition for disconnected floodplain woodlands. To further assist conservation and water resource management, we tested the use of drip irrigation to provide a variety of water regimes to experimental plots in order to monitor tree responses. Water was provided via irrigation delivery across four regimes representing known volumes of water, referred to as an environmental water provision, applied over a 22‐week period for two Austral summers. Benefits to trees were identified by measuring transpiration and plant water status using sap flow sensors and a Scholander pressure chamber, respectively. Results indicate that volumes of 0.3, 0.4, 0.7 and 0.8 ML increased transpiration and improved plant water status in comparison to a control, with delivery recommended to commence early autumn. Greater volumes (1.4 ML), substantially increased transpiration and improved water status, especially when delivered at a rate of ~25 mm week−1 compared to a monthly 'burst' which broadly represented natural, sporadic summer rainfall in the region. For an environmental watering provision of 25 mm week−1, ~178 ha of E. largiflorens woodland can be watered with a 1 GL environmental water allocation. The study methods presented are relevant worldwide and our results further the collective understanding of the benefits environmental water provides to E. largiflorens.
Flood disasters and social resilience during the decline of the Qing Dynasty: Case studies of 1823 and 1849
Authors: Hao Zhixin , Xiong Danyang , Zheng Jingyun
Published: June 2021

Based on historical records and crop harvest scores extracted from historical documents, this study reconstructed the spatial–temporal distribution and severities of floods in the Yangtze‐Huai River valley (YHRV) in 1823 and 1849. We also summarized the effects of the floods on society and identified government measures taken to cope with the floods in the context of the economic recession in the period of 1801–1850. The 1823 flood, which was caused by the heavy precipitation of the Meiyu period and typhoons, severely affected areas in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Meanwhile, the 1849 flood, triggered by long‐term, high‐intensity Meiyu precipitation in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, mainly affected areas along the Yangtze River. The 1849 disaster was more serious than the one in 1823. In the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the 1849 flood caused the worst agricultural failure of the period 1730–1852. To deal with the disasters, the Qing government took relief measures, such as exempting taxes in the affected areas, distributing grain stored in warehouses, and transferring grain to severely afflicted areas. These relief measures were supplemented by auxiliary measures, such as exempting commodity taxes on grain shipped to disaster areas and punishing officials who failed to provide adequate disaster relief. The flood disasters disrupted the water system of the Grand Canal and forced the Qing government to transport Cao rice by sea beginning in 1826. This laid the groundwork for the rise of coastal shipping in modern China. With the economic recession of the 19th century, Chinese society was not as resilient to floods as it was in the 18th century. Compared to droughts, floods are more difficult to deal with and pose greater threats to infrastructure and normal life and work in the cities.
In vitro evaluation of photodynamic activity of methylene blue against Trichophyton verrucosum azole‐susceptible and ‐resistant strains
Authors: Gnat Sebastian , Łagowski Dominik , Dyląg Mariusz , Zielinski Jessica , Nowakiewicz Aneta
Published: June 2021

The intense search for the “Holy Grail” of antifungal therapy can be observed today. The searches are not limited only to discovery of potential antifungal drugs, but also new therapeutic strategies involving the use of chemosensitizers to achieve synergistic effect or physicochemical factors inducing stress conditions in fungal cells. In this study was examined in vitro effectiveness of photodynamic antifungal strategy with methylene blue using a light beam with a wavelength equal to 635 nm toward the Trichophyton verrucosum susceptible and itraconazole‐ and/or fluconazole‐resistant strains. Methylene blue used at concentration equal to 5 μg/mL and in the presence of 40 J/cm2 of light energy showed fungicidal effect toward the susceptible strains. However, for azole‐resistant isolates, only the energy dose equal to 60 J/cm2 at 5 μg/mL of methylene blue allowed to kill the pathogen. This study confirms that methylene blue induced by red light has a definite inhibitory effect on zoophilic dermatophytes.
The predictive value of the ratio of the product of neutrophils and hemoglobin to lymphocytes in non‐muscular invasive bladder cancer patients with postoperative recurrence
Authors: Zhao Ruining , Shan Jiahao , Nie Lihong , Yang Xiaobo , Yuan Zhongyu , Xu Haoran , Liu Ziyang , Zhou Xiaojie , Ma Wenzhuo , Shi Hongbin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive value of the ratio of the product of neutrophils and hemoglobin to lymphocytes (NHL) in patients with non‐muscular invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively collected clinical and pathological data of patients with NMIBC who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) at our hospital between 2013 and 2018. The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (NLR), the Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII), and NHL were obtained based on routine blood settlement within a week before surgery. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of each index, and different groups were grouped accordingly. Kaplan‐Meier survival curve and Cox regression model were used to study the factors affecting the prognosis of NMIBC patients.

Results

There was significant difference in recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rate between the high NLR group and the low NLR group, the high SII group and the low SII group, and the high NHL group and the low NHL group. Cox univariate regression analysis showed that tumor number, tumor size, tumor pathological grade, tumor pathological stage, NLR, SII, and NHL were related to postoperative RFS in patients with NMIBC. The tumor number, tumor pathological grade, SII, and NHL were independent predictors of RFS in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The preoperative clinical inflammatory indexes NLR, SII, and NHL have certain predictive value for postoperative RFS in NMIBC patients.
Methods Used for Pediatric Dose Selection in Drug Development Programs Submitted to the US FDA 2012‐2020
Authors: Green Francis G. , Park Kyunghun , Burckart Gilbert J.
Published: June 2021

Dosing is a critical aspect of drug development in pediatrics that has led to trial failures and the inability to label the drug for pediatric use by the US Food and Drug Administration. Developing a structured approach for pediatric dose selection requires knowledge of the current approaches and their success or failure. This study describes the current experience with pediatric dosing methods from 2012 to 2020 and had 2 primary objectives: (1) to identify how the initial pediatric dose was selected and (2) to identify the pivotal dosing strategy used to identify the initially selected dose for safety and efficacy for pediatric clinical trials. Through September 2020, a total of 275 pediatric drug development programs were characterized for initial and pivotal dosing strategies. The success rate for labeling for pediatric use was 76.4%. The most common initial dosing strategy was previous experience with the product, followed by allometric scaling and exposure matching with adults. The most common pivotal dosing strategy was titration to target response in 33% of programs, with the second and third most common being pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies (30%) and exposure matching (20%), respectively. Additionally, about one‐half of pediatric programs incorporated model‐informed drug development. The emergence of titration to target response may signal a shift toward precision medicine in pediatric patients. Future work in pediatric drug dose selection should move toward the development of a structured pediatric dose selection approach.
Immunomodulatory functions of oral mesenchymal stem cells: Novel force for tissue regeneration and disease therapy
Authors: Shang Lingling , Shao Jinlong , Ge Shaohua
Published: June 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapeutic strategies have achieved remarkable efficacies. Oral tissue-derived MSCs, with powerful self-renewal and multilineage differentiation abilities, possess the features of abundant sources and easy accessibility and hold great potential in tissue regeneration and disease therapies. Oral MSCs mainly consist of periodontal ligament stem cells, gingival mesenchymal stem cells, dental pulp stem cells, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, stem cells from the apical papilla, dental follicle stem cells, and alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem. Early immunoinflammatory response stage is the prerequisite phase of healing process. Besides the potent capacities of differentiation and regeneration, oral MSCs are capable of interacting with various immune cells and function as immunomodulatory regulators. Consequently, the immunomodulatory effects of oral MSCs during damage repair seem to be crucial for exploring novel immunomodulatory strategies to achieve disease recovery and tissue regeneration. Herein, we reviewed various oral MSCs with their immunomodulatory properties and the potential mechanism, as well as their effects on immunomodulation-mediated disease therapies and tissue regeneration.
Tumor immunology in the age of single-cell genomics
Authors: Zhao Lingyu , Ren Lili , Gao Shuangshu , Wang Jun , Li Xiaobo , Zhang Lei , Zhu Yuanyuan , Li Hanjie
Published: June 2021

Immunotherapies that were developed based on our understandings of tumor immunology have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, the success of immunotherapy is eclipsed by several grand challenges, including low response rate, intrinsic/acquired resistance and adverse effects. While a deeper understanding of the interaction between tumor and our immune system, especially the tumor immune niche, is essential to overcome those challenges, we are limited by the fact that most of our knowledge about tumor immunology is based on studies analyzing bulk populations of cells, which are often unable to fully characterize the various cell types and states engaged in immune cell functions. The advent of cutting single-cell genomic technologies empowers us to dissect the tumor immune niche in a genome-wide and spatially resolved manner in single cells, trace their clonal histories, and unveil their regulatory circuits. Future studies on tumor immunology in the age of single-cell genomics, therefore, hold the promise to develop more effective and precise immunotherapies for human cancers. In this perspective, we will discuss how advanced single-cell genomics approaches will revolutionize tumor immunology research and immunotherapies by catering the demand in the field of tumor immunology.
A multimethod approach to the differentiation of enthesis bone microstructure based on soft tissue type
Authors: Whitebone S. Amber , Bari A. S. M. Hossain , Gavrilova Marina L. , Anderson Jason S.
Published: June 2021

Whereas there is a wealth of research studying the nature of various soft tissues that attach to bone, comparatively little research focuses on the bone's microscopic properties in the area where these tissues attach. Using scanning electron microscopy to generate a dataset of 1600 images of soft tissue attachment sites, an image classification program with novel convolutional neural network architecture can categorize images of attachment areas by soft tissue type based on observed patterns in microstructure morphology. Using stained histological thin section and liquid crystal cross‐polarized microscopy, it is determined that soft tissue type can be quantitatively determined from the microstructure. The primary diagnostic characters are the orientation of collagen fibers and heterogeneity of collagen density throughout the attachment area thickness. These determinations are made across broad taxonomic sampling and multiple skeletal elements.
MRI‐Based Quantitative R2* Mapping at 3 Tesla Reflects Hepatic Iron Overload and Pathogenesis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients
Authors: Imajo Kento , Kessoku Takaomi , Honda Yasushi , Hasegawa Sho , Tomeno Wataru , Ogawa Yuji , Motosugi Utaroh , Saigusa Yusuke , Yoneda Masato , Kirikoshi Hiroyuki , Yamanaka Shoji , Utsunomiya Daisuke , Saito Satoru , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: June 2021

Background

The role of hepatic iron overload (HIO) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of HIO and examine the diagnostic usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based R2* quantification in evaluating hepatic iron content (HIC) and pathological findings in NAFLD.

Study Type

Prospective and retrospective.

Population

A prospective study of 168 patients (age, 57.2 ± 15.0; male/female, 80/88) and a retrospective validation study of 202 patients (age, 57.0 ± 14.4; male/female, 113/89) with liver‐biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD were performed.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T; chemical‐shift encoded multi‐echo gradient echo.

Assessment

Using liver tissues obtained by liver biopsy, HIC was prospectively evaluated in 168 patients by atomic absorption spectrometry. Diagnostic accuracies of HIC and R2* for grading hepatic inflammation plus ballooning (HIB) as an indicator of NAFLD activity were assessed.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Scheffe's multiple testing correction for univariate comparisons; multivariate logistic analysis. P‐value less than 0.05 is statistically significant.

Results

HIC was significantly correlated with HIB grades (r = 0.407). R2* was significantly correlated with HIC (r = 0.557) and HIB grades (r = 0.569). R2* mapped an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC; 0.774) for HIC ≥808 ng/mL (median value) with cutoff value of 62.5 s−1. In addition, R2* mapped AUROC of HIB for grades ≥3 was 0.799 with cutoff value of 58.5 s−1. When R2* was <62.5 s−1, R2* correlated weakly with HIC (r = 0.372) as it was affected by fat deposition and did not correlate with HIB grades (P = 0.052). Conversely, when R2* was ≥62.5 s−1, a significant correlation of R2* with HIC (r = 0.556) and with HIB grades was observed (P < 0.0001) with being less affected by fat deposition.

Data Conclusion

R2* ≥ 62.5 s−1 is a promising modality for non‐invasive diagnosis of clinically important high grades (≥3) of HIB associated with increased HIC.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral mucosal lesions in Iran: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Aghaeipour Farideh , Salehiniya Hamid , Abbaszadeh Hamid
Published: June 2021

The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the development of oral lesions is controversial. There has been no comprehensive study about HPV prevalence in Iran. This systematic review and meta‐analysis were aimed at finding HPV prevalence of oral lesions and normal oral mucosa in Iran. International (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) and national (Iranmedex, Irandoc, and SID) databases were searched systematically until October 2020. Studies that examined the prevalence of HPV in oral lesions by polymerase chain reaction method were included. The heterogeneity of articles was assessed with the Cochran test and I‐Square statistics. The prevalence rate of HPV was calculated using a random‐effect model. Of 3729 initially searched articles, 29 articles were eligible for inclusion. The overall prevalence of HPV in oral lesions was 21%. The prevalence was the highest in Rasht (50%) city. Lip lesions had the highest HPV prevalence (40%). According to the classification of lesions, the highest prevalence was of precancerous lesions (29%) and the lowest in normal mucosa (8%). Well‐differentiated tumors showed a higher prevalence than poorly‐differentiated ones. The highest prevalence of HPV was hairy leukoplakia (70%) and the lowest was of pyogenic granuloma (6%). Also, the prevalence was 31% in oral squamous cell carcinoma. There are differences between HPV prevalence according to the geographical area, intraoral location, type of lesion, and grading. As HPV prevalence was fairly high, further attention to vaccination and treatment for HPV in Iran, as a potential risk factor for oral precancerous and cancerous lesions is recommended.
Raman spectroscopic study of the pigments in a putative John Constable oil sketch
Authors: Surtees Alexander P. H. , Telford Richard , Edwards Howell G. M. , Benoy Timothy J.
Published: June 2021

Raman has long been established as a nondestructive and noninvasive technique that has found increasing application in the area of cultural heritage and the study of works of art. Here, we present a further application of Raman spectroscopy in the study of an oil painting belonging to the de Brécy Trust. In the work presented, Raman microscopy has been employed to spectroscopically study minute fragments of excised pigments from a small oil painting bearing the hallmarks of a study sketch by the famous English landscape artist John Constable. Raman spectra were collected from 18 discrete areas of the work, chosen due to their colour in order to potentially cover all of the pigments used in this work. Of the 18, six positive identifications were made, confirming that the painting contained pigments and minerals known to be favoured by the artist. Whilst the remaining 12 sample sites were complicated by the fluorescence effects observed from the applied varnish, this can be useful in providing evidence to support the application of the ‘scumbling’ technique known to be favoured by Constable. We have positively identified the pigments: ultramarine/lapis lazuli, lead white, red lead, Prussian blue, chrome yellow and ivory black. We have also identified amorphous carbon and gypsum. These positively identified pigments link into Constable's existing colour box and four palettes, providing evidence that could lead to the painting being attributed to Constable.
Gauge‐Induced Floquet Topological States in Photonic Waveguides
Authors: Song Wange , Chen Yuxin , Li Hanmeng , Gao Shenglun , Wu Shengjie , Chen Chen , Zhu Shining , Li Tao
Published: June 2021

Tremendous efforts are devoted to the research of exotic photonic topological states, in which Floquet systems suggest new engineered topological phases and provide a powerful tool to manipulate the optical fields. Here, a gauge‐induced topological state localized at the interface between two gauge‐shifted Floquet photonic lattices with the same topological order is demonstrated. The quasienergy band structures reveal that these interface modes belong to the Floquet π modes, which are further found to enable an asymmetric topological transport of this interface mode thanks to the flexible control of the Floquet gauge. The intriguing propagations of the gauge‐induced topological states are experimentally verified in a silicon waveguides platform at near‐infrared wavelengths, which show broadband working wavelengths and robustness against the structural fluctuations. This work provides a new route in manipulating optical topological modes by Floquet engineering and inspires more possibilities in photonics integrations.
Prenatal diagnosis of genetic aberrations in fetuses with short femur detected by ultrasound: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Qinqin , Zhang Zhu , Wang Jiamin , Zhang Haixia , Zhu Hongmei , Lai Yi , Liu Shanling , Wang He , Hu Ting
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To investigate the genetic aberrations in fetuses with short femur and explore the relationships with respect to degree of femoral shortening and the initial diagnostic gestational age GA.

Methods

Singleton pregnancies with fetal short femur who consented to amniocentesis and to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and Sanger sequencing for G380R mutations in FGFR3 gene were enrolled in this 5‐year period prospective study. Clinical follow‐up assessments were performed after birth.

Results

Of a total of 161 fetuses, the prevalence of genetic aberrations was 16.2% (26/161), comprised of 65.4% (17/26) with chromosomal abnormalities and 34.6% (9/26) with G380R mutations. All fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities had FL 2–4SDs below GA. Fewer chromosomal abnormalities were detected in fetuses with short femurs presenting in the third trimester. Significantly more FGFR3 mutations were detected in fetuses with FL below −4SDs. All fetuses with FL 2–4SDs below GA diagnosed as achondroplasia were between 22 and 24 gestational weeks, and all of those diagnosed in third trimester had FL below −4SDs.

Conclusion

In this small cohort study, we demonstrated that different degrees of femur shortness may be attributed to different genetic aberrations. SNP array should be regarded as the first‐tier test for fetuses with FL 2−4SDs below GA. The prognoses for fetuses with FL 2–4SDs below GA was significantly better than those with FL below 4SDs.
Rethinking the Unthinkable
Authors: GIORDANO GEOFF
Published: June 2021

Single‐use plastics were out of favor for a while, but the pandemic and health concerns changed that—at least for now
The Auto‐Ignition Behaviors and Thermal Safety of the Composite Modified Double Base Propellants under Rapid Heating
Authors: Yang Meng , Liao Caiyue , Mai Zhaoming , Tang Chenglong , Han Wenhu , Wang Cheng , Xu Siyu , Li Heng , Huang Zuohua
Published: June 2021

The safety issue of energetic materials (EMs) such as propellants or explosives has been a high concern. When EMs are subjected to rapid thermal stimulus, they will ignite or explode, which may cause personal injury and property loss. Studies on auto‐ignition behaviors and thermal safety of EMs under rapid thermal stimulation provide important guidelines for EMs in their production, transportation, storage, and application. In this work, auto‐ignition experiments of the composite modified double base (CMDB) propellants, which include 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (FOX‐7) and hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) mixtures under high initial temperature condition, have been conducted by using a rapid compression machine (RCM). The temperature rise rate can reach up to 2×104 K/s. Pressure evolution recording and high speed‐visualization were synchronized to reveal the auto‐ignition behaviors of CMDB samples. Results show that the end of compression (EOC) temperature and pressure have a significant impact on the ignition delay time (IDT). The IDT increases with a decrease in temperature and pressure. In addition, through tuning the EOC temperature and pressure, the critical condition that separates the ignition region and non‐ignition region is obtained. The critical ignition temperature of CMDB decreases with an increase in pressure. When the pressure is higher than 2.0 MPa, the critical temperature is about 650 K.
Sorghum cover crop and repeated soil fumigation for purple nutsedge management in tomato production
Authors: Yu Jialin , Sharpe Shaun M , Boyd Nathan S
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) is one of the most common and troublesome weeds. Field research trials were conducted in Florida to evaluate the effects of repeated fumigation and a sorghum sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor S. bicolor var. sudanense (Piper) Stapf.] cover crop on purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) populations over time in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production.

RESULTS

Among the soil fumigants, DMDS + metam potassium was consistently the most effective treatment in terms of in‐crop purple nutsedge control. Plots with a sorghum cover crop during the fallow period exhibited higher purple nutsedge density during the tomato growing season as well as higher purple nutsedge shoot and tuber densities during the fallow period compared to the chemical fallow.

CONCLUSION

DMDS + metam potassium was the most effective fumigant for purple nutsedge control. Unexpectedly, a sorghum cover crop during the fallow period was less effective than chemical fallow for purple nutsedge management, and therefore we do not recommend the use of sorghum cover crops for weed management in fields where purple nutsedge is the major weed species.
46‐1: Patterned Glass Diffuser (PGD) for MiniLED Backlights
Authors: Mi Xiang-Dong , Wu Jen-Chieh , Sun Hai-Wei , Chen Ming , Varanytsia Andrii , Han Songfeng , Allen Kirk R , Maurey Pamela A , Baker David L , Tokar Josh , Ouyang Michael X , Niu Tzu-Ling , Du Guanglei
Published: June 2021

We report on a monitor‐sized, thin, dimensionally and thermally stable mini‐LED backlight enabled by a patterned glass diffuser (PGD). Our backlight has a luminance of between 0.9 × and 1.05 × compared to a reference mini‐LED backlight using a thick diffuser plate, while providing a better local dimming control and comparable zone and panel luminance uniformity and color uniformity. The PGD technology can reduce the number of LEDs.
57‐1: Trends in Low‐Cost Displays for Emerging Applications
Authors: Dyson Matthew J.
Published: June 2021

Demand for low‐cost displays with low power consumption and flexibility will increase dramatically as a wider range of devices incorporate electronic functionality. We assess the technological/ commercial readiness of each display type and application, forecasting that low‐cost, low‐power displays will be an approximately $1.2 bn market by 2030.
67‐4: Shutter‐Free Full Colour Solid State Reflective Display (SRD®)
Authors: Triggs Graham , Bandhu Lokeshwar , Newell Oliver , Pauza Andrew , Bhaskaran Harish , Hosseini Peiman
Published: June 2021

We demonstrate for the first time a simplified thin‐film optical architecture that results in a fully bistable, full‐colour, video‐capable SRD frontplane without the need for top shutters or optical filters. The expected performance of the new architecture is quantified using simulations and initial experimental results shown on non‐pixelated, continuous films.
P‐23: Image Adaptation to Human Vision (Eyeglasses Free): Full Visual‐Corrected Function in Light‐Field Near‐to‐Eye Displays
Authors: Wu Jui-Yi , Lu Chih-Hung , Lo Hsin-Hsiang , Chang Chuan-Chung , Chuang Fu-Ming
Published: June 2021

Many design factors are highly demanded in developing optimum near‐to‐eye display, such as higher resolution and wider FOV for vivid image quality, embedded vision correction for visual comfort, and light, compact and large eye box size for wearing comfort and stylish. Several optical approaches could achieve the visual correction, such as time‐multiplexed light field, space‐multiplexed light field, holographic display, multi‐focal planes, etc. In this study, based on the space‐multiplexed light field, the authors propose a special method that can adapt the variable pupil distance and deliver several virtual image planes at the same time by an algorithm of image processing. LFNEDs utilize this method which can adapt to the diversified facial shape and avoid wearing prescription glasses in using AR/VR glasses, no matter users have myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Effects of Yttrium on the Microstructure and Properties of 20MnSi Steel
Authors: Zhong Lingqiang , Wang Zhigang , Chen Rongchun , He Jianguo
Published: June 2021

20MnSi steel samples with different rare‐earth yttrium (Y) contents are prepared in the laboratory. Microstructure analysis is performed using the methods of microscopy and electron probe microanalysis, and the mechanical and physical properties are assessed using the tensile tester and thermal dilatometer. The results show that with increasing Y content, the thickness of the martensite layer on the surface of 20MnSi steel decreases gradually until it almost disappears, which is attributed to Y reducing martensitic transformation temperature. Y refines the size of the pearlitic lamellae, which improves the yield strength. Y‐containing composite inclusions (Y2O2S) of microsized spheres are easily formed in the steel, which assists the nucleation of ferrite, thereby resulting in an increase in the yield point elongation. In addition, the content of inclusions increases, thereby resulting in a decrease in uniform elongation.
Computational Investigation on Effect of Impeller Dimension on Fluid Flow and Interface Behavior for Kanbara Reactor Hot Metal Treatment
Authors: Li Qiang , Shen Xiaoyang , Guo Shuai , Li Mingming , Zou Zongshu
Published: June 2021

Kanbara Reactor (KR) is widely used for hot metal desulfurization pretreatment in the steelmaking industry. The configuration of its impeller plays a crucial role in the reactor performance, but its function is not fully understood. Herein, a 3D volume of fluid (VOF) model coupled with the sliding mesh technique is developed, and the performance of five impellers with different dimensions is investigated. After the test of grid dependency, the calibration of turbulent models, and the validation via experiments, the numerical model is applied to study the typical developing phenomena and the effect of impeller dimension on the fluid flow characteristics, mixing time, interface profile, and vortex core depth. The results show that the centrifugal discharging flow extruded by the rotating impeller creates a double‐recirculation flow pattern in the axial direction. When the aspect ratio χ of the impeller increases, the upper recirculating region is successively strengthened and enlarged. Furthermore, the mixing time as a function of impeller configuration exists a minimum value. Impeller III is the optimal configuration in the current study. In addition, the relationship between vortex core depth and χ is obtained, and the velocity of the gas–liquid interface increases with the increase in χ.
Effect of high aspect ratio flaky aluminum on mechanical properties of epoxy‐based particulate composites
Authors: Rao Chethana P. , Periyapatna Ramakrishna , Haradanahalli Murthy
Published: June 2021

Epoxy‐based polymer composites are used in the aerospace industry due to high strength, less shrinkage, and ready availability. However, they are brittle and this limitation is usually addressed by using additives. Soft additives typically increase the toughness at the cost of stiffness and are usually not preferred for high strength applications. On the contrary, rigid additives such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanoclay increase the stiffness and tensile strength, but at the expense of strain at failure, indicating embrittlement. Also, these additives are expensive and this adds up to the overall product cost, limiting its application. Thus, this study aims to introduce a new low‐cost, high aspect ratio additive that toughens epoxy without compromising on its strength. Tensile test and impact test were conducted to procure mechanical properties for the composite, along with fractography using electron microscopy. These tests revealed that this new additive increased the tensile strength, impact strength, and strain at failure by 56%, 60%, and 200% for a very low weight fraction of 0.5% of the additive.
Trending machine learning models in cyber‐physical building environment: A survey
Authors: Hasan Zahid , Roy Nirmalya
Published: June 2021

Electricity usage of buildings (including offices, malls, and residential apartments) represents a significant portion of a nation's energy expenditure and carbon footprint. In the United States, the buildings' appliances consume 72% of the total produced electricity approximately. In this regard, cyber‐physical system (CPS) researchers have put forth associated research questions to reduce cyber‐physical building environment energy consumption by minimizing the energy dissipation while securing occupants' comfort. Some of the questions in CPS building include finding the optimal HVAC control, monitoring appliances' energy usage, detecting insulation problems, estimating the occupants' number and activities, managing thermal comfort, intelligently interacting with the smart grid. Various machine learning (ML) applications have been studied in recent CPS researches to improve building energy efficiency by addressing these questions. In this paper, we comprehensively review and report on the contemporary applications of ML algorithms such as deep learning, transfer learning, active learning, reinforcement learning, and other emerging techniques that propose and envision to address the above challenges in the CPS building environment. Finally, we conclude this article by discussing diverse existing open questions and prospective future directions in the CPS building environment research.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Machine Learning

Technologies > Reinforcement Learning
Pflegerische Versorgung in der ersten Welle der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Räker Miriam , Klauber Jürgen , Schwinger Antje
Published: June 2021

Im Rahmen der COVID-19-Pandemie gelten pflegebedürftige Menschen als besonders vulnerabel und anfällig für schwere Krankheitsverläufe. In der Folge zielten und zielen viele Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Pandemie auf den Schutz dieser Bevölkerungsgruppe, in erster Linie einhergehend mit Kontaktbeschränkungen. Gleichzeitig ist anzunehmen, dass die Pandemiebedingungen und die ergriffenen Maßnahmen Einfluss auf die pflegerische und gesundheitliche Versorgungssituation der pflegebedürftigen Personen haben. Mittels einer Online-Befragung wurden Pflege- und Bezugspersonen aus dem ambulanten und dem vollstationären Pflegesetting retrospektiv zu ihrer Wahrnehmung der Lebens- und Versorgungsbedingungen von ihnen nahestehenden pflegebedürftigen Menschen während der ersten Welle der COVID-19-Pandemie befragt. Die Analysen zeigen auf, dass es neben starken Einschränkungen der sozialen Teilhabe der pflegebedürftigen Personen auch zu Veränderungen in den Pflegearrangements gekommen ist. Die Befragten spiegeln deutliche soziale und psychische Belastungen der pflegebedürftigen Menschen wie auch ihrer gesundheitlichen bzw. ärztlichen Versorgung wider. Auch die Betreuenden selber zeigen deutlich gestiegene emotionale Belastungen.