bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threshold of vapour–pressure deficit constraint on light use efficiency varied with soil water content
Authors: Gao Dexin , Wang Shuai , Li Zidong , Wei Fangli , Chen Peng , Song Shuang , Wang Yaping , Wang Lixin , Fu Bojie
Published: May 2021

Understanding the constraints on light‐use efficiency (LUE) induced by high evaporative water demand (vapour–pressure deficit; VPD) and soil water stress (soil moisture content; SMC) is crucial for understanding and simulating vegetation productivity, particularly in the arid and semi‐arid regions. However, the relative impacts of VPD and SMC on LUE are unclear, as we lack a mechanistic understanding of impacts and their interactions. In this study, we quantified the relative roles of VPD and SMC in limiting LUE and analysed the interactions among VPD, SMC and LUE using data from CO2 and water flux stations and weather stations along a climatic gradient in the Heihe River Basin, China. We found a threshold of VPD constraint on LUE; above the threshold, LUE decreased at only 3.6% to 23.1% of the rate below the threshold. As SMC decreased, however, the VPD threshold increased, and the reduction of LUE caused by VPD decreased significantly, which is more than half of that in moister regions. Therefore, both VPD and SMC played essential roles in LUE limitation caused by water stress. A threshold also existed for heat flux and the correlation between SMC and LUE; the strength of the correlation first decreased and then increased with increasing VPD. Our results clarified the relative impacts of VPD and SMC on LUE, and can improve simulation and prediction of plant productivity.
Effect of metformin on the high‐density lipoprotein proteome in youth with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Gourgari Evgenia , Nadeau Kristen J. , Pyle Laura , Playford Martin P. , Ma Junfeng , Mehta Nehal N. , Remaley Alan T. , Gordon Scott M.
Published: May 2021

Background

Youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have normal or elevated High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL‐C), however, the function of HDL, partly mediated by the HDL proteome, may be impaired. Metformin can be used as an adjunct therapy in youth with T1D, but its effects on the HDL proteome are unknown.

Objective

To determine the effect of metformin on the HDL proteome.

Subjects

Youth (12–20 years old) with T1D who had a BMI > 90th percentile, HbA1c > 8.0% and Tanner stage 5.

Methods

Double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled randomized sub‐study. We examined the effects of metformin (n = 25) or placebo (n = 10) after 6 months on HDL proteome. Changes in HDL proteins were measured by data‐independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry and compared between treatment groups. As a secondary outcome, associations between proteins of interest and the most studied function of HDL, the cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), was examined.

Results

The relative abundance of 84 HDL‐associated proteins were measured. Two proteins were significantly affected by metformin treatment, peptidoglycan recognition protein 2 (PGRP2; +23.4%,p = .0058) and alpha‐2‐macroglobulin (A2MG; +29.8%,p = .049). Metformin did not significantly affect CEC. Changes in affected HDL proteins did not correlate with CEC.

Conclusions

Despite having little effect on HDL‐C, metformin increased PGRP2 and A2MG protein on HDL in youth with T1D, but had no significant effect on CEC. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of PGRP2 and A2MG on other HDL functions.
Isoniazid‐sensing Behavior of a Hybrid Silsesquioxane and Cobalt Pentacyanonitrosylferrate‐based Nanocomposite
Authors: de Souza Magossi Mariana , de Souza Magossi Maiara , Dias Filho Newton Luiz , Ribeiro do Carmo Devaney
Published: May 2021

A novel silsesquioxane and cobalt nitroprusside compound was prepared from octa(aminopropyl)silsesquioxane, resulting in a nanocomposite (ACCoN), which was then characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. The cyclic voltammograms of the ACCoN‐modified graphite paste electrode indicated a redox pair with a formal potential (Eθ′)=0.38 V, assigned to the Co(II)Fe(II)(CN)5NO/Co(II)Fe(III)(CN)5NO redox couple. The ACCoN‐modified graphite paste electrode was sensitive to isoniazid concentrations, presenting a linear response at a concentration range from 6.0×10−7to 1.0×10−5 mol L−1, with limit of detection and amperometric sensitivity of 5.53×10−7 mol L−1and 0.17 A/mol L−1, respectively.
Human–environment interactions in a Bahamian dune landscape: A geoarchaeological study of a new Lucayan burial site
Authors: Hanna Jonathan A. , Pateman Michael P. , Bloch Lindsay , Keegan William F.
Published: May 2021

Investigations were undertaken following the discovery of two Lucayan burials in an Atlantic coast sand dune on Long Island, The Bahamas (site LN‐101), in the aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. The dune burials were the first of their kind to be documented and systematically excavated, and they were associated with uncommon Atlantic coast Lucayan sites. We describe the first systematic archaeological prospection and investigation of coastal geomorphology in the region, applying grain‐size analysis to assess the dune's natural history; basic geochemical analysis to detect anthropogenic impacts and determine agricultural potential; radiocarbon dating as a chronological anchor for reconstructing dune development; drone mapping and georeferencing to document landscape trajectories; and the potential of clay‐like soils with respect to pottery production. Significantly, the dune was relatively stable during and after Lucayan occupation, before Hurricane Joaquin stripped about 10 m from the dune face. The results contribute to refined modeling of past and future impacts, especially those attributed to modern climate change, by linking changes in geomorphology to human activities that began over 1000 years ago. The study contributes to a growing body of Caribbean research into the deep‐time impacts of sea‐level change, coastal geomorphology, erosion, climate change, and hurricane activity.
Spatio‐temporal graph convolutional network for diagnosis and treatment response prediction of major depressive disorder from functional connectivity
Authors: Kong Youyong , Gao Shuwen , Yue Yingying , Hou Zhenhua , Shu Huazhong , Xie Chunming , Zhang Zhijun , Yuan Yonggui
Published: May 2021

The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) has been explored to be highly associated with the dysfunctional integration of brain networks. It is therefore imperative to explore neuroimaging biomarkers to aid diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we developed a spatiotemporal graph convolutional network (STGCN) framework to learn discriminative features from functional connectivity for automatic diagnosis and treatment response prediction of MDD. Briefly, dynamic functional networks were first obtained from the resting‐state fMRI with the sliding temporal window method. Secondly, a novel STGCN approach was proposed by introducing the modules of spatial graph attention convolution (SGAC) and temporal fusion. A novel SGAC was proposed to improve the feature learning ability and special anatomy prior guided pooling was developed to enable the feature dimension reduction. A temporal fusion module was proposed to capture the dynamic features of functional connectivity between adjacent sliding windows. Finally, the STGCN proposed approach was utilized to the tasks of diagnosis and antidepressant treatment response prediction for MDD. Performances of the framework were comprehensively examined with large cohorts of clinical data, which demonstrated its effectiveness in classifying MDD patients and predicting the treatment response. The sound performance suggests the potential of the STGCN for the clinical use in diagnosis and treatment prediction.
Prediction of successful vaginal birth after cesarean in women with diabetic disorders and no prior vaginal delivery
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Tsur Abraham , Tenenbaum Lee , Mor Nizan , Zamir Michal , Meyer Raanan
Published: May 2021

Objective

To study the factors associated with successful trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) among women with diabetes and no prior vaginal delivery and compare with TOLAC in nondiabetic women.

Methods

A retrospective study including all women undergoing TOLAC who had no prior vaginal delivery between March 2011 and June 2020 at Sheba Medical Center. Women with diabetic disorders were compared with those without. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with TOLAC success.

Results

Of 2144 deliveries with TOLAC, 163 (7.6%) were to women with a diabetic disorder. TOLAC success rate was comparable between diabetic and nondiabetic women (124 [76.1%] vs 1513 [76.4%], respectively; P = 0.931). Uterine rupture rate was 1.1% (23 out of 2144). Among women with diabetes the uterine rupture rate was 0.6% (1 out of 163) and did not differ between the success or fail TOLAC groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that epidural anesthesia and cervical effacement were the only independent factors associated with TOLAC success in women with diabetes (adjusted OR 3.32; 95% CI, 1.31–8.69, P = 0.011 and aOR 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.07, P = 0.007, respectively).

Conclusion

TOLAC in women with diabetes with no prior vaginal delivery has a high success rate. Epidural analgesia is the only modifiable independent predictor of TOLAC success.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis on the impact of the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system in reducing risk of ovarian cancer
Authors: D’Alessandro Gloria , Frigerio Matteo , Barra Fabio , Costantini Sergio , Gustavino Claudio , Ferrero Simone
Published: May 2021

Background

Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is one of the most widespread tumors in the world and is characterized by low survival rates.

Objective

To determine whether the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) can prevent OC.

Search strategy

The literature until December 2020 were systematically reviewed according to the PRISMA Statement for Reporting Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42019137957).

Selection criteria

Studies assessing the impact of LNG‐IUS on the risk of OC were included.

Data collection and analysis

Data were extracted independently by two authors to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Main results

A total of 34 323 records were obtained, of which three satisfied the inclusion criteria. In total, 1687 events of OC in a population of 20 461 311 person‐years were considered. Data pooling revealed that the use of LNG‐IUS did not confer a lower risk of OC relative to the never‐use of LNG‐IUS, with an estimated odds ratio of 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.41–1.08; I2 = 84%; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis did not demonstrate a preventive role of LNG‐IUS on OC. However, it was carried out on a few papers, and a definitive conclusion on the topic still cannot be drawn. Further studies are indicated in the future to define the impact of LNG‐IUS on OC.

The meta‐analysis carried out on three papers did not demonstrate a preventive role of the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine device on ovarian cancer.
Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy via retroperitoneal approach in a patient with horseshoe kidney
Authors: Uketa Shoko , Shimizu Yousuke , Yamaguchi Ritsuki , Utsunomiya Noriaki , Kanamaru Sojun
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Horseshoe kidney is a renal fusion anomaly often associated with ectopia, malformation, and vascular changes. Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy is selected for patients with T1a renal cell carcinoma; however, there are few reports of renal cell carcinoma in horseshoe kidney. We present a case of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy via a retroperitoneal approach in a patient with horseshoe kidney with a brief literature review.

Case presentation

An 84‐year‐old woman presented with a 2‐cm mass in horseshoe kidney. She underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy via a retroperitoneal approach.

Conclusion

The use of robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in patients with horseshoe kidney is very rare, and only four cases have been reported. Because of the unique anatomical structure, surgeons need to consider surgical strategy more carefully, considering tumor location, vascular anatomy, and past history of abdominal surgery.
A novel lncRNA LOLA1 may predict malignant progression and promote migration, invasion, and EMT of oral leukoplakia via the AKT/GSK‐3β pathway
Authors: Liu Wei , Yao Yilin , Shi Linjun , Tang Guoyao , Wu Lan
Published: May 2021

Although dysregulation and dysfunction of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in malignant behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), whether aberrant lncRNAs play a role in the carcinogenesis of oral leukoplakia (OL) as the best‐known precursor of OSCC remains undetermined. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in the occurrence and progression of OL were studied by microarray and quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). We found a novel key lncRNA n386251 that we named LOLA1 (lncRNA oral leukoplakia progressed associated 1) in the OL progression. The results of qRT‐PCR revealed that LOLA1 aberrant expression was validated in tissue samples and cell lines from the normal oral mucosa, OL to OSCC. Fluorescent in situ hybridization showed that LOLA1 expression localized predominately at the cytoplasm of Leuk1 cells. Cell function assays showed that LOLA1 significantly influenced cell migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein expression. Potential mechanism experiments revealed that AKT/GSK‐3β signaling was involved in the regulatory mechanism of LOLA1 in OL progression. Remarkably, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that LOLA1 overexpression could predict malignant events of OL progression to OSCC. In conclusion, the current study for the first time profiled and validated the key lncRNAs related to OL progression. Importantly, we demonstrated that a novel lncRNA LOLA1 upregulation was associated with OL malignant progression, suggesting LOLA1 may be a predictive biomarker. Moreover, LOLA1 may promote migration, invasion, and EMT process in OL malignant progression via AKT/GSK‐3β pathway.
Self‐reported emotion regulation difficulties in psychosis: Psychometric properties of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS‐16)
Authors: Lawlor Caroline , Vitoratou Silia , Hepworth Claire , Jolley Suzanne
Published: May 2021

Objective

Individuals with psychosis self‐report difficulties in understanding, relating, and responding to emotions as treatment priorities, yet we lack comprehensive, reliable, and valid assessments for routine clinical use.

Methods

The psychometric properties of a brief version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale‐16 (DERS‐16) were examined using anonymized data from a sample of 150 outpatients with psychosis.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis supported the five‐factor structure of the DERS‐16. The model fit was further improved by omitting two items. Measurement invariance was shown with respect to age and gender. The DERS‐16 demonstrated good internal consistency, well comparable to the original DERS. Evidence toward convergent validity is also presented.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the DERS‐16 is a reliable and valid measure of self‐reported emotion regulation difficulties in individuals with psychosis. Further research on the clinical utility of the DERS‐16 is needed, including examination of its test–retest reliability and predictive validity in response to targeted interventions.
Structural analysis of hollow versus solid‐stemmed shoulder implants of proximal humeri with different bone qualities
Authors: Soltanmohammadi Pendar , Tavakoli Amir , Langohr G. Daniel G. , Athwal George S. , Willing Ryan
Published: May 2021

Stress shielding of the proximal humerus following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) can promote unfavorable bone remodeling, especially for osteoporotic patients. The objective of this finite element (FE) study was to determine if a hollow, rather than solid, titanium stem can mitigate this effect for healthy, osteopenic, and osteoporotic bone. Using a population‐based model of the humerus, representative average healthy, osteopenic, and osteoporotic humerus FE models were created. For each model, changes in bone and implant stresses following TSA were evaluated for different loading scenarios and compared between solid versus hollow‐stemmed implants. For cortical bone, using an implant decreased von Mises stress with respect to intact values up to 34.4%, with a more pronounced effect at more proximal slices. In the most proximal slice, based on changes in strain energy density, hollow‐stemmed implants outperformed solid‐stemmed ones through reducing cortical bone volume with resorption potential by 11.7% ± 2.1% (p = .01). For cortical bone in this slice, the percentage of bone with resorption potential for the osteoporotic bone was greater than the healthy bone by 8.0% ± 1.4% using the hollow‐stemmed implant (p = .04). These results suggest a small improvement in bone‐implant mechanics using hollow‐stemmed humeral implants and indicate osteoporosis could exacerbate stress shielding to some extent. The hollow stems maintained adequate strength and using even thinner walls may further reduce stress shielding. After further developing these models, future studies could yield optimized implant designs tuned for varying bone qualities.
Fentanyl detection and quantification using portable Raman spectroscopy in community drug checking
Authors: Gozdzialski Lea , Ramsay Margo , Larnder Ashley , Wallace Bruce , Hore Dennis K.
Published: May 2021

Community‐based drug checking has emerged as a harm reduction practice aimed at people who use drugs. Using a portable Raman spectrometer and the statistical method of partial least squares regression, a model was developed to quantify fentanyl in both powder binary mixtures and more complex ternary mixtures. The model was then applied to samples collected over a 2‐year period while operating the drug checking service. As an unpredictable drug supply will always pose a risk for quantification with portable drug checking technologies, we implement check steps that guide the harm reduction decisions and conversations surrounding quantitative results.
A Q statistic with constant weights for assessing heterogeneity in meta‐analysis
Authors: Kulinskaya Elena , Hoaglin David C. , Bakbergenuly Ilyas , Newman Joseph
Published: May 2021

The conventional Q statistic, using estimated inverse‐variance (IV) weights, underlies a variety of problems in random‐effects meta‐analysis. In previous work on standardized mean difference and log‐odds‐ratio, we found superior performance with an estimator of the overall effect whose weights use only group‐level sample sizes. The Q statistic with those weights has the form proposed by DerSimonian and Kacker. The distribution of this Q and the Q with IV weights must generally be approximated. We investigate approximations for those distributions, as a basis for testing and estimating the between‐study variance (τ2). A simulation study, with mean difference as the effect measure, provides a framework for assessing accuracy of the approximations, level and power of the tests, and bias in estimating τ2. Two examples illustrate estimation of τ2 and the overall mean difference. Use of Q with sample‐size‐based weights and its exact distribution (available for mean difference and evaluated by Farebrother's algorithm) provides precise levels even for very small and unbalanced sample sizes. The corresponding estimator of τ2 is almost unbiased for 10 or more small studies. This performance compares favorably with the extremely liberal behavior of the standard tests of heterogeneity and the largely biased estimators based on inverse‐variance weights.
DoFinTechand financial incumbents have different experiences and perspectives on the adoption of artificial intelligence?
Authors: Zhang Bryan Zheng , Ashta Arvind , Barton Mary Emma
Published: May 2021

Although FinTechs and incumbents are applying artificial intelligence (AI) differently, they both expect that the status‐quo will likely be maintained through collaboration rather than competition. Both perceive BigTechs as a strategic threat given their AI capabilities and their entrance into financial services. Incumbents are experimenting with more different kinds of AI than FinTechs: FinTechs use the technologies for new products and services while incumbents are using them for incremental innovations to existing products and services. The incumbents expect that adopting AI will lead to a loss in jobs of 9% over the next 10 years and, because these companies represent a large percentage of the workforce (median company size surveyed has more than 10,000 employees), this loss in jobs cannot be compensated by the 19% increase in jobs provided by existing FinTechs (median company size surveyed has less than 50 employees). AI can reduce and increase risk, and most incumbents and FinTechs agree that there will be no effect on risk at the organizational level but that there will be an increase in risk at the societal level. While both FinTechs and incumbents agree on the relative importance of legal and human hurdles and consider the biggest hurdle is related to data and regulations concerning data, FinTechs perceive these hurdles to be greater than do incumbents.
From the internet of things toward the internet of bodies: Ethical and legal considerations
Authors: El‐Khoury Moufid , Arikan Cenk Lacin
Published: May 2021

The proliferation of the internet of things makes the gray area of ethics darker and lighter simultaneously, and the law is currently not construed to accompany the steady progression toward the internet of bodies. The internet of things is challenging the traditional construct of ownership, and users are progressively losing control over their IoT devices. The internet of bodies is the awaiting new normal where human bodies and minds form a connected network pervaded by the Internet. The integrity of human bodies will rely more and more on the internet. In this context, the future calls for a balance between divergent interests of appealing technological progress and vital human safety.
Effects of climate change and crop management on changes in rice phenology in China from 1981 to 2010
Authors: Chen Jie , Liu Yujie , Zhou Weimo , Zhang Jie , Pan Tao
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Crop phenology change is co‐determined by climate change and adaptation strategies, such as crop management, but their combined and isolated impacts on rice phenology are still unclear. Quantifying the impacts and identifying the main contributors are critical to food security under climate change. Thus we distinguished and quantified the relative contribution of climate change and crop management to rice (Oryza sativa L.) phenological changes in China from 1981 to 2010, using a first‐difference multivariate regression method.

RESULTS

Rice phenology has changed over the past 30 years in China. The mean length of the phenological stage from emergence to transplanting was shortened, whereas the mean length of the stage from transplanting to heading, from heading to maturity, was prolonged. The relative contribution of crop management was greater than that of climate change for single and late rice, which took up over 90% of the total change in certain phenology stages. Among the climatic factors, temperature was the dominant contributor, which accounted for more than 50% of the change in rice phenology. The stage from transplanting to heading of early rice and late rice had strongly negative sensitivities to increasing temperature.

CONCLUSIONS

Crop management has offset the adverse effects of climate change on single and early rice phenology in China over the past 30 years to some extent, while further adaptation measures such as adjusting sowing date, shifting rice varieties, applying nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation should be applied to late rice in southern China, especially in a warmer future. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of xylanase‐treated wheat milling by‐products on the physical and chemical properties of cakes
Authors: Çakır Nurşen , Bilgiçli Nermin , Yaver Elif
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Wheat milling by‐products (germ and bran) are rich in dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In this study, wheat milling by‐products (bran obtained by debranning (BOD), coarse bran, fine bran and wheat germ) were used in the production of cake at different ratios (0–30%) after treatment with xylanase. Xylanase was used to improve the technological properties of the by‐products and thus improve end‐product quality.

RESULTS

As the by‐products ratio increased in cake formulation, ash, protein, fat, crude fiber, phytic acid and mineral content significantly (P < 0.05) increased. In terms of by‐product type, phytic acid content of the cakes changed between 1.14 and 2.55 g kg−1, and the lowest value was obtained in cakes prepared with BOD. The highest protein, Mn and Zn contents were found in cake samples containing wheat germ, whereas the addition of BOD revealed greater crude fiber, Ca and Fe levels in cake samples than the other by‐products. Xylanase treatment resulted in increments in volume and decrements in hardness and color lightness values of cakes.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the use of the wheat by‐products after treatment with xylanase had an improving effect on the quality and nutritive value of cakes. The results obtained in this study provided a basis for the use of xylanase in enriched cake production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prevention schemes for future fresh agricultural products (FAPs) supply chain: mathematical model and experience of guaranteeing the supply of FAPs during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Yin Shi , Bai Lan , Zhang Runqing
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID‐19 outbreak caused short‐term disruptions in the supply chain of fresh agricultural products (FAPs), which exposed the vulnerability of the existing FAP supply chain. With pandemic control being widely coordinated, the supply chain of FAPs was gradually optimized and improved. However, after the outbreak of COVID‐19, achieving an effective supply of FAPs in future pandemics has become a key issue. The present work therefore aimed to construct a three‐level supply chain based on the Stackelberg game model, consisting of suppliers, third‐party logistics (TPL), and retailers, to guarantee the supply of FAPs. COVID‐19 pandemic factors such as virus infection coefficients and pandemic prevention efforts were fully integrated into the model.

RESULTS

Compared with the wholesale prices of FAPs, preservation efforts and pandemic prevention efforts have huge impacts on the retail prices of FAPs. When suppliers are in the leading position, the quality assurance effort level is positively correlated with the optimal profit. Compared with this situation, when FAP retailers are in the leading position, TPL providers show higher levels of pandemic prevention effort and FAP preservation effort. With an increase in consumer preference for pandemic prevention, the profits of supply‐chain members when FAP retailers are in the leading position will gradually increase.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals an effective supply mechanism for FAPs in metropolitan areas during the COVID‐19 pandemic and describes the authors' experience of guaranteeing the quality and safety of FAPs for future pandemic cases. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Systematic Review of Bilateral Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Karamy Babak , Zhang Han , Archibald Jason
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the success rates of canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRM) in the treatment of patients diagnosed with bilateral benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BiBPPV).

Study Design

Systematic review.

Methods

A comprehensive search of only English studies in PubMed, Ovid (1946 to the present), and Embase (1974 to the present) databases was done up until January 1, 2021. Studies that diagnosed patients with BiBPPV specifically and evaluated the CRM success from all published years were included. Studies were excluded if follow‐up was less than 6 months or if they failed to distinguish BiBPPV from ipsilateral multi‐canal BPPV. A total of nine studies were included with a total study population of 325 patients. Included studies were evaluated for bias with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Study Quality Assessment Tool. Success rates of CRM, number of treatments required, and disease recurrence rates were extracted.

Results

The overall success rate was compiled using a fixed‐effect binary inverse variance model and was 95.2% (CI: 92.9%–97.5%). A qualitative review suggested treating the more affected side first on separate visits until resolved, followed by contralateral treatment (recommendation). The mean number of treatments was 2.9 (CI: 2.4–3.4), and the recurrence rate was 19.8% (CI: 11.7%–27.9%). There was a higher proportion of trauma etiology of BiBPPV compared to unilateral, with an odds ratio of 8.9 (CI: 5.1–15.3).

Conclusions

Overall, this meta‐analysis shows high success rates for CRM in the treatment of BiBPPV. Rates are similar to CRM efficacy for unilateral BPPV. Laryngoscope, 132:640–647, 2022
Synthesizing 35 years of seagrass spatial data from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Carter Alex B. , McKenna Skye A. , Rasheed Michael A. , Collier Catherine , McKenzie Len , Pitcher Roland , Coles Rob
Published: May 2021

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area in Queensland, Australia contains globally significant seagrasses supporting key ecosystem services, including habitat and food for threatened populations of dugong and turtle. We compiled 35 years of data in a spatial database, including 81,387 data points with georeferenced seagrass and species presence/absence, depth, dominant sediment type, and collection date. We include data collected under commercial contract that have not been publicly available. Twelve seagrass species were recorded. The deepest seagrass was found at 76 m. Seagrass meadows are at risk from anthropogenic, climate and weather processes. Our database is a valuable resource that provides coastal managers and the global marine community with a long‐term spatial resource describing seagrass populations from the mid‐1980s against which to benchmark change. We address the data issues involved in hindcasting over 30 years to ensure confidence in the accuracy and reliability of data included.
Dealing with variability in ecological modelling: An analysis of a random non‐autonomous logistic population model
Authors: Calatayud Julia , Cortés Juan Carlos , Dorini Fábio A. , Jornet Marc
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a methodology to deal with the randomness associated to ecological modelling. Data variability makes it necessary to analyse the impact of random perturbations on the fitted model parameters. We conduct such analysis for the logistic growth model with a certain sigmoid functional form of the carrying capacity, which was proposed in the literature for the study of parasite growth during infection. We show how the probability distributions of the parameters are set via the maximum entropy principle. Then the random variable transformation method allows for computing the density function of the population.
The spectral analysis of a system of first‐order equations with dissipative boundary conditions
Authors: Uğurlu Ekin
Published: May 2021

This paper aims to share some completeness theorems related with a boundary value problem generated by a system of equations and non‐self‐adjoint (dissipative) boundary conditions. Indeed, we consider a system of equations that contains a continuous analogous of the orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle. Constructing the characteristic function of the related dissipative operator, we share some completeness theorems. Moreover, we give an explicit form of the self‐adjoint dilation of the dissipative operator.
A measure of consistency for fuzzy logic theories
Authors: Madrid Nicolás , Ojeda‐Aciego Manuel
Published: May 2021

Fuzzy logic has shown to be a suitable framework to handle contradictions in which, unsurprisingly, the notion of inconsistency can be defined in different ways. This paper starts with a short survey of different ways to define the notion of inconsistency in fuzzy logic systems. As a result, we provide a first notion of inconsistency by means of the absence of models. Subsequently, we define two measures of consistency that belong purely to the fuzzy paradigm; in the sense that both measures coincide with the crisp notion of consistency when the set of truth values is {0, 1}. Accordingly, we can state that the two provided measures of consistence are notions of consistence based on degrees, bringing back the spirit of fuzzy logic into the notion of consistency.
Isotropic packing algorithm for particle simulations
Authors: Coppola Stephen , Silverberg Larry M.
Published: May 2021

This article introduces the R2 Fill method, which is an algorithm for filling a region with particles isotropically. The method's isotropy is tested geometrically and then mechanically with the Discrete Element Method (DEM). It applies to planar and three‐dimensional problems and is simpler to implement and has competitive metrics compared to other Advancing Front packing algorithms. The DEM formulation used in this paper provides a way to model solid materials and eliminate residual stress created in any particle packing algorithm. The R2 Fill method was tested over ranges of particle sizes. At large size ranges the method generated a higher coordinate number and denser particle packing, with 79.718% fill at the maximum tested size range. The geometric isotropy was improved at higher size ranges yielding less than a 1% isotropic error. The method also had fewer particles than the similar and more complex algorithm by Yongjun Li. Lastly we tested mechanical isotropy by using our DEM formulation to measure the stress–strain response under a tensile load at different orientations. The R2 Fill method produced mechanical isotropy within 2% error for the elastic moduli, shear moduli, and Poisson ratio.
A stable mixed finite element method for nearly incompressible linear elastostatics
Authors: Valseth Eirik , Romkes Albert , Kaul Austin R. , Dawson Clint
Published: May 2021

We present a new, stable, mixed finite element (FE) method for linear elastostatics of nearly incompressible solids. The method is the automatic variationally stable FE method of Calo et al., in which we consider a Petrov–Galerkin weak formulation where the stress and displacement variables are in the space H(div) and H1, respectively. This allows us to employ a fully conforming FE discretization for any elastic solid using classical FE subspaces of H(div) and H1. Hence, the resulting FE approximation yields both continuous stresses and displacements. To ensure stability of the method, we employ the philosophy of the discontinuous Petrov–Galerkin method of Demkowicz and Gopalakrishnan and use optimal test spaces. Thus, the resulting FE discretization is stable even as the Poisson's ratio , and the system of linear algebraic equations is symmetric and positive definite. Our method also comes with a built‐in a posteriori error estimator as well as indicators which are used to drive mesh adaptive refinements. We present several numerical verifications of our method including comparisons to existing FE technologies.
Computational structure prediction provides a plausible mechanism for electron transfer by the outer membrane protein Cyc2 from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Jiang Virginia , Khare Sagar D. , Banta Scott
Published: May 2021

Cyc2 is the key protein in the outer membrane of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans that mediates electron transfer between extracellular inorganic iron and the intracellular central metabolism. This cytochrome c is specific for iron and interacts with periplasmic proteins to complete a reversible electron transport chain. A structure of Cyc2 has not yet been characterized experimentally. Here we describe a structural model of Cyc2, and associated proteins, to highlight a plausible mechanism for the ferrous iron electron transfer chain. A comparative modeling protocol specific for trans membrane beta barrel (TMBB) proteins in acidophilic conditions (pH ~ 2) was applied to the primary sequence of Cyc2. The proposed structure has three main regimes: Extracellular loops exposed to low‐pH conditions, a TMBB, and an N‐terminal cytochrome‐like region within the periplasmic space. The Cyc2 model was further refined by identifying likely iron and heme docking sites. This represents the first computational model of Cyc2 that accounts for the membrane microenvironment and the acidity in the extracellular matrix. This approach can be used to model other TMBBs which can be critical for chemolithotrophic microbial growth.
Removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions using clinoptilolite modified by TiO2 and polyoxypropylene surfactant
Authors: Soleimani Mohsen , Amini Nasibeh
Published: May 2021

Due to their toxicity, the removal of heavy metal contaminants, particularly from aqueous solutions, is an important issue for the remediation field. This paper describes the performance of photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr [VI]) using clinoptilolite as a natural zeolite (Ze) modified by titanium dioxide (TiO2 or Ti) and polyoxypropylene (POP) surfactant. The removal efficiency of the modified Ze was evaluated in the presence of Ze–Ti–POP and Ze–Ti nanocomposites under UV‐A irradiation and visible light. The effects of different factors including contact time (0–330 min), adsorbent dose (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g/L), initial pH (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5), and initial Cr (VI) concentration (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/L) were studied. The results showed that maximum removal efficiencies of Cr (VI) by Ze–Ti and Ze–Ti–POP nanocomposites in the optimum experimental conditions (i.e., contact time: 30 min, dose: 10 g/L, pH: 2, initial concentration: 10 mg/L) under UV‐A irradiation were 88% and 97%, while the corresponding reductions for visible light were 80% and 91%, respectively. Adsorption kinetics data fit well with the pseudo‐second‐order model. Furthermore, reusing nanocomposites after three regeneration cycles revealed that the application of Ze–Ti and Ze–Ti–POP nanocomposites could be a promising approach for removing Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions.
Improved fixed‐time stability results and application to synchronization of discontinuous neural networks with state‐dependent switching
Authors: Abdurahman Abdujelil , Jiang Haijun , Hu Cheng
Published: May 2021

In this article, we considered the fixed‐time stability (FXT) of a type of discontinuous dynamical system. First, we introduced some new FXT stability results via variable substitutions and using inequality techniques, which are more accurately estimate the upper bound of settling time (ST). Then, based on the established results and using the differential inclusion theory, we investigated the FXT synchronization of a type of general neural networks (NNs) with state‐dependent switching coefficients and discontinuous neuron activation functions via introducing a type of discontinuous controller which is more simple compared to existing results. In addition, the estimated upper bound of ST shown to be independent to the initial values of considered drive‐response networks, and it is much smaller and nearer to the real synchronization time than those given in the previously published works. Lastly, two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the feasibility of our derived theoretical results. We believe that the results of this article can give some new insights for the FXT stabilization and FXT synchronization analysis of state‐dependent switching dynamics with or without discontinuous right‐hand sides.
Vaccine adverse event enrichment tests
Authors: Li Shuoran , Zhao Lili
Published: May 2021

Vaccination safety is critical for individual and public health. Many existing methods have been used to conduct safety studies with the VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) database. However, these methods frequently identify many adverse event (AE) signals and they are often hard to interpret in a biological context. The AE ontology introduces biologically meaningful structures to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) database by connecting similar AEs, which provides meaningful interpretation for the underlying safety issues. In this paper, we develop rigorous statistical methods to identify “interesting" AE groups by performing AE enrichment analysis. We extend existing gene enrichment tests to perform AE enrichment analysis, while incorporating the special features of the AE data. The proposed methods were evaluated using simulation studies and were further illustrated on two studies using VAERS data. The proposed methods were implemented in R package AEenrich and can be installed from the Comprehensive R Archive Network, CRAN, and source code are available at
https://github.com/umich‐biostatistics/AEenrich.
Rapid and Effective Ultrasonic‐Assisted Adsorptive Removal of Congo Red onto MOF‐5 Modified by CuCl2 in Ambient Conditions: Adsorption Isotherms and Kinetics Studies
Authors: Mosavi Seyed Hossein , Zare‐Dorabei Rouholah , Bereyhi Mohammad
Published: May 2021

In this study, ultrasonic‐assisted removed Congo red by MOF‐5/Cu as a metal‐organic framework, making the adsorption process very fast. Ultrasonic has proven to be a handy tool in accelerating dyes′ adsorption by enhancing the adsorbent‘s affinity and the adsorbent. MOF‐5 synthesized the solvothermal method and then modified it by CuCl2 in ambient conditions. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used for the identification structure and morphology of MOF‐5/Cu. Sonication had an essential role in shortening the adsorption time (2 min) of Congo red by enhancing the dispersion of adsorbent (MOF‐5) in solution. Congo red concentration was measured with a UV‐visible spectrometer apparatus. Optimal values of Congo red concentration, Dosage of MOF‐5/Cu, time, and pH were obtained by Central composite design. According to the optimal parameters, the adsorption process was very rapid. Removal of Congo red happened with excellent adsorption capacity (357.42 mg g−1). Also, the MOF‐5/Cu was regenerating by acetone five‐time and show good results. Repeatability of the adsorption process was carried out, and the Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) was obtained 1.85 %.
Lewis‐Acid‐Mediated One‐Pot Tandem Reactions for Synthesis of Structurally Diverse Furo[3,2‐c]coumarins
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Zeng Piaopiao , Zhang Shuo , Huang Xiaoxiao
Published: May 2021

A concise, one‐pot route for the synthesis of furo[3,2‐c]‐coumarins under the catalysis of Zn(OTf)2 is reported. Utilizing this synthetic strategy, libraries of furocoumarin analogues can be easily obtained by multicomponent tandem reactions with different nucleophile in the presence of 4‐hydroxycoumarin and arylglyoxal monohydrate system, This transformation exhibited highly atom economical and good functional group compatibility.
Topological Radiated Dendrites Featuring Persistent Bactericidal Activity for Daily Personal Protection
Authors: Li Zhiheng , Wang Jie , Shen Ruichen , Chen Na , Qin Xinyuan , Wang Wenjie , Yuan Quan
Published: May 2021

Many substances in nature show radiated topological structure and possess excellent bio‐adhesion ability. Herein, regulating the topological structure of Zn2GeO4:Mn persistent phosphors is achieved with a molecular coordination method. The morphology of the Zn2GeO4:Mn phosphors is well‐tuned from nanorods to radiated dendrites by changing the coordination capability of the surface ligand. Due to the structural matching and multivalent interactions, Zn2GeO4:Mn radiated dendrites show strong adhesion affinity toward organisms. Moreover, the porous radiated structure offers Zn2GeO4:Mn with a large surface area for photocatalysis. Efficient bacterial adhesion and good long persistent photocatalysis activity are observed in the Zn2GeO4:Mn radiated dendrites, which endows Zn2GeO4:Mn with persistent antibacterial activity even in the dark. Further, the Zn2GeO4:Mn spike flowers loaded fabrics exhibit potent persistent antibacterial properties. Mask and towel fabricated with the antibacterial fabrics can inhibit bacterial growth effectively and no bacteria are observed to pass through the antibacterial mask, suggesting that antibacterial mask can guarantee our health and can be utilized repeatedly. The developed Zn2GeO4:Mn dendrites possess ideal ability in long‐term bacterial inhibition, making them valuable in the fields of medical protection and food packaging.
Mechanical and barrier properties of polyvinyl chloride plasticized with dioctyl phthalate, epoxidized soybean oil, and epoxidized cardanol
Authors: Satapathy Sukanya , Palanisamy Aruna
Published: May 2021

Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films were prepared by melt compounding and compression molding using epoxidized cardanol (EC), a biobased plasticizer and its plasticization effect was compared with epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) and dioctyl phthalate (DOP). The mechanical, migration, thermal, and barrier properties of the plasticized films were compared. The effect of replacing DOP with EC on the properties of PVC films was also investigated. The tensile strength, elongation at break, tensile modulus and impact strength values of PVC/EC films were higher in comparison to PVC/DOP and PVC/ESBO films at a fixed plasticizer loading of 40 wt.%. Also, the films prepared with a mixture of DOP + EC showed higher tensile strength and elongation at break compared to that of films prepared with only DOP. The PVC/EC films showed good thermal stability and reduced oxygen transmission rate (OTR) compared to PVC/DOP films. The addition of graphene and nanoclay in the PVC/plasticizer system exhibited an increase in oxygen transmission. However, the oxygen barrier property of nano filler incorporated PVC/EC films was better than PVC/DOP films. All the films showed negligible water vapor transmission rate (WVTR).