bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
I feel a moving crowd surrounds me: Exploring tactile feedback during immersive walking in a virtual crowd
Authors: Koilias Alexandros , Mousas Christos , Anagnostopoulos Christos‐Nikolaos
Published: October 2020

The aim of our study was to investigate whether different tactile feedback conditions could affect the behavior of participants who were instructed to walk within a virtual reality environment surrounded by a virtual crowd of people. A road crossing scenario that takes place in a virtual metropolitan city was developed for this study. Participants were asked to walk toward the opposite sidewalk while wearing a tactile vest. At each road crossing, one of several tactile feedback conditions was generated, including No Tactile, Side Tactile, Back Tactile, Front Tactile, Accurate Tactile, and Random Tactile. During the virtual road crossing, the movement of the participants was captured, and movement‐related measurements were extracted and analyzed to evaluate the effects of tactile feedback on the participant's movement behavior. Additional data were collected through the distribution of a questionnaire to consider self‐reported ratings of the experimental conditions. The results revealed that tactile feedback conditions had significant effects on movement behavior, while the participants' ratings also indicated that they were affected by the tactile feedback conditions. We found that when the participants were immersed in a high‐density crowd simulation, they became sensitive to tactile feedback. However, they were not able to distinguish between the accurate feedback and the random feedback.
Adjunctive use of fluoroscopy during MitraClip implantation reduces procedural complexity: The parallax technique
Authors: Singh Gagan D. , Rogers Jason H , Chen Sarah , Yap Jonathan , Smith Thomas W.R. , Fan Dali , Stripe Benjamin , Aman Edris
Published: October 2020

Background

During MitraClip implantation sub‐valvular correction of trajectory and/or alignment may increase adverse clip or leaflet events. With systematic adjunctive use of fluoroscopy (“Parallax technique”), we aimed to assess parameters that minimize the need for corrective measures and help increase procedural efficiency.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 30 patients without (Fl‐) and 39 patients utilizing adjunctive fluoroscopy (Fl+) during MitraClip implantation. After establishing trajectory and supra‐valvular alignment, the Parallax technique was utilized. Trajectory and alignment are maintained during advancement.

Results

All patients had 3 or 4+ MR. There were no differences in baseline demographics. The average number of clips (Fl‐ vs Fl+) was 1.72 ± 0.8 vs 1.59 ± 0.5, p = .57. For the first clip, the need for sub‐valvular alignment (80% vs. 36%, p = .0001), eversion with retraction back to left atrium (23% vs. 10%, p = .001) and the number of grasps (2.3 ± 1.2 vs 1.4 ± 0.9) was reduced. The time from transseptal puncture to first clip deployment (71 ± 21 vs 44 ± 16 min, p = .01) was reduced. Procedural success was achieved in all but one patient in the Fl‐ group (p = ns). There were no differences noted for in‐hospital or 30‐day outcomes.

Conclusions

Systematic use of a simple and easy to implement “Parallax technique” was associated with reduced need for sub‐valvular manipulation and was associated with improved procedural times. Further larger scale studies are needed to assess the applicability of the technique.
Vanadium Hydride as an Ammonia Synthesis Catalyst
Authors: Cao Yu , Saito Ayaka , Kobayashi Yoji , Ubukata Hiroki , Tang Ya , Kageyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Early 3d transition metals, such as Ti, V, or Nb are known to be inactive for the Haber‐Bosch process, due to their strong M−N bonds. However, recently some hydride compounds have been found to effectively counteract this effect, imparting catalytic activity on a wide range of elements. With these hydride catalysts, hydride (and nitride) bulk diffusion mechanisms have been proposed; if so, more open structures should enhance their activity. Here, we expand the study to hydrides of other early transition metals, V and Nb. These metals benefit from body‐centered cubic (bcc) related structures which enhance hydride diffusion, in addition to having relatively lower M−N bond strengths. The activity of vanadium hydride, most likely with an active composition of VH0.44N0.16, is superior to the previously reported BaTiO2.5H0.5, and comparable to TiH2 and Cs−Ru/MgO at 400 °C under 5 MPa. These results show that there is more potential for developing new single‐phase hydride catalysts of previously overlooked elements without sacrificing activity.
Comparison of the Operating Range of a Wetted‐Wall Column with a Packed Column for Distillation
Authors: Reitze Arnulf , Grünewald Marcus , Riese Julia
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a newly designed distillation column consisting of a wetted wall with a rectangular cross section is analyzed and compared with a conventional packed column with regard to the operating range of both apparatuses. As expected, the pressure drop is considerably lower in the wetted‐wall column and, therefore, it offers a higher range of operation. However, in the wetted‐wall column, the separation efficiency decreases rapidly with increasing F factors. This effect can be overcome by the serial connection of two wetted‐wall columns.
Material and psychological financial hardship related to employment disruption among female adolescent and young adult cancer survivors
Authors: Meernik Clare , Kirchhoff Anne C. , Anderson Chelsea , Edwards Teresa P. , Deal Allison M. , Baggett Christopher D. , Kushi Lawrence H. , Chao Chun R. , Nichols Hazel B.
Published: October 2020

Background

The importance of addressing adverse financial effects of cancer among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is paramount as survival improves. In the current study, the authors examined whether cancer‐related employment disruption was associated with financial hardship among female AYA cancer survivors in North Carolina and California.

Methods

AYA cancer survivors identified through the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry and the Kaiser Permanente Northern/Southern California tumor registries responded to an online survey. Disrupted employment was defined as reducing hours, taking temporary leave, or stopping work completely because of cancer. Financial hardship was defined as material conditions or psychological distress related to cancer. Descriptive statistics and chi‐square tests were used to characterize the invited sample and survey respondents. Marginal structural binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence differences (PDs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

Among 1328 women employed at the time of their diagnosis, women were a median age of 34 years at the time of diagnosis and 7 years from diagnosis at the time of the survey and approximately 32% experienced employment disruption. A substantial percentage reported financial hardship related to material conditions (27%) or psychological distress (50%). In adjusted analyses, women with disrupted employment had a 17% higher burden of material conditions (95% CI, 10%‐23%) and an 8% higher burden of psychological distress (95% CI, 1%‐16%) compared with those without disruption.

Conclusions

Financial hardship related to employment disruption among female AYA cancer survivors can be substantial. Interventions to promote job maintenance and transition back to the workforce after treatment, as well as improved workplace accommodations and benefits, present an opportunity to improve cancer survivorship.
The “Brescia panel” (Claudin‐4 and BRCA‐associated protein 1) in the differential diagnosis of mesotheliomas with epithelioid features versus metastatic carcinomas
Authors: Bernardi Livia , Bizzarro Tommaso , Pironi Flavio , Szymczuk Stefania , Buda Raffaella , Fabbri Enrica , Di Claudio Giovanni , Rossi Giulio
Published: October 2020

Background

The distinction between mesothelioma with epithelioid features and metastatic carcinoma may be challenging, particularly on cytology. A novel 2‐hit Claudin‐4 and BRCA‐associated protein 1 (BAP1) panel was investigated.

Methods

The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the panel on cytology from pleural effusions and matched biopsies, including 49 malignant mesotheliomas on cytology with 43 matched biopsies, 49 normal/reactive mesothelial proliferations, and 49 pleural metastatic carcinomas from different primaries with 21 matched pleural biopsies. The diagnostic role of the 4 categories obtained by crossing the immunostaining results was analyzed.

Results

Claudin‐4 strongly stained all metastatic carcinomas and tested completely negative in normal mesothelium, benign reactive mesothelial hyperplasia, and malignant mesothelioma. All normal and benign mesothelial proliferations and all carcinomas except 1 were immunoreactive for BAP1, whereas BAP1 loss was observed in 88% of malignant mesotheliomas. The expression of Claudin‐4 alone excluded all benign and malignant mesothelial growth, consistently characterizing all metastatic carcinomas. Double negativity was evident in all malignant mesotheliomas, and double positivity was observed in all metastatic carcinomas. BAP1‐positive/Claudin‐4–negative status was observed only in malignant mesotheliomas and benign mesothelial proliferations. A single metastatic anal squamous cell carcinoma had BAP1‐negative/Claudin‐4–positive staining.

Conclusions

Claudin‐4 expression was completely specific and sensitive for metastatic carcinoma, excluding mesothelial proliferations. BAP1 staining characterized 98% of metastatic carcinomas and 100% of benign mesothelial proliferations, whereas negativity was observed almost exclusively in mesotheliomas. This 2‐hit panel is probably the best compromise for differentiating malignant mesothelioma and metastatic carcinoma on either cytology or biopsy specimens.
Proximity Ligation Assay for Detecting Protein‐Protein Interactions and Protein Modifications in Cells and Tissues in Situ
Authors: Hegazy Marihan , Cohen‐Barak Eran , Koetsier Jennifer L. , Najor Nicole A. , Arvanitis Constadina , Sprecher Eli , Green Kathleen J. , Godsel Lisa M.
Published: October 2020

Biochemical methods can reveal stable protein‐protein interactions occurring within cells, but the ability to observe transient events and to visualize the subcellular localization of protein‐protein interactions in cells and tissues in situ provides important additional information. The Proximity Ligation Assay® (PLA) offers the opportunity to visualize the subcellular location of such interactions at endogenous protein levels, provided that the probes that recognize the target proteins are within 40 nm. This sensitive technique not only elucidates protein‐protein interactions, but also can reveal post‐translational protein modifications. The technique is useful even in cases where material is limited, such as when paraffin‐embedded clinical specimens are the only available material, as well as after experimental intervention in 2D and 3D model systems. Here we describe the basic protocol for using the commercially available Proximity Ligation Assay™ materials (Sigma‐Aldrich, St. Louis, MO), and incorporate details to aid the researcher in successfully performing the experiments. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Proximity ligation assay

Support Protocol 1: Antigen retrieval method for formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues

Support Protocol 2: Creation of custom PLA probes using the Duolink™ In Situ Probemaker Kit when commercially available probes are not suitable

Basic Protocol 2: Imaging, quantification, and analysis of PLA signals
Daily tourist flow forecasting using SPCA and CNN‐LSTM neural network
Authors: Ni Tian , Wang Lei , Zhang Pengchao , Wang Bin , Li Wei
Published: October 2020

Predicting the daily tourism flow of scenic spots is of great significance for improving the management quality and the tourist experience. Affected by complex factors, daily tourism flow data have strong nonlinear characteristics. In this article, a multilayer neural network S‐CNNLSTM is put forward to make accurate short‐term tourism flow prediction. First, to reduce the redundant information between the influencing factors, sparse principal component analysis is adopted to reduce the data dimension. Then the processed data is input into a deep neural network framework that combines the convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short‐term memory (LSTM) network. CNN extracts local trends, and LSTM is introduced to learn the inner law of time series and make prediction. Finally, through the experiments with real data and the comparison algorithms, the stability and practicability of the proposed method are verified.
Standardizing a volume benchmark for cerebrospinal fluids for optimal diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Kim David , Alperstein Susan A. , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cytomorphologic analysis remains the gold standard in the evaluation of malignant leptomeningeal involvement. However, collection of optimal volumes for adequate cytomorphologic evaluation is not standardized. Our study investigated optimal CSF volumes that result in a significant diagnostic result.

Methods

A total of 4114 samples were retrospectively identified from 2014 to 2018, and 2557 samples had concurrent flow cytometry (FC) study. Each specimen was grouped as unsatisfactory, negative, atypical, or positive. Positive samples were grouped as either solid tumors, leukemia, or lymphoma by the type of malignancy detected. Demographic data as well as CSF source was recorded. Specimens with FC were separated by detection on cytology and/or FC. A t‐test and ANOVA test were used to compare the average volumes for each group.

Results

Average volumes for negative, atypical, and positive samples are 7.48 mL (95% CI: 7.33, 7.63), 7.97 mL (95% CI: 7.37, 8.57), and 8.44 mL (95% CI: 7.46, 9.43), respectively. Average volumes for solid tumors, leukemia, and lymphoma positive samples are 12.0 mL (95% CI: 9.11, 14.89), 6.73 mL (95% CI: 5.94, 7.53), and 8.44 mL (95% CI: 6.78, 10.09). For cases with FC, the volumes are 10.11 mL (95% CI: 9.28, 10.96), 7.28 mL (95% CI: 6.87, 7.70), and 6.86 mL (95% CI: 6.25, 7.49) for positive cytology only, positive cytology/FC, and negative for both, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that higher volumes produce better results for analysis. We recommend an optimal volume of 8.44 mL for cytologic work‐up of malignancies. However, optimal volumes may differ based upon malignancy type and utilization of flow cytometry.
Investigating convergence of cardiac and behavioral indicators of distress during routine vaccinations over the second year of life
Authors: Waxman Jordana A. , DiLorenzo Miranda G. , Pillai Riddell Rebecca R. , Flora David B. , Schmidt Louis A. , Garfield Hartley , Flanders Daniel , Weinberg Eitan , Savlov Deena
Published: October 2020

There is considerable variability regarding the convergence between behavioral and biological aspects of distress responses in toddlerhood, and little research has investigated the convergence of these measures in high distress. The aim of the current study was to describe patterns of distress responses to vaccinations as indexed by both pain‐related behavioral distress and heart rate (HR) at 12 and 18 months. Caregiver‐toddler dyads were part of an ongoing longitudinal cohort observed during 12‐ (N = 158) and 18‐month (N = 122) well‐baby vaccinations. Parallel‐process growth mixture models discerned two distinct groups at 12 months and three distinct groups at 18 months. All groups had comparable pain‐related behavioral distress and HR responses post‐vaccination, with most participants displaying high arousal and regulation to baseline levels following the vaccination. However, at 18 months, an important minority had a blunted response or did not regulate to a low level of distress by 3 min post‐needle. Post hoc analyses revealed that higher baseline pain‐related behavioral distress predicted membership in the majority groups at 12 and 18 months. These results highlight the developmental differences and variability in behavioral and cardiac indicators of distress regulation across the second year of life.
High‐resolution multi‐marker DNA metabarcoding reveals sexual dietary differentiation in a bird with minor dimorphism
Authors: da Silva Luís P. , Mata Vanessa A. , Lopes Pedro B. , Lopes Ricardo J. , Beja Pedro
Published: October 2020

Although sexual dietary differentiation is well known in birds, it is usually linked with significant morphological dimorphism between males and females, with lower differentiation reported in sexually monomorphic or only slightly dimorphic species. However, this may be an artifact of poor taxonomic resolution achieved in most conventional dietary studies, which may be unable to detect subtle intraspecific differentiation in prey consumption. Here, we show the power of multi‐marker metabarcoding to address these issues, focusing on a slightly dimorphic generalist passerine, the black wheatear Oenanthe leucura. Using markers from four genomic regions (18S, 16S, COI, and trnL), we analyzed fecal droppings collected from 93 adult black wheatears during the breeding season. We found that sexes were rather similar in bill and body features, though males had a slightly thicker bill and longer wings and tail than females. Diet was dominated in both sexes by a very wide range of arthropod species and a few fleshy fruits, but the overall diet diversity was higher for males than females, and there was a much higher frequency of occurrence of ants in female (58%) than male (29%) diets. We hypothesize that the observed sexual differentiation was likely related to females foraging closer to their offspring on abundant prey, while males consumed a wider variety of prey while foraging more widely. Overall, our results suggest that dietary sexual differentiation in birds may be more widespread than recognized at present and that multi‐marker DNA metabarcoding is a particularly powerful tool to unveiling such differences.
Potential natural vegetation and NPP responses to future climates in the U.S. Great Plains
Authors: Klemm Toni , Briske David D. , Reeves Matthew C.
Published: October 2020

Asymmetric climate projections throughout the U.S. Great Plains may intensify the existing latitudinal temperature gradient and magnify the longitudinal precipitation gradient. These potential changes present a unique challenge to understanding the ecological consequences of future climates in the region. Here we investigate how climate change may affect the spatio‐temporal patterns of potential natural vegetation types (PVT) and net primary production (NPP) throughout the 21st century with the global dynamic vegetation model MC2. Simulations were driven by projected climate variables from five global climate models under representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5. MC2 simulated C3 and C4 grassland, shrubland, forest, and woodland (shrubland + forest) PVTs, and total NPP for each PVT. The largest increases in woodland and grassland NPP occurred in the Northern Plains (17.5% and 4.7%), followed by the Central Plains (10.6% and 0.0%), while NPP in the Southern Plains remained unchanged compared to historic means (1981–2010). A shift from grassland to woodland in the Northern and Central Plains further affected regional NPP; regional woodland NPP increased 72% and 26% in the Northern and Central Plains, respectively, while regional grassland NPP decreased 18% and 12%, respectively. The most pronounced shift in PVT was associated with increasing, rather than decreasing, mean annual precipitation in the Northern Plains where grassland contracted in response to westward expansion of woodland. C3 grassland was gradually replaced by C4 grassland in the Northern Plains by 2080, and only a trace remained at centuries end. C3 grassland decreased to a trace amount ca. 2060 in the Central Plains, while C4 grassland increased slightly. The relative stability of PVTs in the Southern Plains suggests that species and functional trait diversity may buffer grassland responses to future climates by providing the capacity for species reordering. The asymmetric response of simulated vegetation and NPP to 21st century climate change suggests that the provision of ecosystem services—beef cattle production, carbon sequestration, and grassland bird habitat—will be modified in distinct ways along a latitudinal gradient throughout the Great Plains.
Energy efficient zone‐based clustering algorithm using fuzzy inference system for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Sujith Annie , Dorai D. Ramya , Kamalesh V. N.
Published: October 2020

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), as sensor nodes have limited energy, the design of an energy‐efficient clustering technique is a critical challenge to be addressed. We propose an Energy‐Efficient Zone‐based Clustering algorithm for WSN that works efficiently in large area WSN as well. In the proposed method, the sensing field is divided into equal size zones, and one Zone Monitor is selected in each zone. The distance of a Zone Monitor from the Base Station is considered in the calculation of the number of desired Cluster Heads (CHs) in its zone for implementing Unequal clustering. The CHs are selected such that they are uniformly distributed inside each zone to conserve the energy of sensor nodes needed for intra‐cluster transmission. Also, for better load balancing among the selected CHs, we propose that cluster size should be uniform at zone level. Hence, after the CHs are selected, the remaining sensor nodes in a zone decide to become a cluster member of one of the selected CHs using a fuzzy‐based cluster formation technique. We compare the proposed algorithm with other approaches for three different network scenarios using parameters such as the number of alive nodes, the first node dies, half of the nodes die, the last node dies, the amount of data received at Base Station, and total remaining energy. Simulation results show that the proposed clustering algorithm provides better performance than other methods.
Progress inTENGtechnology—A journey from energy harvesting to nanoenergy and nanosystem
Authors: Zhu Jianxiong , Zhu Minglu , Shi Qiongfeng , Wen Feng , Liu Long , Dong Bowei , Haroun Ahmed , Yang Yanqin , Vachon Philippe , Guo Xinge , He Tianyiyi , Lee Chengkuo
Published: October 2020

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology is a promising research field for energy harvesting and nanoenergy and nanosystem (NENS) in the aspect of mechanical, electrical, optical, acoustic, fluidic, and so on. This review systematically reports the progress of TENG technology, in terms of energy‐boosting, emerging materials, self‐powered sensors, NENS, and its further integration with other potential technologies. Starting from TENG mechanisms including the ways of charge generation and energy‐boosting, we introduce the applications from energy harvesters to various kinds of self‐powered sensors, that is, physical sensors, chemical/gas sensors. After that, further applications in NENS are discussed, such as blue energy, human‐machine interfaces (HMIs), neural interfaces/implanted devices, and optical interface/wearable photonics. Moving to new research directions beyond TENG, we depict hybrid energy harvesting technologies, dielectric‐elastomer‐enhancement, self‐healing, shape‐adaptive capability, and self‐sustained NENS and/or internet of things (IoT). Finally, the outlooks and conclusions about future development trends of TENG technologies are discussed toward multifunctional and intelligent systems.

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Facilitators and barriers to supporting young people with eating disorders during their transition to, and time at, university: An exploration of clinicians' perspectives
Authors: Webb Hannah , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: October 2020

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) are common in student populations and present formidable challenges as to how best to treat and support these young people, especially at points of transition. Yet research exploring these challenges is lacking, particularly from the perspective of those providing treatment and support.

Methods

A qualitative design was used to explore clinicians' perspectives of supporting students with EDs. Twelve clinicians from a large ED service in the United Kingdom participated in one‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Facilitators and barriers to supporting students with EDs fell into four overarching themes: Health System, University, Patient and Carer Factors. Reported facilitators were; ED service awareness, flexibility and resources, university as a motivator, and carer support. Reported barriers were; poor links and communication between institutions, the primary care system, poor university provision for and awareness of EDs, young people's denial and ambivalence, inconsistent implementation of guidelines, and carer anxiety.

Conclusions

The findings revealed challenges unique to the university transition, including the need for more collaborative working between healthcare and education institutions, improved training of non‐specialised ED professionals, and the benefits of a flexible, adapted ED treatment approach specifically tailored to the unique needs of students with EDs.
Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid–Induced Toxicity on Zebrafish Embryos in the Presence or Absence of the Chorion
Authors: Mylroie J. Erik , Wilbanks Mitchell S. , Kimble Ashley N. , To Kimberly T. , Cox Catherine S. , McLeod Sheila J. , Gust Kurt A. , Moore David W. , Perkins Edward J. , Garcia-Reyero Natàlia
Published: October 2020

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a perfluorinated compound used in many industrial and consumer products. It has been linked to a broad range of adverse effects in several species, including zebrafish (Danio rerio). The zebrafish embryo is a widely used vertebrate model to elucidate potential adverse effects of chemicals because it is amenable to medium and high throughput. However, there is limited research on the full extent of the impact the chorion has on those effects. Results from the present study indicate that the presence of the chorion affected the timing and incidence of mortality as well as morphometric endpoints such as spinal curvature and swim bladder inflation in zebrafish embryos exposed to PFOS. Furthermore, removal of the chorion prior to exposure resulted in a lower threshold of sensitivity to PFOS for effects on transcriptional expression within the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) nuclear signaling pathway. Perturbation of PPAR pathway gene expression can result in disruption of metabolic signaling and regulation, which can adversely affect development, energy availability, and survival. It can be concluded that removal of the chorion has significant effects on the timing and incidence of impacts associated with PFOS exposure, and more research is warranted to fully elucidate the protective role of the chorion and the critical timing of these events. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:780–791. Published 2020. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Herbicidal effects of wood vinegar on nitrophilous plant communities
Authors: Aguirre Juan Luis , Baena Juan , Martín María Teresa , González Sergio , Manjón José Luis , Peinado Manuel
Published: October 2020

In Europe, and many parts of the world, the number and variety of animal species on farmland is in marked decline. There is a need to search for alternatives that are safe for the environmental and are effective in controlling weeds. Wood vinegar from biomass pyrolysis may be an alternative for herb control. In this study, Wood vinegar (WV) pH, moisture content, and composition were analyzed, with subsequent assessment of the effects of WV on nitrophilous plant communities under natural conditions. The following three treatments were used: WV dissolved in water to form 25 vol% and 50 vol% dilutions and undiluted WV (100 vol%). The results showed a greater than 70% decrease in biomass at 7 days after WV application in all treatments. At the end of the sampling period (day 42), the plots treated with WV had four‐times less biomass than the controls. No significant differences were observed among different treatments, thus indicating that a 25% dilution may suffice for use as an herbicide. However, this concentration also produced the highest variability in results. The area cleared by the affected species was colonized by perennial species. At the end of the sampling, 80% of the area of the treated plots was occupied by perennial species, whereas this percentage was 30% in control plots. Electron micrographs showed that the epidermis of the treated plants was severely affected within a few hours of the treatment, particularly of the stomatal cells. The most affected species were those with smooth leaves without protective structures and those with lighter stems and leaves. The good herbicidal performance of WV notwithstanding, regulations must be clarified for its use as an herbicide.
Thermal studies of steadily loaded surface‐textured noncircular journal bearing profiles to investigate the performance characteristics
Authors: Bhasker B. , Seetharamaiah N. , Ramesh Babu P.
Published: October 2020

The present research study is carried out to study the performance characteristics of two noncircular journal bearing profiles. Experiments are conducted on a phosphorous bronze hydrodynamic journal bearing test rig to measure the circumferential oil film pressure as well as on the temperature profile at different radial loads and constant rotational speeds to measure bearing performance characteristics, such as oil flow rate, maximum temperature, and pressure. Results reported that noncircular bearings can withstand higher load and minimum power losses than circular bearings. Also, with an increase in the radial load, the oil film pressure and temperature also increased. However, a reduction in negative pressure gradient is reported along the circumference of the lobe resulting in lesser thermal degradation in comparison with the cylindrical bearing.
Influence of transverse vibrations on convective heat transfer in parallel flow tube‐in‐tube heat exchanger
Authors: Arasavelli Shanmukh Sudhir , Konijeti Ramakrishna , Budda Govinda Rao
Published: October 2020

Tube‐in‐tube heat exchangers are widely used in food processing industries and wastewater treatment for both heating and cooling. Enhancement techniques namely active, passive, and compound are developed to reduce the thermal resistance in heat exchangers by improving convective heat transfer with or without increase in surface area. The present experimental study is aimed at analyzing the influence of vibrations on the convective heat transfer of a parallel flow tube‐in‐tube heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is placed in horizontal position and is subjected to transverse vibrations under turbulent fluid flow conditions. Experiments were performed at four frequencies (20, 40, 60, and 100 Hz), three amplitudes (1, 2, and 3 m/s2), and three vibration generator positions along its length, in the Reynolds number range of 10 710 to 21 420. An enhancement in Nusselt number is found with vibration than without vibration throughout the entire range of Reynolds numbers. A maximum enhancement of 33% at 40 Hz frequency, 3 m/s2 amplitude, and vibration generator position at three‐fourth of the tube length was observed. Empirical correlations are developed for Nusselt number to determine the heat transfer coefficient with vibration with an error of 10%.
Genetic algorithm‐assisted artificial neural network for retrieval of a parameter in a third grade fluid flow through two parallel and heated plates
Authors: Mishra Vijay K. , Chaudhuri Sumanta
Published: October 2020

Genetic algorithm (GA) has been used to determine important attributes of artificial neural network (ANN), such as number of neurons in different hidden layers and division of data for training, validation, and testing. The GA‐assisted ANN (GAAANN) model was used to retrieve third grade fluid (TGF) parameter (A) in a TGF flow problem. The TGF was allowed to flow through two parallel plates, which were subjected to uniform heat flux. The least square method (LSM) was used to solve the governing equations, for specified boundary conditions. In this way, temperature profiles for different values of A were computed by LSM, constituting the direct part of the problem. In the inverse part, the GAAANN model was fed with a temperature profile as input and the corresponding value of A was obtained as output. Four different GAAANN model were developed, and a detailed analysis was done in retrieving the value of A by different GAAANN models. Two very important and commonly used algorithms: Levenberg‐Marquardt (LM) and scaled conjugate gradient are explored for training of the neurons. The entire four GAAANN model were able to retrieve the value of A with different levels of accuracy.
Unfinished business: Terminated cancer trials and the relevance of treatment intent, sponsors and intervention types
Authors: Buergy Daniel , Riedel Julian , Sarria Gustavo R. , Ehmann Michael , Scafa Davide , Grilli Maurizio , Wenz Frederik , Hofheinz Ralf D.
Published: October 2020

The aim of the study was to report on the association of trial sponsors with intervention type, treatment intent, recruitment success and reasons to terminate cancer trials. The ClinicalTrials database was searched for interventional Phase 3 cancer trials (01/2006‐05/2017). Noncancer studies and ongoing studies were excluded, permanently suspended studies were counted as terminated. Trials were stratified according to sponsors (industry/nonindustry), intervention type, setting (curative/palliative) and intent of intervention (curative/symptom‐control/life‐extending). We identified 345 terminated trials and 1137 completed studies as a control group. The frequency of premature termination did not differ significantly between sponsors. Time to termination was shorter but recruitment per month prior to termination was higher in industry‐sponsored studies (7.0 vs 2.2 patients/month; P < .001). Drug interventions were more common in industry‐sponsored, all other interventions in nonindustry‐sponsored settings (P < .001). Life‐extending palliative interventions occurred more frequently, symptom‐control interventions in a curative setting less frequently in industry‐sponsored trials (both P < .001). Intervention, setting and intent were not associated with termination in industry‐sponsored trials. In nonindustry‐sponsored trials, the frequency of drug interventions and life‐extending (noncurative) interventions were increased in terminated trials (both P < .05); symptom‐control interventions in curative settings occurred more frequently in completed studies. Industry‐sponsored trials were more often terminated due to toxicity/inefficacy while lack of accrual occurred more frequently in nonindustry‐sponsored trials (P < .01). Interventions, treatment setting/intent and reasons for termination differed between sponsor types. In nonindustry‐sponsored trials, drug interventions and life‐extending (noncurative) interventions were associated with premature termination and symptom‐control interventions (curative setting) were associated with trial completion.
Rapid and label‐free identification of different cancer types based on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering profiles and multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Fang Yaping , Lin Taifeng , Zheng Dawei , Zhu Yongwei , Wang Limin , Fu Yingying , Wang Huiqin , Wu Xihao , Zhang Ping
Published: October 2020

Rapid detection and classification of cancer cells with label‐free and non‐destructive methods are helpful for rapid screening of cancer patients in clinical settings. Here, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was used for rapid, unlabeled, and non‐destructive detection of seven different cell types, including human cancer cells and non‐tumorous cells. Au nanoparticles were used as enhanced substrates and directly added to cell surfaces. The single cellular SERS signals could be easily and stably collected in several minutes, and the cells maintained structural integrity over one hour. Different types of cells had unique Raman phenotypes. By applying multivariate statistical analysis to the Raman phenotypes, the cancer cells and non‐tumorous cells were accurately identified. The high sensitivity enabled this method to discriminate subtle molecular changes in different cell types, and the accuracy reached 81.2% with principal components analysis and linear discriminant analysis. The technique provided a rapid, unlabeled, and non‐destructive method for the detection and identification of various cancer types.
Assessment of serum phenylalanine and tyrosine isomers in patients with ST‐segment elevation vs non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Al‐Sadoon Ied , Wittmann István , Kun Szilard , Ahmann Mercédesz , Konyi Attila , Verzár Zsófia
Published: October 2020

Background

Under conditions of oxidative stress, hydroxyl radicals can oxidize phenylalanine (Phe) into various tyrosine (Tyr) isomers (meta‐, ortho‐, and para‐tyrosine; m‐, o‐, and p‐Tyr), depending on the location of the hydroxyl group on the oxidized benzyl ring. This study aimed to compare patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non‐STEMI (NSTEMI) and the serum levels of Phe and Tyr isomers at the aortic root and distal to the culprit lesion in both groups.

Methods

Forty‐four patients participated in the study: 23 with STEMI and 21 with NSTEMI. Arterial blood samples were taken from the aortic root through a guiding catheter and from the culprit vessel segment distal from the primary lesion with an aspiration catheter, during the percutaneous coronary intervention. Serum levels of Phe, p‐Tyr, m‐Tyr, and o‐Tyr were determined using reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Serum levels of Phe were significantly higher distal to the culprit lesion compared to the aortic root in patients with STEMI. Serum p‐Tyr/Phe and m‐Tyr/Phe concentration ratios were both lower distal to the culprit lesion than at the aortic root in patients with STEMI. There were no statistically significant differences with respect to changes in serum Phe and Tyr isomers distal to the culprit lesion compared to the aortic root in patients with NSTEMI.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that changes in serum levels of different Tyr isomers can mediate the effects of oxidative stress during myocardial infarction.
Helicobacter pylori healthy South Asians
Authors: Kharel Sanjeev , Bist Anil , Shrestha Suraj , Homagain Sushan
Published: October 2020

We aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among asymptomatic South Asians based on available literature and highlight the importance of screening asymptomatic individuals and implementing preventive strategies for eradicating H. pylori. Electronic databases such as PubMed and Embase, a regional database of WHO South Asian Region, and gray literature sites were searched for relevant studies from 1983 to 5 May 2020. In addition, references of the included studies were thoroughly searched. The random‐effect model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) along with subgroup analysis. Analysis of 19 studies showed a pooled prevalence of 56.5%, ranging from 10.3 to 91.7%. In subgroup analysis by country, the highest prevalence rate was reported from Bangladesh (86.3%, 95% CI: 0.806–0.921), whereas the lowest prevalence was from Sri Lanka (10.3%, 95% CI: 0.072–0.135). No differences were found between males and females. Prevalence among children and adolescents was 65.3% (95% CI: 0.529–0.777), greater than adults, 56.9% (95% CI: 0.353–0.785). The prevalence rate showed a decreasing trend upon comparison of studies conducted before and after 2000. Our analysis reveals the high prevalence of H. pylori infection among asymptomatic healthy populations in South Asia, particularly in children and adolescents. Public health awareness and sanitation interventions, pure drinking water, and respective strategies on a policy level to eradicate H. pylori and additional extensive multicentric cohort studies are necessary.
On the maximum number of maximum independent sets in connected graphs
Authors: Mohr Elena , Rautenbach Dieter
Published: October 2020

We characterize the connected graphs of given order and given independence number that maximize the number of maximum independent sets. For , there is a unique such graph that arises from the disjoint union of cliques of orders and , which is the complement of a Turán graph, by selecting a vertex in a largest clique and adding an edge between and a vertex in each of the remaining cliques. Our result confirms a conjecture of Derikvand and Oboudi.
Decoupling of Gray and White Matter Functional Networks in Medication‐Naïve Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Zhao Youjin , Zhang Feifei , Zhang Wenjing , Chen Lizhou , Chen Ziqi , Lui Su , Gong Qiyong
Published: October 2020

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been increasingly conceptualized as a disconnection syndrome. However, most studies have only focused on functional connectivity (FC) alterations in gray matter (GM), and the functional alterations in white matter (WM) remain largely unknown in MDD.

Purpose

To investigate WM functional alterations and the functional interaction between GM and WM networks in medication‐naïve MDD.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Sixty‐eight patients with MDD and 66 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HCs).

Field Strength/Sequence

Resting state‐functional MRI (fMRI) using a gradient‐echo imaging sequence and T1‐weighted images were acquired at 3.0T.

Assessment

Functional GM and WM networks, based on resting‐state blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signals, were identified by the K‐means clustering algorithm, and FC matrices were obtained for each subject.

Statistical Tests

Two‐sample t‐tests, Pearson chi‐square test, and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

Both the GM and WM of the visual network (GM1 and WM11) showed reduced FC with the sensorimotor network (WM5 and GM8), lateral temporal network (GM5 and WM6), cingulo‐opercular network (GM9), and dorsal attention network (GM7) in MDD patients compared to controls (P < 0.05, false discovery rate [FDR]‐corrected). Reduced FC between the anterior cingulum network (WM3) and the lateral temporal network (GM5 and WM6) and temporal pole network (GM13) and between GM13 and the medial temporal network (GM4) and medial prefrontal‐subcortical network (GM10) were also observed in MDD patients (P < 0.05, FDR‐corrected). In addition, the WM BOLD signal in the sensorimotor network was negatively correlated with illness duration (r = –0.286, P = 0.018).

Data Conclusion

Disconnectivity between the GM and WM networks in the perception‐motor system may be the foundation of extensively disrupted connections in MDD. Furthermore, the observed decoupling between subsystems of the default mode network may help explain previous findings of persistent negative rumination and theory of mind deficits in depression.

Level of Evidence

3.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3.
Evaluation of multiple indices of the South American monsoon
Authors: Correa Isabel C. , Arias Paola A. , Rojas Maisa
Published: October 2020

In this article, multiple methods for estimating the onset and demise of the South American Monsoon System (SAMS) are evaluated during the period 1979–2018. The results obtained from indices based on precipitation, outgoing longwave radiation and combined empirical orthogonal functions (LISAM) show a delay in the SAMS onset while the demise dates do not show marked changes during the considered period. The latter indicates that the observed shortening of the SAMS (and the consistent lengthening of the southern Amazon dry season) mainly depend on variations at the onset stage of the SAMS, as identified in previous studies based on different databases and methodologies. This result is independent on the observational dataset considered. This allows resolving previously inconsistent results on the shortening of the SAMS. Furthermore, the climatological patterns of precipitation and atmospheric circulation at surface and upper levels associated with SAMS are best represented by the precipitation‐based index; however, all indices exhibit general difficulties in representing the evolution of the atmospheric circulation at 200 hPa. Finally, our analyses suggest that including northeastern (NE) Brazil in the domain considered to characterize the SAMS tends to alter the estimates of SAMS timing, primarily its onset. In particular, the trend towards late onsets of the SAMS is evidenced by all indices over spatial domains that do not include NE Brazil, while this trend is considerably weakened or not significant when this area is included. This denotes a strong sensitivity of the different indices to the spatial domain considered for SAMS characterization.
Micromechanical Behavior of TPMS Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Castro André P. G. , Santos Jorge , Pires Tiago , Fernandes Paulo R.
Published: October 2020

The triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) methodology is explored to design porosity and curvature‐controlled tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds. This work combines mechanical testing and finite element (FE) simulation to characterize TPMS scaffolds micromechanical behavior, i.e., to estimate the response at the cell level to the macromechanical properties of different geometries (Schwartz D, Gyroid, and Schwartz P, with 60%, 70%, and 80% porosity, identified from SD60 to SP80) and testing conditions (6%, 8%, and 10% ramp compression, during 10, 20, and 30 s). Mechanical tests with ten 3D printed samples per model obtain Young Modulus levels from 0.048 GPa (SD80) to 0.267 GPa (SD60) and yield stresses from 0.495 MPa (SP80) to 5.226 MPa (SD60), being these associated with trabecular bone. FE simulations identify strain rate as the major influencer for cell response, as the probabilities for bone formation increase from 23.18% (SD) to 29.81% (SP) when increasing the compression period from 10 to 30 s. Additionally, compression beyond 6% causes excessive rates of cell death. SD and SG models have more consistent cell adhesion paths than SP ones, but superior stiffness of SD scaffolds induces higher cell death probabilities. Thus, SG scaffolds would be a better choice for most TE applications.
Cancer biology functional genomics: From small RNAs to big dreams
Authors: Sundara Rajan Soumya , Ludwig Katelyn R. , Hall Katherine L. , Jones Tamara L. , Caplen Natasha J.
Published: October 2020

The year 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the first publications reporting the discovery of the gene silencing mechanism, RNA interference (RNAi) in mammalian cells. Along with the many studies that delineated the proteins and substrates that form the RNAi pathway, this finding changed our understanding of the posttranscriptional regulation of mammalian gene expression. Furthermore, the development of methods that exploited the RNAi pathway began the technological revolution that eventually enabled the interrogation of mammalian gene function—from a single gene to the whole genome—in only a few days. The needs of the cancer research community have driven much of this progress. In this perspective, we highlight milestones in the development and application of RNAi‐based methods to study carcinogenesis. We discuss how RNAi‐based functional genetic analysis of exemplar tumor suppressors and oncogenes furthered our understanding of cancer initiation and progression and explore how such studies formed the basis of genome‐wide scale efforts to identify cancer or cancer‐type specific vulnerabilities, including studies conducted in vivo. Furthermore, we examine how RNAi technologies have revealed new cancer‐relevant molecular targets and the implications for cancer of the first RNAi‐based drugs. Finally, we discuss the future of functional genetic analysis, highlighting the increasing availability of complementary approaches to analyze cancer gene function.