bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polysaccharide–Protein Multilayers Based on Chitosan–Fibrinogen Assemblies for Cardiac Cell Engineering
Authors: Kitsara Maria , Tassis George , Papagiannopoulos Aristeidis , Simon Alexandre , Agbulut Onnik , Pispas Stergios
Published: October 2021

The cell and tissue culture substrates play a pivotal role in the regulation of cell‐matrix and cell‐cell interactions. The surface properties of the materials control a wide variety of cell functions. Amongst various methods, layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly is a versatile surface coating technique for creating controllable bio‐coatings. Here, polysaccharide/protein multilayers are proposed, which are fabricated by immersive LbL assembly and based on the chitosan/fibrinogen pair for improving the adhesion and spreading of cardiomyocytes. Two approaches in LbL assembly are employed for clarifying the effect of the bilayers order and their concentration on cardiomyocytes viability and morphology. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements show that the adsorption of the biopolymers is enhanced during the LbL deposition in a synergistic manner. Contact angle measurements indicate that the multilayers are alternating from less to more hydrophilic behavior depending on the biopolymer that is added last. Confocal microscopy with immunostained fibrinogen reveals that the amount of the protein is higher when the concentration of the immersion solution is increased, however, for low solution concentration it is speculated that interdigitation between the separate biopolymer layers takes place. This work motivates the use of fibrinogen in polysaccharide/protein multilayers for enhanced cytocompatibility in cardiac tissue engineering.
Effect of Cu on microstructure and corrosion behavior in 360°C lithiated aqueous solution of Zr–Cu alloys
Authors: Lin Xiaodong , Fan Zhouyang , Zhang Chi , Li Yifeng , Yang Yanping , Liang Xue , Li Qiang
Published: October 2021

The effect of Cu on the microstructure and corrosion behavior in 360°C lithiated water was investigated on Zr–xCu alloys (x = 0.05, 0.2, and 1.0, wt%), with remelted pure Zr as reference material. The results revealed that the tetragonal Zr2Cu phase was induced by Cu addition higher than 0.2 wt% and its size and number density were increased with the increase of Cu content. The weight gain and oxide thickness were decreased by Cu addition, but when the Cu content increased to 1.0 wt%, they were both significantly increased and even larger than that of remelted Zr. It was supposed that structural defects, such as pores and microcracks, in the oxide film may result in such degradation in the corrosion property of Zr–1.0Cu alloy.
Effect of aging temperature on corrosion resistance and antibacterial ability of 0Cu2Cr carbon steel
Authors: Guo Jing , Fu Kuijun , Teng Yingxue , Wang Jiaji , Pang Qihang , Hu Fengya , Liu Hongyu
Published: October 2021

The effect of heat treatment on the corrosion resistance and antibacterial ability of 0Cu2Cr carbon steel was studied using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and electrochemistry. The results showed that the peak aging state with complete crystal growth and uniform precipitate phase distribution was attained at the aging temperature of 850°C. Both the Cu‐rich phase with an approximately spherical structure and the dispersive Cu‐ordered phase with a B2 structure were observed in the grain boundary and internal crystal and effectively improved the hardness of the steel because of precipitation strengthening. Thus, the corrosion resistance and antibacterial ability of the 0Cu2Cr carbon steel could be improved by aging it at 850°C.
The non‐F graph of a finite group
Authors: Lucchini Andrea , Nemmi Daniele
Published: October 2021

Given a formation , we consider the graph whose vertices are the elements of G and where two vertices are adjacent if and only if . We are interested in the two following questions. Is the set of the isolated vertices of this graph a subgroup of G? Is the subgraph obtained by deleting the isolated vertices a connected graph?
Effect of graphite exfoliation through multipass friction stir processing on microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminium 7075‐silicon carbide‐graphite composites
Authors: Patil N.A. , Nasir M.K.B.S. , Pedapati S.R. , Mamat O.B.
Published: October 2021

In this study, friction stir processing techniques has been utilized to fabricate graphite‐reinforced aluminium matrix composite. Silicon carbide will be mixed together with graphite flakes as reinforcement with the composition of hybrid ratio 60 : 40. The manipulated variable of this project is the number of passes used during friction stir processing (1, 2 and 3 passes). Three different number of passes are used to investigate its effect onto the reinforcement dispersion inside the aluminium metal matrix composites. Microstructural analysis has shown that with increasing number of passes, the distribution of reinforcement particles becomes more uniform and homogeneous. Nanoreinforcement particle dispersions are observed and analysed. Result shows that the size of agglomerations across the composite surface decreases as the number of passes increases. Further observation and analysis of on the particles has confirmed that graphite flakes have been successfully shear exfoliated into layers to cover more surface area. The overall mechanical properties have also observed significant increase with increasing number of passes. Sample with highest number of pass (3 pass run) managed to achieve maximum tensile strength and elongation percentage of 304.04 MPa and 2.54 %, respectively, which is the highest value among all the samples tested.
Crystalline rice husk silica reinforced AA7075 aluminium chips by cold compaction method
Authors: Latif N.A. , Mohd Joharudin N.F. , Mustapa M.S. , Hao S.W. , Supawi A. , Hassan N.Z. , Noranai Z.
Published: October 2021

Aluminium matrix composite is highly demanded in various industries due to its low density and good mechanical properties as most commonly studied for metal matrix composite. The properties of the composite be improved with the addition of reinforcement significantly such as silicon carbide, aluminium oxide, and boron carbide that can be mixed easily to metal matrix composite. The study of crystalline rice husk silica reinforced AA7075 aluminium chips on mechanical properties were investigated. The rice husk ash was burned at 1200 °C and it was characterized in the crystalline phase by conducting x‐ray diffraction test. The mechanical properties of aluminium matrix composite were obtained by microhardness and compression tests. Results of mechanical properties for the addition of rice husk silica up to 7.5 wt.% composition of crystalline rice husk silica showed increase value of microhardness and compression strength which are the highest value of 75.94 HV 0.1 and 443 MPa, respectively compared to another aluminium matrix composite. Hence, based on investigation to crystalline rice husk silica reinforced aluminium, it has good potential to improve the mechanical properties of aluminium matrix composite which were dependent to the composition of crystalline rice husk silica reinforcement in aluminium matrix composite.
Investigating the effect of mixing time on the crystallite size and lattice strain of the AA7075/TiC composites
Authors: Alam M.A. , Ya H.H. , Azeem M. , Yusuf M. , Sapuan S.M. , Masood F.
Published: October 2021

With numerous reinforcements, aluminum and its alloys are finding growing applications in every sector of industry. Titanium carbide (TiC) is regarded as an outstanding reinforcing material as compared to widely used carbide particles because of its excellent physical and mechanical characteristics, as well as its especially good interfacial bonding (wetting) capacity with aluminum. In the present research work, the effect of the mixing time of the matrix and reinforcement powders has been investigated on the crystallite size and lattice strain of the AA7075–5 wt.% TiC composites. The mechanical properties of the developed composites were also investigated in terms of microhardness values. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particles size distribution analysis and x‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of the synthesized powder samples were done to see the effect of mixing time on their microstructures. The increase in mixing time led to a homogeneous distribution of 5 wt.% of TiC particles, a decrease in particles clustering. The considerable grain refining was confirmed, which reflected a reduction in particle size originating from a prolonged mixing time. The significant improvement in the crystallite size and microhardness of the produced composites were achieved with increasing mixing time.
Macroscale assessment of low‐velocity impact on hybrid composite laminates
Authors: Azeem M. , Ya H.H. , Alam M.A. , Sultan T.H. , Ali M. , Sattar M. , Ahmad T. , Hatami H. , Sadique M.R. , Mokhtar A.A. , Mustapha M. , Khan M.A. , Masood F.
Published: October 2021

Composites are usually brittle materials and have low impact properties. Structural dimensions, stacking sequence, ply materials, ply thicknesses and ply angles are standard variables that influence composite‘s performance against impact loads. Stacking sequence in hybrid laminates affects the failure and impact resistance. Failure mechanisms at the low‐velocity impact of a rigid object in hybrid laminates are complex, and the subsurface damage in a composite laminate cannot be detected directly. However, various simulation platforms make it easy to see the impact damage between the plies of laminate. This paper numerically investigated the effect of stack sequence and hybridization of two fiber types against low‐velocity impact. The current study adopted four‐layer composite laminates of carbon and glass fiber layers with a stacking plan [C/C/C/C], [C/G/C/G] and [G/C/G/C], having lay‐up angles as [0°/45°/−45°/90°]. Keeping the impactor mass and the incident velocity constant, the laminates were subjected to low‐velocity impact. The damage contours for a failure mode were recorded and compared at the ply level. The numerical study resulted in impact imitations showing comparisons of the damage contours using Hashin failure criteria. Hybrid laminates display better performance in absorbing impact energies; however, hybrid laminates experienced more subsurface damage due to more impact energy absorption.
Neuroinflammation in the Cerebellum and Brainstem in Friedreich Ataxia: An [18F]‐FEMPA PET Study
Authors: Khan Wasim , Corben Louise A. , Bilal Hiba , Vivash Lucy , Delatycki Martin B. , Egan Gary F. , Harding Ian H.
Published: October 2021

Background

Neuroinflammation is proposed to accompany, or even contribute to, neuropathology in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), with implications for disease treatment and tracking.

Objectives

To examine brain glial activation and systemic immune dysfunction in people with FRDA and quantify their relationship with symptom severity, duration, and onset age.

Methods

Fifteen individuals with FRDA and 13 healthy controls underwent brain positron emission tomography using the translocator protein (TSPO) radioligand [18F]‐FEMPA, a marker of glial activation, together with the quantification of blood plasma inflammatory cytokines.

Results

[18F]‐FEMPA binding was significantly increased in the dentate nuclei (d = 0.67), superior cerebellar peduncles (d = 0.74), and midbrain (d = 0.87), alongside increased plasma interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) (d = 0.73), in individuals with FRDA compared to controls. Increased [18F]‐FEMPA binding in the dentate nuclei, brainstem, and cerebellar anterior lobe correlated with earlier age of symptom onset (controlling for the genetic triplet repeat expansion length; all r
part < −0.6), and in the pons and anterior lobe with shorter disease duration (r = −0.66; −0.73).

Conclusions

Neuroinflammation is evident in brain regions implicated in FRDA neuropathology. Increased neuroimmune activity may be related to earlier disease onset and attenuate over the course of the illness. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Generalized tubes in pseudo‐Galilean 3‐space: Split semi‐quaternionic representations and an application to magnetic flux tubes
Authors: Tuncer Orhan Oğulcan
Published: October 2021

This paper deals with generalized tube surfaces (GTs) and their geometric properties in pseudo‐Galilean 3‐space. We classify these surfaces into two types. We firstly compute the first and second fundamental forms to investigate geometric properties of a GT. Then, we obtain the condition for such a surface to be minimal and present some results which express the conditions for which parameter curves on a GT are geodesics, asymptotics, or lines of curvature. Furthermore, we show how to form GTs by using split semi‐quaternions or their matrix representations. Finally, as an application, we introduce generalized magnetic flux tubes in pseudo‐Galilean 3‐space and obtain the local magnetic field components of such surfaces. The theory studied in the paper is supported by illustrated examples.
Detection of a Hemoglobin Adduct of the Food Contaminant Furfuryl Alcohol in Humans: Levels of N‐((Furan‐2‐yl)methyl)‐valine in Two Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Monien Bernhard H. , Bergau Nick , Hogervorst Janneke G. F. , Nawrot Tim S. , Trefflich Iris , Weikert Cornelia , Abraham Klaus
Published: October 2021

Scope

Furfuryl alcohol is a heat‐induced food contaminant, classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans. The proximal carcinogen 2‐sulfoxymethylfuran leads to adduct formation in DNA and proteins (e.g., N‐((furan‐2‐yl)methyl)‐Val (FFA‐Val) in hemoglobin).

Methods and results

This study analyzed human erythrocyte samples from two studies for the presence of FFA‐Val: the Risks and Benefits of a Vegan Diet study (RBVD; 72 adults) and the ENVIRonmental influence ON early AGEing birth cohort study (ENVIRONAGE; 100 mother‐newborn pairs). In the RBVD study, FFA‐Val levels are lower in vegans compared to omnivores (median 13.0 vs 15.8 pmol g−1 hemoglobin, p = 0.008), and lower in non‐smokers compared to smokers (median 14.1 vs 17.0 pmol g−1 hemoglobin, p = 0.003). In the birth cohort, FFA‐Val levels are distinctly higher in maternal compared to newborn samples (median 15.2 vs 2.2 pmol g−1 hemoglobin, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

FFA‐Val, hitherto detected only in blood samples of mice, is quantifiable in all human samples, indicating a general exposure to furfuryl alcohol. The low adduct levels in blood samples from newborn children suggested that the placenta is a barrier to furfuryl alcohol. Dietary habits and tobacco smoking are two main influencing factors on the formation of FFA‐Val, which may be of use as a biomarker of exposure to furfuryl alcohol.
Radiation field and dose inhomogeneities using an X‐ray cabinet in radiation biology research
Authors: Bucher Martin , Trinkl Sebastian , Endesfelder David , Weiss Tina , Gomolka Maria , Pätzold Juliane , Lechel Ursula , Roessler Ute , de las Heras Gala Hugo , Moertl Simone , Giussani Augusto
Published: October 2021

Purpose

X‐ray cabinets are replacing 137Cs/60Co sources in radiation biology research due to advantages in size, handling, and radiation protection. However, because of their different physical properties, X‐ray cabinets are more susceptible to experimental influences than conventional sources. The aim of this study was to examine the variations related to the experimental setups typically used to investigate biological radiation effects with X‐ray cabinets.

Materials and methods

A combined approach of physical dose measurements by thermoluminescence dosimetry and detection of biological effects by quantification of γH2AX and 53BP1 foci was used to analyze field inhomogeneity and evaluate the influence of the components of the experimental setup.

Results

Irradiation was performed using an X‐ray tube (195 kV, 10 mA, 0.5‐mm‐thick copper filter, dose rate of 0.59 Gy/min). Thermoluminescence dosimetry revealed inhomogeneity and a dose decrease of up to 42.3% within the beam area (diameter 31.1 cm) compared to the dose at the center. This dose decrease was consistent with the observed decline in the number of radiation‐induced foci by up to 55.9 %. Uniform dose distribution was measured after reducing the size of the radiation field (diameter 12.5 cm). However, when using 15‐ml test tubes placed at different positions within this field, the dose decreased by up to 17% in comparison to the central position. Analysis of foci number revealed significant differences between the tubes for γH2AX (1 h) and 53BP1 (4 h) at different time points after irradiation. Neither removal of some tubes nor of the caps improved the dose decrease significantly. By contrast, when using 1.5‐ml tubes, dose differences were less than 4%, and no significant differences in foci number were detected.

Conclusion

X‐ray cabinets are user‐friendly irradiation units for investigating biological radiation effects. However, field inhomogeneities and experimental setup components considerably affect the delivered irradiation doses. For this reason, strict dosimetric monitoring of experimental irradiation setups is mandatory for reliable studies.
The effects of oestrogen on vaginal wound healing: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vodegel Eva V. , Kastelein Arnoud W. , Jansen Charlotte H. J. R. , Limpens Jacqueline , Zwolsman Sandra E. , Roovers Jan‐Paul W. R. , Hooijmans Carlijn R. , Guler Zeliha
Published: October 2021

Aims

To determine the effects of oestrogen or oestrogen deprivation on vaginal wound healing. Impaired wound healing following prolapse surgery may increase the risk of recurrent prolapse in the future. Vaginal oestrogen therapy may improve wound healing, hereby possibly improving surgical outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search of OVID MEDLINE, OVID Embase, and Web of Science was conducted up to January 28, 2020. We included original studies comparing wound healing‐related outcomes of oestrogen exposed subjects (female animals and women) to hypo‐oestrogenic subjects after vaginal surgery. Data on wound healing‐related outcome measures were extracted. For each individual comparison, the standardised mean difference (Hedges' g; SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results

Of the 1474 studies reviewed, 14 studies were included for review, and 11 provided data for meta‐analysis. Oestrogen improves neovascularisation (SMD: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.67–1.60), microscopic wound closure (SMD: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.66–1.29), collagen synthesis (SMD: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.42–1.74), and tissue strength (SMD: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.53–1.99) in animals. Oestrogen increases granulation (SMD: 1.67, 95% CI: 0.54–2.79) and accelerates macroscopic wound closure (SMD: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.22–2.42) in women and animals. Oestrogen decreases the inflammatory response (SMD: −0.58, 95% CI: −1.14 to −0.02) in women and animals and reduces levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 (SMD: −1.68, 95% CI: −2.52 to −0.83) in animals. All results were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Oestrogen therapy has a positive effect on vaginal wound healing. Future studies should determine whether oestrogen therapy has the potential to improve surgical outcomes.
Added value of magnetic resonance spectroscopy for diagnosing childhood cerebellar tumours
Authors: Davies Nigel P. , Rose Heather E. L. , Manias Karen A. , Natarajan Kal , Abernethy Laurence J. , Oates Adam , Janjua Umair , Davies Paul , MacPherson Lesley , Arvanitis Theodoros N. , Peet Andrew C.
Published: October 2021

1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides noninvasive metabolite profiles with the potential to aid the diagnosis of brain tumours. Prospective studies of diagnostic accuracy and comparisons with conventional MRI are lacking. The aim of the current study was to evaluate, prospectively, the diagnostic accuracy of a previously established classifier for diagnosing the three major childhood cerebellar tumours, and to determine added value compared with standard reporting of conventional imaging. Single‐voxel MRS (1.5 T, PRESS, TE 30 ms, TR 1500 ms, spectral resolution 1 Hz/point) was acquired prospectively on 39 consecutive cerebellar tumours with histopathological diagnoses of pilocytic astrocytoma, ependymoma or medulloblastoma. Spectra were analysed with LCModel and predefined quality control criteria were applied, leaving 33 cases in the analysis. The MRS diagnostic classifier was applied to this dataset. A retrospective analysis was subsequently undertaken by three radiologists, blind to histopathological diagnosis, to determine the change in diagnostic certainty when sequentially viewing conventional imaging, MRS and a decision support tool, based on the classifier. The overall classifier accuracy, evaluated prospectively, was 91%. Incorrectly classified cases, two anaplastic ependymomas, and a rare histological variant of medulloblastoma, were not well represented in the original training set. On retrospective review of conventional MRI, MRS and the classifier result, all radiologists showed a significant increase (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p < 0.001) in their certainty of the correct diagnosis, between viewing the conventional imaging and MRS with the decision support system. It was concluded that MRS can aid the noninvasive diagnosis of posterior fossa tumours in children, and that a decision support classifier helps in MRS interpretation.
Suicide attempt induced by drug‐induced leukoencephalopathy: A case report
Authors: Maehara Ryo , Kawamata Yasushi , Ichikawa Motoshi , Mitani Kinuko , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: October 2021

Background

Leukoencephalopathy is identified during the administration of anticancer drugs. Symptoms vary from neurological symptoms to psychiatric symptoms depending on the site of damage. There have been no previous reports of suicide attempts due to drug‐induced leukoencephalopathy.

Case Presentation

The patient was diagnosed with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) infiltrating the pharyngeal lesion. Rituximab + methotrexate + oncovin + procarbazine (R‐MPV) therapy, a methotrexate‐containing chemotherapy, was initiated. At the end of the fifth course, the patient attempted suicide by hanging with an appliance cord, which was associated with delusion. A head MRI scan showed no evidence of lymphoma recurrence, but white matter lesions around the ventricles showed progression.

Conclusion

We report the case of a patient in whom drug‐induced leukoencephalopathy related to methotrexate led to a suicide attempt. In addition to monitoring brain tumors, daily monitoring of psychiatric and neurological symptoms is important for patients with methotrexate‐induced encephalopathy.
Evaluation on mechanical properties of high‐performance biocomposite bridge deck structure: a review
Authors: Yang Kainan , Wang Hongguang , Liu Zhengyi
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, the problem of performance deterioration caused by the steel‐bar corrosion of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge decks has been serious gradually. Hence, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have already become alternative structural materials to traditional RC because of the characteristic of lightweight and high‐strength, better corrosion and fatigue resistance, and so forth. But they are also accompanied by some defects as being expensive and harmful to the environment and human health. Biocomposites have beneficial properties such as low density, less expensive, and reduced solidity while compared with synthetic FRP composite products, thus providing advantages for utilization in civil engineering structural applications. Furthermore, using natural fibers as reinforcement for composites introduces positive effects on the mechanical behavior of biocomposite structures. This paper mainly reports the research status of FRP and biocomposite bridge decks and their mechanical properties including flexural, shear, punch shear, and fatigue performances; summarizes some design methods and related innovative research results of FRP bridge deck to provide the design base for the biocomposite bridge deck, discusses the issue of insufficient mechanical properties of biocomposites applied to bridge deck structure, and introduces the high‐performance methods of natural fiber composites. It is conducive to the investigation and promotion of biocomposites as structural materials in civil engineering. In addition, there is some crucial reference significance and value for the development of a green and sustainable engineering structure.
Population pharmacokinetic model‐guided optimization of intravenous voriconazole dosing regimens in critically ill patients with liver dysfunction
Authors: Lin Xiao‐bin , Lui Ka Yin , Guo Peng‐hao , Liu Xiao‐man , Liang Tao , Hu Xiao‐guang , Tong Li , Wu Jing‐jing , Xia Yan‐zhe , Chen Pan , Zhong Guo‐ping , Chen Xiao , Cai Chang‐jie
Published: October 2021

Study Objectives

This study aimed to establish a population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model of intravenous voriconazole (VRC) in critically ill patients with liver dysfunction and to explore the optimal dosing strategies in specific clinical scenarios for invasive fungal infections (IFIs) caused by common Aspergillus and Candida species.

Design

Prospective pharmacokinetics study.

Setting

The intensive care unit in a tertiary‐care medical center.

Patients

A total of 297 plasma VRC concentrations from 26 critically ill patients with liver dysfunction were included in the PPK analysis.

Methods

Model‐based simulations with therapeutic range of 2–6 mg/L as the plasma trough concentration (Cmin) target and the free area under the concentration‐time curve from 0 to 24 h (ƒAUC24) divided by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (ie, ƒAUC24/MIC) ≥25 as the effective target were performed to optimize VRC dosing regimens for Child‐Pugh class A and B (CP‐A/B) and Child‐Pugh class C (CP‐C) patients.

Results

A two‐compartment model with first‐order elimination adequately described the data. Significant covariates in the final model were body weight on both central and peripheral distribution volume and Child‐Pugh class on clearance. Intravenous VRC loading dose of 5 mg/kg every 12 h (q12h) for the first day was adequate for CP‐A/B and CP‐C patients to attain the Cmin target at 24 h. The maintenance dose regimens of 100 mg q12h or 200 mg q24h for CP‐A/B patients and 50 mg q12h or 100 mg q24h for CP‐C patients could obtain the probability of effective target attainment of >90% at an MIC ≤0.5 mg/L and achieve the cumulative fraction of response of >90% against C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. krusei, A. fumigatus, and A. flavus. Additionally, the daily VRC doses could be increased by 50 mg for CP‐A/B and CP‐C patients at an MIC of 1 mg/L, with plasma Cmin monitored closely to avoid serious adverse events. It is recommended that an appropriate alternative antifungal agent or a combination therapy could be adopted when an MIC ≥2 mg/L is reported, or when the infection is caused by C. tropicalis but the MIC value is not available.

Conclusions

For critically ill patients with liver dysfunction, the loading dose of intravenous VRC should be reduced to 5 mg/kg q12h. Additionally, based on the types of fungal pathogens and their susceptibility to VRC, the adjusted maintenance dose regimens with lower doses or longer dosing intervals should be considered for CP‐A/B and CP‐C patients.
Meta‐analysis of clinical outcomes of PCSK9 modulators in patients with established ASCVD
Authors: Talasaz Azita H. , Ho Ai‐Chen (Jane) , Bhatty Fawzia , Koenig Rachel A. , Dixon Dave L. , Baker William L. , Van Tassell Benjamin W.
Published: October 2021

The advent of monoclonal antibodies targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) ushered in a new era of dyslipidemia pharmacotherapy. The first two antibodies targeting PCSK9 (evolocumab, alirocumab) approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided significant and sustained reductions in atherogenic lipids and a reduced risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events. More recently, phase 3 trials of inclisiran—a small interfering RNA‐based agent targeting PCSK9—reported similar lipid‐lowering effects and preliminary evidence of ASCVD risk reduction, although significant questions remain regarding the extent of benefits across cardiovascular outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis (random‐effects model) of the available data on lipid lowering, incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events, and safety of pharmacologic agents targeting PCSK9. A significant and consistent reduction in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) was observed across all agents (−51% [95% confidence interval {CI}: −61%, −41%]). Despite the impressive reduction in LDL‐C, the individual effects on mortality, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke remained nonsignificant. However, a consistent reduction was observed in the composite outcomes of MI, stroke, and cardiovascular death [relative risk {RR} (95% CI): 0.80 (0.73–0.87)] and MI, stroke, unstable angina (requiring revascularization), and cardiovascular death [RR (95% CI): 0.85 (0.74–0.97)]. In terms of safety outcomes, there was no significant difference in severe adverse events, new onset diabetes, neurocognitive disorders, or myalgia. Meanwhile, injection site reaction was more frequent in patients receiving these agents compared to placebo [RR 2.11 (95% CI): 1.26–3.54]. These findings suggest a class effect for favorable lipid changes and a low risk of serious adverse events among pharmacologic agents targeting PCSK9. Although there is compelling evidence that PCSK9‐targeting agents reduce the risk of some cardiovascular outcomes, adequately powered studies with longer follow‐up may be needed to fully characterize the magnitude of benefits across the cardiovascular spectrum.
The relationship between math‐gender stereotype and academic burnout: The mediating roles of the performance‐avoidance goal and self‐handicapping
Authors: Zhang Heyating , Chen Xin , Zhang Baoshan , Kelley Grant W.
Published: October 2021

In the current study, we examined the relationship between math‐gender stereotypes, academic burnout, achievement goal orientation, and self‐handicapping in Chinese adolescent students. The data came from 1170 participants (552 boys and 618 girls) from four secondary schools and was analyzed with structural equation models. The results showed that the math‐gender stereotype was positively associated with academic burnout in the girls' group. Meanwhile, girls' endorsement of the math‐gender stereotype was positively associated with academic burnout through the individual mediating effect of the performance‐avoidance goal and that of self‐handicapping. More importantly, the chain from performance‐avoidance goal to self‐handicapping also played a mediating role in the relationship between math‐gender stereotypes and academic burnout among adolescent girls. However, in the boys' group, we did not find an obvious significant relationship between math‐gender stereotypes and academic burnout. The results can contribute to the theoretical system of the motivational mechanism of academic burnout, and it may also have implications on the practice of alleviating negative effects of math‐gender stereotypes on academic burnout through minimizing the tendency of performance‐avoidance goals and self‐handicapping.
RootTarget: A dynamic model enabling the targeted application of plant growth regulators for rice
Authors: Heap Brittany , McAinsh Martin , Toledo‐Ortiz Gabriela
Published: October 2021

Societal Impact Statement

The rising global population and the increasingly conspicuous effects of climate change are putting growing pressure on the agricultural industry. Food production must increase significantly with little or no access to extra land; therefore, new approaches are urgently required to increase crop productivity. The strategic application of plant growth regulators is one method of achieving this, made possible by RootTarget. RootTarget maps regional land use and resource availability, identifying locations where crops could benefit from the application of plant growth regulators. Such targeted application can contribute to creating a more resilient and sustainable farming system.

Developing novel strategies for optimising crop productivity is essential to meet the requirement of doubling food production by 2050. Geographic information system (GIS) software provides the opportunity to develop models for targeted application of plant growth regulators in rice‐growing regions based on water availability and agricultural practices, in order to optimise yields.

GIS was used to identify rice‐growing areas with adequate irrigation, a high evapotranspiration index or suitable sowing technique for site‐specific application of plant growth regulators. Rule‐based decisions were incorporated into a GIS model in order to identify key areas where plant growth regulators should be applied. This approach allows information sharing between multiple stakeholders including researchers, companies and farmers with the aim of maximising crop productivity.

A root growth promoter (RGP) was identified that promotes root growth under optimum conditions but not when applied concurrently with a drought stress. The effect of the RGP diminishes as the severity of the stress increases. These data were used to execute queries to identify regions with a suitable drought index, growing practice and adequate irrigation. Two hundred and twenty‐nine million hectares of land, spanning four continents, were identified as having the potential to benefit from application of the RGP.

Significant areas of land used for rice production were identified that could benefit from application of the RGP. This study highlights the potential to incorporate academic research into models for research dissemination to the agricultural industry and increase crop productivity.
Hey There! What Do You Look Like? User Voice Switching and Interface Mirroring in Voice‐Enabled Digital Assistants (VDAs)
Authors: Bilal Dania , Barfield Jessica K.
Published: October 2021

We investigated user voice switching behavior (VSB) in voice‐enabled digital assistants (VDAs), focusing on the importance of and preference for the voice accents, genders, and age to match with those of the users. We incorporated images of ten people with diverse races, ethnicities, age, genders, and religions to embody the voice interfaces (EVIs). In an online survey, we collected demographic, background, and VDA usage data. The sample consisted of 214 participants recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (http://mturk.com). The participants were selected based on owning a VDA (e.g., Alexa Home) or owning a device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or computer), and setting the device on English as the default language. The age of the participants ranged from 18–35 years. Findings revealed that, regardless of age, the majority of the participants switched the voice interface and for various reasons. Further, participants placed importance on voice matching with their gender, accent, and age. Participants ranked the young White female, Asian female, and Black female EVIs as the most preferred for voice switching and interactions. We coin the concept, Interface mirroring, which should help designers to create more diverse and inclusive EVIs, ensuring fairness and equality in the design of VDAs.
Understanding Research Data Repositories as Infrastructures
Authors: Boyd Ceilyn
Published: October 2021

This study discusses the properties of research data repositories and explores metadata about 2,646 entries in the Registry of Research Data Repositories (re3data.org) to identify the characteristics attributed to infrastructures they exhibit. The results reveal how research data repositories function as information infrastructure for scientific community members and contribute to the small body of literature that examines data repositories through a socio‐technical lens.
Research Trends from a Decade (2011–2020) for Information Literacy in Higher Education: Content and Bibliometric Mapping Analysis
Authors: Chen Chao‐Chen , Wang Ning‐Chiao , Tu Yun‐Fang , Lin Hsin Ju
Published: October 2021

New terms and theoretical concepts in information literacy have emerged over the last decade, and these have led to revisions in the standards for information literacy. In order to determine whether information literacy research has reflected these trends, we collected SSCI literature for the 2011 to 2020 period related to information literacy in higher education (ILHE) and conducted analysis using bibliographic mapping and content analysis. Our research found that the volume of research on ILHE has increased in the last five years as compared to the five years before that, and that keywords related to literacy (such as “digital literacy” and “multiliteracies”) have been getting a great deal of discussion. After the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education (FILHE) was announced, curriculum design research based on the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education (ILCSHE) continued to outnumber that done based on the Framework.
Exploring the Perceived Attractiveness of Online Celebrities Who Sell Knowledge: A Self‐Branding Perspective
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Chua Alton Y. K.
Published: October 2021

Given the limited understanding of the attractiveness among online celebrities, this study explores the perceived attractiveness of “Knowledge Wanghong,” an emerging class of online celebrities who sell knowledge products in China. Drawing on the self‐branding perspective, which argues that individuals may construct and manage their distinctive online image deliberately through various information practices, as the theoretical lens, we attempt to answer two questions: (1) What are the antecedents of the perceived attractiveness of Knowledge Wanghong? (2) How do Knowledge Wanghong make themselves attractive to users? From semi‐structured interviews with 28 Knowledge Wanghong, we derive two findings. First, the antecedents of the perceived attractiveness include perceived professionalism, perceived familiarity, and perceived intimacy. Second, Knowledge Wanghong make themselves appealing to users in two ways: (1) they disclose personal and professional information to users; (2) they employ multiple approaches to interacting with users. This study sheds light on the perceived attractiveness of Knowledge Wanghong in terms of the antecedents and how it is achieved. Also, it provides a novel reference point for discussing the information practices of online celebrities in a global context.
Controlled Digital Lending
Authors: Currier Chad , Centivany Alissa
Published: October 2021

Libraries and library consortia are adopting controlled digital lending (CDL) as a strategy, accelerated by the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic, to facilitate equitable access to print collections. While advocates of CDL contend that digitize‐and‐lend practices reflect an incremental, technology‐assisted adjustment to traditional library circulation, lending, and resource‐sharing practices, opponents of CDL in the United States and Canada argue that the practice contravenes well‐established copyright protections. This paper discusses current controversies surrounding CDL, its potential promise and perils, and concludes that a reasonable, equitable, and forward‐looking application of copyright laws ought to insulate libraries and library consortia from exposure to liability for engaging in CDL.
Designing eHealth Tutorials with and for Older Adults
Authors: Davis Nathan , Shiroma Kristina , Xie Bo , Yeh Tom , Han Xu , De Main Atami
Published: October 2021

Older adults may be excluded from using digital health technologies due to limited eHealth literacy. Research is much needed to decrease disparities in eHealth literacy and increase the inclusiveness of such technologies. Integrating the preferences and expertise of older adults is key to age‐appropriate design of eHealth tutorials. This study explores how participatory design (PD) techniques can be adapted to include older adults in the design of an eHealth tutorial. We worked with 9 older adults (aged 64 and 82) as co‐designers and conducted PD sessions over 11 weeks in a senior center's computer lab. Using thematic analysis, we identified 7 themes around the design of eHealth tutorials for older adults. We also identified successes and challenges in PD with older adults, along with benefits of partnering with senior centers. Our findings have implications for both the design of eHealth tutorials for older adults and for PD with older adults.
Exploring the Effect of Rational Factors and Trust in Health Behavior Change
Authors: Deng Jiaqi , Li Shijuan , Hansen Preben
Published: October 2021

This study examines how rational factors and trust modify health behaviors and various stages of trust mediate the rational factors in behavior changing through four stages of it. By integrating factors of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and various stages of trust, a health behavior change framework was proposed. Quantitative data on TPB, trust and behavior change were collected from Chinese youths through online survey. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was applied to analyze the data from 448 valid questionnaires to verify it. The findings show: Both TPB and trust constructs have significant impacts on modifying health behavior change; Trust mediates the effect of perceived behavioral control on health behavior change, while the stages of site content evaluation and longer‐term engagement of trust act as partial mediators; Relationships existed between TPB factors and trust stages. This study advances the understanding of health behavior change with regards to rational factors and trust stages and provides implications for stakeholders.
Not Quite ‘Ask a Librarian’: AI on the Nature, Value, and Future of LIS
Authors: Dinneen Jesse David , Bubinger Helen
Published: October 2021

AI language models trained on Web data generate prose that reflects human knowledge and public sentiments, but can also contain novel insights and predictions. We asked the world's best language model, GPT‐3, fifteen difficult questions about the nature, value, and future of library and information science (LIS), topics that receive perennial attention from LIS scholars. We present highlights from its 45 different responses, which range from platitudes and caricatures to interesting perspectives and worrisome visions of the future, thus providing an LIS‐tailored demonstration of the current performance of AI language models. We also reflect on the viability of using AI to forecast or generate research ideas in this way today. Finally, we have shared the full response log online for readers to consider and evaluate for themselves.
Social Connections Matter: Online and Offline Civic Engagement among College Students
Authors: Feng Shihui , Li Mengqian , Erstad Ola
Published: October 2021

This research examines civic engagement from both online and offline perspectives using 371 samples collected from two universities in China. We aimed to explore the effects of college students' social connections on their online and offline civic engagement using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM). We found that weak ties in college students' civic discussion networks play a significant role in affecting both online and offline civic engagement. Additionally, students' characteristics, such as academic year, leadership role, and party membership, are associated with offline civic engagement, but not with online civic engagement. Political efficacy was also found to be a significant factor affecting both online and offline civic engagement. This study examines the weak tie theory in the context of online and offline civic engagement, sheds light on underlying principles for engaging young adults in civic life in the digital era and advocates the importance of developing a blended approach for engaging college students in civic engagement in both online and offline settings.
What is the Thermal Conductivity of Copper? The Production of a Fact Through Scientific Forgetting
Authors: Hauser Elliott
Published: October 2021

What is the thermal conductivity of copper? This straightforward question leads to a fascinating instance of the production of scientific facts through documentation practices. Ho, Powell and Liley's 1974 The Thermal Conductivity of the Elements: A Comprehensive Review is examined as an artifact of scientific reference data production, and its answer to the initial question is traced to modern‐day search engine results. A short history of the Center that produced the book and some initial research into its authors is provided.

Kuhn's concepts of normal science and normic lexical structures are utilized to clarify the Comprehensive Review's functioning within the broader scientific fields in which it is utilized. Bowker's concepts of memory practices and the jussive Archive help identify the forgetting embedded in the production of reference data, producing what Star called global certainty. Far from impugning the internal validity of these scientific facts, this forgetting is shown to be licensed by scientific rigor.

This paper presents a novel historically informed investigation of how documentation practices produce scientific facts, and connect these activities to modern‐day knowledge graph information retrieval. The theoretical analyses provided show how scientifically licensed forgetting is a key mechanism of fact production, what Hayles termed constrained constructivism.
Forensic Analysis of Memetic Image Propagation: Introducing the SMOC BRISQUEt Method
Authors: Hodges James A. , Chaiet Mitch , Gupta Praful
Published: October 2021

This paper introduces a mixed‐methods approach for forensically reconstructing the propagation of visual media via networked digital devices. The authors present case studies drawn from political misinformation around the January 6, 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol. Using interpretive analysis, the authors identify traces of user interfaces that remain in images being shared about the riots. Using computational analysis, the authors evaluate compression levels in digital photographs of the events in question, thus identifying which instances of the image are closer to the source (as well as which images appear to be identical). By combining these two approaches, the authors argue that SMOC BRISQUEt refines our understanding of misinformation's memetic spread—helpful in curbing future abuses as well as in guiding the production of more effective cross‐platform spread when desired.
Measuring Quality of Wikipedia Articles by Feature Fusion‐based Stack Learning
Authors: Hou Jingrui , Li Jiangnan , Wang Ping
Published: October 2021

Online open‐source knowledge repository such as Wikipedia has become an increasingly important source for users to access knowledge. However, due to its large volume, it is challenging to evaluate Wikipedia article quality manually. To fill this gap, we propose a novel approach named “feature fusion‐based stack learning” to assess the quality of Wikipedia articles. Pre‐trained language models including BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) and ELMo (Embeddings from Language Models) are applied to extract semantic information in Wikipedia content. The feature fusion framework consisting of semantic and statistical features is built and fed into an out‐of‐sample (OOS) stacking model, which includes both machine learning and deep learning models. We compare the performance of proposed model with some existing models with different metrics extensively, and conduct ablation studies to prove the effectiveness of our framework and OOS stacking. Generally, the experiment shows that our method is much better than state‐of‐the‐art models.