bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility, Outcomes, and Safety of Telehepatology Services During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Verma Nipun , Mishra Saurabh , Singh Surender , Kaur Rajwant , Kaur Talwinder , De Arka , Premkumar Madhumita , Taneja Sunil , Duseja Ajay , Singh Meenu , Singh Virendra
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has hampered health care delivery globally. We evaluated the feasibility, outcomes, and safety of telehepatology in delivering quality care amid the pandemic. A telemedicine setup using smartphones by hepatologists was organized at our tertiary‐care center after pilot testing. Consecutive patients availing telehepatology services were recruited between March and July 2020. An adapted model for assessment of telemedicine was used after validity and reliability testing, to evaluate services 7‐21 days after index teleconsultation. Of the 1,419 registrations, 1,281 (90.3%) consultations were completed. From 245 randomly surveyed patients, 210 (85.7%) responded (age [years, interquartile range]: 46 [35‐56]; 32.3% females). Seventy percent of patients belonged to the middle or lower socio‐economic class, whereas 61% were from rural areas. Modes of teleconsultation were audio (54.3%) or hybrid video call (45.7%). Teleconsultation alone was deemed suitable in 88.6% of patients. Diagnosis and compliance rates were 94% and 82.4%, respectively. Patients’ convenience rate, satisfaction rate, improvement rate, success rate, and net promoter scores were 99.0%, 85.2%, 49.5%, 46.2% and 70, respectively. Physical and mental quality of life improved in 67.1% and 82.8% of patients, respectively, following index teleconsultation. Person‐hours and money spent by patients were significantly lower with teleconsultation (P < 0.001); however, person‐hours spent by hospital per teleconsultation were higher than in physical outpatient services (P < 0.001). Dissatisfied patients were more likely to have lower diagnosis rate, unsuitability for teleconsultation, noncompliance, poorer understanding, and uncomfortable conversation during teleconsultation. Connectivity issues (22.9%) were the most common barrier. Three patients, all of whom were advised emergency care during teleconsultation, succumbed to their illness. Conclusion: Telehepatology is a feasible and reasonably effective tool for rendering health care services using smartphones during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Systematic implementation, possible integration into routine health care delivery, and formal cost‐effectiveness of telehepatology services need further exploration.
[Rh2(MEPY)4] and [BiRh(MEPY)4]: Convenient Syntheses and Computational Analysis of Strikingly Dissimilar Siblings
Authors: Löffler Lorenz E. , Buchsteiner Michael , Collins Lee R. , Caló Fabio P. , Singha Santanu , Fürstner Alois
Published: April 2021

[Rh2(MEPY)4] is a versatile catalyst for asymmetric synthesis but its preparation requires purification by chromatography on surface‐modified silica. A higher yielding procedure based on a more convenient work‐up is presented herein. Moreover, a much improved method for the preparation of [BiRh(OTfa)4] is described, which makes this heterobimetallic complex readily available. Subsequent exchange of the trifluoroacetate ligands opens access to a so far underappreciated family of (chiral) paddlewheel complexes. While [BiRh] complexes comprising four carboxylate ligands are highly adequate for intermolecular asymmetric cyclopropanation reactions, [BiRh(MEPY)4] as the heterobimetallic cousin of [Rh2(MEPY)4] was found to be surprisingly unreactive; DFT calculations uncover the reasons for this inertia.
Quartic autocatalysis of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions in the bioconvective flow of radiating micropolar nanofluid between parallel plates
Authors: Puneeth V. , Manjunatha S. , Gireesha B. J.
Published: April 2021

This study deals with the quartic autocatalysis of homogeneous–heterogeneous chemical reaction that occurs in the bioconvective flow of micropolar nanofluid between two horizontally parallel plates. The quartic autocatalysis is found to be more effective than cubic autocatalysis since the concentration of the homogeneous species is substantially high. The upper plate is assumed to be in motion and the lower plate is kept stationary. Such a flow of micropolar fluid finds application in the pharmaceutical industry, microbial enhanced oil recovery, hydrodynamical machines, chemical processing, and so forth. The governing equations for this flow are in the form of the partial differential equation and their corresponding similarity transformation is obtained through Lie group analysis. The governing equations are further transformed to coupled nonlinear differential equations that are linearized through the Successive linearization method and are solved using the Chebyshev Collocation method. The effects of various parameters, such as micropolar coupling parameter, spin gradient parameter, reaction rates, and so forth, are analyzed. It is observed that the fluid flows with a greater velocity away from the channel walls, whereas near the channel walls the velocity decreases with an increase in the coupling parameter. Furthermore, the spin parameter increases the spin gradient viscosity that reduces the microrotation of particles that further decreases the microrotation profile.
Fluorescent Chemical Tools for Tracking Anionic Phospholipids
Authors: Kundu Rajasree , Chandra Amitava , Datta Ankona
Published: April 2021

Anionic phospholipids are essential structural components of cell membranes. Spatiotemporal dynamics of these lipids play central roles in regulating signalling events, membrane trafficking, maintenance of cell‐shape, and cargo transport. On the other hand, defects in anionic phospholipid metabolism are linked to multiple diseases. Hence, the ability to visualize these phospholipids and their dynamics in living cells can afford mechanistic insights into vital cell processes, guide the development of therapeutics, and lead to diagnostic agents. In this exciting backdrop, fluorescent sensors that can detect anionic phospholipids become key chemical tools that can be used to image and track these bio‐molecules in a confocal microscopy platform. In this review, we highlight existing chemical probes and sensing strategies for anionic phospholipids along with their pros and cons in the context of their applicability toward imaging and tracking these essential lipids in living cells.
Hemoglobin autofluorescence as potential long‐term glycemic marker in the rat animal model
Authors: Guo Han‐Wen , Tseng Te‐Yu , Lin Chih‐Ju , Dong Chen‐Yuan
Published: April 2021

Diabetes is a serious disease whose patients often require long‐term care. Blood glucose and intermediate glycation product of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) are, at best, surrogate biomarkers of disease progression. There is indication that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) better reflect diabetic risks. In this study, we explored the use of red blood cells (RBCs) and lysed hemoglobin (Hb) autofluorescence (AF) as potential biomarkers of diabetic complication. AF spectra measured under 370 nm excitation reveals that both RBC and Hb fluorescence in the 420 to 600 nm region. At early time points following diabetic induction in rats, AF increase in lysed Hb is more dramatic compared to that of RBCs. Moreover, we found significance variance of Hb autofluorescence despite relatively constant HbA1c levels. Furthermore, we found that although a correlation exists between AGE autofluorescence and HbA1c levels, the lack of complete correspondence suggests that the rate of AGE production differs significantly among different rats. Our results suggest that with additional development, both RBC and Hb autofluorescence from lysed RBCs may be used act long‐term glycemic markers for diabetic complications in patients.
A multidrug resistance‐associated protein inhibitor is a potential enhancer of the benzyl isothiocyanate‐induced apoptosis induction in human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Yang Qifu , Nakamura Toshiyuki , Seto Masayuki , Miyagawa Miku , Xu Wensi , Zhu Beiwei , Munemasa Shintaro , Murata Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Yoshimasa
Published: April 2021

The increasing drug efflux through the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters is the most plausible mechanism that mediates resistance to the anticancer phytochemicals, such as benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), as well as chemotherapy drugs. To identify a potential component to overcome this resistance by combinatory utilization, we focused on multidrug resistance‐associated proteins (MRPs) pumping various drug metabolites with glutathione as well as the organic anions. The pharmacological treatment of an MRP inhibitor, MK571, significantly potentiated the BITC‐induced antiproliferation, coincided with the enhanced accumulation of BITC and glutathione in human colorectal cancer HCT‐116 cells. MK571 also enhanced the apoptosis induction as well as activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases and caspase‐3, whereas it did not affect their basal levels. These results suggested that, since MRPs might play a pivotal role in the BITC efflux, MK571 potentiates the BITC‐induced antiproliferation in human colorectal cancer cells through inhibition of the glutathione‐dependent BITC efflux.
Targeting STAT3: A crucial modulator of sepsis
Authors: Lei Wangrui , Liu Dianxiao , Sun Meng , Lu Chenxi , Yang Wenwen , Wang Changyu , Cheng Ye , Zhang Meng , Shen Mingzhi , Yang Zhi , Chen Yin , Deng Chao , Yang Yang
Published: April 2021

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a cellular signal transcription factor that has recently attracted a great deal of attention. It can trigger a variety of genes transcription in response to cytokines and growth factors stimulation, which plays an important role in many cellular biological processes involved in anti/proinflammatory responses. Sepsis is a life‐threatening organ dysfunction resulting from dysregulated host responses to infection. As a converging point of multiple inflammatory responses pathways, accumulating studies have presented the elaborate network of STAT3 in sepsis pathophysiology; these results generally indicate a promising therapeutic application for targeting STAT3 in the treatment of sepsis. In the present review, we evaluated the published literature describing the use of STAT3 in the treatment of experimental and clinical sepsis. The information presented here may be useful for the design of future studies and may highlight the potential of STAT3 as a future biomarker and therapeutic target for sepsis.
PCSK9 genetic (rs11591147) and epigenetic (DNA methylation) modifications associated with PCSK9 expression and serum proteins in CAD patients
Authors: Shyamala Nivas , Gundapaneni Kishore Kumar , Galimudi Rajesh Kumar , Tupurani Mohini Aiyengar , Padala Chiranjeevi , Puranam Kaushik , Kupsal Keerthi , Kummari Ramanjaneyulu , Gantala Srilatha Reddy , Nallamala Krishna Reddy , Sahu Sanjib K. , Hanumanth Surekha Rani
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) genetic polymorphisms play a significant role in cholesterol homeostasis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of PCSK9 genetic variations NM_174936.3:c.137G>T (R46L, rs11591147) and NM_174936.3:c.1120G>T (D374Y, rs137852912), as well as promoter DNA methylation status, with mRNA expression and circulating serum protein levels in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.

Methods

The present study includes 300 CAD cases and 300 controls from South India. Biochemical assays were performed using commercially available kits. PCSK9 rs11591147 and rs137852912 polymorphisms were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method, whereas promoter DNA methylation status and gene expression were determined using methylation specific PCR and quantitative PCR respectively.

Results

The genotypic distribution of PCSK9 rs11591147 revealed that individuals with the TT‐genotype and T‐allele have a reduced risk for CAD. Furthermore, patients with the PCSK9 rs11591147 TT genotype have a significantly lower total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels and also higher high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels than individuals with the GG genotype. Logistic regression analysis has shown that the GG and GT (p = 1.51 × 10–8, p = 1.47 × 10–9) genotypes predicted the risk for CAD with an odds ratio of 5.8 and 7.3 respectively. In addition, individuals with the TT genotype were hypermethylated at promoter DNA of PCSK9, resulting in lower mRNA expression and circulating serum proteins than in individuals with the GG genotype. In silico analyses revealed that rs11591147 T‐allele has protein destabilizing capacity.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the present study indicates that the PCSK9 gene expression and circulating serum protein levels are not only associated with rs11591147 genotype, but also with promoter DNA methylation. Furthermore, the findings with respect to both single nucleotide polymorphism and promoter DNA methylation may open avenues for novel treatment possibilities targeting PCSK9 for CAD management.
Comprehensive investigation of sources of misclassification errors in routine HIV testing in Zimbabwe
Authors: Gregson Simon , Moorhouse Louisa , Dadirai Tawanda , Sheppard Haynes , Mayini Justin , Beckmann Nadine , Skovdal Morten , Dzangare Janet , Moyo Brian , Maswera Rufurwokuda , Pinsky Benjamin A , Mharakurwa Sungano , Francis Ian , Mugurungi Owen , Nyamukapa Constance
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Misclassification errors have been reported in rapid diagnostic HIV tests (RDTs) in sub‐Saharan African countries. These errors can lead to missed opportunities for prevention‐of‐mother‐to‐child‐transmission (PMTCT), early infant diagnosis and adult HIV‐prevention, unnecessary lifelong antiretroviral treatment (ART) and wasted resources. Few national estimates or systematic quantifications of sources of errors have been produced. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of possible sources of misclassification errors in routine HIV testing in Zimbabwe.

Methods

RDT‐based HIV test results were extracted from routine PMTCT programme records at 62 sites during national antenatal HIV surveillance in 2017. Positive‐ (PPA) and negative‐percent agreement (NPA) for HIV RDT results and the false‐HIV‐positivity rate for people with previous HIV‐positive results (“known‐positives”) were calculated using results from external quality assurance testing done for HIV surveillance purposes. Data on indicators of quality management systems, RDT kit performance under local climatic conditions and user/clerical errors were collected using HIV surveillance forms, data‐loggers and a Smartphone camera application (7 sites). Proportions of cases with errors were compared for tests done in the presence/absence of potential sources of errors.

Results

NPA was 99.9% for both pregnant women (N = 17224) and male partners (N = 2173). PPA was 90.0% (N = 1187) and 93.4% (N = 136) for women and men respectively. 3.5% (N = 1921) of known‐positive individuals on ART were HIV negative. Humidity and temperature exceeding manufacturers’ recommendations, particularly in storerooms (88.6% and 97.3% respectively), and premature readings of RDT output (56.0%) were common. False‐HIV‐negative cases, including interpretation errors, occurred despite staff training and good algorithm compliance, and were not reduced by existing external or internal quality assurance procedures. PPA was lower when testing room humidity exceeded 60% (88.0% vs. 93.3%; p = 0.007).

Conclusions

False‐HIV‐negative results were still common in Zimbabwe in 2017 and could be reduced with HIV testing algorithms that use RDTs with higher sensitivity under real‐world conditions and greater practicality under busy clinic conditions, and by strengthening proficiency testing procedures in external quality assurance systems. New false‐HIV‐positive RDT results were infrequent but earlier errors in testing may have resulted in large numbers of uninfected individuals being on ART.
CD200R1L is a functional evolutionary conserved activating receptor in human neutrophils
Authors: Pascoal Ramos M Inês , Keşmir Can , Stok Jorn E , Geerdink Ruben , Satravelas Nikolaos , Westerlaken Geertje H A , Meyaard Linde , van der Vlist Michiel
Published: April 2021

Inhibitory and activating immune receptors play a key role in modulating the amplitude and duration of immune responses during infection and in maintaining immune balance in homeostatic conditions. The CD200 Receptor (CD200R) gene family in humans encodes one inhibitory receptor, CD200R1, and one putative activating member, CD200R1 Like (CD200R1L). It is demonstrated that CD200R1L is endogenously expressed by human neutrophils and activates cellular functions such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via Syk, PI3Kβ, PI3Kδ, and Rac GTPase signaling. Phylogenetic analysis shows that CD200R1L is present in many species among vertebrates, ranging from birds to primates, suggesting that evolutionary conservation of this receptor is critical for protection against co-evolving pathogens. The duplication event that generated CD200R1L from CD200R occurred several times throughout evolution, supporting convergent evolution of CD200R1L. In our phylogenetic trees, CD200R1L has longer branch lengths than CD200R1 in most species, suggesting that CD200R1L is evolving faster than CD200R1. It is proposed that CD200R1L represents a hitherto uncharacterized activating receptor on human neutrophils.
The microbiota-gut-bone axis and bone health
Authors: Tu Ye , Yang Ran , Xu Xin , Zhou Xuedong
Published: April 2021

The gastrointestinal tract is colonized by trillions of microorganisms, consisting of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, known as the “second gene pool” of the human body. In recent years, the microbiota-gut-bone axis has attracted increasing attention in the field of skeletal health/disorders. The involvement of gut microbial dysbiosis in multiple bone disorders has been recognized. The gut microbiota regulates skeletal homeostasis through its effects on host metabolism, immune function, and hormonal secretion. Owing to the essential role of the gut microbiota in skeletal homeostasis, novel gut microbiota-targeting therapeutics, such as probiotics and prebiotics, have been proven effective in preventing bone loss. However, more well-controlled clinical trials are still needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of these ecologic modulators in the treatment of bone disorders.
Lymphocytes sense antibodies through human FCRL proteins: Emerging roles in mucosal immunity
Authors: Tolnay Mate
Published: April 2021

Members of the Fc receptor-like (FCRL) family modulate B and T cell responses, yet their functional roles remain enigmatic. Nevertheless, FCRL3 promoter polymorphism that alters gene expression has been associated with autoimmune disease risk, indicating physiologic importance. Providing essential functional context, human FCRL3, FCRL4, and FCRL5 have recently been identified as secretory IgA (SIgA), dimeric IgA, and IgG receptors, respectively, revealing novel ways lymphocytes can interact with antibodies. FCRL3 and FCRL4 are able to distinguish the mucosal and systemic origin of IgA-containing immune complexes, respectively, with clear implications in guiding mucosal responses. SIgA can signal mucosal breach through FCRL3, driving the functional plasticity of regulatory T cells toward inflammatory to help control invading pathogens. Conversely, recognition of dimeric IgA by FCRL4 on memory B cells located in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues could promote tolerance to commensals. Memory B cells that accumulate under conditions of chronic antigen presence frequently express FCRL4 and FCRL5, and antibody ligands could provide functional feedback to the cells. FCRL5 apparently recognizes the age of the IgG molecule, using deamidation as a molecular clock, conceivably playing regulatory roles in chronic antibody responses. A framework of FCRL3, FCRL4, and FCRL5 operating as sensors of antibodies in immune complexes is proposed. Sensing the spatial origin and age of immune complexes can shape lymphocyte functional attributes and inform their participation in mucosal immune responses. The potential contributions of FCRL3 and SIgA to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases are discussed.
Identification of future meteorological drought hotspots over Indian region: A study based on NEX‐GDDP data
Authors: Das Subhadarsini , Das Jew , Umamahesh Nanduri Venkata
Published: April 2021

The present study aims to answer the following two research questions using the future outputs from 19 GCMs of the novel NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX‐GDDP) under two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. (a) What will be the possible variability of future meteorological drought properties during the 21st century? (b) What will be the possible influence of temperature in modulating the drought properties? In order to answer the above questions, five different drought properties namely frequency, severity, duration, peak, and areal spread are analysed for future (2022–2099) using two meteorological drought indices such as Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation‐Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) for short (3‐month scale) and long (12‐month scale) term drought conditions. The essential outcomes from the study indicate a warming and wetting climate over Maharashtra during the 21st century. With an increase in monthly precipitation, severity and duration of future meteorological droughts are likely to decrease in long‐term drought condition. Conversely, in the short‐term condition, the properties are expected to increase. The drought properties like peak and areal spread are expected to increase for both short and long‐term drought conditions in most of the regions. Temperature plays a vital role in modulating the meteorological droughts, and the present study notices the same in most of the cases in all the drought properties, especially in drought severity, duration, and peak. All the division are identified as hotspot regions during the mid and later part of the 21st century for short‐term drought condition. The number of hotspot regions decreases in long‐term drought condition as compared to short‐term drought condition.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for rectal cancer patients: A retrospective study of its safety and indications
Authors: Zhou Sicheng , Jiang Yujuan , Pei Wei , Zhou Haitao , Liang Jianwei , Zhou Zhixiang
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives

There is no consensus on the safety and indications of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPND) for patients with clinical lateral pelvic node metastasis (LPNM) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 151 patients who underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) + LPND and divided them into two groups: nCRT group (n = 73) and non‐nCRT group (n = 78).

Results

Thirty‐one (20.5%) patients had LPNM by pathology. The operative time was significantly longer in the nCRT group (291.9 vs. 237.0 min, p < 0.001); however, the two groups had comparable intraoperative blood loss (87.3 vs. 78.9 ml, p = 0.607) and morbidity (19.2% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.537). Additionally, in the nCRT group, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that poor/mucinous/signet adenocarcinoma (odds ratio [OR] = 6.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–43.03, p = 0.047) and post‐nCRT LPN size ≥7 mm (OR = 26.67, 95% CI = 2.87–247.91, p = 0.004) were independent risk factors for pathological LPNM.

Conclusion

nCRT before TME + LPND is safe and feasible with a comparably low mortality and acceptable morbidity. Poor/mucinous/signet adenocarcinoma and post‐nCRT LPN size ≥7 mm were independent predictive factors of pathological LPNM after nCRT for rectal cancer patients with clinical LPNM, and patients with these characteristics should consider LPND after nCRT.
A return to innocence: Guimi tourism and women empowerment
Authors: Hao Fei , Zhang Shiqin , Xiao Honggen
Published: April 2021

Influenced by the Confucian culture, clan‐family structure, and communist ideology, gender inequality still widely exists in modern China. On reflection of the socio‐cultural framework that shaped the Chinese gender lens, this study took a “power to” perspective on women empowerment by investigating 28 Guimi‐tourists' embodied experience. Upon identifying the core experience of “Return to Innocence,” a resources‐agency‐achievements framework was constructed to depict the underlying mechanism through which Guimi tourism empowered women to counteract sociocultural constraints. The study offered a context‐specific understanding of Guimi tourism and theoretically contributed to women empowerment and tourism, as well as Chinese cultural studies.
Changes in Brain Volume Associated with Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Among Youth with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Garrett Amy S. , Abazid Leen , Cohen Judith A. , van der Kooij Anita , Carrion Victor , Zhang Wei , Jo Booil , Franklin Crystal , Blader Joseph , Zack Sanno , Reiss Allan L. , Agras W. Stewart
Published: April 2021

This study investigated group differences and longitudinal changes in brain volume before and after trauma‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF‐CBT) in 20 unmedicated youth with maltreatment‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 20 non–trauma‐exposed healthy control (HC) participants. We collected MRI scans of brain anatomy before and after 5 months of TF‐CBT or the same time interval for the HC group. FreeSurfer software was used to segment brain images into 95 cortical and subcortical volumes, which were submitted to optimal scaling regression with lasso variable selection. The resulting model of group differences at baseline included larger right medial orbital frontal and left posterior cingulate corticies and smaller right midcingulate and right precuneus corticies in the PTSD relative to the HC group, R2 = .67. The model of group differences in pre‐ to posttreatment change included greater longitudinal changes in right rostral middle frontal, left pars triangularis, right entorhinal, and left cuneus corticies in the PTSD relative to the HC group, R2 = .69. Within the PTSD group, pre‐ to posttreatment symptom improvement was modeled by longitudinal decreases in the left posterior cingulate cortex, R2 = .45, and predicted by baseline measures of a smaller right isthmus (retrosplenial) cingulate and larger left caudate, R2 = .77. In sum, treatment was associated with longitudinal changes in brain regions that support executive functioning but not those that discriminated PTSD from HC participants at baseline. Additionally, results confirm a role for the posterior/retrosplenial cingulate as a correlate of PTSD symptom improvement and predictor of treatment outcome.
Shrub‐encroached grassland as an alternative stable state in semiarid steppe regions: Evidence from community stability and assembly
Authors: Hao Guang , Yang Nan , Dong Ke , Xu Yujuan , Ding Xinfeng , Shi Xinjian , Chen Lei , Wang Jinlong , Zhao Nianxi , Gao Yubao
Published: April 2021

Understanding community restoration state and assembly mechanisms is helpful to assess restoration measures and predict community dynamics. In order to explore the effects of fencing duration and shrub cover on community stability and assembly, we investigated the community information and assessed the assembly mechanisms in plots using shrub cover of Caragana microphylla within each of the three sites fenced since 1979, 1983, and 2003 in a semiarid steppe region of China. Community composition was different among various fencing duration or shrub cover treatments. Shrub cover had a positive effect, and fencing duration had a negative effect on community stability, and both had indirect effects via regulating vegetation cover. Both shrub cover and fencing duration influenced phylogenetic structure directly and negatively, and indirectly via regulating Simpson's diversity and vegetation cover. Considering that the functional traits were phylogenetically convergent, community assembly mechanisms assessed by the values of phylogenetic structure shifted from stochasticity to competitive exclusion with the increase of shrub cover and fencing duration, and competitive exclusion dominated community assembly in the plots of low or high shrub cover in the site of fencing since 1979. The responses of community stability and community assembly to the changes of shrub cover and fencing duration suggest that the shrub‐encroached grassland is an alternative stable community state in semiarid steppe regions. Therefore, it is essential to distinguish shrub‐encroached grasslands from non‐encroached degraded grasslands when formulating relevant conservation and management measures in similar regions.
Triglyceride/High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio: A Clue to Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, and Severe Atherosclerosis
Authors: Azarpazhooh M. Reza , Najafi Farid , Darbandi Mitra , Kiarasi Soushyant , Oduyemi Temilola , Spence J. David
Published: April 2021

High serum levels of triglycerides (Tg) and low levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) are characteristic of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). We assessed the ratio of Tg to HDL‐C as a way to identify MetS and insulin resistance. We also evaluated its association with severity of carotid atherosclerosis. Data were analyzed from three cohorts totaling 13,908 participants. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Optimal cut‐off for Tg/HDL‐C ratio was obtained using Youden's index in receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. The risk of MetS and IR in those with a Tg/HDL‐C ratio above the optimum cutoff was evaluated by logistic regression analysis. A Tg/HDL‐C ratio above the optimal cutoff level significantly increased the odds ratio for MetS in the three cohorts (OR 6.00, 4.04, and 3.50, least in the healthy population), identified insulin resistance defined by the homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (p < 0.0001), and was strongly associated with atherosclerosis severity (p = 0.0001). Tg/HDL‐C ratio identifies persons with MetS, insulin resistance, and severe atherosclerosis. It should be used more widely to identify patients at high risk. This is clinically important because insulin resistance is treatable.
SBS Thermoplastic Elastomer Based on Dynamic Metal‐Ligand Bond: Structure, Mechanical Properties, and Shape Memory Behavior
Authors: Wang Qiang , He Yu , Li Qiuying , Wu Chifei
Published: April 2021

A Cooper(II) (Cu2+)‐nitrogen coordination‐crosslinked network is designed in poly(styrene‐co‐butadiene‐co‐styrene) (SBS) to change commercial elastomers into advanced soft materials. Herein, ligand groups into SBS molecular chains by the 3,6‐di(2‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (DPT) click reaction are first introduced. The results from fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are verified the successful modification of SBS. The DPT‐grafted SBS could then coordinate with copper sulfate (CuSO4) to form a Cu2+‐nitrogen bond, which is further characterized using FT‐IR, XPS, atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscope, and geometric structure calculations. After modifying SBS to form an SBS‐DPT/CuSO4 composite (SBS‐DPT2‐Cu10), the tensile stress is improved from 11.43 to 23.25 MPa, while the elongation at break is remained almost unchanged, and the corresponding toughness is increased from 33.21 to 63.26 MJ m–3. Moreover, the dynamic nature of the Cu2+‐nitrogen coordination bonds enables the SBS‐DPT/CuSO4 composite to exhibit sustained thermoplastic performance and excellent shape memory behavior under an external thermal stimulus.
Magnetohydrodynamics boundary layer flow of micropolar fluid over an exponentially shrinking sheet with thermal radiation: Triple solutions and stability analysis
Authors: Yahaya Rusya Iryanti , Md Arifin Norihan , Mohamed Isa Siti Suzilliana Putri , Rashidi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: April 2021

The flow of electrically conducting micropolar fluid past an exponentially permeable shrinking sheet in the presence of a magnetic field and thermal radiation is studied. Similarity transformations are applied to the governing partial differential equations to form ordinary differential equations. The solution for the resultant equations, subject to boundary conditions, is then computed numerically using the bvp4c solver in MATLAB. The effects of several parameters on the local skin friction coefficient, couple stress, Nusselt number, velocity, microrotation and temperature of the fluid are analysed. Because the numerical computations for this problem result in triple solutions, stability analysis is carried out to ascertain the stability and significance of these solutions. The first solution is revealed to be stable, hence more physically meaningful than the other solutions. Meanwhile, it is found that the increase in magnetic and thermal radiation parameters reduces the fluid temperature.
Developing a detection model for a COVID‐19 infected person based on a probabilistic dynamical system
Authors: El‐Hadidy Mohamed Abd Allah
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a novel model to detect the COVID‐19 infected person from a Markovian feedback persons in a limited department capacity. The persons arrive one by one to the department and the balking and the retention of reneged person approaches are considered. There exists one server presents the service to these persons according to first‐come, first‐served (FCFS) discipline. An efficient and novel algorithm is presented to get the exact value of the probability ofnpersons in the department at any time interval. This algorithm depends on the Laplace transform to solve a probabilistic dynamical system of differential equations. By considering the exponential detection function and if the probability of the infected person in the department is equal to the probability of each one, then this algorithm is useful to obtain the detection probability of the infected one. Under steady state, the detection probability of the infected person is described. The usefulness of this model is illustrated for different capacities by using a numerical example to describe the behavior of probabilities of the persons in the department, the detection probabilities of the infected person as functions in time, and the mean time to detection.
Impact of capacity on the supplier's distribution channel selection in facing a retail platform
Authors: Xie Xia , Hu Peng , Yu Jing , Dai Bin
Published: April 2021

In the presence of agency selling in emerging retail platforms, suppliers are motivated to select purely traditional reselling, agency selling or a hybrid distribution channel strategy. In this paper, considering a capacity‐constrained supplier facing a retail platform, we examine the equilibrium pricing and ordering decisions in the hybrid channel, and further analyze the impact of limited capacity on the supplier's distribution channel selection as well as equilibrium outcomes. Results show that the hybrid channel always dominates pure agency selling. In comparison to the unlimited capacity setting, we find that limited capacity motivates the supplier to select pure reselling under a low commission rate. However, under a moderate commission rate, moderate capacity motivates the supplier to select the hybrid channel. We also show that, under moderate capacity in the hybrid channel, the retail platform may order all the supplier's capacity and strategically withhold some to avoid downstream competition, and that the impact of commission rate on the capacity thresholds of withholding behavior may be nonmonotonic. Interestingly, we find that moderate capacity may benefit the supplier, the retail platform, and consumers at the same time, creating a win–win–win outcome.
An efficient algorithm for solving the nonnegative tensor least squares problem
Authors: Duan Xue‐Feng , Duan Shan‐Qi , Li Juan , Li Jiao‐fen , Wang Qing‐Wen
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we consider the nonnegative tensor least squares problem, which arises in the color image restoration. Based on the BB stepsize technique, we design a nonmonotonic descent stepsize and then derive a new gradient projection algorithm to solve this problem. The convergence analysis of the new gradient projected algorithm is given. Some numerical examples show that the new method is feasible and effective. Especially, some simulation experiments in the color image restoration problems illustrate that our algorithm is more effective than the existed algorithms.
A subspace iteration eigensolver based on Cauchy integrals for vibroacoustic problems in unbounded domains
Authors: Baydoun Suhaib Koji , Voigt Matthias , Goderbauer Benedikt , Jelich Christopher , Marburg Steffen
Published: April 2021

Despite the potential and the increasing popularity of the boundary element method (BEM), modal analyses based on BEM are not yet put into engineering practice, mainly due to the lack of efficient solvers for the underlying nonlinear eigenvalue problem (EVP). In this article, we review a subspace iteration method based on FEAST for the solution of vibroacoustic EVPs involving the finite element method (FEM) and BEM. The subspace is obtained by applying a spectral projector and is computed by contour integration, whereas the contour is also used to subsequently solve the projected EVP by rational approximation. The computation of the projection matrices is addressed by two approaches. In the case of heavy fluid loading, we solve the underlying coupled linear systems by an iterative block Krylov method. In the case of light fluid loading, we exploit the fact that the coupled system admits accurate model order reduction solely based on the structural subsystem. Applications to a spherical shell and to a musical bell indicate that only a few contour points are required for an accurate solution without inducing spurious eigenvalues. The results are compared with those of a contour integral method and illustrate the efficiency of the proposed eigensolver.
The role of knowledge sharing in volunteer learning and development
Authors: Fullwood Roger , Rowley Jennifer
Published: April 2021

Despite the growing importance of volunteers to many organizations, there has been little research into how they share their knowledge and develop the skills they need. Moreover, the focus of existing research has been on short‐term episodic volunteering. This article addresses these deficits by examining the significance of knowledge sharing to volunteer development and also the relative importance of individual processes. A case study approach is adopted, which focuses on a major heritage site that is heavily reliant on a volunteer workforce. Development of volunteers is particularly relevant to the heritage sector where organizations need a sizeable, stable, and well‐trained volunteer workforce. We performed semi‐structured interviews with six managers as well as conducting five focus groups with volunteers from diverse work areas in the National Trust. The Volunteer Development through Knowledge Sharing Model is proposed. This is the first conceptual model to summarize the processes in volunteer development. Processes are clustered as follows: informal learning, formal training, learning resources, and research by volunteers. Informal learning through tacit knowledge sharing is pre‐eminent and knowledge created by volunteer research was highly significant for educating visitors. The characteristics of the volunteer workforce were found to affect all these processes. Implications for practitioners are also discussed.
Macroion molecule properties from slender body hydrodynamics
Authors: Adamczyk Zbigniew , Batys Piotr , Płaziński Wojciech , Morga Maria , Lupa Dawid , Michna Aneta
Published: April 2021

The all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations were applied to determine physicochemical parameters for poly‐l‐lysine (a cationic macroion) and λ‐carrageenan (an anionic polysaccharide macroion) comprising the monomer length and the density. The molecule chain diameter for an equivalent cylinder was also calculated. These results were used for the interpretation of experimental data derived from dynamic viscosity measurements of macroion solutions enabling the intrinsic viscosity to be determined. It was confirmed that the molecules assume extended rod‐like conformations in dilute NaCl solutions. Considering the slender body hydrodynamics, the length to diameter parameter (aspect ratio) of the molecules was calculated as a function of their intrinsic viscosity. Using this parameter, the molar mass of macroions can be precisely calculated from a linear dependence derived in this work. The proportionality constant can be ab initio calculated using molecular dynamics modeling. It is confirmed that the formula yields reliable results for both anionic and cationic macroions. Except for the molar mass, the method can be used to predict the diffusion coefficient, the hydrodynamic diameter, the radius of gyration, and the sedimentation coefficients of macroion molecules in dilute electrolytes.
Manufacturing and characterization of novel silicone/natural fabric/graphene‐based functional composites for human body motion sensing
Authors: Mohan Velram Balaji , Santhana Krishnan Sushmitha , Bhattacharyya Debes
Published: April 2021

This study focuses on the development of strain‐sensors utilizing biodegradable natural fabrics (cotton, flax, and wool) and graphene nanoplatelets (GN) through novel coating techniques. A systematic study on improving the electrical conductivity of natural fiber fabrics to be used as effecting sensing stimuli was conducted by varying the proportions of graphene. To further enhance the conductivity, GN was hybridized with conducting polymers, such as polypyrrole (PPy), polyaniline (PANI), and with carbon black (CB). The electrical conductivity, morphological, and mechanical characterizations were carried composites for detailed comparative analysis. The conductive composites were incorporated into flexible and stretchable silicone elastomer (Ecoflex) to be used as strain sensors. Electromechanical characterizations were carried out on the composite sensors and their performance on different human body motions, including finger, wrist, elbow, and knee movements were assessed. The results showed that the addition of hybrids, such as PPy increased the electrical conductivity in fabrics (for instance, cotton with a conductivity of 1.7 S.cm−1). However, the addition of PANI tends to have a negative effect on the conductivity due to poor ability to deposit on the fiber surface. It was observed that the thermal stability was improved with the addition of conductive particles which gives rise to excellent sensitivity and durability of the composite sensors.
Quantification of crocin, picrocrocin and safranal in saffron stigmas obtained from sounded corms with acoustic waves
Authors: Razavizadeh Bibi Marzieh , Arabshahi Delooei Noora
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Plant acoustic frequency technology (PAFT) is the effect or treatment of a plant with a specific frequency sound wave.

Objective

The sound waves with different frequencies and a sound pressure level 77 dB were emitted on the saffron corms in a controlled environment using aeroponic cultivation and the contents of crocin, picrocrocin and safranal in their produced stigmas were analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. For this purpose, the corms were divided into two groups. In group 1, sound waves with the frequencies of 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz were emitted on saffron corms in different stages of sprouting, flowering and the whole stage of sprouting and flowering. In group 2, sonication was performed on the corms during the flowering stage at 4, 8, 12 and 16 kHz frequencies.

Results

The changes in the contents of crocin, picrocrocin and safranal were not significantly compared to the control at 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz frequencies in the stages of sprouting and flowering of corms. While the higher frequencies (4, 8, 12 and 16 kHz) in flowering stage were affected significantly, the crocin and picrocrocin content increased 8.5% and 30%, applying the frequency of 12 and 8 kHz, respectively. Also, the effect of sound exposure time per day with the frequency of 16 kHz at 15, 30 and 60 min were investigated.

Conclusion

The findings showed that the corms could be affected by sounding in the different stages of growth of the corm and also in the content of secondary metabolites.
Stand up to action: The postural effect of moral dilemma decision‐making and the moderating role of dual processes
Authors: Liu Chuanjun , Liao Jiangqun
Published: April 2021

Previous studies have demonstrated the possibility that when people are in standing rather than sitting postures, they have a stronger cognitive control propensity, making them inclined to agree more to sacrificing one innocent person and saving more people. Furthermore, this postural effect can be moderated by dual processes. In three studies, participants read dilemma scenarios followed by a proposed behavior to sacrifice one innocent person and save five or more people. The participants in sitting or standing postures were asked whether the described action was morally acceptable (moral judgment) and whether they would perform the described action (moral action). The results demonstrated that participants were more approving of the behavioral proposal in the moral action perspective than in the moral judgment perspective across the three studies. The hypothesized postural effect was found in a field study (Study 1) and replicated in a preregistered replication study (Study 2), and was further supported in an experimental study (Study 3). Compared with those in sitting postures, participants in standing postures expressed higher approval of the behavioral proposal compared to their sitting counterparts. Furthermore, the postural effect was dismissed when participants made moral decisions with a dual task to increase cognitive load, and it was reversed when they made moral decisions after deliberate consideration of the behavioral proposal (Study 3). The present research supports and extends the dual‐process morality theory by demonstrating that body posture can affect moral decision‐making; it also offers novel evidence revealing the moderating role of dual process on embodiment effects. It enriches our knowledge that morality is evolutionarily embodied in postures and that the dual process can moderate embodiment effects.
Practice patterns of prenatal and perinatal testing in Canadian cytogenetics laboratories
Authors: Ashfield Tamara , McCready Elizabeth , Shago Mary , Wang Hong , Sinclair‐Bourque Elizabeth , Cappa Eva , Piche Marolt Amanda , Chun Kathy
Published: April 2021

Objective

To survey patterns of practice in Canadian cytogenetics laboratories and evaluate whether newer technologies have influenced testing algorithms for the detection of common aneuploidies and other genomic imbalances in the prenatal and perinatal settings.

Methods

Cytogenetics laboratories across Canada were invited to participate in two patterns‐of‐practice surveys: one in 2016 and one in 2019. They were asked to identify the prenatal and perinatal specimen types tested at their facility and which testing methods were used for initial testing and for follow‐up.

Results

All clinical laboratories performing prenatal testing offer rapid aneuploidy detection (RAD). Most laboratories also offer microarray analysis. A positive result is either followed up by karyotyping or no further testing is performed. For prenatal samples, a negative result may be followed up by microarray or karyotyping and is dependent on the reason for referral. For perinatal samples, availability of microarray to follow up a negative result is increasing.

Conclusions

Since 2016, the availability of RAD as a first‐line test in Canadian cytogenetics laboratories remains consistent, while microarray has become the preferred follow‐up testing method over traditional karyotyping following a normal RAD result. Despite a universal healthcare system, disparities in prenatal and perinatal cytogenetic testing algorithms are apparent.