bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRITERIA AND INDICATORS OF FOREST MANAGEMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA: CASE STUDY FOR KOTORVAROŠKO FOREST MANAGEMENT AREA AND KALINOVAČKO FOREST MANAGEMENT AREA
Authors: Govedar Zoran
Published: December 2024

Successful monitoring of forest management is based on criteria and indicators of the quality of forest ecosystems. In this sense, methods of comparing specific forests with reference models or the remaining old forest communities are used. Several parameters are used as indicators (quantity and quality of volume and volume increment, health status, degree of renewal, origin and method of establishment of forests, etc.). The indicators provide feedback based on which decisions can be made on future activities in order to improve the general condition and functions of forests. To implement the strategic goals of sustainable development of the European Union’s forestry, criteria are used that enable the adoption of forestry policy, forest management plans and the development of cross-sectoral cooperation. At the level of the European Union, six pan-European criteria have been defined, and due to the specifics of forestry and the regional character of the forests of the Republic of Srpska, for the purpose of drafting a new Forestry Development Strategy, harmonization was carried out on the basis of 40 sub-criteria and 70 indicators were defined. This paper includes quantitative indicators related to the silvicultural quality of stands.
CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF FORCE PARAMETERS ASSIGNED TO TIME SERIES DATA
Authors: Malivuk Gak Dragana , Rajilić Zoran
Published: December 2024

In a complex system, determinism without chaos, determinism with chaos, and stochasticity are intertwined, making the behavior of such a system difficult to predict. In this model, time series data are linked to time-dependent force parameters using Newton’s second law. The correlations between these force parameters are calculated, and a correlation matrix is created. The values of the determinants of the correlation matrix are then computed. The relationship between the determinant values and the prediction of the behavior of the complex system is considered. This type of rough forecasting model can be valuable for studying earthquakes, movements in stock markets and stock indices, as well as predicting fluctuations in daily and monthly temperatures.
Multidimensional Quasi-Monte Carlo Integration in Weighted Anchored Sobolev Spaces
Authors: Grozdanov Vassil , Shabani Elmi
Published: December 2024

In this article, an exact formula for the mean square worst-case error of the integration in the weighted anchored Sobolev spaces $$H_{\mathrm{Sob},s,\gamma,\mathbf{w}}$$ presented in terms of the functions of the system $$\Gamma_{\mathcal{B}_s}$$ is delivered. The notion of the so-called weighted anchored diaphony is introduced and is shown that it is a quantitative measure for the irregularity of the distribution of sequences. The relationship that exists between the mean square worst-case error and this type of the diaphony is established.
Effect of Torsion on the Corrosion Resistance of Nanotubular Anodized Spiral Plates for Femoral Fracture Fixation
Authors: Veselinov Deyan , Skulev Hristo
Published: December 2024

The long-term performance of nanotubular anodized spiral plates used for femoral fracture fixation depends on their corrosion resistance in physiological environments. This study investigates the impact of torsion on the corrosion resistance of these implants. Torsion was found to significantly alter the implant's surface properties, affecting its electrochemical behaviour and corrosion resistance. While torsion increased the corrosion potential and electrochemical activity, it compromised the passive oxide layer, leading to reduced corrosion resistance. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed increased solution resistance and decreased polarization resistance post-torsion. These findings provide important insights for designing more durable biomedical implants.
LLM Logical Reasoning Related to Aesthetic Universals
Authors: Baeva Desislava , Ivanova Galina
Published: December 2024

The recent surge in popularity of LLMs has led to increased interest in them and to extensive research and evaluation of their reasoning abilities. Induction, deduction, and abduction represent different but interrelated aspects of logical thinking. While each approach serves unique purposes, together they contribute significantly to understanding complex systems and solving complex problems. These reasoning approaches are fundamental in artificial intelligence. Each of them serves different purposes and exhibits specific strengths. In this study, an attempt was made to compare the inductive, deductive and abductive reasoning of three popular LLMs (GPT-4, PaLM-2, LLaMa-2).
Analysis of Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα) Expression and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutation and Their Relationship with Hormonal and Menstrual Factors in Women with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Uchikov Petar , Sandeva Milena , Popov Veselin , Tsvetkova Silvia , Chakarov Dzhevdet , Genova Silviya , Kraeva Maria
Published: December 2024

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. The proportion of non-smoking women with lung cancer is higher than non-smoking men. Studies have found gender  differences in estrogen receptor alpha expression and mutation in the human epidermal growth factor receptor in tumour tissue. The aim of the study is to analyze the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in women with lung adenocarcinoma.  The study is retrospective and includes 41 non-smoking women with lung adenocarcinoma. We studied the expression of ERα and EGFR mutations in tumour tissue and their relationship with the hormonal and menstrual factors. The positive expression of ERα in tumour tissue is 9.8%, and in these patients, the estradiol levels were many times higher. EGFR mutation expression is found in 26.8%. There is a correlation between the expression of the EGFR mutation and the time of menopause. The expression of ERα and EGFR in non-smoking women with lung adenocarcinoma is most likely related to the influence of sex hormones and menstrual factors.
Age Dependence of Prognostic Significance of Complete Blood Count Parameters on Mortality from COVID-19
Authors: Yovchevska Iviana , Trenovski Alexandar , Georgiev Martin , Tafradjiiska-Hadjiolova Radka , Dragomirova Mariya , Yovchevski Plamen
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study is to determine the age dependence of prognostic significance of complete blood count parameters at the time of admission on mortality from the SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is a single-centre retrospective analytic case-control study covering all 2132 patients with COVID-19 treated in the period 2020–2021 in the hospital. Subject of our study is to compare the diagnostic ability of parameters of the complete blood count (CBC) to predict mortality in different age groups using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC) analyses. Out of the red blood cells related parameters, a sufficient accuracy demonstrates only the red blood cell distribution width (RDW-CV), with a gradual decrease of the area under the curve with ageing – from 0.796 in the age groups under 40 and up to 0.601 in the age group of 80 years and above. From the parameters characterizing platelets, the platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) exhibit a sufficient accuracy only in the age group under 50 years. White blood cells related parameters – white blood count (WBC), granulocytes, granulocytes/lymphocytes ratio (G/L) – demonstrate the best prognostic significance with good accuracy for the age under 50 years – AUC above 0.7, which is retained the same only for granulocytes/lymphocytes ratio in the age group under 70 years. With ageing, we again observe a decline of the accuracy to sufficient in the age groups past 70 years. The results from our study give us grounds to accept that the prognostic value of complete blood count parameters for the prediction of the mortality from COVID-19 is different in various age groups, and decreases with ageing. In patients above 70 years, a limited prognostic value for unfavourable course of the disease have only the RDW-CV and G/L.
Study of the Influence of the Duration of Bisphosphonate Intake on the Outcome of Bisphosphonate-associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaws Treatment Using Statistical Method Logistic Regression
Authors: Ilieva Boryana , Prodanova Krasimira , Svechtarov Vassil
Published: December 2024

Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that are widely used in the treatment of osteoclast-mediated diseases related to bone loss. Since 2003 the problem of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (BAONJ) has been raised, and many authors have published the cases they have observed. BAONJ is a multifactorial disease, and the risk factors for the development of the disease can be divided into those related to bisphosphonate therapy, local risk factors, demographic and systemic factors, genetic factors and preventive factors.
The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of the duration of bisphosphonate intake on the outcome of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (BAONJ) treatment using the statistical method one-dimensional logistic regression which is from the direction of regression analysis. In the present study we included 44 patients diagnosed with Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BAONJ). For each patient included in the study, information on the anamnesis, general and local status and results of clinical and paraclinical studies is recorded in an individual card.
Our study shows that with the increase of the duration of BF intake, the likelihood of disease progression also increases, found in the examination of the patient on the first and on the sixth month after the treatment of BAONJ. Therefore, we can conclude that the factor duration of BF intake can be used as a predictor of the outcome of BAONJ treatment, and with increasing of its value, the likelihood of disease progression increases. Furthermore, we can suggest that the duration of bisphosphonate intake is an important
The Ameliorative Effects of AT2 Receptor Activation with the Hexapeptide Novokinin on Streptozotocin-induced Model of Alzheimer's Disease in SHR
Authors: Chelmis Filippos , Sorotou Iliana , Pakataridis Paraskevas , Pechlivanova Daniela
Published: December 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a form of dementia, presents a global concern. This study investigates the connection between hypertension and AD and the effects of the peptide novokinin (NVK), an AT2 receptor agonist in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The brain's renin-angiotensin system (RAS) influences cognitive and emotional processes, suggesting potential intersections with AD. Streptozotocin (STZ), administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV), is used as a model of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. This model reveals a memory impairment associated with an insulin-resistant brain state, marked by neuroinflammatory processes contributing to cognitive deficits, oxidative stress, and reduced cerebral energy metabolism. NVK is an angiotensin AT2 receptor agonist, studied for its potential neuroprotective role. Female SHRs were used to investigate the effects of STZ-ICV (twice) and chronic NVK-ICV. NVK was administered for 14 days ICV using osmotic minipumps (ALZET®). The control group exhibited strain-typical increased exploratory activity, reduced anxiety in new environments, and impaired spatial memory, as expected for SHRs. The STZ-ICV negative control group showed signs of impaired memory and object recognition. In the `Open Field’ test, STZ-treated groups with and without NVK-ICV displayed heightened exploratory behaviour. Data from the `Elevated plus maze' test showed decreased anxiety in the STZ-ICV group while combining STZ and NVK normalized the anxiety behaviour. In the `T-maze' test, STZ-ICV-treated rats made fewer correct decisions. The STZ+NVK group exhibited enhanced spatial memory and improved anxiety-like behaviour in novel environments, potentially attributable to the proposed neuroprotective effects of NVK. These findings emphasize the association of RAS in the progression of AD and the potential protective role of the brain's AT2 receptors in this type of dementia.
Mapping of Soil Salinity in Absheron Soil Based on SENTINEL-2 Using LightGBM
Authors: Khudaverdi Sahib
Published: December 2024

This paper reflects the results of assessing the degree of salinity of Absheron soils based on remote sensing technologies. The research was conducted in Sumgayit, Guzdek down station, and Yashma districts located in Absheron region of Azerbaijan. Certain areas of the Absheron region are ecologically clean areas with high tourism potential in the future. Classification of soils by salinity degree was performed using indices calculated from data in Sentinel-2 spectral channels. Previously obtained field measurements and ground observations using LightGBM machine learning algorithm were used to confirm the degree of soil salinization in the areas identified on satellite images. Based on a comparative analysis of machine learning and remote sensing methods, it was found that they provide similar results for soil salinity assessment when the study area does not cover a large area of land. This work has important implications for understanding soil salinity dynamics and could be used in further research on land and agricultural management at the regional level. For a country like Azerbaijan, the result obtained by the staff of the Soil Institute is of a local nature.
The Hidden Potential of Polysilsesquioxane for High‐k: Analysis of the Origin of its Dielectric Nature and Practical Low‐Voltage‐Operating Applications beyond the Unit Device
Authors: Ye Heqing , Kwon Hyeok‐jin , Shin Su Cheol , Lee Hwi‐young , Park Young Ho , Tang Xiaowu , Wang Ruxian , Lee Kanghyuck , Hong Jisu , Li Zhijun , Jeong Wonkyo , Kim Jiyeong , Park Chan Eon , Lee Jihoon , An Tae Kyu , In Insik , Kim Se Hyun
Published: October 2021

Low‐voltage‐operating high‐performance organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) are regarded as the building blocks of analog and digital integrated circuits for next‐generation electronics. To fulfill this, such an OFET must have high‐dielectric constant (k) characteristics for increasing the capacitance values to make enough of a field‐effect charge, a hydrophobic surface that does not cause charge trapping, and a low leakage current property to guarantee operating stability. This study demonstrates a new strategy to induce high‐k characteristics (>8) with durable polysilsesquioxane (PSQ)‐based dielectrics. This strategy involves realizing a dipolar side‐chain reorientation under an electric field and its applications to low‐voltage‐driving OFETs showing high field‐effect mobility levels as high as 27 cm2 V–1 s–1. Different PSQs are characterized, and the differences in their characteristics lead to distinct polarization phenomena, resulting in different hysteresis behaviors during device operation. The printed unit devices can also be fabricated on flexible platforms and integrated devices through these materials and show robust switching or memory performances under low‐voltage‐operation conditions. Therefore, this facile but powerful synthesis strategy for high‐k PSQ dielectrics can pave a new path for the production of practical printable high‐k dielectrics for organic electronics and hence realize next‐generation integrated electronics.
Kill&Repel Coatings: The Marriage of Antifouling and Bactericidal Properties to Mitigate and Treat Wound Infections
Authors: Garay‐Sarmiento Manuela , Witzdam Lena , Vorobii Mariia , Simons Christian , Herrmann Niklas , de los Santos Pereira Andres , Heine Elisabeth , El‐Awaad Islam , Lütticken Rudolf , Jakob Felix , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar
Published: October 2021

Wound infections originate when exogenous or endogenous bacterial pathogens can circumvent the barrier of the wound dressing and invade the wound bed. Bacterial colonization causes inflammation, stalls the healing process, and carries the risk of dissemination to other tissues. In addition, current antimicrobial dressings fail to resolve an infection once it has been established because debris of the killed bacteria rapidly accumulates on their surface and hampers the antimicrobial action. Faced with this challenge, hybrid synthetic‐natural water‐soluble macromolecules are designed that self‐assemble onto the surface of dressings to generate an antifouling brush functionalized with endolysin, a bactericidal enzyme that poses no harm for eukaryotic cells. The simultaneous action of the brush and the enzyme not only prevents the colonization of the dressing, but also enables the coating to kill planktonic bacteria with even higher efficiency than the free enzyme. Remarkably, the Kill&Repel coating could completely eradicate bacteria in a simulated infection without allowing the adhesion of residues on the surface. Thus, this strategy opens a revolutionary approach for protecting and treating an infected wound in a safer and more efficient manner.
Simple Nonfused‐Ring Electron Acceptors with Noncovalently Conformational Locks for Low‐Cost and High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells Enabled by End‐Group Engineering
Authors: Li Congqi , Zhang Xin , Yu Na , Gu Xiaobin , Qin Linqing , Wei Yanan , Liu Xingzheng , Zhang Jianqi , Wei Zhixiang , Tang Zheng , Shi Qinqin , Huang Hui
Published: October 2021

The rapid advance of fused‐ring electron acceptors (FREAs) has greatly promoted the leap‐forward development of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the synthetic complexity of FREAs may be detrimental for future commercial applications. Recently, nonfused‐ring electron acceptors (NREAs) have been developed to be a promising candidate to maintain a rational balance between cost and performance, of which the cores are composed of simple fused rings (NREAs‐I) or nonfused rings (NREAs‐II). Moreover, “noncovalently conformational locks”, are used as an effective strategy to enhance the rigidity and planarity of NREAs and improve device performance. Herein, a novel series of NREAs‐II (PhO4T‐1, PhO4T‐2, and PhO4T‐3) is constructed as a valuable platform for exploring the impact of the end group engineering on optoelectronic properties, intermolecular packing behaviors, and device performance. As a result, a high power conversion efficiency of 13.76% is achieved for PhO4T‐3 based OSCs, which is much higher than those of the PhO4T‐1 and PhO4T‐2‐based devices. Compared with several representative FREAs, PhO4T‐3 possesses the highest figure‐of‐merit value of 133.45 based on a cost‐efficiency evaluation. This work demonstrates that the simple‐structured NREAs‐II are promising candidates for low‐cost and high‐performance OSCs.
Er‐Activated Hybridized Glass Fiber for Laser and Sensor in the Extended Wavebands
Authors: Huang Xiaoyi , Cheng Huihui , Luo Wei , Zhang Weida , Jiang Min , Yang Changsheng , Yu Tao , Cai Zhiping , Xu Zuowei , Shu Xuewen , Yang Zhongmin , Qiu Jianrong , Zhou Shifeng
Published: October 2021

Er‐activated fiber lasers are critical for many significant applications, including fiber communication, gas sensing, lidar and military. Although the design of suitable fiber materials has improved the performance of Er‐activated fiber lasers, extension of their operation wavebands still remains a significant challenge. Here, a compact all‐fiber laser is proposed and demonstrated, which can support lasing beyond 1630 nm, based on an Er‐activated hybridized glass fiber. The collaborative theoretical analysis and experimental characterization indicate that various distinct structure units can form in the hybridized fiber. This leads to the notable inhomogeneous spectral broadening. By using this hybridized fiber, a tunable fiber laser device is constructed and the wavelength can be rationally tuned in the range from 1609 to 1631 nm by mechanically stretching the fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) manufactured by the point‐by‐point femtosecond laser inscription. Furthermore, a new fiber sensor system based on this seldom exploration waveband is built and efficient ethylene detection is demonstrated. The results highlight that rational hybridization mediated short‐ and medium‐structure modification strategy, demonstrated here in Er‐activated fiber laser, can be extended to other rare‐earth glass fiber systems for the exploration of fiber devices at new wavebands.
Unveiling the Reversibility and Stability Origin of the Aqueous V2O5–Zn Batteries with a ZnCl2 “Water‐in‐Salt” Electrolyte
Authors: Tang Xiaoyu , Wang Pan , Bai Miao , Wang Zhiqiao , Wang Helin , Zhang Min , Ma Yue
Published: October 2021

Aqueous V2O5–Zn batteries, an alternative chemistry format that is inherently safer to operate than lithium‐based batteries, illuminates the low‐cost deployment of the stationary energy storage devices. However, the cathode structure collapse caused by H2O co‐insertion in aqueous solution dramatically deteriorates the electrochemical performance and hampers the operation reliability of V2O5–Zn batteries. The real‐time phase tracking and the density functional theory (DFT) calculation prove the high energy barrier that inhibits the Zn2+ diffusion into the bulk V2O5, instead the ZnCl2 “water‐in‐salt electrolyte” (WiSE) can enable the dominant proton insertion with negligible lattice strain or particle fragment. Thus, ZnCl2 WiSE enables the enhanced reversibility and extended shelf life of the V2O5–Zn battery upon the high temperature storage. The improved electrochemical performance also benefits by the inhibition of vanadium cation dissolution, enlarged voltage window, as well as the suppression of the Zn dendrite protrusion. This study comprehensively elucidates the pivotal role of a concentrated ZnCl2 electrolyte to stabilize the aqueous batteries at both the static storage and dynamic operation scenarios.
Patching interpretable And‐Or‐Graph knowledge representation using augmented reality
Authors: Liu Hangxin , Zhu Yixin , Zhu Song‐Chun
Published: October 2021

We present a novel augmented reality (AR) interface to provide effective means to diagnose a robot's erroneous behaviors, endow it with new skills, and patch its knowledge structure represented by an And‐Or‐Graph (AOG). Specifically, an AOG representation of opening medicine bottles is learned from human demonstration and yields a hierarchical structure that captures the spatiotemporal compositional nature of the given task, which is highly interpretable for the users. Through a series of psychological experiments, we demonstrate that the explanations of a robotic system, inherited from and produced by the AOG, can better foster human trust compared to other forms of explanations. Moreover, by visualizing the knowledge structure and robot states, the AR interface allows human users to intuitively understand what the robot knows, supervise the robot's task planner, and interactively teach the robot with new actions. Together, users can quickly identify the reasons for failures and conveniently patch the current knowledge structure to prevent future errors. This capability demonstrates the interpretability of our knowledge representation and the new forms of interactions afforded by the proposed AR interface.
Sterically enhanced 2‐iminopyridylpalladium chlorides as recyclable ppm‐palladium catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling in aqueous solution
Authors: Lin Wenhua , Zhang Liping , Ma Yanping , Liang Tongling , Sun Wen‐Hua
Published: October 2021

Sterically hindered 2‐iminopyridine derivatives and their palladium chlorides complexes are designed and prepared, which efficiently promote the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling (SMC) reaction in aqueous solution. Besides the good to excellent yields and broad substrate scope, these catalysts can be reused for at least four new batches of the substrates. Spontaneous separation of coupling products in the aqueous reaction medium is the additional striking feature of this catalytic process. Furthermore, catalytic performance of palladium complexes bearing the azo‐bridged phenyl groups was greatly influenced by the UV irradiation due to the cis/trans photoisomerization of azo unit of the catalysts. In conclusion, titled palladium complexes provide a green, sustainable, cost‐effective, and convenient process to synthesize SMC products at multi‐gram‐scale reaction.
Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye using poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/poly(ethylene glycol)/titanite films and membranes
Authors: Domínguez‐Díaz Maraolina , Cortés‐Hernández Dora A. , De la O‐Baquera Edgar , Dávila Medina Miriam D.
Published: October 2021

In this work, novel poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/titanite (CaTiSiO5) composites in the form of films and membranes are used for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution. Films and membranes are prepared from PHB and PEG with either 80 or 93 mol% of titanite. For comparison purposes, titanite powder, films, and membranes of PHB and PEG with no titanite added, are also analyzed. To study the behavior of the materials, X‐ray diffraction, luminescence, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, are used. Additionally, contact angle was measured by the sessile drop technique. Materials are placed in a beaker containing the MB aqueous solution under constant stirring and exposed to UV light for 12 h. With respect to the initial concentration (C0), the relative MB concentration (C/C0) is measured every hour employing UV–visible spectroscopy. The obtained results showed that by using 0.010 g of titanite powder, approximately 30% of the MB is degraded after 12 h of UV irradiation. The highest MB degradation is obtained with 0.320 g of the polymer/ceramic membrane (0.310 g of polymers and 0.010 g of titanite), where approximately 90% of MB is degraded.
Evaluating the interrelations between the autism polygenic score and psychiatric family history in risk for autism
Authors: Schendel Diana , Munk Laursen Thomas , Albiñana Clara , Vilhjalmsson Bjarni , Ladd‐Acosta Christine , Fallin Margaret Danielle , Benke Kelly , Lee Brian , Grove Jakob , Kalkbrenner Amy , Ejlskov Linda , Hougaard David , Bybjerg‐Grauholm Jonas , Bækvad‐Hansen Marie , Børglum Anders D. , Werge Thomas , Nordentoft Merete , Mortensen Preben Bo , Agerbo Esben
Published: October 2021

Psychiatric family history or a high autism polygenic risk score (PRS) have been separately linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. The study aimed to simultaneously consider psychiatric family history and individual autism genetic liability (PRS) in autism risk. We performed a case–control study of all Denmark singleton births, May 1981–December 2005, in Denmark at their first birthday and a known mother. Cases were diagnosed with ASD before 2013 and controls comprised a random sample of 30,000 births without ASD, excluding persons with non‐Denmark‐born parents, missing ASD PRS, non‐European ancestry. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated for ASD by PRS decile and by psychiatric history in parents or full siblings (8 mutually‐exclusive categories) using logistic regression. Adjusted ASD PRS z‐score least‐squares means were estimated by psychiatric family history category. ASD risk (11,339 ASD cases; 20,175 controls) from ASD PRS was not substantially altered after accounting for psychiatric family history (e.g., ASD PRS 10th decile aOR: 2.35 (95% CI 2.11–2.63) before vs 2.11 (95% CI 1.91–2.40) after adjustment) nor from psychiatric family history after accounting for ASD PRS (e.g., ASD family history aOR: 6.73 (95% CI 5.89–7.68) before vs 6.32 (95% CI 5.53–7.22) after adjustment). ASD risk from ASD PRS varied slightly by psychiatric family history. While ASD risk from psychiatric family history was not accounted for by ASD PRS and vice versa, risk overlap between the two factors will likely increase as measures of genetic risk improve. The two factors are best viewed as complementary measures of family‐based autism risk.

Lay Summary

Autism risk from a history of mental disorders in the immediate family was not explained by a measure of individual genetic risk (autism polygenic risk score) and vice versa. That is, genetic risk did not appear to overlap family history risk. As genetic measures for autism improve then the overlap in autism risk from family history versus genetic factors will likely increase, but further study may be needed to fully determine the components of risk and how they are inter‐related between these key family factors. Meanwhile, the two factors may be best viewed as complementary measures of autism family‐based risk.
DIN EN 1998‐1/NA‐2021 im Kontext der deutschen und europäischen Normenentwicklung
Authors: Fehling Ekkehard , Schwarz Jochen
Published: October 2021

Der Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht zu den Grundlagenuntersuchungen, z. T. kontrovers diskutierten Fragestellungen und Meilensteinen, die in langjähriger Tätigkeit des Normenausschusses Bauwesen NA 005‐51‐06 „Erdbeben, Sonderfragen“ zur Erstellung des Nationalen Anhangs DIN EN 1998‐1/NA‐2021 geführt bzw. beigetragen haben. Entsprechende Forschungsarbeiten werden in einer Zusammenschau gewürdigt. Der NA bezieht sich auf die 1. Generation des Eurocode 8; Arbeiten der 2. Generation lassen erkennen, in welche Richtung sich die Normung im Hinblick auf die Auslegungsziele und Nachweismethoden entwickeln wird. Im Ausblick kann konstatiert werden, dass der NA wesentliche Neuerungen bereits aufgreift bzw. implementiert. Aus der Rückschau der Obleute wird verdeutlicht, welche Entscheidungszwänge im Spannungsfeld zwischen notwendigem Sicherheitsanspruch und vermeintlichen ökonomischen Restriktionen bestehen bzw. dass die Erdbeben‐Baunormung bei den national zu treffenden Risikoentscheidungen keine einfachen Lösungen bereithält. Dargestellt wird, welche Veränderungen am Maßstab der europäischen Normenentwicklung eingeführt wurden. Sie betreffen neben den Gefährdungs‐ und Einwirkungskenngrößen insbesondere die für die national dominierende Mauerwerksbauweise iniitierten Untersuchungen, um es dem praktisch tätigen Ingenieur zu ermöglichen, ein breites Spektrum an vereinfachten Regeln anzuwenden und dazu die erforderlichen Entscheidungs‐ und Berechnungshilfen zur Verfügung zu stellen.
Protect your campus from scams with social media, proactive education
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2021

Anecdotal evidence suggests that scams targeting college campuses, both the community at large and college and university students and staff, are on the rise — potentially due to financial difficulties caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Lung metastasis after pneumonectomy: Is there a place for surgery?
Authors: Usenko Oleksandr , Sydiuk Andrii , Klimas Andrii , Sydiuk Olena , Savenko Georgii , Teslia Oleh
Published: October 2021

Resection of the contralateral lung after primary total pneumonectomy is a real surgical option for patients with secondary lung disease.
Rectal irrigation as rescue therapy for refractory and severe hemorrhagic radiation proctitis: A case report
Authors: Pattarajierapan Sukit , Amornwichet Napapat , Khomvilai Supakij
Published: October 2021

Rectal irrigation may be considered in refractory and severe hematochezia from chronic radiation proctitis before performing other invasive treatments. It prevents superimposed infection and effectively reduces bleeding.
EDTA‐dependent pseudo thrombocytopenia mimicking dengue fever‐associated persistent thrombocytopenia: A case report
Authors: Shrestha Gentle Sunder , Basnet Babin , Nepal Gaurav , Lamichhane Rajan , Gaire Prabin , Shrestha Rayana , Thapalia Sabin
Published: October 2021

No hemorrhagic manifestations, presence of platelet clumps on the peripheral blood smear, normal manual count, and normal autoanalyzer count after collecting blood in citrate vial help confirm the diagnosis of EDTA‐dependent thrombocytopenia.
Perioperative circulating tumor DNA as a potential prognostic marker for operable stage I to IIIA non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Ning , Wang Bao‐Xiao , Li Jian , Shao Yang , Li Ming‐Tian , Li Jian‐Jun , Kuang Peng‐Peng , Liu Zui , Sun Tian‐Yu , Wu Hui‐Qi , Ou Wei , Wang Si‐Yu
Published: October 2021

Background

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a noninvasive biomarker for dynamically monitoring tumors. However, published data on perioperative ctDNA in patients with operable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are currently limited.

Methods

This prospective study recruited 123 patients with resectable stage I to IIIA NSCLC. Preoperative and postoperative plasma samples and tumor tissue samples were subjected to next‐generation sequencing with a panel of 425 cancer‐related genes. Peripheral blood samples were collected before surgery, postoperatively within 1 month, and every 3 to 6 months for up to 3 years.

Results

After 4 exclusions, 119 eligible patients were enrolled from June 2016 to February 2019. Presurgical ctDNA was detectable in 29 of 117 patients (24.8%) and was associated with inferior recurrence‐free survival (RFS; hazard ratio [HR], 2.42; 95% CI, 1.11‐5.27; P = .022) and inferior overall survival (OS; HR, 5.54; 95% CI, 1.01‐30.35; P = .026). Similarly, ctDNA was detected in 12 of 116 first postsurgical samples (10.3%) and was associated with shorter RFS (HR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.22‐7.58; P = .012). During surveillance after surgery, longitudinal ctDNA–positive patients (37 of 119; 31.1%) had significantly shorter RFS (HR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.59‐7.55; P < .001) and significantly shorter OS (HR, 9.99; 95% CI, 1.17‐85.78; P = .010) in comparison with longitudinal ctDNA–negative patients. Serial ctDNA detection preceded radiologic disease recurrence by a median lead time of 8.71 months.

Conclusions

These results suggest that perioperative ctDNA analyses can predict recurrence and survival, and serial ctDNA analyses can identify disease recurrence/metastasis earlier than routine radiologic imaging in patients with resectable NSCLC.

Lay Summary

The utility of serial circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring for predicting disease recurrence and survival for early‐stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been well characterized.

The detection of ctDNA before and after surgery is associated with the identification of a high risk of disease recurrence and long‐term patient outcomes for resectable NSCLC.

Perioperative ctDNA analyses identify disease recurrence earlier than routine radiologic imaging. ctDNA analyses can detect minimal residual disease for resectable NSCLC and thus can facilitate early intervention.
Paternal expressed emotion influences psychobiological indicators of threat and safety learning in daughters: A preliminary study
Authors: Mullins Jordan L. , Zhou Elayne , Glenn Dana E. , Moroney Elizabeth , Lee Steve S. , Michalska Kalina J.
Published: October 2021

This preliminary study examined the association of children's anxiety, paternal expressed emotion (EE), and their interaction with psychophysiological indices of children's threat and safety learning. Participants included 24 father–daughter dyads. Daughters (ages 8–13 years, 100% Latina) self‐reported their anxiety levels and completed a differential threat conditioning and extinction paradigm, during which psychophysiological responding was collected. Fathers completed a Five‐Minute Speech Sample, from which paternal EE (i.e., criticism, emotional overinvolvement) was assessed. Anxiety‐dependent associations emerged between paternal EE and individual differences in daughters’ psychophysiological responding to safety signals during threat conditioning. Paternal EE was positively associated with psychophysiological responding to safety in daughters with high and mean, but not low, levels of anxiety. Although previous work suggests that chronic harsh maternal parenting is a potential risk factor for children's general threat and safety learning, these preliminary findings implicate milder forms of negative parenting behavior in fathers, particularly for highly anxious children.
A draft genome provides hypotheses on drought tolerance in a keystone plant species in Western North America threatened by climate change
Authors: Melton Anthony E. , Beck James , Galla Stephanie J. , Jenkins Jerry , Handley Lori , Kim Min , Grimwood Jane , Schmutz Jeremy , Richardson Bryce A. , Serpe Marcelo , Novak Stephen , Buerki Sven
Published: October 2021

Climate change presents distinct ecological and physiological challenges to plants as extreme climate events become more common. Understanding how species have adapted to drought, especially ecologically important nonmodel organisms, will be crucial to elucidate potential biological pathways for drought adaptation and inform conservation strategies. To aid in genome‐to‐phenome research, a draft genome was assembled for a diploid individual of Artemisia tridentata subsp. tridentata, a threatened keystone shrub in western North America. While this taxon has few genetic resources available and genetic/genomics work has proven difficult due to genetic heterozygosity in the past, a draft genome was successfully assembled. Aquaporin (AQP) genes and their promoter sequences were mined from the draft genome to predict mechanisms regulating gene expression and generate hypotheses on key genes underpinning drought response. Fifty‐one AQP genes were fully assembled within the draft genome. Promoter and phylogenetic analyses revealed putative duplicates of A. tridentata subsp. tridentata AQPs which have experienced differentiation in promoter elements, potentially supporting novel biological pathways. Comparison with nondrought‐tolerant congener supports enrichments of AQP genes in this taxon during adaptation to drought stress. Differentiation of promoter elements revealed that paralogues of some genes have evolved to function in different pathways, highlighting these genes as potential candidates for future research and providing critical hypotheses for future genome‐to‐phenome work.
The effects of ecological selection on species diversity and trait distribution: predictions and an empirical test
Authors: DeMalach Niv , Ke Po‐Ju , Fukami Tadashi
Published: October 2021

Ecological selection is a major driver of community assembly. Selection is classified as stabilizing when species with intermediate trait values gain the highest reproductive success, whereas selection is considered directional when fitness is highest for species with extreme trait values. Previous studies have investigated the effects of different selection types on trait distribution, but the effects of selection on species diversity have remained unclear. Here, we propose a framework for inferring the type and strength of selection by studying species diversity and trait distribution together against null expectations. We use a simulation model to confirm our prediction that directional selection should lead to lower species diversity than stabilizing selection despite a similar effect on trait community‐weighted variance. We apply the framework to a mesocosm system of annual plants to test whether differences in species diversity between two habitats that vary in productivity are related to differences in selection on seed mass. We show that, in both habitats, species diversity was lower than the null expectation, but that species diversity was lower in the more productive habitat. We attribute this difference to strong directional selection for large‐seeded species in the productive habitat as indicated by trait community‐weighted mean being higher and community‐weighted variance being lower than the null expectations. In the less productive habitat, we found that community‐weighted variance was higher than expected by chance, suggesting that seed mass could be a driver of niche partitioning under such conditions. Altogether, our results suggest that viewing species diversity and trait distribution as interrelated patterns driven by the same process, ecological selection, is helpful in understanding community assembly.
Development of a battery management system with flying capacitor‐type multiport converter in the discontinuous current mode
Authors: Shioi Taisuke , Miyashita Mitsuru , Watanabe Hiroki , Kusaka Keisuke , Itoh Jun‐Ichi , Nakanishi Toshiki , Kobayashi Kazuhiro
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a multiport converter based on a flying capacitor converter (FCC) topology for use in a battery management system. The proposed circuit operates in discontinuous current mode (DCM) and pulse frequency modulation (PFM) in order to reduce inductor volume. The circuit achieves load fluctuation compensation and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of the photovoltaic (PV) system by deciding duty ratio based on load current and PV output current. According to the experimental results, an efficiency of more than 95.8% was achieved under all operation conditions. In addition, the maximum efficiency reached 98.8% at the rated load (750 W). Furthermore, the inductor volume reduced by 85.5% compared to that of the conventional circuit (CCM) using two inductors.
Comparative quality assessment of traditional vs. improved dried Bombay duck (Harpodon nehereus) under different storage conditions: Solar chimney dryer a low‐cost improved approach for nutritional dried fish
Authors: Mithun Biplob Dey , Hoque Md. Sazedul , Van Brakel Martin Louis , Hasan Md. Mahmudul , Akter Shaida , Islam Mohd. Rezaul
Published: October 2021

Dried fish and fishery products provide important and affordable dietary sources of animal protein. The present study compared the sensory, microbial, and biochemical quality of bombay duck (Harpadon nehereous) dried fish produced using improved versus traditional open‐air drying method. The sensory, microbial, and biochemical quality was determined following quality index, total plate count (TPC), and Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) method, respectively. The sensory quality results indicate highly acceptable dried fish with the improved method compared to traditional method at both initial and storage condition. The microbial load (APC, TEC, TViC, and TSC) of improved dried fish was within internationally permissible microbiological standards for food whereas traditionally dried fish exceeded the permissible limit. The biochemical composition (protein, lipid, ash, and moisture) of improved dried fish had better nutritional value than the traditional dried fish. After 60 days storage time, samples packaged under HDPE conditions exhibited excellent organoleptic characteristics, lower microbial load, and lower biochemical decomposition than samples packaged in LDPE. The above results confirmed that the solar chimney dryer produced superior quality of dried fish compared to the traditional open‐air drying method both initially and after storage, while packaging dried fish under HDPE conditions extended shelf life further.
Lycopene protects sperm from oxidative stress in the experimental varicocele model
Authors: Babaei Atefeh , Asadpour Reza , Mansouri Kamran , Sabrivand Adel , Kazemi‐Darabadi Siamak
Published: October 2021

Oxidative stress (OS) is an important parameter in the evaluation of infertility caused by varicocele. Antioxidants are the most commonly prescribed drugs in these patients. Lycopene molecule, as the powerful antioxidant in the carotenoid family, has beneficial effects on improving fertility in males. Therefore, we investigated the effects of lycopene on induced OS by varicocele in an animal model. Forty‐five adult male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (n = 12) and varicocele (n = 33). Two months after induced varicocele, five rats in each group were sacrificed randomly and induced varicocele was investigated. Remained rats were divided into five groups (n = 7), including the control (I), varicocele (II), varicocele reserving solvent (III), varicocele reserving lycopene 4 mg/kg (IV), and 10 mg/kg (V) for two months. At the end of the experiment, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), %DNA damage, and antioxidant enzymatic levels were measured. The results indicated that there were significant increases in the levels of ROS, MDA, DNA damage, superoxide dismutase (SOD), sperm concentration, and motility in the varicocele groups compared with the control group. In the lycopene group (10 mg/kg), sperm concentration, the levels of TAC, and catalase (CAT) activity were improved so the levels of ROS, MDA, and %DNA damage were reduced compared with varicocele group. Our findings indicated that the administration of lycopene especially at a dose of 10 mg/kg in the varicocele group could protect sperm from OS and sperm DNA damage by increasing antioxidant activity and reducing ROS.
Optimization of Quercetin‐Assisted Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Evaluation of Their Hemocompatibility, Antioxidant, Anti‐Inflammatory, and Antibacterial effects
Authors: Chahardoli Azam , Hajmomeni Pouria , Ghowsi Mahnaz , Qalekhani Farshad , Shokoohinia Yalda , Fattahi Ali
Published: October 2021

In the present study, different effective parameters (temperature, reaction time, and pH) on the synthesis of quercetin‐assisted silver nanoparticles (QE‐AgNPs) are optimized. These biogenic NPs are characterized by different physico‐chemical analyses, including transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV‐visible spectroscopy. In addition, the biological properties of QE‐AgNPs are evaluated through antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, hemolysis, and coagulation time assays. The formation of QE‐AgNPs is affected by different parameters. The optimum condition for the synthesis of QE‐AgNPs is attained at 70 °C and pH 7. Prepared QE‐AgNPs show a spherical shape with a crystalline nature and an average particle size of 20 ± 3.6 nm. The role of QE as a reducing and capping agent in the preparation process of QE‐AgNPs is demonstrated using FTIR analysis. These NPs with excellent antioxidant activity (82.3% at a concentration of 400 µg mL−1) and anti‐inflammatory properties (82.5% and 100% at concentrations of 37.25 and 500 µg mL−1, respectively), show good antimicrobial effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the results of the hemolytic and coagulation assay of QE‐AgNPs indicate their hemo‐compatibility. Therefore, hemo/bio‐compatible QE‐AgNPs with excellent and unique properties can be employed in different medicinal and pharmacological applications.
Cancer of the corpus uteri: 2021 update
Authors: Koskas Martin , Amant Frédéric , Mirza Mansoor Raza , Creutzberg Carien L.
Published: October 2021

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy in high‐ and middle‐income countries. Although the overall prognosis is relatively good, high‐grade endometrial cancers have a tendency to recur. Recurrence needs to be prevented since the prognosis for recurrent endometrial cancer is dismal. Treatment tailored to tumor biology is the optimal strategy to balance treatment efficacy against toxicity. Since The Cancer Genome Atlas defined four molecular subgroups of endometrial cancers, the molecular factors are increasingly used to define prognosis and treatment. Standard treatment consists of hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy. Lymphadenectomy (and increasingly sentinel node biopsy) enables identification of lymph node‐positive patients who need adjuvant treatment, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Adjuvant therapy is used for Stage I–II patients with high‐risk factors and Stage III patients; chemotherapy is especially used in non‐endometrioid cancers and those in the copy‐number high molecular group characterized by TP53 mutation. In advanced disease, a combination of surgery to no residual disease and chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy results in the best outcome. Surgery for recurrent disease is only advocated in patients with a good performance status with a relatively long disease‐free interval.