bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Logical Principles in Ternary Mathematics
Authors: Pozinkevych Ruslan
Published: March 2021

Introduction/Background:Our new research called “Logical Principles in Ternary Mathematics“ is  an attempt to establish connection between logical and mathematical principles governing Ternary Mathematics and address issues that appeared earlier while making truth tables for “Ternary addition” and “Ternary Multiplication” presented by the same author in “Ternary Mathematics Principles Truth Tables and Logical Operators 3 D Placement of Logical Elements Extensions of Boolean Algebra” publication.The title “Logical Principles in Ternary Mathematics“ is not randomly chosen To be able to set up relations between elements in the given discipline one usually employs the basic principle of meaning-form and function In the same way we propose a logical triangle “Component”,”Vector”,”Decimal” to prove fundamental principle governing “Ternary Mathematics” presented in the given research.

Aims/Objectives: The aim of the article is to set up connection between mathematical and logical rules governing Ternary Mathematics The main postulates of the Ternary Mathematics can be demonstrated by the abstract scheme or a triangle the vertices of which are “Component”,”Vector”,”Decimal” We use a triangle diagram to prove the functionality of the chosen principle. The three components are each connected with other two and transition is possible from one to another without changing the shape of a diagram and the principle applied.

Methodology: The most difficult part is to “translate” Algebra and Numeric Analysis into Mathematical Logic and vice versa Traditional methods of logic fail to do this transition therefore a new functional approach is chosen.

Results and Conclusion: As  a result of this functional approach a new Ternary addition Truth Table is made The new Ternary Truth Table consists of the 3 literals (Т, ₸,F) Truth Negative, False and the last column of the table is the logical sum of the two. For example: Т+T=T

Unlike the old table it presents a sum of two numbers in a vector form and therefore makes it possible to use it in mathematics as well as in logic.
A Comparative Study on In-vitro Quality Control Parameters of Different Brands of Loratadine Tablets Commercially Available in Bangladesh
Authors: Fatema Rosy , Khan Sumaiya , Roknuzzaman A. S. M. , Anjum Ramisa , Jahan Nishat
Published: March 2021

Loratadine, a second generation H1-receptor antagonist, works by blocking the action of histamine and is widely prescribed for itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from "hay fever" and other allergic conditions. To ensure quality the main requirements for a medicinal product are safety, potency, efficacy and stability. This research work aimed to compare and assess the quality levels of different local brands of loratadine tablets available in the drug market of Bangladesh. Six different brands of loratadine 10 mg tablet manufactured by the local companies were used for the analysis. The evaluation was performed through the determination of weight variation, hardness, friability, percent potency, disintegration time, and dissolution profile in accordance with USP-NF specifications. All brands showed acceptable weight variation and % friability. The percent potency for tested samples by UV method ranges from 97.02%-108%, showing none of the brands contains less than 90% of the active principle as per the specification. The result of the physical and chemical studies, such as in-vitro dissolution, disintegration, hardness, etc., has been found to differ but lie within the specified limit. After analyzing the data obtained from the tests, it can be claimed that loratadine 10 mg tablets manufactured and marketed by several local companies in Bangladesh meet the quality standard required to achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes.
The Role of Immune-related NLR Pyrin Domain Containing 2 (NLRP2) Gene in the Development and Diseases
Authors: Basingab Fatemah , Alghamdi Asmaa , Alhazmi Safiah , Alrofaidi Aisha , Alharbi Mona
Published: March 2021

The Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, Leucine-rich Repeat, and Pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) family, including NLR Family Pyrin Domain-Containing 2 (NLRP2) gene, is defined as a critical element in regulating both apoptosis and inflammation. Although the NLRP2 protein involves in stimulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in response to pathogens, the expression of NLRP2 gene has been reported in many diseases. Some studies indicated that NLRP2 as a Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)-positive regulator resulted in the production of NF-κB-driven cytokines. Wherease other studies reported NLRP2 as an NF-κB-negative regulator that limits IκB kinase, an enzyme involved in elucidating the cellular response to inflammation. This literature review has directly evaluated the relation of both the NLRP2 gene and NLRP2 protein in the development and different diseases based on journal articles obtained from databases such as PubMed, Science direct and Medline. Scientific names and symbols of the gene were utilized as keywords for published data from 2003 until 2020. We propose that the overexpression of the NLRP2 gene might result in an inflammatory microenvironment associated with localized or systematic diseases based on; the cells that express this particular gene and the location of the immune responses and the triggered signal transduction pathway.
Perinatal Outcome in Twin Pregnancy at Khaipur Medical College, Khairpur Mirs, Pakistan
Authors: Pathan Nusrat Fozia , Jamali Shazia , Siddiqui Maqsood Ahmed , Sohu Khushi Muhammad , Jamali Ameer Ali , Naz Asma , Ahmer Arslan
Published: March 2021

Objective: To determine the perinatal outcome of twin pregnancy and to find out the frequency of twin deliveries in hospital based population.

Study Design: Descriptive case series.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted over a period of 02 Year 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2019 in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at KMC Khairpur Mirs, Sindh Pakistan.

Methodology: All the patients of age 20-35 years with twin pregnancies of gestational age above 30 weeks presenting in labour ward of KMC Khairpur Mirs were studied. A detailed history was taken, general physical (G.P) examination and obstetrical examination performed, targeted investigations carried out to detect various fetal complications. Patients were assessed for a mode of delivery, records for data like age, gestational age, weight of baby, APGAR score expressed in term of mean±SD and data like perinatal mortality, prematurity, intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR), the weight of baby and APGAR score expressed in terms of frequencies and percentages on SPSS version 20.

Results: In this study total numbers of deliveries were 7200, among them 83 were twin pregnancies the frequency of twin was 1.15%. Booked cases were 24.1%, unbooked was 75.9%. The highest incidence of 42.2% of twin gestation was seen in women between ages 31-35 years, the mean age of patients was seen 30.1±4.1 and regarding the parity incidence was high 54.2% in multiparous l-5. The total number of preterm deliveries was 45(55.2%), gestational age was (35-36+6dnys) weeks in 22.89% of cases, and the mean gestational age of patients was 35.7±2.5. Perinatal mortality was 38(22.9%), stillborn and early neonatal deaths (ENND) were 18.4% and 36.8% and common in twin-2.

Conclusion: Twin pregnancy is-a-high-risk-pregnancy still is a major obstetrical and perinatal challenge. The frequency of twin pregnancy seen in this study is 1.15% unbooked and unsupervised pregnancies are more common i.e 75.9%.  Prematurity is common perinatal morbidity 51.20%.  perinatal mortality is 22.9% and highest in twin-2.
Impact of marketing to improve patient access to care and clinic utilization for clinical pharmacy specialists
Authors: Bairagdar Nora , Reich Ashley , Franck Jessica Bovio
Published: March 2021

Introduction

This quality improvement initiative aimed to implement a strategy to increase access to care with clinical pharmacy specialists (CPSs), optimize CPS direct patient care activities, and promote clinical pharmacy services. The primary objective was to assess the impact of patient marketing on expanding access to care and clinic utilization in a CPS clinic.

Methods

A marketing technique was applied by a mental health (MH) CPS to expand clinical pharmacy services. Direct-to-patient brochures advertising MH CPS comprehensive medication management services were placed at the check-in window of an interdisciplinary outpatient MH clinic. Brochure content included a description of an MH team, the role of MH CPSs, and benefits of being managed by MH CPSs. Patients could contact the MH CPS or speak to their primary provider for referral. The preintervention and postintervention evaluation periods were 4-month time frames. Clinic utilization for the MH CPS clinic was compared before and after dissemination of marketing brochures. Additional outcomes evaluated were number of encounters, number of patients seen, and number of clinical interventions completed by the MH CPS.

Results

There was a significant increase in clinic utilization postintervention. The total number of encounters, patients, and clinical interventions were numerically increased postintervention.

Discussion

The observed improvements in clinic utilization suggest the benefit of marketing in optimization of access to care in CPS clinics and justification of clinical pharmacy services.
The CDC37‐HSP90 chaperone complex co‐translationally degrades the nascent kinase‐dead mutant of HIPK2
Authors: Müller Jan Paul , Klempnauer Karl‐Heinz
Published: March 2021

Homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) is a highly conserved, constitutively active Ser/Thr protein kinase that is involved in various important biological processes. HIPK2 activates itself by auto‐phosphorylation during its synthesis, and its activity is mainly controlled through modulation of its expression by ubiquitin‐dependent degradation. By comparing the expression of wild‐type and kinase‐defective HIPK2, we have recently described a novel mechanism of HIPK2 regulation that is based on preferential co‐translational degradation of kinase‐defective versus wild‐type HIPK2. Here, we have addressed this novel regulatory mechanism in more detail by focusing on the possible involvement of chaperones. Our work shows that HIPK2 is a client of the CDC37‐HSP90 chaperone complex and points to a novel role of CDC37 in the co‐translational degradation of a client protein.
Quantum Phase Transition of a Quantum Mixed Spin Chain by Employing Density Matrix Renormalization Group Method
Authors: Yang Sheng , Xu Jing‐Bo
Published: March 2021

The fidelity susceptibility and trace distance in the valence‐bond‐solid (VBS) transition of a quantum mixed spin chain is investigated, which consists of unit cells arrayed as 1/2‐1/2‐1‐1 with alternating Heisenberg antiferromagnetic exchange couplings, by using the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method in the matrix product state (MPS) form. It is observed that the fidelity susceptibility and the first derivative of the trace distance display explicit divergence near the quantum critical point. The information about the quantum criticality, such as the quantum critical point and correlation length critical exponent, is extracted from the finite size scaling behaviors. The obtained quantum critical point is more accurate than previous work, and the existence of the scaling function of the trace distance near the critical point is observed numerically for the first time. In addition, it is also found that the trace distance between two sites can supplement the VBS picture for describing the change of the ground state as the control parameter is varied through the quantum critical point.
Effect of Serum Urate Lowering With Allopurinol on Blood Pressure in Young Adults: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial
Authors: Gaffo Angelo L. , Calhoun David A. , Rahn Elizabeth J. , Oparil Suzanne , Li Peng , Dudenbostel Tanja , Feig Daniel I. , Redden David T. , Muntner Paul , Foster Phillip J. , Biggers‐Clark Stephanie R. , Mudano Amy , Sattui Sebastian E. , Saddekni Michael B. , Bridges S. Louis , Saag Kenneth G.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To determine whether serum urate reduction with allopurinol lowers blood pressure (BP) in young adults and the mechanisms mediating this hypothesized effect.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, crossover clinical trial. Adults ages 18–40 years with baseline systolic BP ≥120 and <160 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥80 and <100 mm Hg, and serum urate ≥5.0 mg/dl for men or ≥4.0 mg/dl for women were enrolled. Main exclusion criteria included chronic kidney disease, gout, or past use of urate‐lowering therapies. Participants received oral allopurinol (300 mg daily) or placebo for 1 month followed by a 2–4 week washout and then were crossed over. Study outcome measures were change in systolic BP from baseline, endothelial function estimated as flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. Adverse events were assessed.

Results

Ninety‐nine participants were randomized, and 82 completed all visits. The mean ± SD age was 28.0 ± 7.0 years, 62.6% were men, and 40.4% were African American. In the primary intent‐to‐treat analysis, systolic BP did not change during the allopurinol treatment phase (mean ± SEM −1.39 ± 1.16 mm Hg) or placebo treatment phase (−1.06 ± 1.08 mm Hg). FMD increased during allopurinol treatment periods compared to placebo treatment periods (mean ± SEM 2.5 ± 0.55% versus −0.1 ± 0.42%; P < 0.001). There were no changes in hsCRP level and no serious adverse events.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that urate‐lowering therapy with allopurinol does not lower systolic BP or hsCRP level in young adults when compared with placebo, despite improvements in FMD. These findings do not support urate lowering as a treatment for hypertension in young adults.
Victim selection patterns of community‐residing child molesters identified by a nationwide youth‐serving organization
Authors: Warren Janet I. , Reed James
Published: March 2021

The current study examines data extracted from revocation files of a national youth‐serving organization (YSO) involving 7819 revoked individuals and 12,254 alleged child victims to better understand victim selection patterns of community‐residing child molesters. These data demonstrate consistent patterns of victim selection based upon the age, gender, and YSO affiliation of each victim. We created two variables to explore whether the revoked individual was “likely pedophilic (LP)” or a “mixed offender (MO)” based upon their behaviors and patterns of victim selection. Compared with the non‐LPs and non‐MOs, LPs and MOs had more known victims, were more often involved in other YSOs, and were more likely to have had contact with law enforcement. We utilized a public health perspective to interpret these findings, suggesting that child sexual abuse in YSOs reflects a societal problem that is not a unique phenomenon specific to programs offering services to youth.
Extraosseous osteoblastoma: A rare cause of breast mass in a prepubertal girl
Authors: Danzinger Sabine , Kager Leo , Bernathova Maria , Lang Susanna , Haslik Werner , Singer Christian F.
Published: March 2021

Extraosseous osteoblastoma of the breast, a rare disease, was diagnosed in a prepubertal girl. After tumor excision, the patient recovered well and an optimal cosmetic result was achieved. Interdisciplinary discussions about the case are essential.
National early access programs and clinical trials: What opportunities for early access to therapeutic innovations for patients with malignant melanoma?
Authors: Kempf Emmanuelle , Zalcman Gérard , Lebbe Céleste ,   the French Society of Cancer Immunotherapy (FTIC)
Published: March 2021

Tailoring clinical trial methods and design according to drug class and gathering systematically long‐term real‐life clinical data from national early access programs might be options to improve the reliability of drug development in metastatic melanoma.
The impact of induction and/or concurrent chemoradiotherapy on acute and late patient‐reported symptoms in oropharyngeal cancer: Application of a mixed‐model analysis of a prospective observational cohort registry
Authors: van Dijk Lisanne V. , Mohamed Abdallah S. R. , Ferrarotto Renata , McCoy Lance A. , Sharafi Christina S. , Jones Eva , Steele Kennedy , Moreno Amy C. , Lai Stephen Y. , Garden Adam S. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Rosenthal David I. , Fuller Clifton D. , Hutcheson Katherine A. ,   for the MD Anderson Symptom Working Group
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to comprehensively investigate the association of chemotherapy with trajectories of acute symptom development and late symptom recovery in patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) by comparing symptom burden between induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (ICRT), concurrent chemo‐radiotherapy (CRT), or radiotherapy (RT) alone.

METHODS

Among a registry of 717 patients with OPC, the 28‐item patient‐reported MD Anderson Symptom Inventory–Head and Neck Module (MDASI‐HN) symptoms were collected prospectively at baseline, weekly during RT, and 1.5, 3 to 6, 12, and 18 to 24 months after RT. The effect of the treatment regimen (ICRT, CRT, and RT alone) was examined with mixed‐model analyses for the acute and late period. In the CRT cohort, the chemotherapy agent relationship with symptoms was investigated.

RESULTS

Chemoradiation (ICRT/CRT) compared with RT alone resulted in significantly higher acute symptom scores in the majority of MDASI‐HN symptoms (ie, 21 out of 28). No late symptom differences between treatment with or without chemotherapy were observed that were not attributable to ICRT. Nausea was lower for CRT with carboplatin than for CRT with cisplatin; cetuximab was associated with particularly higher scores for acute and late skin, mucositis, and 6 other symptoms. The addition of ICRT compared with CRT or RT alone was associated with a significant increase in numbness and shortness of breath.

CONCLUSION

The addition of chemotherapy to definitive RT for OPC patients was associated with significantly worse acute symptom outcomes compared with RT alone, which seems to attenuate in the late posttreatment period. Moreover, induction chemotherapy was specifically associated with worse numbness and shortness of breath during and after treatment.

LAY SUMMARY

Chemotherapy is frequently used in addition to radiotherapy cancer treatment, yet the (added) effect on treatment‐induced over time is not comprehensively investigated

This study shows that chemotherapy adds to the symptom severity reported by patients, especially during treatment
Graphics processing unit acceleration of the island model genetic algorithm using the CUDA programming platform
Authors: Janssen Dylan M. , Pullan Wayne , Liew Alan Wee‐Chung
Published: March 2021

Genetic algorithms are a practical approach for finding near‐optimal solutions for nondeterministic polynomial‐hard problems. In this work we exploit the parallel processing capability of graphics processing units and Nvidia's CUDA programming platform to accelerate the island model genetic algorithm by modifying the evolutionary operations to fit the hardware architecture and have successfully achieved significant computational speedups.
Decongestion discriminates risk for one‐year mortality in patients with improving renal function in acute heart failure
Authors: Wettersten Nicholas , Horiuchi Yu , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Ix Joachim H. , Mueller Christian , Filippatos Gerasimos , Nowak Richard , Hogan Christopher , Kontos Michael C. , Cannon Chad M. , Müeller Gerhard A. , Birkhahn Robert , Taub Pam , Vilke Gary M. , Duff Stephen , McDonald Kenneth , Mahon Niall , Nuñez Julio , Briguori Carlo , Passino Claudio , Maisel Alan , Murray Patrick T.
Published: March 2021

Aims

Improving renal function (IRF) is paradoxically associated with worse outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF), but outcomes may differ based on response to decongestion. We explored if the relationship of IRF with mortality in hospitalized AHF patients differs based on successful decongestion.

Methods and results

We evaluated 760 AHF patients from AKINESIS for the relationship between IRF, change in B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and 1‐year mortality. IRF was defined as a ≥20% increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) relative to admission. Adequate decongestion was defined as a ≥40% decrease in last measured BNP relative to admission. IRF occurred in 22% of patients who had a mean age of 69 years, 58% were men, 72% were white, and median admission eGFR was 49 mL/min/1.73 m2. IRF patients had more severe heart failure reflected by lower admission eGFR, higher blood urea nitrogen, lower systolic blood pressure, lower sodium, and higher use of inotropes. IRF patients had higher 1‐year mortality (25%) than non‐IRF patients (15%) (P < 0.01). However, this relationship differed by BNP trajectory (P‐interaction = 0.03). When stratified by BNP change, non‐IRF patients and IRF patients with decreasing BNP had lower 1‐year mortality than either non‐IRF and IRF patients without decreasing BNP. However, in multivariate analysis, IRF was not associated with mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7–1.5] while BNP was (adjusted HR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.7). When IRF was evaluated as transiently occurring or persisting at discharge, again only BNP change was significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Improving renal function is associated with mortality in AHF but not independent of other variables and congestion status. Achieving adequate decongestion, as reflected by lower BNP, in AHF is more strongly associated with mortality than IRF.
Continuous trichloroethylene biodegradation by Pseudomonas putida F1 in a biofilm reactor and determination of an optimal feeding path via a response surface model
Authors: Yu Feng , Munoz Breda , Bienkowski Paul R. , Sayler Gary S.
Published: March 2021

Reactor design and feeding strategies are the key to successful trichloroethylene (TCE) treatment via cometabolism. An easy to maintain and operate laboratory scale packed‐bed biofilm reactor, featuring recycled gas and liquid effluent streams, was developed for continuous aerobic aqueous‐phase TCE biodegradation using Pseudomonas putida F1 as the biocatalyst and toluene as the primary substrate. The impacts of the influent toluene and TCE concentrations, flow rates, and recycle rates on TCE biodegradation were studied. Multivariate factors, including influent toluene and TCE concentrations, their interactions, and flow rates were further analyzed via a response surface model (RSM). Results showed that such bioreactor design eliminated oxygen limitation and removed or substantially reduced toluene competitive inhibition on TCE degradation. A TCE removal efficiency of >90% was achieved at an influent TCE concentration of ≤0.3 mg/L under an ˜8‐min mean hydraulic retention time. Toluene and TCE concentrations, in both linear and quadratic forms, were the most significant factors for TCE degradation, indicating both cell regenerating and inhibiting effects from toluene and a toxic effect from TCE. This RSM analysis has successfully identified an optimal influent toluene concentration path for each influent TCE concentration and provided insight for an extended TCE degradation at higher TCE concentrations.
A GIS focal approach for characterizing gully geometry
Authors: Castillo Carlos , Momm Henrique G. , Wells Robert R. , Bingner Ronald L. , Pérez Rafael
Published: March 2021

In this work we examined the explanatory factors of gully geometry in the Campiña landscape in southern Spain using a geographic information system (GIS) focal approach with regional topographic products (1.5 m LiDAR [light detecton and ranging] digital elevation model [DEM] for elevation data and 0.5 m orthophotography for gully limit delineation). We evaluated the performance of a focal approach (based on neighbourhood calculations) using topographic factors for characterizing the gully linear extent and cross‐section (XS) morphology (i.e., depth, D, width, W, mean slope, S and width‐to‐depth ratio, WDR). As for the longitudinal analysis, focal variables (e.g., using the 11 × 11 mean thalweg slope and 75‐m downstream mean slope) outperformed the pixel‐based approach, with accurate spatial predictions for gully headcuts and mouth locations. The threshold between gullied and non‐gullied areas in a slope‐area diagram took the form of a break‐line rather than a straight limit. For estimating the main XS dimensions (D and W), the Half‐width method was applied by selecting the closest point to the thalweg at the gully limits. The tendency to underestimate XS depths was corrected by applying the equations derived from an assessment of the sampling errors in DEMs datasets. The 50 m adjacent slope to the gully was the best explanatory descriptor of both XS dimensions (due to energetic and geometric reasons) along with the channel density, drainage area and total gully length. The XS mean slope and WDR were controlled by the resistance of the materials (investigated through geotechnical and vane‐test surveys) where incision processes were dominant (V‐shaped XSs in upstream and middle reaches). As sedimentation started to become significant, both morphological parameters changed abruptly and XSs tended to show a trapezoid shape. An adaptative focal strategy with varying window sizes produced better results than the pixel‐based approach, requiring larger calculation scopes in areas of greater DEM uncertainty.
Children and young people's experience of parental dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Chirico Ilaria , Ottoboni Giovanni , Valente Marco , Chattat Rabih
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Most studies have been concerned with the experiences and needs of spouses/partners and adult children of people with dementia. In this review, children and young people's lived experience of parental dementia was investigated. Findings will inform both researchers and professionals in the area of dementia care.

Design

A systematic literature search was performed in CINAHL, PsychINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A rigorous screening process was followed, and a checklist for qualitative and observational studies was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Narrative synthesis of the selected articles was carried out.

Results

Twenty‐one studies were included and a synthesis of the literature revealed six themes. The first theme concerned the difficulties in dealing with the diagnosis which was often preceded by a long period characterized by uncertainty, confusion, family distress, and conflicts. The second theme discussed changes in family relationships in terms of the role of children and young people in supporting both parents and keeping family together. The third theme described the impact of caring on children and young people who struggled to balance caring tasks and developmental needs. The fourth theme showed consequences on children and young people's personal lives in terms of education/career and life planning. The fifth theme illustrated main adaptation models and coping strategies. The last theme discussed the need for appropriate support and services based on a “whole family” approach.

Conclusions

The included studies provide the basis for knowledge and awareness about the experience of children and young people with a parent with dementia and the specific needs of support for this population.
Investigation of the flow, pressure drop characteristics, and augmentation of heat performance in a 3D flow pipe based on different inserts of twisted tape configurations
Authors: Al‐Obaidi Ahmed Ramadhan
Published: March 2021

The flow behavior, pressure drop, and heat performance rate in the three‐dimensional pipe with and without inserted tape are analyzed in his study. The enhancement of thermohydraulic performance is carried out by increasing the twisted tape configurations with differentRe. The numerical simulation model is validated with experimental data, where the outcomes indicate a good agreement between both data. The results revealed that the pressure drop across the pipe using twisted tape insert was higher than in a smooth pipe. The increased drop in pressure along the pipe enhanced the performance of heat transfer. In addition, there was a rise in fluid velocity, but it was nonuniform. This happened due to the swirl created through the inserted tape in the pipe. The comparative study also specified that the profiles of dynamic pressure, static pressure, velocity magnitude, and vorticity are nonuniform, compared with the smooth tube type. Moreover, the results found that the best improvement of heat transfer is at a low value of mass flow with a twisted tape of 1 × 3 mm, which is equal to approximately 27.7%, 26.5%, 26.4%, and 22.9% respectively. Furthermore, this study provides numerical investigations for engineering design on flow field analysis and enhanced heat transfer performance with different insert tape configurations.
Reflections on Designing Curriculum to Interrogate Social Studies
Authors: Monte‐Sano Chauncey , Quince Christine
Published: March 2021

This department explores the concept of disciplinary literacy—the conceptual understandings and ways of reading, thinking, and writing involved in critiquing and constructing knowledge in a discipline—and its intersections with aspects of culturally sustaining pedagogy. Columns highlight high‐quality disciplinary literacy learning opportunities across subject areas that engage students in critically examining the world around them, interrogating accepted knowledge, contributing their own perspectives to shape that knowledge, and sustaining and developing the literacies needed to do this work.
Effects of maternal folic acid supplementation on nuclear methyltransferase activity of adult rats subjected to an animal model of schizophrenia
Authors: Canever Lara , Varela Roger , Mastella Gustavo A. , Damázio Louyse S. , Valvassori Samira S. , Quevedo João L. , Zugno Alexandra I.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Schizophrenia is considered one of the most disabling and severe human diseases worldwide. The etiology of schizophrenia is thought to be multifactorial and evidence suggests that DNA methylation can play an important role in underlying pivotal neurobiological alterations of this disorder. Some studies have demonstrated the effects of dietary supplementation as an alternative approach to the prevention of schizophrenia, including folic acid. However, no study has ever investigated the role of such supplementation in altering the DNA methylation system in the context of schizophrenia.

Objectives

The present study aims to investigate the effects of maternal folic acid supplementation at different doses on nuclear methyltransferase activity of adult rat offspring subjected to an animal model schizophrenia induced by ketamine.

Methods

Adult female Wistar rats, (60 days old) received folic acid‐deficient diet, control diet, or control diet plus folic acid supplementation (at 5, 10, or 50 mg/kg) during pregnancy and lactation. After reaching adulthood (60 days), the male offspring of these dams were subjected to the animal model of schizophrenia induced by 7 days of ketamine intraperitoneal injection (25 mg/kg). After the 7‐day protocol, the activity of nuclear methyltransferase was evaluated in the brains of the offspring.

Results

Maternal folic acid supplementation at 50 mg/kg increased methyltransferase activity in the frontal cortex, while 10 mg/kg increased methyltransferase activity in the hippocampus. In the striatum of offspring treated with ketamine, maternal deficient diet, control diet, and folic acid supplementation at 5 mg/kg decreased methyltransferase activity compared to the control group. The folic acid supplementation at 10 and 50 mg/kg reversed this ketamine effect.

Conclusions

Maternal FA deficiency could be related to schizophrenia pathophysiology, while FA supplementation could present a protective effect since it demonstrated persistent effects in epigenetic parameters in adult offspring.
Mac‐2 binding protein glycosylation isomer predicts tolerability and clinical outcome of lenvatinib therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Eso Yuji , Nakano Shigeharu , Mishima Masako , Arasawa Soichi , Iguchi Eriko , Takeda Haruhiko , Takai Atsushi , Takahashi Ken , Taura Kojiro , Seno Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Background

Many patients with hepatocellular carcinoma present with impaired hepatic function, which often requires interruption or withdrawal of lenvatinib due to associated adverse events. We aimed to identify pre‐treatment predictors of tolerability and clinical outcome of lenvatinib therapy.

Methods

Eighty patients who received lenvatinib at our institution between 2018 and 2020 were included in this study. We assessed essential factors associated with prolonged progression‐free survival (PFS), using Cox proportional hazards model. We also investigated the correlation between the factor identified as contributing most to PFS and the relative dose intensity (RDI), response rate, and duration of treatment with lenvatinib.

Results

Pre‐treatment level of Mac‐2‐binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) showed significant association with PFS (hazard ratio = 0.52, P = .0358). Low M2BPGi levels (<1.5) correlated significantly with longer PFS than higher levels (P = .0003). Patients with M2BPGi <1.5 achieved significantly higher RDI, objective response rate, and disease control rate, and maintained lenvatinib treatment for longer than those with baseline values ≥1.5. Patients with M2BPGi ≥1.5 had a higher incidence of adverse events such as fatigue and anorexia.

Conclusions

Baseline M2BPGi levels may predict the tolerability and treatment response to lenvatinib. Patients with high M2BPGi levels may less likely to benefit from lenvatinib therapy.
Integrated model for women empowerment in rural India
Authors: Sharma Eliza , Das Subhankar
Published: March 2021

The current study aims to develop an integrated model for women empowerment in rural India using primary data collected from 3000 women across 60 villages from East, West, South, North, and Central India. Exploratory factor analysis came out with the three main dimensions of women empowerment, namely, economic, social and human, and legal empowerment. A conceptual model is thus devised, which throws light on key areas that can be developed. Reforms are required to make rural women economically independent, providing them social freedom and utilities and ensuring a strict and favourable judiciary system for ensuring women empowerment.
Metal‐Free Phthalocyanine as a Hole Transporting Material and a Surface Passivator for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Seung‐Woo , Kim Geunjin , Moon Chan su , Yang Tae‐Youl , Seo Jangwon
Published: March 2021

Perovskite solar cells in an n‐i‐p structure record high power conversion efficiency, but issues of insufficient thermal stability and the high cost of p‐type hole transporting materials have been raised as drawbacks. H2‐phthalocyanine (Pc) is introduced as a hole transport material to ensure the thermal stability and simultaneously have served surface passivation effects on hybrid halide perovskites as a Lewis base. Pyrrolic nitrogen in the Pc reacts with uncoordinated Pb2+ ions on the perovskite surface. Upon enhancing the interfacial interaction between phthalocyanine and the perovskite, the open circuit voltage in devices increases as compared to that of devices using a metal‐phthalocyanine complex. While the phthalocyanine‐applied device maintains superior thermal long‐term stability, the power conversion efficiency also exceeds 20%.
Pharmacological treatment trials of agitation in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review of ClinicalTrials.gov registered trials
Authors: Liu Kathy Y. , Borissova Anya , Mahmood Jansher , Elliott Thomas , Knowles Melanie , Bentham Peter , Reeves Suzanne , Howard Robert
Published: March 2021

Introduction

There is increasing emphasis on the importance of optimizing and standardizing clinical trials of agitation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the risks of bias arising from published trials and the number and design of unpublished studies are poorly understood.

Methods

Using the ClinicalTrials.gov database, we systematically reviewed all registered investigational clinical trials for agitation in AD to describe the landscape of agitation drug treatment trials and to assess their quality and generalizability.

Results

We included 52 clinical studies registered over the past 25 years. Within published randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there was a high rate of participant dropout, poor reporting of randomization procedures, and inconsistent definitions of the sample included for analysis. There was also evidence of publication and funder bias.

Discussion

We discuss factors that limit the internal and external validity of published RCTs and make additional recommendations for the conduct and reporting of future clinical trials of agitation in AD.
Prospects of gravitational waves in the minimal left-right symmetric model
Authors: Li Mingqiu , Yan Qi-Shu , Zhang Yongchao , Zhao Zhijie
Published: March 2021

Abstract

The left-right symmetric model (LRSM) is a well-motivated framework to restore parity and implement seesaw mechanisms for the tiny neutrino masses at or above the TeV-scale, and has a very rich phenomenology at both the high-energy and high-precision frontiers. In this paper we examine the phase transition and resultant gravitational waves (GWs) in the minimal version of LRSM. Taking into account all the theoretical and experimental constraints on LRSM, we identify the parameter regions with strong first-order phase transition and detectable GWs in the future experiments. It turns out in a sizeable region of the parameter space, GWs can be generated in the phase transition with the strength of 10−17 to 10−12 at the frequency of 0.1 to 10 Hz, which can be detected by BBO and DECIGO. Furthermore, GWs in the LRSM favor a relatively light SU(2)R-breaking scalar $$ {H}_3^0 $$

H
3
0

, which is largely complementary to the direct searches of a long-lived neutral scalar at the high-energy colliders. It is found that the other heavy scalars and the right-handed neutrinos in the LRSM also play an important part for GW signal production in the phase transition.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers in the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Vertebral Lesions
Authors: Schmeel Frederic Carsten , Enkirch Simon Jonas , Luetkens Julian Alexander , Faron Anton , Lehnen Nils , Sprinkart Alois Martin , Schmeel Leonard Christopher , Radbruch Alexander , Attenberger Ulrike , Kukuk Guido Matthias , Mürtz Petra
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To compare and combine the diagnostic performance of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) derived from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) derived from chemical-shift encoding (CSE)-based water-fat magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for distinguishing benign and malignant vertebral bone marrow lesions (VBML).

Methods

A total of 55 consecutive patients with 53 benign (traumatic, inflammatory and primary) and 36 malignant (metastatic and hematologic) previously untreated VBMLs were prospectively enrolled in this IRB-approved study and underwent sagittal DWI (single-shot spin-echo echo-planar with multi-slice short TI inversion recovery fat suppression) and CSE-based MRI (gradient-echo 6‑point modified Dixon) in addition to routine clinical spine MRI at 1.5 T or 3.0 T. Diagnostic reference standard was established according to histopathology or imaging follow-up. The ADC = ADC (0, 800) and PDFF = fat / (water + fat) were calculated voxel-wise and examined for differences between benign and malignant lesions.

Results

The ADC and PDFF values of malignant lesions were significantly lower compared to benign lesions (mean ADC 861 × 10−6 mm2/s vs. 1323 × 10−6 mm2/s, p < 0.001; mean PDFF 3.1% vs. 28.2%, p < 0.001). The areas under the curve (AUC) and diagnostic accuracies were 0.847 (p < 0.001) and 85.4% (cut-off at 1084.4 × 10−6 mm2/s) for ADC and 0.940 (p < 0.001) and 89.9% for PDFF (cut-off at 7.8%), respectively. The combined use of ADC and PDFF improved the diagnostic accuracy to 96.6% (malignancy if ADC ≤ 1118.2 × 10−6 mm2/s and PDFF ≤ 20.0%, otherwise benign).

Conclusion

Quantitative evaluation of both ADC and PDFF was useful in differentiating benign VBMLs from malignancy. The combination of ADC and PDFF improved the diagnostic performance and yielded high diagnostic accuracy for the differentiation of benign and malignant VBMLs.
Methodological and Measurement Advances in Social Determinants of HIV: View from NIH
Authors: Greenwood Gregory , Gaist Paul , Namkung Ann , Rausch Dianne
Published: March 2021

Social determinants are increasingly understood as key contributors to patterns of heightened risk for HIV acquisition and suboptimal care and treatment outcomes. Yet, the ability to rigorously model, map and measure these nuanced social dynamics has been a challenge, resulting in limited examples of effective interventions and resource allocation. In 2016, the United States National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) issued a Request for Applications calling for methodological innovations around the social determinants of HIV. In May of 2019, NIMH, in collaboration with American University’s Center on Health, Risk and Society and the DC Center for AIDS Research, sponsored a symposium to bring together the funded teams to share accomplishments, distill lessons learned and reflect on the state of the science with other key stakeholders. Presentations focused on causal inference, multi-level analysis and mathematical modeling (Models); geospatial analytics and ecological momentary assessments (Maps); and measurement of social and structural determinants including inequalities and stigmas (Measures). Cross-cutting and higher-level themes were discussed and largely focused on the importance of critical and careful integration of social theory, community engagement and mixed methodologies into research on the social determinants of HIV.
A Two-Day Case Study: Comparison of Turbulence Data from an Unmanned Aircraft System with a Model Chain for Complex Terrain
Authors: zum Berge Kjell , Schoen Martin , Mauz Moritz , Platis Andreas , van Kesteren Bram , Leukauf Daniel , El Bahlouli Asmae , Letzgus Patrick , Knaus Hermann , Bange Jens
Published: March 2021

The airborne measurement platform MASC-3 (Multi-Purpose Airborne Sensor Carrier) is used for measurements over a forested escarpment in the Swabian Alps to evaluate the wind field. Data from flight legs between 20 and 200 m above the ground on two consecutive days with uphill (westerly) flow in September 2018 are analyzed. In the lowest 140 m above the ground a speed-up is found with increased turbulence and changes in wind direction directly over the escarpment, whereas in the lowest 20 to 50 m above the ground a deceleration of the flow is measured. Additionally, simulation results from a numerical model chain based on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and an OpenFOAM (Open Source Field Operation and Manipulation) model, developed for complex terrain, are compared to the data captured by MASC-3. The models and measurements compare well for the mean wind speed and inclination angle.
Inhibition of the Axl pathway impairs breast and prostate cancer metastasis to the bones and bone remodeling
Authors: Tanaka Mai , Dykes Samantha S. , Siemann Dietmar W.
Published: March 2021

Approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths result from cancer metastasis. In prostate and breast cancers, bone is the most common site of cancer cell dissemination. Key steps in the metastatic cascade are promoted through upregulation of critical cell signaling pathways in neoplastic cells. The present study assessed the role of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in prostate and breast cancer cell metastasis to bones using (i) Axl knockdown neoplastic cells and osteoclast progenitor cells in vitro, (ii) intracardiac injection of Axl knockdown tumor cells in vivo, and (iii) selective Axl inhibitor BGB324. Axl inhibition in neoplastic cells significantly decreased their metastatic potential, and suppression of Axl signaling in osteoclast precursor cells also reduced the formation of mature osteoclasts. In vivo, Axl knockdown in prostate and breast cancer cells significantly suppressed the formation and progression of bone metastases. Hence, therapeutic targeting of Axl may impair tumor metastasis to the bones through neoplastic and host cell signaling axes.
Novel iterative ensemble smoothers derived from a class of generalized cost functions
Authors: Luo Xiaodong
Published: March 2021

Iterative ensemble smoothers (IES) are among the state-of-the-art approaches to solving history matching problems. From an optimization-theoretic point of view, these algorithms can be derived by solving certain stochastic nonlinear-least-squares problems. In a broader picture, history matching is essentially an inverse problem, which is often ill-posed and may not possess a unique solution. To mitigate the ill-posedness, in the course of solving an inverse problem, prior knowledge and domain experience are often incorporated, as a regularization term, into a suitable cost function within a respective optimization problem. Whereas in the inverse theory there is a rich class of inversion algorithms resulting from various choices of regularized cost functions, there are few ensemble data assimilation algorithms (including IES) which in their practical uses are implemented in a form beyond nonlinear-least-squares. This work aims to narrow this noticed gap. Specifically, we consider a class of more generalized cost functions, and establish a unified formula that can be used to construct a corresponding group of novel ensemble data assimilation algorithms, called generalized IES (GIES), in a principled and systematic way. For demonstration, we choose a subset (up to 30 +) of the GIES algorithms derived from the unified formula, and apply them to two history matching problems. Experiment results indicate that many of the tested GIES algorithms exhibit superior performance to that of an original IES developed in a previous work, showcasing the potential benefit of designing new ensemble data assimilation algorithms through the proposed framework.
Commentary to “Practicing Dialectics of Technoscience During the Anthropocene” by Hub Zwart
Authors: Rheinberger Hans-Jörg
Published: March 2021

Hub Zwart’s article is about the idea—and the practice—of an embedded philosophy of science, that is, a philosophy participating in and at the same time reflecting about the current state of the sciences facing the Anthropocene, to which I am very sympathetic. There are, however, two caveats. The first is that participation is always in danger to end up in a more or less uncritical eulogy, in the present case of synthetic biology. The second is that I have doubts about packing the historical path of scientific development into the Procrustes bed of Hegelian dialectics. This usually leads to one or the other form of teleology.