bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venous congestion assessment using point‐of‐care Doppler ultrasound: Welcome to the future of volume status assessment
Authors: Koratala Abhilash
Published: January 2021

With evolution of clinician‐performed bedside ultrasonography, noninvasive markers of venous congestion such as hepatic, portal, and intrarenal venous Doppler waveforms are gaining importance as an adjunct to volume status assessment. The intent of this clinical image is to illustrate the classic sonographic stigmata of severe venous congestion, associated with worse prognosis.
Measuring the permeabilities of binary gas mixtures with a novel time‐lag technique
Authors: He Zhou , Goh Kheng Lim , Feng Xianshe , Wang Kean
Published: January 2021

Measuring permeation properties of gas mixtures is an important but challenging issue. This work reports on a novel time‐lag technique by selectively depositing (ie, desublimation) one of the gas components in a binary mixture at the downstream side using a liquid nitrogen cold trap, thereby allowing for determination of the permeation properties of both permeating components from the pressure response in the permeate chamber. The measurement technique was demonstrated for the permeation of several binary gas mixtures (H2/CO2, and He/CO2with various compositions) through a carbon molecular sieve membrane. It was found that the true permeation properties of a binary mixture can be significantly different from the ideal values based on the permeation of pure gas components. This method is time and cost efficient and works well for binary gas mixtures where the difference in the boiling points of the gas components is sufficiently large so that one of the components in the permeate can be selectively desublimated at the permeate side.
N‐Terminal Protein Labeling with N‐Hydroxysuccinimide Esters and Microscale Thermophoresis Measurements of Protein‐Protein Interactions Using Labeled Protein
Authors: Jiang Hanjie , Cole Philip A.
Published: January 2021

Protein labeling strategies have been explored for decades to study protein structure, function, and regulation. Fluorescent labeling of a protein enables the study of protein‐protein interactions through biophysical methods such as microscale thermophoresis (MST). MST measures the directed motion of a fluorescently labeled protein in response to microscopic temperature gradients, and the protein's thermal mobility can be used to determine binding affinity. However, the stoichiometry and site specificity of fluorescent labeling are hard to control, and heterogeneous labeling can generate inaccuracies in binding measurements. Here, we describe an easy‐to‐apply protocol for high‐stoichiometric, site‐specific labeling of a protein at its N‐terminus with N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters as a means to measure protein‐protein interaction affinity by MST. This protocol includes guidelines for NHS ester labeling, fluorescent‐labeled protein purification, and MST measurement using a labeled protein. As an example of the entire workflow, we additionally provide a protocol for labeling a ubiquitin E3 enzyme and testing ubiquitin E2‐E3 enzyme binding affinity. These methods are highly adaptable and can be extended for protein interaction studies in various biological and biochemical circumstances. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 18 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Labeling a protein of interest at its N‐terminus with NHS esters through stepwise reaction

Alternate Protocol: Labeling a protein of interest at its N‐terminus with NHS esters through a one‐pot reaction

Basic Protocol 2: Purifying the N‐terminal fluorescent‐labeled protein and determining its concentration and labeling efficiency

Basic Protocol 3: Using MST to determine the binding affinity of an N‐terminal fluorescent‐labeled protein to a binding partner.

Basic Protocol 4: NHS ester labeling of ubiquitin E3 ligase WWP2 and measurement of the binding affinity between WWP2 and an E2 conjugating enzyme by the MST binding assay
Membrane engineering of cell membrane biomimetic nanoparticles for nanoscale therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Minghai , Cheng Shanshan , Jin Yue , Zhang Nan , Wang Yu
Published: January 2021

In recent years, cell membrane camouflaging technology has emerged as an important strategy of nanomedicine, and the modification on the membranes is also a promising approach to enhance the properties of the nanoparticles, such as cancer targeting, immune evasion, and phototherapy sensitivity. Indeed, diversified approaches have been exploited to re‐engineer the membranes of nanoparticles in several studies. In this review, first we discuss direct modification strategy of cell membrane camouflaged nanoparticles (CM‐NP) via noncovalent, covalent, and enzyme‐involved methods. Second, we explore how the membranes of CM‐NPs can be re‐engineered at the cellular level using strategies such as genetic engineering and membranes fusion. Due to the innate biological properties and excellent biocompatibility, the functionalized cell membrane‐camouflaged nanoparticles have been widely applied in the fields of drug delivery, imaging, detoxification, detection, and photoactivatable therapy.
An efficient anonymous user authentication and key agreement protocol for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Kumar Devender , Grover Harmanpreet Singh , Kaur Damandeep , Verma Adarsh , Saini Khushil Kumar , Kumar Bijendra
Published: January 2021

Due to fast development of wireless technology, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are used in many applications such environmental monitoring, health monitoring, and area monitoring. To protect WSNs from various security threats, many user authentication protocols have been proposed. Recently, Gope and Hwang have discussed an authentication protocol for WSNs. Here, we show that their scheme is not resistant to stolen verifier, user impersonation, smart card loss, and insider attacks. Also, it does not maintain secrecy of session key and anonymity of sensor node. Then we devise an efficient user authentication protocol using physically unclonable function (PUF) for WSNs to overcome the limitations of their scheme. We present our protocol's informal security analysis to show that is resistant to various known attacks. Formal security verification and analysis of the proposed protocol are done using ProVerif tool and widely accepted Real‐Or‐Random (ROR) model, respectively. In the performance analysis, we show that our protocol offers more security features than the others related schemes.
Softball teaches lessons in leadership
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: January 2021

I didn't play team sports when I was a kid. When I got married, I acquired a 9‐year‐old stepson who played soccer. It wasn't until his daughters began to play softball at ages 4 and 9 that I had any interest in the sport. For the last six years, I have spent a considerable amount of time every spring and fall watching recreational‐league softball. I have learned a thing or two.
Effects of nitrogen addition on leaf nutrient stoichiometry in an old‐growth boreal forest
Authors: Xu Longchao , Xing Aijun , Du Enzai , Shen Haihua , Yan Zhengbing , Jiang Lai , Tian Di , Hu Huifeng , Fang Jingyun
Published: January 2021

Boreal forests have been evidenced to be highly sensitive to enhanced nitrogen (N) deposition due to prevailing N limitations, and external N inputs from atmospheric deposition are expected to alter plant nutrient stoichiometry. Previous studies have mostly focused on the dominant tree species while neglecting understory plants that often play important role in the nutrient cycles in forest ecosystems. By conducting a six‐year N‐addition experiment with four treatments of 0 (control), 20 (low N), 50 (medium N), and 100 (high N) kg N·ha−1·yr−1in a boreal forest in Northeast China, we assessed the responses of leaf nutrient stoichiometry (N, phosphorus [P], potassium [K], calcium [Ca], and magnesium [Mg]) for tree, shrubs, and grass. Although the responses of different species to N addition varied, six‐year N addition, especially the medium and high N treatments, generally increased the leaf N concentration and decreased the leaf P and Ca concentrations. As a result, the foliar N:P, N:K, N:Ca, and N:Mg ratios increased consistently across plant functional groups under the high N addition compared with the control, and the grassDeyeuxia angustifoliashowed a larger increase in its foliar N:P, N:Ca, and N:Mg than the shrubs. The leaf N concentration increased consistently with soil inorganic N in a nonlinear saturating form, while the other leaf nutrients either decreased (P, Ca) or were not affected (Mg, K) by the soil N availability. Consequently, the foliar N:P, N:K, N:Ca, and N:Mg ratios increased linearly with increasing soil N availability. In spite of this alteration of the leaf nutrient stoichiometry with increasing soil N availability, foliar nutrients and their stoichiometry were less affected under the low N treatment in both trees and understory plants, suggesting minor effects of current N deposition rates on the foliar nutrient balance in boreal forests.
Efficacy and safety of teneligliptin added to metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with metformin: A phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Ji Linong , Li Ling , Ma Jianhua , Li Xuefeng , Li Dongmei , Meng Bangzhu , Lu Weiping , Sun Jiao , Liu Yanmei , Takayanagi Gen , Wang Yi
Published: January 2021

Introduction

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin compared with placebo when added to metformin therapy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy.

Methods

This multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study enrolled type 2 diabetes patients with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.0%−<10.0% and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <270 mg/dl, receiving a stable metformin dose ≥1000 mg/day. Teneligliptin 20 mg or placebo was administered orally once daily (qd) before breakfast for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy end‐point was change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 24. Safety end‐points included the incidence of adverse events (AEs).

Results

The least square mean (LSM) change from baseline (standard error [SE]) was −0.72 (0.07) (95% confidence intervals [CI], −0.87, −0.58) for teneligliptin and −0.01 (0.07) (95% CI, −0.16, 0.13) for placebo. The differences (LSM ± SE) between the placebo and teneligliptin groups in HbA1c and FPG were −0.71% ± 0.11% (p < .0001) and −16.5 ± 4.7 mg/dl (p = .0005), respectively. Teneligliptin yielded significant changes in HbA1c (−0.81%; p < .0001) and FPG (−22.2 mg/dl; p < .0001) at Week 12. At Week 24, more patients achieved HbA1c <7.0% with teneligliptin (41.7%) compared with placebo (16.1%; p < .0001). Treatment‐emergent AE incidence was similar with teneligliptin (58.9%) and placebo (68.3%); upper respiratory tract infection, hyperuricaemia and hyperlipidaemia were the most common AEs.

Conclusions

Teneligliptin 20 mg qd for 24 weeks added to ongoing metformin treatment significantly decreased HbA1c and FPG levels compared with placebo in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients. The combination was safe and tolerable.
Operationalizing niche construction theory with stone tools
Authors: Iovita Radu , Braun David R. , Douglass Matthew J. , Holdaway Simon J. , Lin Sam C. , Olszewski Deborah I. , Rezek Zeljko
Published: January 2021

One of the greatest difficulties with evolutionary approaches in the study of stone tools (lithics) has been finding a mechanism for tying culture and biology in a way that preserves human agency and operates at scales that are visible in the archaeological record. The concept of niche construction, whereby organisms actively construct their environments and change the conditions for selection, could provide a solution to this problem. In this review, we evaluate the utility of niche construction theory (NCT) for stone tool archaeology. We apply NCT to lithics both as part of the “extended phenotype” and as residuals or precipitates of other niche‐constructing activities, suggesting ways in which archaeologists can employ niche construction feedbacks to generate testable hypotheses about stone tool use. Finally, we conclude that, as far as its applicability to lithic archaeology, NCT compares favorably to other prominent evolutionary approaches, such as human behavioral ecology and dual‐inheritance theory.
Seasonal and short‐term controls of riparian oxygen dynamics and the implications for redox processes
Authors: Nogueira Guilherme E. H. , Schmidt Christian , Trauth Nico , Fleckenstein Jan H.
Published: January 2021

Riparian zones are highly‐dynamic transition zones between surface water (SW) and groundwater (GW) and function as key biogeochemical‐reactors for solutes transitioning between both compartments. Infiltration of SW rich in dissolved oxygen (DO) into the riparian aquifer can supress removal processes of redox sensitive compounds like NO3−, a nutrient harmful for the aquatic ecosystem at high concentrations. Seasonal and short‐term variations of temperature and hydrologic conditions can influence biogeochemical reaction rates and thus the prevailing redox conditions in the riparian zone. We combined GW tracer‐tests and a 1‐year high‐frequency dataset of DO with data‐driven simulations of DO consumption to assess the effects of seasonal and event‐scale variations in temperature and transit‐times on the reactive transport of DO. Damköhler numbers for DO consumption (DADO) were used to characterize the system in terms of DO turnover potential. Our results suggest that seasonal and short‐term variations in temperature are major controls for DO turnover and the resulting concentrations at our field site, while transit‐times are of minor importance. Seasonal variations of temperature in GW lead to shifts from transport‐limited (DADO > 1) to reaction‐limited conditions (DADO < 1), while short‐term events were found to have minor impacts on the state of the system, only resulting in slightly less transport‐limited conditions due to decreasing temperature and transit‐times. The data‐driven analyses show that assuming constant water temperature along a flowpath can lead to an over‐ or underestimation of reaction rates by a factor of 2–3 due to different infiltrating water temperature at the SW–GW interface, whereas the assumption of constant transit‐times results in incorrect estimates of NO3− removal potential based on DADO approach (40%–50% difference).
Linking field and laboratory studies: Reproductive effects of perfluorinated substances on avian populations
Authors: Custer Christine M
Published: January 2021

Although both laboratory and field studies are needed to effectively assess effects and risk of contaminants to free-living organisms, the limitations of each must be understood. The objectives of this paper are to examine information on field studies of reproductive effects of perfluorinated substances (PFASs) on bird populations, discuss the differences among field studies, and then place those results in context with laboratory studies. Hypotheses to explain the divergences between field studies and between laboratory and field studies will be discussed. Those differences include mixture issues, misattribution of the mechanism or the specific PFAS causing impairments, as well as other possible reasons. Finally, suggestions to better link laboratory and field studies will be presented. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:690–696. Published 2021. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

KEY POINTS

Effects of perfluorinated substances (PFASs) on reproductive success in avian field studies are described, compared, and contrasted. Laboratory studies to assess reproductive effects of PFASs, primarily perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), in birds are described. Hypotheses to explain differences among avian reproductive effect field studies and to explain differences between laboratory and field study results are presented.
Cost comparison of extracorporeal photopheresis technologies at the European Institute of Oncology
Authors: Magarò Antonio , Lucchetti Bruno , Caime Alessandro , Lionetti Maria T. , Laszlo Daniele
Published: January 2021

Background

Stem Cell Mobilization and Collection Unit at Istituto Europeo di Oncologia (IEO; Milan, Lombardia) provides extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) therapy to treat graft‐vs‐host disease (GvHD) using offline procedures. ECP can be administered via an integrated single device (online procedure). Total cost of performing ECP at IEO vs an integrated device was assessed using a micro‐costing approach.

Methods

Ten offline ECP procedures for GvHD were monitored using Time‐Driven Activity‐Based Costing methodology, which utilized costs of resources, and time spent by patients/healthcare personnel with each resource. Details of ECP steps were recorded (pre−/post‐treatment clinical evaluations, biological sampling, cannulation, apheresis, irradiation, reinfusion time). Time and cost comparisons between offline (combination of equipment/devices) and online technologies (THERAKOS™ CELLEX™ Photopheresis System) were performed. Cost variables: consumables, personnel, equipment, and laboratory tests. Personnel costs for online procedures were calculated using published time estimates and IEO hourly rates. Costs recorded in 2018 euros.

Results

Median duration of IEO offline ECP procedures (296 minutes) was greater than that reported for CELLEX ECP delivery (120 minutes). Total cost of offline ECP (€1134.57 [$1314.57]/procedure) was greater than that reported for online delivery (€1063.95 [$1232.74]/procedure). IEO performs ~84 ECP procedures/y, which would require ~412 hours/y vs 168 hours/y for online procedures; suggesting €5932.08 [$6873.72]/y savings with online procedures.

Conclusions

This assessment highlights potential resource time savings with online procedures. Time saved could allow increased activity with the same resources, at a department level. Potential non‐monetary benefits include reduced time burden on patients, increased availability of hospital staff and improved patient safety.
A national window on critical thinking by dental educators following an ADEA webinar
Authors: Krupp Michelle M. , Holloway Julie A. , Johnsen David C. , Marchini Leonardo , Butali Azeez
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Critical thinking is an essential skill for the dentist, yet little has surfaced to define the outcome, guide learning, and assess performance. On June 16, 2020, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) sponsored a 1‐hour webinar on Critical thinking with 600 attendees. To report input from a national cohort of dental educators responding to a model for critical thinking guidance.

Methods

Critical thinking concepts with explicit skillsets were presented. Attendees gave Likert responses on importance and confidence defining outcome. At the end of the webinar, attendees were asked in an open‐ended format what their “take away” was.

Results

One hundred and five responded to a Likert scale question on how important critical thinking is, with 93% giving a 5. To the question on how well have you figured out how to define the outcome, guide learning, and assess performance, 53% gave a 3 and 21% gave a 2 (χ2 = 151; P < 0.01) From 121 “take away” responses, 79 reiterated the session's central theme with comments on emulating the thought process of the expert or articulating a skillset. In a separate classification of the same “take away,” responses oriented to common domains of education nomenclature. No alternative critical thinking model for articulating the outcome, guiding learning, and assessing performance was evident in any of the 121 take away responses.

Conclusions

Results are interpreted as an opportunity moment for dental education to collectively develop additional critical thinking models.
Effect of surface mechanical attrition treatment on the microstructure of cobalt–chromium–molybdenum biomedical alloy
Authors: Nkonta Daniella Tchana , Drevet Richard , Fauré Joël , Benhayoune Hicham
Published: January 2021

This research work describes the impact of the surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) on the microstructure of cobalt–chromium–molybdenum (CoCrMo), a biomedical alloy commonly used for orthopedic applications. This surface treatment induces crystalline phases transformations characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The corresponding structural changes are observed from cross‐section images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that the SMAT process induces the martensitic transformation of the CoCrMo alloy (from γ‐fcc phase to ε‐hcp phase) related to an important grain refinement due to twinning and sliding.
Morphospace analysis leads to an evo‐devo model of digit patterning
Authors: Fontanarrosa Gabriela , Abdala Virginia , Dos Santos Daniel A.
Published: January 2021

Biological forms occupy a constrained portion of theoretical morphospaces. Developmental models accounting for empirical morphospaces are necessary to achieve a better understanding of this phenomenon. We analyzed the phalangeal formulas (PFs) in lizards and relatives’ hands by comparing them with a set of simulated PFs that compose a theoretical morphospace. We detected that: (1) the empirical morphospace is severely limited in size, (2) the PFs comply with two properties of phalangeal count per digit, namely the ordering rule (DI ≤ DII ≤ DIII ≤ DIV ≥ DV), and the contiguity relationship (neighbor digits differ on average in one phalanx), (3) the totality of the PFs can be categorized into four categories of hands aligned along a feasibility gradient. We also reconstructed the evolution of PFs and found a stepwise trajectory from the plesiomorphic PF towards reduced conditions. Finally, we propose a developmental model as the generative mechanism behind the PFs. It is consistent with the bulk of evidence managed and involves an ordered digit primordia initialization timed with periodic signals of joint formation coming from digit tips. Our approach is also useful to address the study of other meristic sequences in nature such as dental, floral, and branchial formulas.
lncRNA FBXL19‐AS1 is a diagnosis biomarker for paediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Sheng Hongling , Zhang Jiajia , Ma Yan , Zhang Yuhua , Dai Yunpeng , Jiang Renpeng
Published: January 2021

Background

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNA) have emerged as novel clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various tumors because of their disease‐ and stage‐restricted expression. lncRNA FBXL19 antisense RNA 1 (FBXL19‐AS1) expression has been confirmed to be up‐regulated in several tumors. However, its expression and effects in paediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have not been elucidated.

Methods

Serum FBXL19‐AS1 expression was determined in 137 AML patients compared to 43 healthy controls ( < 0.01).

Results

Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, we observed that serum FBXL19‐AS1 provided the highly diagnostic performance for the detection of AML (AUC = 0.841, < 0.001). We also examined the association between serum FBXL19‐AS1 expression and clinicopathological factors, finding that its high expression was associated with French–American–British classification ( = 0.011) and cytogenetics ( = 0.021). Survival assays with the Kaplan–Meier method revealed that the overall survival ( = 0.0088) and disease‐free‐survival ( = 0.0027) of AML patients with high serum FBXL19‐AS1 levels were distinctly shorter compared to those with low serum FBXL19‐AS1 levels. More importantly, Multivariate analysis identified serum FBXL19‐AS1 overexpression as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for both overall survival and disease‐free‐survival of AML patients.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings revealed that high expression of serum FBXL19‐AS1 might be useful as a novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for AML patients.
Optimizing infant HIV diagnosis with additional screening at immunization clinics in three sub‐Saharan African settings: a cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Dunning Lorna , Gandhi Aditya R , Penazzato Martina , Soeteman Djøra I , Revill Paul , Frank Simone , Phillips Andrew , Dugdale Caitlin , Abrams Elaine , Weinstein Milton C , Newell Marie‐Louise , Collins Intira J , Doherty Meg , Vojnov Lara , Fassinou Ekouévi Patricia , Myer Landon , Mushavi Angela , Freedberg Kenneth A , Ciaranello Andrea L
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Uptake of early infant HIV diagnosis (EID) varies widely across sub‐Saharan African settings. We evaluated the potential clinical impact and cost‐effectiveness of universal maternal HIV screening at infant immunization visits, with referral to EID and maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation.

Methods

Using the CEPAC‐Pediatric model, we compared two strategies for infants born in 2017 in Côte d’Ivoire (CI), South Africa (SA), and Zimbabwe: (1) existing EID programmes offering six‐week nucleic acid testing (NAT) for infants with known HIV exposure (EID), and (2) EID plus universal maternal HIV screening at six‐week infant immunization visits, leading to referral for infant NAT and maternal ART initiation (screen‐and‐test). Model inputs included published Ivoirian/South African/Zimbabwean data: maternal HIV prevalence (4.8/30.8/16.1%), current uptake of EID (40/95/65%) and six‐week immunization attendance (99/74/94%). Referral rates for infant NAT and maternal ART initiation after screen‐and‐test were 80%. Costs included NAT ($24/infant), maternal screening ($10/mother–infant pair), ART ($5 to 31/month) and HIV care ($15 to 190/month). Model outcomes included mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV (MTCT) among HIV‐exposed infants, and life expectancy (LE) and mean lifetime per‐person costs for children with HIV (CWH) and all children born in 2017. We calculated incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) using discounted (3%/year) lifetime costs and LE for all children. We considered two cost‐effectiveness thresholds in each country: (1) the per‐capita GDP ($1720/6380/2150) per year‐of‐life saved (YLS), and (2) the CEPAC‐generated ICER of offering 2 versus 1 lifetime ART regimens (e.g. offering second‐line ART; $520/500/580/YLS).

Results

With EID, projected six‐week MTCT was 9.3% (CI), 4.2% (SA) and 5.2% (Zimbabwe). Screen‐and‐test decreased total MTCT by 0.2% to 0.5%, improved LE by 2.0 to 3.5 years for CWH and 0.03 to 0.07 years for all children, and increased discounted costs by $17 to 22/child (all children). The ICER of screen‐and‐test compared to EID was $1340/YLS (CI), $650/YLS (SA) and $670/YLS (Zimbabwe), below the per‐capita GDP but above the ICER of 2 versus 1 lifetime ART regimens in all countries.

Conclusions

Universal maternal HIV screening at immunization visits with referral to EID and maternal ART initiation may reduce MTCT, improve paediatric LE, and be of comparable value to current HIV‐related interventions in high maternal HIV prevalence settings like SA and Zimbabwe.
High‐resolution global climate simulations: Representation of cities
Authors: Hertwig Denise , Ng Matthew , Grimmond Sue , Vidale Pier Luigi , McGuire Patrick C.
Published: January 2021

Ensemble runs of high‐resolution (~10 km; N1280) global climate simulations (2005–2010) with the Met Office HadGEM3 model are analysed over large urban areas in the south‐east UK (London) and south‐east China (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing region). With a focus on urban areas, we compare meteorological observations to study the response of modelled surface heat fluxes and screen‐level temperatures to urbanization. HadGEM3 has a simple urban slab scheme with prescribed, globally fixed bulk parameters. Misrepresenting the magnitude or the extent of urban land cover can result in land‐surface model bias. As urban land‐cover fractions are severely under‐estimated in China, this impacts surface heat‐flux partitioning and quintessential features, such as the urban heat island. Combined with the neglect of anthropogenic heat emissions, this can result in misrepresentation of heat‐wave intensities (or cold spells) in cities. The model performance in urban areas could be improved if bulk parameters are modelled instead of prescribed, but this necessitates the availability of local morphology data on a global level. Improving land‐cover information and providing more flexible ways to account for differences between cities (e.g., anthropogenic emission; morphology) is essential for realistic future projections of city climates, especially if model output is intended for urban climate services.
Characterization of medicanes with a minimal number of geopotential levels
Authors: de la Vara Alba , Gutiérrez‐Fernández Jesús , González‐Alemán Juan Jesús , Gaertner Miguel Á.
Published: January 2021

Medicanes are tropical‐like cyclones that develop in the Mediterranean Sea. Due to their harmful potential, the study of medicanes has captured great attention from the scientific community. In the context of a changing climate, their future climatological characterization can only be achieved using climate model output. A frequently used method to characterize the thermal structure of medicanes is the cyclone phase space (CPS) described by Hart (2003). This requires geopotential data from 300 to 900 hPa every 50 hPa. However, in long, high‐resolution climate simulations, model output requires very high storage space and only data from a few geopotential levels are saved. To overcome the lack of geopotential data at some levels, available data are vertically interpolated to obtain data for the 13 levels required. In this work, we use high horizontal resolution data from the ERA‐5 reanalysis (1979–2018) to analyse the climatology of medicanes simulated using the 13 vertical levels required according to Hart (2003), as well as different combinations of geopotential data from a few selected levels. Our results allow us to propose, for the first time, a limited set of recommended geopotential levels required for an adequate climatological characterization of medicanes in the perspective of long climate change simulations, taking into account the associated limitations of output data storage.
Prospective evaluation of a novel enteral feeding guideline based on individual gastric emptying times: an improvement project in a pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Knight Dawn E. , Larmour Kelly , Wellman Paul , Mulvey Nicki , Hopkins Julia , Tibby Shane M.
Published: January 2021

Background

On a 20‐bed, mixed cardiac and general, UK pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), we aimed to determine if a physiologically based enteral feeding guideline for critically ill children, using feed frequency tailored to individual gastric emptying times, resulted in earlier establishment of full feeds (when 100% of fluid allowance (FA) available to be given as intravenous maintenance fluid or feed, defined as free FA [FFA], is given as enteral nutrition [EN]) and an increase in FFA given as EN.

Methods

Four prospective audits (totaling 331 patients and 19,771 hours) were conducted at 1 year before guideline introduction and 1, 5, and 10 years after. Patient feeding data were collected from admission until day 4 or discharge, including reasons why feed was withheld.

Results

The median time from admission to establishing full feeds decreased from 18 to 10 hours preguideline and postguideline and was sustained over 10 years. After adjustment for 5 confounders, this represented a reduction in the geometric mean time to full feeds of 30% (2009), 29% (2013), and 48% (2019) compared with 2007 (all P < .01). Nil‐per‐oral (NPO) hours were categorized as due to modifiable and nonmodifiable factors. Preguideline and postguideline NPO hours from modifiable factors decreased from 21 (2007) to 10 (2009) per 100 audit hours, which was sustained across 10 years (all P < .01). Conversely, NPO hours from nonmodifiable factors ranged from 27 to 36 per 100 audit hours throughout the audits, with no consistent trend over time. Similar inconsistency was shown in the proportion of FFA given as EN: 48% (2007), 71% (2009), 51% (2013), and 64% (2019). Continuous nasogastric and hourly bolus feeds decreased over time; they comprised 66% of feeds in 2007 but only 4%–11% in subsequent periods, being replaced with more 2–6 hour bolus, on‐demand, or continuous nasojejunal feeds.

Conclusion

The guideline was associated with sustained reduction in the time to establishing full feeds and NPO hours due to modifiable factors and more or no less FFA being given as EN.
Impact of freeze‐drying conditions on the sensory perception of a freeze‐dried orange snack
Authors: Silva‐Espinoza Marilú Andrea , Salvador Ana , Camacho María del Mar , Martínez‐Navarrete Nuria
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The health benefits provided by fruit mean that there is continuous interest in offering consumers new products to stimulate its consumption. To this end, dehydrated fruit snacks may be an interesting option. In this study, we evaluated the impact of freezing rate (slow and high), shelf temperature (40 and 50 °C), and working pressure (5 and 100 Pa) on the perception and acceptability of a freeze‐dried orange snack obtained from an orange puree.

RESULTS

Of the different freeze‐drying conditions studied, working pressure was the variable with the greatest effect. The lowest working pressure (5 Pa) led to samples being obtained with a slightly lower water content, which was perceived with higher citrus flavor and crispiest. The highest pressure (100 Pa) led to samples with a greater water content, perceived with a more yellow intense color. Nevertheless, there is no significant consumer preference for any of the different processed samples. The number of force peaks, which is positively correlated with the crispness, shows a significant and negative correlation (r = −0.91) with the water content of the sample.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that considerations other than the sensory can determine the best conditions of the freeze‐drying process with which to obtain an orange snack. The number of force peaks obtained from a penetration test may be proposed as a tool for instrumental analysis of the snack's crispness that supplies information closely resembling customer perception of this attribute. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of 8‐hydroxyquinoline aluminum nanomaterials to enhance properties for green organic light‐emitting diode devices
Authors: Duan Liangfei , Yang Huiqin , Wang Guanghua , Duan Yu
Published: January 2021

Tris(8‐hydroquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) plays an important role in the applications of green organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this paper, Alq3 nanofilms were prepared on glass substrates by physical vapor deposition system with different surface states. The structures and morphologies of Alq3 nanofilms were characterized by X‐ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope. Alq3 nanomaterials were used as the main luminescent material for green OLED devices. The structure of the green OLED is Mo/2‐TNATA (20 nm)/NPB (10 nm)/Alq3 (25 nm):Ir(ppy)3 (5%)/Bphen (10 nm)/LiF (5 nm)/Mg:Ag (10%) (10 nm). The photoelectric properties of green OLED devices were characterized by the system of Photo Research PR655 spectrometer. The results show that the weak interactions among Alq3 molecules such as π–π bond interactions and van der Waals forces caused molecules self‐assembling into nanospheres, nanospherical chains, nanowires, or nanotubes in physical vapor deposition system. Precise surface state control of Alq3 nanomaterials can be realized by controlling the deposition temperature, thus, to enhance properties for green OLED displays. It is found that among different morphologies, Alq3 nanotubes have been proved to be the best green OLED devices with the brightness of 11,490 cd/m2, CIE (3358, 0.6302) at 5 V, and the current efficiency is 20.24 cd/A.
Chemorheology and Kinetics of High‐Performance Polyurethane Binders Based on HMDI
Authors: Lucio Beatriz , de la Fuente José Luis
Published: January 2021

Aliphatic diisocyanates, such as 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI), are preferred curing agents for the formation of polyurethanes (PUs) in applications where resistance to abrasion or degradation by ultraviolet light takes precedence. Aside from the final properties, the curing agent plays a key role in the bulk manufacturing of such materials, and it mainly affects the polymerization kinetics and their rheology. The copolymerization of HMDI and a metallo‐prepolymer derivative from hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) is studied under isothermal conditions (50–80 °C). This study is carried out by means of an indirect method, using both rotational viscometry and dynamic rheometry. At the beginning of the process, the viscosity growth fit well to a first‐order kinetic model. Afterward, the reactive system passes through gelation, from which only rheology is allowed for the investigation of the entire polymerization process. This transition is analyzed in depth together with predictions from percolation theory. The conversion degree is determined from rheological measurements, and then an autocatalytic kinetic model is applied to describe the overall process. Finally, an isoconversional method allows the evolution of activation energy to be studied. This analysis merits attention for the development of high‐performance binders that are of great interest in aerospace propulsion technology.
Training deep‐learning segmentation models from severely limited data
Authors: Zhao Yao , Rhee Dong Joo , Cardenas Carlos , Court Laurence E. , Yang Jinzhong
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To enable generation of high‐quality deep learning segmentation models from severely limited contoured cases (e.g., ~10 cases).

Methods

Thirty head and neck computed tomography (CT) scans with well‐defined contours were deformably registered to 200 CT scans of the same anatomic site without contours. Acquired deformation vector fields were used to train a principal component analysis (PCA) model for each of the 30 contoured CT scans by capturing the mean deformation and most prominent variations. Each PCA model can produce an infinite number of synthetic CT scans and corresponding contours by applying random deformations. We used 300, 600, 1000, and 2000 synthetic CT scans and contours generated from one PCA model to train V‐Net, a 3D convolutional neural network architecture, to segment parotid and submandibular glands. We repeated the training using same numbers of training cases generated from 7, 10, 20, and 30 PCA models, with the data distributed evenly between each PCA model. Performance of the segmentation models was evaluated with Dice similarity coefficients between auto‐generated contours and physician‐drawn contours on 162 test CT scans for parotid glands and another 21 test CT scans for submandibular glands.

Results

Dice values varied with the number of synthetic CT scans and the number of PCA models used to train the network. By using 2000 synthetic CT scans generated from 10 PCA models, we achieved Dice values of 82.8% ± 6.8% for right parotid, 82.0% ± 6.9% for left parotid, and 74.2% ± 6.8% for submandibular glands. These results are comparable with those obtained from state‐of‐the‐art auto‐contouring approaches, including a deep learning network trained from more than 1000 contoured patients and a multi‐atlas algorithm from 12 well‐contoured atlases. Improvement was marginal when >10 PCA models or >2000 synthetic CT scans were used.

Conclusions

We demonstrated an effective data augmentation approach to train high‐quality deep learning segmentation models from a limited number of well‐contoured patient cases.
Bulk volume susceptibility difference between deoxyhemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin for HbA and HbS: A comparative study
Authors: Eldeniz Cihat , Binkley Michael M. , Fields Melanie , Guilliams Kristin , Ragan Dustin K. , Chen Yasheng , Lee Jin‐Moo , Ford Andria L. , An Hongyu
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that alters the morphology and the oxygen affinity of the red blood cells. Cerebral oxygen extraction fraction measurements using quantitative BOLD contrast have been used for assessing inadequate oxygen delivery and the subsequent risk of ischemic stroke in sickle cell anemia. The BOLD signal in MRI studies relies on , the bulk volume susceptibility difference between fully oxygenated and fully deoxygenated blood. Several studies have measured for normal hemoglobin A (HbA). However, it is not known whether the value is different for sickle hemoglobin. In this study, was measured for both HbA and sickle hemoglobin.

Methods

Six sickle cell anemia patients and 6 controls were recruited. Various blood oxygenation levels were achieved through in vivo manipulations to keep the blood close to its natural state. To account for the differences in oxygen affinity, Hill’s equations were used to translate partial pressure of oxygen to oxygen saturation for HbA, sickle hemoglobin, and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) separately. The pH and PCO2 corrections were performed. Temperature and magnetic field drift were controlled for. A multivariate generalized linear mixed model with random participant effect was used.

Results

Assuming that is similar for HbA and HbF and that is 5/4 of for HbA, it was found that the values for HbA and sickle hemoglobin were not statistically significantly different from each other.

Conclusion

The same value can be used for both types of hemoglobin in quantitative BOLD analysis.
Recent progress of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedical applications: A review
Authors: Anik Muzahidul I. , Hossain M. Khalid , Hossain Imran , Mahfuz A. M. U. B. , Rahman M. Tayebur , Ahmed Isteaque
Published: January 2021

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) offer tremendous potentialities in biomedical applications for a long while. Since these materials' interactions in biological media largely rely on their crystal structures, sizes, and shapes, detailed studies on their synthesis mechanism for medicinal aspects are crucial. Despite many review reports that have already been published on MNPs, they mainly have focused either on their perspective in biomedical applications or their synthesis and characterization along with functionalization mechanisms as individual entities. For this reason, this review uncovers a comprehensive insight into the ongoing improvement of fabrication processes, surface functionalization of MNPs for biomedical applications together. Besides, various magnetic nanocomposite (MNCs) for smart drug delivery, recent hyperthermia treatment, lab‐on‐a‐chip, and magnetic bio‐separation, and some of the recent emerging imaging techniques using MNPs are discussed. A detailed analysis of toxicity, challenges, and recent progress of clinical trials of MNPs is sketched out to open numerous entryways for advanced research on MNPs for biomedical applications.
Controller placement problem in software‐defined networking: A survey
Authors: Kumari Abha , Sairam Ashok Singh
Published: January 2021

A distinctive feature of software‐defined networking (SDN) is a logically centralized control plane realized using multiple physical controllers. The placement of the controllers, the so‐called controller placement problem (CPP), is a crucial design issue. It influences network performance parameters such as latency, flow setup time, network availability, load balance of the controllers, and energy consumption. In this article, we illustrate the formulation of these CPP objectives. We categorize the CPP design solutions as either static or adaptive. In adaptive CPP, the solutions proposed dynamically adapt to the number of controllers required and the switch to controller mapping to varying network traffic. We further differentiate adaptive CPP as wired or wireless. The optimization strategies adopted by the papers are analyzed and grouped into five categories: exact, heuristic, meta‐heuristic, clustering, and game theory. The merits and demerits of each approach are discussed. In conclusion, we outline the research challenges worth investigating.
Developing a nursing diagnosis for the risk for malnutrition: a mixed‐method study
Authors: Brunner Silvia , Mayer Hanna , Breidert Matthias , Dietrich Michael , Müller‐Staub Maria
Published: January 2021

Aim

As the risk for malnutrition in older people in hospitals is often underreported, we aimed to develop a risk nursing diagnosis, including label, definition and risk factors.

Design

A convergent parallel mixed‐methods design was employed.

Methods

A literature review led to risk factors, validated by 22 hospitalized older people's perspectives and observations, including their nursing records. Per participant, one interview (qualitative), one non‐participatory observation of three meals (198 hr; qualitative) and one nursing record evaluation (quantitative) were conducted.

Findings

According to the classification system of NANDA International, the risk for protein–energy malnutrition is defined with 18 risk factors, including associated conditions. Content validated risk factors are presented from three participants with the most, medium and least coherent nursing record, measured with the Quality of Diagnosis, Intervention and Outcomes tool.

Conclusion

This new nursing diagnosis supports nurses to manage the risk for malnutrition and optimize older people's nutrition.
New discussion on approximate controllability results for fractional Sobolev type Volterra‐Fredholm integro‐differential systems of order 1 < r < 2
Authors: Vijayakumar V. , Ravichandran Chokkalingam , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Kucche Kishor D.
Published: January 2021

In our article, we are primarily concentrating on approximate controllability results for fractional Sobolev type Volterra‐Fredholm integro‐differential inclusions of order 1 < r < 2. By applying the results and ideas belongs to the cosine function of operators, fractional calculus and fixed point approach, the main results are established. Initially, we establish the approximate controllability of the considered fractional system, then continue to examine the system with the concept of nonlocal conditions. In the end, we present an example to demonstrate the theory.
Short Radiative Lifetime and Non‐Triplet Sensitization in Near‐Infrared‐Luminescent Yb(III) Complex with Tripodal Schiff Base
Authors: Masuya‐Suzuki Atsuko , Goto Satoshi , Kambe Takafumi , Karashimada Ryunosuke , Kubota Yasuhiro , Iki Nobuhiko
Published: January 2021

We prepared Ln(III) (Ln=Eu, Gd, and Yb) complexes with a tripodal Schiff base, tris[2‐(5‐methylsalicylideneimino)ethyl]amine (H3L) and studied their photophysical properties. Upon ligand excitation, YbL showed Yb(III)‐centered luminescence in the near‐infrared region. While the overall quantum yield (0.60(1)%) of YbL in acetonitrile was moderate among the reported values for Yb(III) complexes, its radiative lifetime (0.33(2) ms) was significantly shorter than those reported previously. We propose that the ligand‐to‐metal charge‐transfer (LMCT) state mediated the sensitization in YbL. The emission and excitation spectra of EuL indicated the participation of the LMCT state in the sensitization. The radiative lifetime (0.84(7) ms) for EuL in the solid state was rather short compared to those of reported Eu(III) complexes. Our results show that the Yb(III) complex with the Schiff base ligand has two features: the short radiative lifetime and the non‐triplet sensitization path.