bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of packinghouse operations on the flavor of ‘Orri’ mandarins
Authors: Otieno James , Owoyemi Abiola , Goldenberg Livnat , Yaniv Yossi , Carmi Nir , Porat Ron
Published: March 2022

Mandarins have a delicate flavor and are easy to peel and easy to consume. However, they are relatively perishable and suffer from flavor deterioration after harvest. The goal of the current study was to examine the effects of commercial packinghouse operations on the flavor of ‘Orri’ mandarins. For that purpose, we collected fruit from four different points along a commercial citrus packing line: (1) directly from the harvest bin, (2) after application of a hot (53°C) fungicide treatment for 30 s, (3) after waxing, and (4) after waxing and after the fruit had passed through a hot‐air drying tunnel (37°C) for 2 min. The collected fruit were stored for 3 or 6 weeks at 5°C and then kept for five more days under shelf‐life conditions at 22°C. The observed results indicate that the hot fungicide treatment had no effect on flavor quality. However, the waxing and waxing +drying treatments resulted in significant increases in ethanol accumulation, lower flavor‐acceptability scores, and increased off‐flavors. Gas‐chromatography mass‐spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed that the waxing and waxing +drying treatments resulted in particular increases in the levels of alcohol and ethyl ester volatiles; whereas levels of other aroma volatiles (i.e., esters, aldehydes, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes) decreased after storage in all fruit samples. Overall, the waxing process in commercial citrus packinghouses increased ethanol and ethyl ester volatile levels and harmed flavor acceptability. These findings demonstrate the need to identify new wax formulations that do not hamper fruit‐flavor quality.
Decarbonization and Electrification: The Case for Innovation
Authors: DeCotis Paul A. , Swartout Brandon , Bablitch Emily
Published: March 2022

Highly reliable and resilient energy infrastructure is the bedrock of the US economy. Energy availability and certainty of supply and delivery are more important now than ever. This is particularly the case for electricity and natural gas in support of sustaining economic recovery as the COVID‐19 pandemic wanes. Large segments of the economy, including electric generation, heating, and industrial processes, are dependent on reliable and economically priced natural gas, now the dominant fuel in the United States. Policy initiatives aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels, including natural gas, and expanding transportation and building electrification are bringing forth challenges and opportunities that are at times in conflict.
Leadership and Deliberate Action
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: March 2022

The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed into law in 2021, includes as much as $65 billion in funding to support the private sector, municipalities, and states in modernizing energy infrastructure, including deploying clean energy at scale, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and creating clean energy jobs. The IIJA aligns well with states' policies and plans as they seek to generate 100 percent of electricity from clean energy resources within the next one to two decades. Plans vary by state, but the goals to decarbonize electric generation, and energy use in buildings and transportation are common among the most aggressive states.
High‐performing mortar‐based materials from the late imperial baths of Aquileia: An outstanding example of Roman building tradition in Northern Italy
Authors: Dilaria Simone , Secco Michele , Rubinich Marina , Bonetto Jacopo , Miriello Domenico , Barca Donatella , Artioli Gilberto
Published: March 2022

This study provides the first detailed insight into the composition and properties of structural mortars used in a 4th‐century AD bath complex in Aquileia, the emblematic center of Roman culture in Northern Italy. Eighteen mortars, taken from different structures of the site, and three stone samples from the vaulting opus caementicium have been analyzed adopting a multianalytical approach integrating optical microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. The properties of the compounds are outstanding, as revealed by the formation of hydraulic phases (i.e., Al‐tobermorite and AFm) in most of the samples: the waterproofing capabilities of cocciopesto mortars are remarkable, as revealed by the formation of anthropogenic Al‐tobermorite (5.5 wt%) in pool coating samples; the lightweight of the vaults was guaranteed by the use of porous caementa and pozzolanic volcanic aggregates imported from the Gulf of Naples, as demonstrated by petro‐mineralogical features and chemical analysis of major and trace elements. This is the first proven case of trade in these building materials to the north of the Italian peninsula. These outcomes shed new light on the robust technical expertise of local artisans in Aquileia and indicate that the Cisalpina province was by no means a peripheral reality in the Roman Empire, as far as mortar‐based materials are concerned.
Statelets: Capturing recurrent transient variations in dynamic functional network connectivity
Authors: Rahaman Md Abdur , Damaraju Eswar , Saha Debbrata K. , Plis Sergey M. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: March 2022

Dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) analysis is a widely used approach for capturing brain activation patterns, connectivity states, and network organization. However, a typical sliding window plus clustering (SWC) approach for analyzing dFNC models the system through a fixed sequence of connectivity states. SWC assumes connectivity patterns span throughout the brain, but they are relatively spatially constrained and temporally short‐lived in practice. Thus, SWC is neither designed to capture transient dynamic changes nor heterogeneity across subjects/time. We propose a state‐space time series summarization framework called “statelets” to address these shortcomings. It models functional connectivity dynamics at fine‐grained timescales, adapting time series motifs to changes in connectivity strength, and constructs a concise yet informative representation of the original data that conveys easily comprehensible information about the phenotypes. We leverage the earth mover distance in a nonstandard way to handle scale differences and utilize kernel density estimation to build a probability density profile for local motifs. We apply the framework to study dFNC of patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and healthy control (HC). Results demonstrate SZ subjects exhibit reduced modularity in their brain network organization relative to HC. Statelets in the HC group show an increased recurrence across the dFNC time‐course compared to the SZ. Analyzing the consistency of the connections across time reveals significant differences within visual, sensorimotor, and default mode regions where HC subjects show higher consistency than SZ. The introduced approach also enables handling dynamic information in cross‐modal and multimodal applications to study healthy and disordered brains.
Decoding motor expertise from fine‐tuned oscillatory network organization
Authors: Amoruso Lucia , Pusil Sandra , García Adolfo Martín , Ibañez Agustín
Published: March 2022

Can motor expertise be robustly predicted by the organization of frequency‐specific oscillatory brain networks? To answer this question, we recorded high‐density electroencephalography (EEG) in expert Tango dancers and naïves while viewing and judging the correctness of Tango‐specific movements and during resting. We calculated task‐related and resting‐state connectivity at different frequency‐bands capturing task performance (delta [δ], 1.5–4 Hz), error monitoring (theta [θ], 4–8 Hz), and sensorimotor experience (mu [μ], 8–13 Hz), and derived topographical features using graph analysis. These features, together with canonical expertise measures (i.e., performance in action discrimination, time spent dancing Tango), were fed into a data‐driven computational learning analysis to test whether behavioral and brain signatures robustly classified individuals depending on their expertise level. Unsurprisingly, behavioral measures showed optimal classification (100%) between dancers and naïves. When considering brain models, the task‐based classification performed well (~73%), with maximal discrimination afforded by theta‐band connectivity, a hallmark signature of error processing. Interestingly, mu connectivity during rest outperformed (100%) the task‐based approach, matching the optimal classification of behavioral measures and thus emerging as a potential trait‐like marker of sensorimotor network tuning by intense training. Overall, our findings underscore the power of fine‐tuned oscillatory network signatures for capturing expertise‐related differences and their potential value in the neuroprognosis of learning outcomes.
Application of a sustainability framework to enhance Australian food literacy programs in remote Western Australian communities
Authors: Aberle Leisha M. , Platts Julia R. , Kioutis Marie A. , Haustead Louise M. , Godrich Stephanie L.
Published: March 2022

Issue addressed

Food literacy programs aim to build individuals’ knowledge, skills and self‐efficacy to adopt healthy food choices conducive to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity. Foodbank WA’s (FBWA) Healthy Food for All® nutrition programs have supported the improvement of food literacy knowledge and skills among vulnerable people living in the Pilbara.

Methods

A Sustainability Framework containing ten sustainability factors was overlaid with social ecological model (SEM) levels of influence to form a matrix. The use of this matrix facilitated sustainability strategy appraisal within three food literacy programs delivered in remote WA.

Results

Programs included multiple sustainability strategies across levels of influence; all programs addressed all ten sustainability factors at community and organisational SEM levels of influence. Few sustainability strategies were employed at the public policy level of influence. No program employed formal governance structures to guide program direction, such as steering groups; however, school and parent program staff developed Memoranda of Understanding to ensure the continuation of program delivery between the FBWA teams’ regional visits.

Conclusions

This study has showcased the comprehensive assessment of food literacy program sustainability across levels of influence and identified gaps for improvement by FBWA teams.

So What?

The sustainability of food literacy programs aiming to increase knowledge and skills could be enhanced by conducting a similar analysis, during program planning or at program review. Using the matrix provides the opportunity to focus resources to address sustainability; supporting health promotion practitioners to transform the impacts of short‐term food literacy interventions into long‐term sustained outcomes.
Lu Tong Ke Li protects neurons from injury by regulating inflammation in rats with brain trauma
Authors: Chen Jie , Li Ting‐Ting , Chen Ting‐Bao , Niu Rui‐Ze , Chen Ji‐Lin , Chen Yong , Huang Jin
Published: March 2022

Currently, there is no effective therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the protective effect of Lu Tong Ke Li (LTKL), a Chinese medicine, for TBI in experimental animals. The TBI rat model was induced using the modified Feeney's protocol. The rats were divided into four groups: Sham group, Control group, LTKL  lower‐dose group (LTL, 2 g/kg/day, p.o.), and LTKL higher‐dose group (LTH, 4 g/kg/day, p.o.). The Neurological Severity Score (NSS) was used to examine neurological function. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to check the brain tissue lesions in rats. Cell apoptosis in the damaged area was evaluated using the Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxy‐UTP‐nick end labeling assay. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β), and interleukin 10 (IL‐10). The TBI rat model was successfully constructed. Neurological function was enhanced at 14, 21, and 28 days post TBI in the LTH groups, indicated by gradually decreased NSS scores. Administration of LTH led to fewer brain defects in the damaged area, and the number of apoptosis cells in the brain injury area markedly decreased. LTKL treatment led to upregulation of IL‐10 expression and downregulation of TNF‐α and IL‐1β expressions at the molecular level. LTKL can improve the neurobehavior of TBI. The neuroprotective effect was probably related to regulation of inflammation cytokines. Our results provide crucial evidence of the potentially useful application of LTKL in the therapy of TBI in clinic practice in the future.
hsa_circ_0058122 knockdown prevents steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by inhibiting human umbilical vein endothelial cells apoptosis via the miR‐7974/IGFBP5 axis
Authors: Yao Tao , Wang Lei , Ding Zhen‐Fei , Yin Zong‐Sheng
Published: March 2022

Background

Steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (SONFH) is a serious complication of glucocorticoid overused. Recent evidence has demonstrated that circRNAs exert key pathophysiological roles in a variety of disease processes. However, the role of circRNA in SONFH remains largely unknown. The current study sought to evaluate how hsa_circ_0058122 affects SONFH in dexamethasone (DEX) treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) model.

Methods

RT‐PCR was used to demonstrate the hsa_circ_0058122 expression level in Dex‐treated HUVECs cells. The effects of hsa_circ_0058122 on HUVECs apoptosis were evaluated via overexpression plasmid and siRNA. Using dual‐luciferase and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays, we demonstrated that hsa_circ_0058122 binds to miR‐7974 thereby facilitating HUVECs apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis and western blot were performed to confirm target genes of hsa‐miR‐7974.

Results

In our previous work, we revealed the top 20 elevated circRNAs in SONFH patients were hsa_circ_0010027, hsa_circ_0058115, hsa_circ_0010026, hsa_circ_0058839, hsa_circ_0056886, hsa_circ_0056885, hsa_circ_0058146, hsa_circ_0058105, hsa_circ_0058112, hsa_circ_0058143, hsa_circ_0058102, hsa_circ_0058090, hsa_circ_0075353, hsa_circ_0058126, hsa_circ_0058130, hsa_circ_0058140, hsa_circ_0058122, hsa_circ_0058123, hsa_circ_0058103, and hsa_circ_0058121. Among these, hsa_circ_0058122 was finally selected for further investigation. We found hsa_circ_0058122 expression was markedly elevated in Dex‐treated HUVECs cells, and the Dex‐mediated HUVEC apoptosis was impaired in hsa_circ_0058122‐silenced cells and increased in hsa_circ_0058122‐overexpressing cells. hsa_circ_0058122 competitively binds to hsa‐miR‐7974, which in turn interacts with insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5).

Conclusions

hsa_circ_0058122/miR‐7974/IGFBP5 was proposed to be a key regulatory pathway for SONFH. DEX treatment upregulated hsa_circ_0058122 expression in HUVECs, which sponged miR‐7974, thereby increasing IGFBP5 expression, the hsa_circ_0058122/miR‐7974/IGFBP5 axis contributed to the Dex‐mediated apoptosis. These findings may identify novel targets for SONFH molecular therapy.
Aberrant expression of long non‐coding RNA PVT1 in allergic rhinitis children: Correlation with disease risk, symptoms, and Th1/Th2 imbalance
Authors: Sun Yujun , Han Jingjing , Ma Haifeng , Ma Jingbin , Ren Zengzhi
Published: March 2022

Background

Long non‐coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (lnc‐PVT1) exacerbates inflammation and induces T helper (Th) 1/Th2 imbalance in allergic diseases, but its clinical role in allergic rhinitis (AR) remains unclear. Hence, we conducted this study to compare lnc‐PVT1 expression among AR children, disease controls (DCs), and health controls (HCs), aiming to investigate its clinical application in AR children.

Methods

Sixty AR children, 30 DCs, and 30 HCs were enrolled in the study, and then, their lnc‐PVT1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cell was detected. Serum interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), interleukin 10 (IL‐10), Th1, and Th2 cells in AR children were also analyzed. Besides, lnc‐PVT1 was also detected at Week (W)4 after treatment in AR patients.

Results

Lnc‐PVT1 was upregulated in AR children compared with DCs and HCs (both p < 0.001). Lnc‐PVT1 was positively related to nasal rhinorrhea score, itching score, congestion score, and total nasal symptom score (TNSS) in AR children (all p < 0.050), instead of sneezing score (p = 0.115). Lnc‐PVT1 negatively associated with Th1 cells in AR children (p = 0.028) also exhibited a negative correlation trend with IFN‐γ (but without statistical significance) (p = 0.065). Differently, lnc‐PVT1 was positively related to Th2 cells (p = 0.012) and IL‐10 (p = 0.021) in AR children. Besides, lnc‐PVT1 and TNSS were reduced at W4 after treatment in AR children (both p < 0.001); notably, lnc‐PVT1 expression decline was correlated with TNSS decline during treatment (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

Lnc‐PVT1 works as a biomarker, whose aberrant expression is related to disease severity, Th1/Th2 imbalance, and its decrement can reflect treatment outcome in AR children.
Adolescent social media user types and their mental health and well‐being: Results from a longitudinal survey of 13–14‐year‐olds in the United Kingdom
Authors: Winstone Lizzy , Mars Becky , Haworth Claire M. A. , Heron Jon , Kidger Judi
Published: March 2022

Background

There is mixed evidence as to the effects of different types of social media use on mental health, but previous research has been platform‐specific and has focused on an oversimplified distinction between active and passive use. This study aimed to identify different underlying subgroups of adolescent social media user based on their pattern of social media activities and test associations between user type and future mental health.

Methods

Students from 19 schools (N = 2456) in south‐west England completed an online survey measuring 13 social media activities and four psychosocial outcomes (past year self‐harm, depression, anxiety and poor well‐being) at age 13 years (October 2019) and repeated a year later (October 2020; aged 14 years). Latent class analysis using Mplus identified distinct classes of social media user and stability of these classes was examined using latent transition analysis. A bias‐adjusted three‐step model was used to test associations between class membership at baseline and mental health at follow‐up. Analyses were adjusted for gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, social media screen‐time and baseline mental health.

Results

A four‐class model of social media user at baseline was selected based on fit statistics and interpretability. User types were labelled High Communicators; Moderate Communicators; Broadcasters; and Minimal users. Users became more active over time. Broadcasters at age 13 had the poorest mental health outcomes at age 14, with mental health and well‐being generally better among the High and Moderate Communicators.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that broadcasters—adolescents with high levels of content sharing in addition to messaging and browsing online—are most likely to be experiencing poor mental health a year later. Recommendations regarding social media use should expand to consider different user types, and mental health implications of their engagement with different online activities in addition to screen‐time.
Microscopy imaging and modeling study on the mechanical properties of the primary flight feather shaft of the bean goose, Anser fabalis
Authors: Liu Chao , Xu Lihan , Li Xiujuan , Liu Yansong , Qi Yingchun , Sun Jiyu , Zou Meng
Published: March 2022

Avian flight feathers have the unique advantages of lightweight and high strength, which play a key role in their flight capacity. In this article, the rachis of the bean goose's primary flight feather was used as the research object. Its compressive properties were analyzed and the 3D microscale was observed by 3D microscope system with a super wide depth of field. The distribution of mechanical properties, section variation of fiber and internal microstructure of rachis were obtained by micro‐CT technique. Based on these results, a 3D reconstructed model was established for structure mechanical simulation. The simulation results were close basically to the compressive strength of the actual sample. These results show that the synergistic effect of cortex and medulla can improve mechanical resistance of the rachis. Therefore, the best position (N3) of the primary flight feather shaft can be applied to the bionic design of thin wall structures for energy absorption. This research can provide some guidance for the application of lightweight structural design.

Research Highlights

The internal structure of bean goose feather shaft was observed by micro‐CT.

The experimental method has a deeper understanding of the compressive properties of rachis fiber orientation.

Under the synergistic effect of cortex and medulla, the compressive performance of rachis is better.
Tandem mass spectrometric sequence characterization of synthetic thymidine‐rich oligonucleotides
Authors: Abdullah A. M. , Sommers Cynthia , Hawes Jessica , Rodriguez Jason D. , Yang Kui
Published: March 2022

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) can provide direct and accurate sequence characterization of synthetic oligonucleotide drugs, including modified oligonucleotides. Multiple factors can affect oligonucleotide MS/MS sequencing, including the intrinsic properties of oligonucleotides (i.e., nucleotide composition and structural modifications) and instrument parameters associated with the ion activation for fragmentation. In this study, MS/MS sequencing of a thymidine (T)‐rich and phosphorothioate (PS)‐modified DNA oligonucleotide was investigated using two fragmentation techniques: trap‐type collision‐induced dissociation (“CID”) and beam‐type CID also termed as higher‐energy collisional dissociation (“HCD”), preceded by a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) separation. A low to moderate charge state (−4), which predominated under the optimized HILIC‐MS conditions, was selected as the precursor ion for MS/MS analysis. Comparison of the two distinctive ion activation mechanisms on the same precursor demonstrated that HCD was superior to CID in promoting higher sequence coverage and analytical sensitivity in sequence elucidation of T‐rich DNA oligonucleotides. Specifically, HCD provided more sequence‐defining fragments with higher fragment intensities than CID. Furthermore, the direct comparison between unmodified and PS‐modified DNA oligonucleotides demonstrated a loss of MS/MS fragmentation efficiency by PS modification in both CID and HCD approaches, and a resultant reduction in sequence coverage. The deficiency in PS DNA sequence coverage observed with single collision energy HCD, however, was partially recovered by applying HCD with multiple collision energies. Collectively, this work demonstrated that HCD is advantageous to MS/MS sequencing of T‐rich PS‐modified DNA oligonucleotides.
Nonlinear light scattering spectra in water: Dependence on the content of dissolved gas and effects of non‐stationarity
Authors: Bunkin Nikolai F. , Babenko Vladimir A. , Sychev Andrey A.
Published: March 2022

Here, we study stimulated nonlinear scattering in the spectral range near the second optical harmonic of a laser pump in water samples containing gas nanobubbles. It was found that the spectral and spatial characteristics of nonlinear scattering radiation undergo significant changes upon settling of initially degassed water samples in a flask, open to the atmospheric air. It turned out that the contact with the atmospheric air results in the growth of the volume number density of gas nanobubbles. It appeared that the physical mechanism of nonlinear scattering changes upon increasing the nanobubble content. In fact, four‐photon parametric scattering in degassed water, which occurs due to the cubic nonlinear susceptibility χ(3) of medium, transforms upon increasing the content of nanobubbles into stimulated hyper‐Raman scattering controlled by the constant (∂χ(2)/∂q), where χ(2) is the quadratic nonlinear susceptibility and q is coordinate of a nucleus. The physical nature of the observed phenomenon is the generation of a surface plasmon arising due to the optical breakdown inside a gas nanobubble, which leads to an effective buildup of vibrations of molecules/ions localized in the surface layer of nanobubble. The plasmon bandwidth Δω was theoretically estimated. It turned out that Δω ≈ ω0, where ω0 is the resonant plasmon wavenumber, that is, in our case, the quality factor of the plasmon oscillator is very low.
Cannabis use among U.S. military veterans with subthreshold or threshold posttraumatic stress disorder: Psychiatric comorbidities, functioning, and strategies for coping with posttraumatic stress symptoms
Authors: Hill Melanie L. , Loflin Mallory , Nichter Brandon , Na Peter J. , Herzog Sarah , Norman Sonya B. , Pietrzak Robert H.
Published: March 2022

Cannabis use is common among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, but its impact on psychiatric symptoms and functioning in this population is unclear. To clarify the clinical and functional correlates of cannabis use in individuals with PTSD symptoms, we analyzed data from the 2019–2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, a nationally representative survey of U.S. military veterans. Participants with current subthreshold or full PTSD (N = 608) reported on their past‐6‐month cannabis use and current psychiatric symptoms, functioning, treatment utilization, and PTSD symptom management strategies. Veterans with subthreshold/full PTSD who used cannabis more than weekly were more likely to screen positive for co‐occurring depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation than those who did not use cannabis, ORs = 3.4–3.8, or used cannabis less than weekly, ORs = 2.7–3.7. Veterans who used cannabis more than weekly also scored lower in cognitive functioning than veterans with no use, d = 0.25, or infrequent use, d = 0.71, and were substantially more likely to endorse avoidance coping strategies, ORs = 8.2–12.2, including substance use, OR = 4.4, and behavioral disengagement, ORs = 2.7–9.1, to manage PTSD symptoms. Despite more psychiatric and functional problems, veterans with frequent cannabis use were not more likely to engage in mental health treatment, ORs = 0.87–0.99. The results suggest enhanced cannabis use screening, interventions targeting risky use, and strategies promoting treatment engagement may help ameliorate more severe clinical presentations associated with frequent cannabis use among veterans with subthreshold/full PTSD.
Subjective Fatigue in Children With Unaided and Aided Unilateral Hearing Loss
Authors: Bakkum Kim H. E. , Teunissen Emma M. , Janssen Arno M. , Lieu Judith E. C. , Hol Myrthe K. S.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Fatigue is frequently observed in children with chronic diseases and can affect the quality of life (QoL). However, research in children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) is scarce. Subsequently, no studies investigated the effects of hearing aids on fatigue in children. This study investigates subjective fatigue and hearing‐related QoL in children with UHL. Furthermore, it evaluates the influence of hearing aids, subject‐specific factors, and respondent‐type on subjective fatigue.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted from June 2020 until September 2020 at the department of otorhinolaryngology in a tertiary referral center.

Methods

The primary outcome was the difference in subjective fatigue and hearing‐related QoL between children with unaided UHL, aided UHL, and normal hearing. Subjective fatigue and hearing‐related QoL were measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (PedsQL™‐MFS) and Hearing Environments and Reflection on Quality of Life (HEAR‐QL™) questionnaires.

Results

Along with 36 aided children with UHL, 34 unaided and 36 normal‐hearing children were included. Child reports revealed significantly more cognitive fatigue in children with aided UHL than children with normal hearing (median difference 12.5, P = .013). Parents reported more fatigue in children with UHL compared to normal‐hearing siblings. Especially children with aided UHL seemed at increased risk for fatigue. Children with UHL scored lower on hearing‐related QoL than children with normal hearing. No apparent differences were found in fatigue and QoL between children with unaided and aided UHL.

Conclusion

Children with unaided and even aided UHL seem to experience more subjective fatigue and lower hearing‐related QoL than children with normal hearing. Prospective longitudinal studies are required to investigate the influence of hearing aids on fatigue and QoL in individual patients.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2021 Laryngoscope, 133:189–198, 2023
Ultrasound Guided Biopsy in Patients With HPV‐Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Haller Travis J. , Van Abel Kathryn M. , Yin Linda X. , Lohse Christine M. , Douse Dontre' , Badaoui Joseph N. , Price Daniel L. , Kasperbauer Jan L. , Moore Eric J.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To identify the differences in sensitivity and accuracy between ultrasound‐guided and palpation‐guided fine needle aspirations (FNA) of suspicious lymph nodes in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) (+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Additional objectives included identifying patient specific factors affecting biopsy accuracy and evaluating potential differences in accuracy between fine and core needle biopsies.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study of diagnostic sensitivity was completed at a single tertiary care center between 1/1/2006–12/31/2016. Participants included patients who underwent pretreatment FNA biopsy with HPV(+)OPSCC confirmed pathologically following neck dissection or excisional lymph node biopsy. A true positive (TP) on FNA biopsy was defined as an FNA biopsy concerning for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that was confirmed on excisional biopsy or neck dissection. A false negative (FN) was defined as a negative FNA but metastatic disease identified on excisional biopsy or neck dissection. Sensitivity was calculated as TPs/(TPs + FNs). Sensitivity was compared among techniques using chi‐square and Fisher exact tests.

Results

A total of 209 FNA biopsies among 198 patients were included in the study, including 31 (15%) palpation‐guided FNAs, 160 (77%) ultrasound‐guided FNAs, and 18 (9%) ultrasound‐guided FNA + core biopsies. Sensitivity was significantly different among palpation‐guided FNA, ultrasound‐guided FNA, and ultrasound‐guided FNA + core biopsies (48% vs. 83% vs. 94%, respectively; P < .001) but there was no significant difference in sensitivity between ultrasound‐guided FNA versus ultrasound‐guided FNA + core biopsies (P = .31).

Conclusion

The use of ultrasound guidance in FNA biopsies of nodal metastases in HPV(+)OPSCC improves sensitivity compared to palpation guidance alone. Ultrasound guided biopsies are preferred in patients with suspected nodal metastasis from HPV(+)OPSCC.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:2396–2402, 2022
Environmental drivers of taxonomic and functional variation in zooplankton diversity and composition in freshwater lakes across Canadian continental watersheds
Authors: Paquette Cindy , Gregory‐Eaves Irene , Beisner Beatrix E.
Published: March 2022

Canada is home to more lakes than any other nation, but there is a fragmented and limited understanding of the ecological status of these water bodies. Zooplankton are excellent bioindicators of lake health, given their central food web position. To date, many studies have investigated the effect of individual stressors on zooplankton communities, mediated through changes in water quality (e.g., macronutrients, temperature, or chemicals). Increasingly, stressors act simultaneously in lakes, often over extended periods of time. As part of the NSERC Canadian Lake Pulse Network project, pelagic zooplankton were sampled in 624 lakes across Canada, spanning six continental drainage basins. We evaluated the effect of 40+ environmental variables on zooplankton diversity and community composition, considering both taxonomic and functional approaches. We also tested specific hypotheses on the relationships between zooplankton communities and environmental conditions, including eutrophication, calcium, chloride, and fish predation. We found that lake morphometry variables were among the most important predictors of zooplankton diversity, while water quality metrics were more critical in explaining variation in community composition. Our results also reveal significant heterogeneity across Canada, with contrasting effects of environmental drivers among continental watersheds, highlighting that response models cannot be assumed to apply universally.
Do Patients with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Have Episodic Memory Impairment? A Systematic Review
Authors: Macedo Arthur Cassa , Mariano Luciano Inácio , Martins Marina Isoni , Friedlaender Clarisse Vasconcelos , Ventura Jesus Mística , de Faria Rocha João Victor , Camargos Sarah Teixeira , Cardoso Francisco Eduardo Costa , Caramelli Paulo , de Souza Leonardo Cruz
Published: March 2022

Background

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is the most common atypical parkinsonism and has executive dysfunction as a core feature. The magnitude of episodic memory disturbance in PSP is yet to be clarified.

Objectives

To investigate how impaired is episodic memory in PSP compared to healthy controls and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Also, we sought to identify the brain correlates underlying these memory disturbances.

Methods

We performed a systematic search on PubMed and Scopus, combining the terms “progressive supranuclear palsy” AND “memory”. The search was limited to papers published in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish, with no chronological filters. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

Results

The initial search returned 464 results. After extraction of duplicates, 356 records were screened, leading to inclusion of 38 studies. Most studies found that PSP patients had lower scores on episodic memory compared to healthy controls. In addition, the majority of studies suggest that PSP does not differ from Parkinson's disease and from atypical parkinsonism in terms of episodic memory performance. The same is seen for PSP and frontotemporal dementia. Conversely, episodic memory impairment seems to be greater in typical Alzheimer's disease compared to PSP. Neuroimaging findings indicate that striatofrontal structures may be involved in PSP episodic memory dysfunction, while no associations with mesial structures (including hippocampi) were found.

Conclusions

Episodic memory is impaired in PSP. Whether this amnesia refers to executive dysfunction is still controversial. More studies are warranted to clarify the neural basis of memory impairment in PSP.
Scalable three‐dimensional hybrid continuum‐discrete multiscale modeling of granular media
Authors: Liang Weijian , Wu Huanran , Zhao Shiwei , Zhou Wei , Zhao Jidong
Published: March 2022

This study presents a scalable three‐dimensional (3D) multiscale framework for continuum‐discrete modeling of granular materials. The proposed framework features rigorous coupling of a continuum‐based material point method (MPM) and a discrete approach discrete element method (DEM) to enable cross‐scale modeling of boundary value problems pertaining to granular media. It employs MPM to solve the governing equations of a macroscopic continuum domain for a boundary value problem that may undergo large deformation. The required loading‐path‐dependent constitutive responses at each material point of the MPM are provided by a DEM solution based on grain‐scale contact‐based discrete simulations that receive macroscopic information at the specific material point as boundary conditions. This hierarchical coupling enables direct dialogs between the macro and micro scales of granular media while fully harnessing the predictive advantages of both MPM and DEM at the two scales. An effective, scalable parallel scheme is further developed, based on the flat message passing interface (MPI) model, to address the computational cost of the proposed framework for 3D large‐scale simulations. We demonstrate that the proposed parallel scheme may offer up to 32X and 40X speedup in strong and weak scaling tests, respectively, significantly empowering the numerical performance and predictive capability of the proposed framework. The 3D parallelized multiscale framework is validated by an element test and a column collapse problem, before being applied to simulate the intrusion of a solid object. The multiscale simulation successfully captures the characteristic response of intrusion as postulated by the modified Archimedes' law theory. The progressive development of the stagnant zone during the intrusion is further examined from a cross‐scale perspective.
A p‐adaptive, implicit‐explicit mixed finite element method for diffusion‐reaction problems
Authors: Wakeni Mebratu F. , Aggarwal Ankush , Kaczmarczyk Łukasz , McBride Andrew T. , Athanasiadis Ignatios , Pearce Chris J. , Steinmann Paul
Published: March 2022

A new class of implicit‐explicit (IMEX) methods combined with a ‐adaptive mixed finite element formulation is proposed to simulate the diffusion of reacting species. Hierarchical polynomial functions are used to construct a conforming base for the flux vectors, and a non‐conforming base for the mass concentration of the species. The mixed formulation captures the distinct nonlinearities associated with the flux constitutive equations and the reaction terms. The IMEX method conveniently treats these two sources of nonlinearity implicitly and explicitly, respectively, within a single time‐stepping framework. A reliable a posteriori error estimate is proposed and analyzed. A ‐adaptive algorithm based on the proposed a posteriori error estimate is also constructed. The combination of the proposed residual‐based a posteriori error estimate and hierarchical finite element spaces allows for the formulation of an efficient ‐adaptive algorithm. A series of numerical examples demonstrate the performance of the approach for problems involving travelling waves, and possessing discontinuities and singularities. The flexibility of the formulation is illustrated via selected applications in pattern formation and electrophysiology.
Subjective assessment of participants in education programs on clinical practice guidelines in the field of psychiatry
Authors: Ogasawara Kazuyoshi , Numata Shusuke , Hasegawa Naomi , Nakataki Masahito , Makinodan Manabu , Ohi Kazutaka , Takeshima Masahiro , Tsuboi Takashi , Hashimoto Naoki , Onitsuka Toshiaki , Muraoka Hiroyuki , Hori Hikaru , Ichihashi Kayo , Inagaki Takahiko , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Hishimoto Akitoyo , Sugiyama Nobuhiro , Fukumoto Kentaro , Nagasawa Tatsuya , Matsumoto Junya , Takaesu Yoshikazu , Furihata Ryuji , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Nakamura Toshinori , Usami Masahide , Miura Kenichiro , Fujimoto Michiko , Tagata Hiromi , Yamada Hisashi , Komatsu Hiroshi , Ochi Shinichiro , Atake Kiyokazu , Katsumoto Eiichi , Kido Mikio , Kishimoto Taishiro , Suwa Taro , Yamamura Satoshi , Iga Jun‐ichi , Iida Hitoshi , Inada Ken , Watanabe Koichiro , Hashimoto Ryota
Published: March 2022

The Effectiveness of Guidelines for Dissemination and Education in psychiatric treatment (EGUIDE) project, which is a nationwide dissemination and implementation program for clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in the field of psychiatry, is currently ongoing. In the current study, a subjective assessment of the participants in the EGUIDE programs was assessed using a questionnaire. Then, the relationships between the subjective assessment, the characteristics of the participants, and the clinical knowledge of the CPGs were evaluated. More than 90% of the participants gave a high rating for the components of content, recommendation, knowledge, skill, and adherence, but not for the component of confidence. A positive correlation was found between years of professional experience and the score of confidence. These results suggest that it may be necessary to apply the knowledge and skills of CPGs obtained in the education programs into practice to increase confidence in the proper use of psychiatric therapies based on CPGs.
The effect of nonpharmaceutical weight‐loss interventions in rural patients with diabetes: RE‐POWER Diabetes
Authors: Desouza Cyrus V. , Johnson‐Rabbett Brianna E. , Gajewski Byron , Brown Alexandra , Ellerbeck Edward F. , VanWormer Jeffrey J. , Befort Christie
Published: March 2022

Objective

In this secondary analysis of the Rural Engagement in Primary Care for Optimizing Weight Reduction (RE‐POWER) randomized trial, the authors determined the effectiveness of weight‐loss interventions in people with diabetes compared with those without diabetes living in rural areas.

Methods

The RE‐POWER study was a randomized trial designed to determine the effectiveness of nonpharmacological behavioral weight‐loss interventions in rural participants with obesity, comparing the individual in‐clinic visit model to in‐person group sessions and phone group sessions over 24 months. In this secondary analysis, weight loss was compared in participants with and without diabetes. The effects of factors such as medications, insulin, and behavioral factors were compared.

Results

Participants with diabetes were less likely to lose weight during the study compared with those without diabetes up to 18 months (4.12% vs. 5.31%; net difference = 1.46%; 95% CI: 0.63%‐2.28%). Participants with diabetes on insulin lost less weight than patients with diabetes not on insulin at 6 months (4.52% vs. 6.88%; net difference = 2.35%; 95% CI: 0.55%‐4.16%). The group with diabetes had significantly lower changes in blood pressure and lipid parameters versus the group without diabetes.

Conclusions

Patients with diabetes in rural areas were less likely to lose weight, and metabolic parameters were less responsive to weight loss, compared with patients without diabetes.
Shape memory elastomers: A review of synthesis, design, advanced manufacturing, and emerging applications
Authors: Prathumrat Peerawat , Nikzad Mostafa , Hajizadeh Elnaz , Arablouei Reza , Sbarski Igor
Published: March 2022

Shape memory elastomers (SMEs) are a class of intelligent materials characterized by their ability to deform and recover shapes under applied force and external stimuli. Heat and ultraviolet radiation are examples of the most common external stimuli. With the emerging prevalence of internet of things devices and the ensuing need for smart materials and structures, SMEs provide significant opportunities to support the development of novel applications in robotics, remotely actuated systems, and packages, including those promised for the space industry. To harness the immense potential in the emerging applications of these materials, one approach is the systematic multi‐scale modeling coupled with artificial intelligence‐assisted design leading to the development of next‐generation intelligent systems. This review covers several aspects of the synthesis/materials chemistry and applications of SMEs with a view towards enabling such an approach. The synthesis procedures emphasizing dynamic covalent bond reactions are reviewed. Then, liquid crystalline elastomers are introduced as a specific elastomeric material class that exhibits excellent shape memory characteristics and distinctive transition temperatures. The utilization of advanced manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing, three‐dimensional printing, and the emerging four‐dimensional printing technologies assisted by machine learning are detailed in producing and predicting SMEs. Finally, the current trends in the use of SMEs are summarized in areas of industrial and space engineering and biomedical applications.
Thermoplastic matrix‐based composites produced by resin transfer molding: A review
Authors: Miranda Campos Bernard , Bourbigot Serge , Fontaine Gaëlle , Bonnet Fanny
Published: March 2022

The recycling of thermoset‐based composites is challenging. The replacement of thermosetting resins with thermoplastics is an initial step to address this issue, together with the use of green reinforcements. Owing to the recent development of low‐viscosity thermoplastic resins, it is possible to produce thermoplastic matrix composites using the resin transfer molding (RTM) technique, which was originally conceived for the production of thermosetting matrix composites. These resins are based on cyclic esters, methyl methacrylate, and cyclic (butylene terephthalate) oligomers. This review presents the state‐of‐the‐art works reported on the production of thermoplastic matrix composites via a thermoplastic RTM (TP‐RTM) process, from the in situ polymerization of the resins through the optimization of the TP‐RTM parameters for the evaluation of the composite properties.
Enhancement of chemical, physical, and surface properties of electrospun PCL/PLA blends by means of air plasma treatment
Authors: Can‐Herrera Luis Alfonso , Oliva Andrés Iván , Cervantes‐Uc José Manuel
Published: March 2022

Polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are polymers with unique individual features, but their mixing can produce a new biodegradable material with well‐balanced properties, although with a disadvantage that both are highly hydrophobic materials. To improve this drawback, electrospun PCL/PLA blends with various weight ratios were superficially modified by air plasma. The changes undergone by the nanofibers were characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques; water contact angle (WCA) was also determined. We demonstrated that the electrospun PCL/PLA blends did not suffer morphological changes, although it was observed an increase in the roughness and the O/C ratio (by XPS analysis) and, decrease in WCA values, when the PCL content dominates in the blend after the treatment. The surface characteristics of the scaffolds PCL/PLA blends can be improved after modification with plasma and by tuning the content of its components.