bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic teaching resources for university cell biology supports improved student learning outcomes
Authors: Gobert Geoffrey N.
Published: December 2021

An optional electronic resource (e‐resource) that requiring subscription was offered to 2nd year students studying university cell biology. An online survey attitudes identified cost, the relative (lack) ease of use, and a “general preference”, as primary reasons for not utilizing the e‐resource. The ability to access graphics, videos, and animations, as well as practice questions, was all seen as positive features. Of the 44 e‐resource students, a performance increase of 10% (73%, and 63%, p‐value = 0.004) was seen compared to those that did not (90). Within the e‐resource cohort, academic performance in the previous year, when other online resources were not optional, less of a differentiation was apparent, suggesting difference were not attributable to individual academic aptitudes. Overall, an increase in academic performance was seen in students that used the optional e‐resource. These findings will be presented to assist new students in deciding how to approach their learning in cell biology.
Literacy and stigma of suicide in Bangladesh: Scales validation and status assessment among university students
Authors: Arafat S. M. Yasir , Hussain Fahad , Hossain Md. Faruk , Islam Md. Aminul , Menon Vikas
Published: December 2021

Background

Increased suicide literacy and reduced stigma toward suicide facilitate the care‐seeking for suicidal behavior. However, no attempt has been identified to determine these two vital aspects in Bangladesh.

Objectives

We aimed to validate the literacy of suicide scale and stigma of suicide scale into Bangla along with the determination of the level of suicide literacy and stigma toward suicide.

Methods

We conducted this study between April and June 2021. Data were collected from medical school and university students by Google form. We used a questionnaire consisting of four segments (i.e., sociodemographic questionnaire, a questionnaire for suicidal behavior, Bangla literacy of suicide scale [LOSS‐B], and Bangla stigma of suicide scale [SOSS‐B]) for data collection. We tested the psychometric properties of the scales in a sample of 529 students and examined factors associated with suicide stigma and literacy.

Results

The mean age of the students was 22.61 ± 1.68 (range 18–27) years, 274 (51.8%) were males, 476 (89.9%) were graduate students, and 490 (92.6%) were unmarried. The mean score of LOSS was 4.27 ± 1.99 ranging from 0 to 10. Factor analysis revealed acceptable psychometric properties of SOSS‐B. The literacy was significantly higher in females, students of medicine, having a family history of suicidal attempts, and a history of student nonfatal attempts, while stigma was significantly lower among the females and a history of past attempts.

Conclusions

This study revealed the level of literacy and stigma and culturally tested the psychometric properties of the LOSS‐B and SOSS‐B among university students in Bangladesh.
Blended learning model via small private online course improves active learning and academic performance of embryology
Authors: Guo Yuji , Liu Haihua , Hao Aijun , Liu Shangming , Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Huiqing
Published: December 2021

While blended learning has been growing in popularity in recent years, the effectiveness of this procedure remains controversial. In this report, we assess the effectiveness of blended learning of embryology within international medical students. The participants were international medical students taking embryology in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery program. The blended learning group (BLG) consisted of students (n = 43) in the 2018–2019 academic year, taught with blended learning model via a customized small private online course (SPOC). The control traditional teaching group (TTG) consisted students (n = 48) in the 2017–2018 academic year, taught with traditional teaching model. Academic performance, including mean scores and passing ratios on the final exam of two groups were compared and analyzed with a t‐test. In addition, a questionnaire directed toward evaluating student's perceptions with the blended learning was administered to students in BLG. The majority of students in BLG actively participated in online self‐study activities and discussion in face‐to‐face class sessions. The mean score and passing ratio were significantly greater than those of students in TTG (p < 0.01). Results from the questionnaire revealed that the majority of BLG students felt that this method was beneficial for their learning of human embryology. The blended learning model, that integrates SPOC with face‐to‐face class lectures proved a more effective means for the teaching of embryology than the traditional lecture‐based teaching model. This blended learning method may serve as a feasible model that can be readily applied for use in other medical courses.
The prevalence of current smokers and alcohol drinkers among cancer survivors and subjects with no history of cancer among participants in a community‐based cardiometabolic screening program in Miyagi prefecture, Japan: a comparison with nationally representative surveys in other countries
Authors: Nishimoto Yuka , Tsubono Yoshitaka , Kogure Mana , Nakamura Tomohiro , Itabashi Fumi , Tsuchiya Naho , Nakaya Naoki , Tanno Kozo , Sugawara Junichi , Kuriyama Shinichi , Kure Shigeo , Tsuji Ichiro , Hozawa Atsushi
Published: December 2021

Background

We determined the prevalence of current cigarette smokers and alcohol drinkers among cancer survivors and subjects with no history of cancer in Japan and compared the findings with nationally representative studies in other countries.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of baseline data from a prospective cohort study. A self‐administered questionnaire was surveyed during 2013–2015 with residents aged ≥20 years attending a community‐based cardiometabolic screening program in Miyagi prefecture in north‐eastern Japan. Subjects with past cancer histories were classified as cancer survivors. Sex‐specific, age‐standardized prevalence of current smokers, and drinkers were calculated. Age‐adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs: the cancer survivors’ rate divided by the rate of subjects with no history of cancer) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with log‐binomial regressions.

Results

36,786 subjects, including 2760 cancer survivors, responded and provided usable information (58.9% of recruited subjects). For men, the age‐standardized prevalence of current smokers and drinkers among survivors was 18.8% and 74.4%, respectively, with an age‐adjusted PR (95%CI) of 0.76 (0.66–0.86, p < 0.001) and 0.95 (0.91–0.98, p = 0.002), respectively. For women, the figures were 6.1%, 37.9%, 0.84 (0.67–1.06, p = 0.138) and 0.96 (0.90–1.03, p = 0.313), respectively. The U.S., the U.K, and Australian studies generally showed no substantially lower prevalence of current smokers or drinkers in survivors than in subjects with no history of cancer (PR ≥ 0.75), while Korean studies did (PR < 0.75).

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of Japanese cancer survivors, especially men, remained currently smoking and drinking. Consistent with Western studies, the rates were not substantially lower than those among subjects with no history of cancer.
Utilizing ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring to reduce conduction related death after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Okoh Alexis K. , Chen Chunguang , Kassotis John , Soliman Fady , Patel Kush , Sohitliv Amy , Loi Amandeep , Smith Meghan , Pineda‐Salazar Jennifer , Chaudhary Ashok , Ghosh Bobby D. , Hakeem Abdul , Lee Leonard Y. , Coromilas James , Russo Mark J.
Published: December 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of ambulatory cardiac monitoring (ACM) in detecting delayed advanced conduction abnormalities (DACA) and associated 30‐day mortality.

Background

DACA are well‐known complications of TAVR and may be associated with post‐discharge mortality within 30‐days.

Methods

Between October 2019 and October 2020, TAVR patients who were discharged home without a permanent pacemaker (PPM) were monitored with an ACM device for 14‐days. The incidence of DACA at follow up, mortality and readmission within 30‐days were investigated. The risk of DACA was assessed in three patient categories based on a composite of their 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) data. Group I: Normal pre‐TAVR, periprocedural, and discharge ECGs. Group II: Normal pre‐TAVR and abnormal subsequent ECGs. Group III. Abnormal baseline and abnormal subsequent ECGs.

Results

Among 340 TAVR patients, 248 were discharged home with an ACM device. The overall incidence of DACA was 7% (n = 17), of whom 4% (n = 10) required a PPM. Mortality and readmission between discharge and 30 days was 0% and 8.3%, respectively. Stratification of patients identified 96 (38.7%) patients in Group I: 50 (20%) in Group II, and 102 (41%) in Group III. The incidence of DACA requiring a PPM was 0% in Group I, 4% (n = 2) in Group II, and 8.5% (n = 8) in Group III (p < 0.004).

Conclusions

In TAVR patients who were discharged home with ACM, none died between discharge and 30‐days. For those with normal baseline, perioperative and discharge ECG, there were no events of DACA at 14‐days.
New Palladium – ZrO2 Nano‐Architectures from Thermal Transformation of UiO‐66‐NH2 for Carbonylative Suzuki and Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Alsalahi Waleed , Augustyniak Adam W. , Tylus Włodzimierz , Trzeciak Anna M.
Published: December 2021

The new nanocomposites, Pd/C/ZrO2, PdO/ZrO2, and Pd/PdO/ZrO2, were prepared by thermal conversion of Pd@UiO‐66‐Zr−NH2 (MOF) in nitrogen or air atmosphere. The presence of Pd nanoparticles, uniformly distributed on the ZrO2 or C/ZrO2 matrix, was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) methods. All pyrolysed composites retained the shape of the MOF template. They catalyze carbonylative Suzuki coupling under 1 atm CO with an efficiency significantly higher than the original Pd@UiO‐66‐Zr−NH2. The most active PdO/ZrO2 composite, formed benzophenone with TOF up to 1600 h−1, while by using Pd@UiO‐66‐Zr−NH2, much lower TOF values, 51–95 h−1, were achieved. After the reaction, PdO/ZrO2 was recovered with the same composition and catalytic activity. Very good results were also obtained in the transfer hydrogenation of benzophenones to alcohols with Pd/C/ZrO2 and PdO/ZrO2 catalysts under microwave irradiation.
Toward data privacy preservation with ciphertext update and key rotation for IoT
Authors: Shen Shuaiyong , Yang Yang , Liu Ximeng
Published: December 2021

Fine‐grained access control become a research spotlight in the scenario of the smart home with Internet‐of‐Things (IoTs). However, most of the existing works could only realize ciphertext outsourcing with an unchangeable encryption key in the cloud. That is because the trivial solution needs great communication overhead. To overcome this challenge, we propose an updatable encryption based on SM9 (SM9‐UE) scheme for the IoT smart home scenario, where SM9 is an identity and cryptographic standard adopted by GM/T0044. SM9‐UE realizes secure and lightweight ciphertext updating through using the token generated by the data owner, which is information independent with the plaintext. We give the formal security definition and prove it to be adaptive update indistinguishability (IND‐UPD) secure. Theoretical comparison and analysis show that our scheme is efficient in computation and storage overhead. Experimental results also indicate that SM9‐UE can be practically applied to IoT smart home.
Trustful data trading through monetizing IoT data using BlockChain based review system
Authors: Abubaker Zain , Khan Asad Ullah , Almogren Ahmad , Abbas Shahid , Javaid Atia , Radwan Ayman , Javaid Nadeem
Published: December 2021

In this article, Internet of Things (IoTs) devices are used for sensing the data through which the device owners earn revenue. Interested users can purchase data from IoT device owners, according to their demands. However, users are not confident about the quality of data they are purchasing. Moreover, the users do not rely on the device owner and are not willing to initiate data trading. Currently, data trading systems have many drawbacks, as they involve a third party, security and reputation mechanisms. Therefore, in this article, IoTs and BlockChain (BC) are integrated to monetize IoT's data and provide trustful data trading. A BC based review system to monetize IoT's data trading is developed through Ethereum smart contracts. The review system encourages the owners to provide authentic data and solves the issues regarding data integrity, fake reviews and conflicts between entities. Reviews and ratings are stored in the BC database for providing a guarantee about the data quality to users. To maintain data integrity, we use an advanced encryption standard (AES)‐256 encryption technique to encrypt data. Moreover, an arbitrator entity is responsible to resolve conflicts between data owner and users. The incentive is provided to the users and arbitrators to increase user participation and honesty. Simulations are performed for the validation of our system. We examine the proposed model using three parameters: gas consumption, mining time and encryption time.
Oversample‐select‐tune: A machine learning pipeline for improving diabetes identification
Authors: Das Sujit Kumar , Roy Pinki , Mishra Arnab Kumar
Published: December 2021

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic disease causes severe life threatening complications. Therefore, it is important to diagnose diabetes at early stage to avoid health and financial burdens. In this work, a machine learning (ML) pipeline based systematic data‐driven architecture is proposed to identify diabetes. The proposed ML pipeline consisted of support vector machine‐synthetic minority oversampling technique (SVM‐SMOTE), followed by multiple tree based feature selection (FS) approaches, and ensemble learners. Further, Bayesian optimization (BO) has been used to tune the hyperparameters in classifiers. The use of SVM‐SMOTE, FS, and BO methods together improved classifiers' performance impressively in a highly imbalanced Virginia dataset. Also, the proposed model is proved to be a useful approach in comparatively less imbalanced Pima Indian Diabetes (PID) dataset. Among all classifiers used, random forest (RFC) has achieved the highest sensitivity of 91.44% in PID dataset and in Virginia AdaBoost (ABC) has achieved the highest of 88.53% sensitivity. Subsequently, XGBoost (XGB) and AdaBoost (ABC) classifiers have achieved the highest 92.08% and 88.27% AUC in PID and Virginia dataset, respectively. Such kind of impressive results suggest that the proposed approach can have a very high practical utility, in real medical diagnostic settings.
Mathematical Model and Numerical Simulation of Conductometric Biosensor of Urea
Authors: Zouaoui Fares , Zine Nadia , Errachid Abdelhamid , Jaffrezic‐Renault Nicole
Published: December 2021

In this article, a mathematical model was developed to describe and optimize the configuration of the urea biosensor. The biosensor is based on interdigitated gold microelectrodes modified with a urease enzyme membrane. The model presented here focuses on the enzymatic reaction and/or diffusion phenomena that occur in the enzyme membrane and in the diffusion layer. Numerical resolution of differential equations was performed using the finite difference technique. The mathematical model was validated using experimental biosensor data. The responses of the biosensor to various conditions were simulated to guide experiments, improve analytical performance, and reduce development costs.
Autistic characteristics in eating disorders: Treatment adaptations and impact on clinical outcomes
Authors: Li Zhuo , Halls Daniel , Byford Sarah , Tchanturia Kate
Published: December 2021

Objective

Autistic people with eating disorders (EDs) may have special needs that are not met in standard ED treatment, raising the need for treatment adaptations to accommodate co‐existing autism spectrum condition (ASC). Little is currently known about the nature of existing treatment options or adaptations for this population. We conducted a pre‐registered systematic review to: (1) identify research articles describing existing interventions for patients with ED and comorbid ASC, and to critically review evidence of their clinical effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness (Review 1); (2) review the impact of ASC comorbidity on ED clinical outcomes (Review 2).

Method

Peer‐reviewed studies published until the end of December 2020 were identified through a systematic search of the electronic databases: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus and Cochrane Library.

Results

Only one clinical pathway of treatment adaptations (the ‘PEACE’ pathway) was identified in Review 1 with early evidence of cost‐savings and favourable treatment outcomes. ASC characteristics were shown in Review 2 to have no direct impact on physical outcomes or ED symptoms, but could be associated with higher rates of comorbidities and greater use of intensive ED treatment. Additionally, patients with ASC characteristics may benefit more from individual sessions, rather than group sessions.

Conclusions

Any new treatments or treatment adaptations may not directly impact on ED symptoms, but may be better able to support the complex needs of the ASC population, thus reducing subsequent need for intensive treatment. Future research is warranted to explore evidence of clinical and cost‐effectiveness of interventions for this population.
The effects of probiotics administration on the gut microbiome in adolescents with anorexia nervosa—A study protocol for a longitudinal, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Gröbner Eva‐Maria , Zeiler Michael , Fischmeister Florian Ph. S. , Kollndorfer Kathrin , Schmelz Sonja , Schneider Andrea , Haid‐Stecher Nina , Sevecke Kathrin , Wagner Gudrun , Keller Lara , Adan Roger , Danner Unna , van Elburg Annemarie , van der Vijgh Benny , Kooij Karlijn Liselotte , Fetissov Serguei , Andreani Nadia A. , Baines John F. , Dempfle Astrid , Seitz Jochen , Herpertz‐Dahlmann Beate , Karwautz Andreas
Published: December 2021

Objective

Knowledge on gut–brain interaction might help to develop new therapies for patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), as severe starvation‐induced changes of the microbiome (MI) do not normalise with weight gain. We examine the effects of probiotics supplementation on the gut MI in patients with AN.

Method

This is a study protocol for a two‐centre double‐blind randomized‐controlled trial comparing the clinical efficacy of multistrain probiotic administration in addition to treatment‐as‐usual compared to placebo in 60 patients with AN (13–19 years). Moreover, 60 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls are included in order to record development‐related changes. Assessments are conducted at baseline, discharge, 6 and 12 months after baseline. Assessments include measures of body mass index, psychopathology (including eating‐disorder‐related psychopathology, depression and anxiety), neuropsychological measures, serum and stool analyses. We hypothesise that probiotic administration will have positive effects on the gut microbiota and the treatment of AN by improvement of weight gain, gastrointestinal complaints and psychopathology, and reduction of inflammatory processes compared to placebo.

Conclusions

If probiotics could help to normalise the MI composition, reduce inflammation and gastrointestinal discomfort and increase body weight, its administration would be a readily applicable additional component of multi‐modal AN treatment.
Induced magnetic field effect on MHD free convection flow in nonconducting and conducting vertical microchannel walls
Authors: Shankar Goud Bejawada , Pramod Kumar Patlolla , Malga Bala Siddulu
Published: December 2021

The current examination employs a numerical analysis to ascertain the effect of the Eckert number along with the Prandtl number on a magnetohydrodynamic natural convection flow of an incompressible viscous fluid in which it is electrically conducting, passing through a perpendicular microchannel. Conduction along with non‐conducting immeasurable perpendicular walls within the existence of temperature and velocity slip at the microchannel is analyzed. The induced magnetic field (IMF) generated by the motion of an electrically conducting fluid in the presence of a transverse magnetic field is considered. The momentum and induction equations are coupled in the presence of an induced magnetic field. A set of similar variables are used to convert the governing set of equations to nonlinear‐coupled ordinary differential equations. With the aid of MATLAB in built solver is carried out to get the numerical solutions. The influences of Hartman number, Prandtl number, and Eckert number along with some physical parameters are explained through graphs. The results indicate that increasing the Hartmann and magnetic Prandtl numbers results in a significant decrease in volume flow rate.
Minimally invasive meshless and minimal dissection ligament fixation system for apical organ prolapse procedures: A 4‐year prospective follow up study
Authors: Ben Zvi Masha , Weintraub Adi Y. , Friedman Talia , Neuman Menahem , Tsivian Alexander
Published: December 2021

Objective

EnPlace™ (formerly named NeuGuide™) is a minimally invasive meshless anchoring system for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair designed to provide centro‐apical pelvic floor support. We present a 4‐year prospective follow up evaluation of this repair system.

Methods

This was a single‐center longitudinal prospective study of women with advanced POP who underwent pelvic floor apical repair using EnPlace™ with at least 4 years of follow‐up. The primary outcome was surgical success defined as anatomical success, no symptoms of vaginal bulging and no need for re‐treatment. A standardized validated questionnaire to assess symptom burden was used.

Results

Fifteen women were enrolled in the study. Two patients were lost to follow‐up. The median follow‐up was 51 months (range 42–57) with a surgical success rate of 92.3%. One patient (7.7%) reported symptoms of vaginal vault prolapse and underwent a repeated prolapse surgery. Using the UDI‐6 questionnaire, an improvement in all domains was seen.

Conclusion

The 4‐year prospective follow up suggests that apical repair using the EnPlace™ device may be considered safe and effective for sacrospinous ligament fixation with a sustainable long‐term success. This procedure is a minimally invasive meshless addition to pelvic surgeon's armamentarium.
Worldwide prevalence of microbial agents’ coinfection among COVID‐19 patients: A comprehensive updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pakzad Reza , Malekifar Pooneh , Shateri Zainab , Zandi Milad , Akhavan Rezayat Sara , Soleymani Maral , Karimi Mohammad Reza , Ahmadi Seyed Esmaeil , Shahbahrami Ramin , Pakzad Iraj , Abdi Fatemeh , Farahani Abbas , Soltani Saber , Kesheh Mina Mobini , Hosseini Parastoo
Published: December 2021

Background

To provide information about pathogens’ coinfection prevalence with SARS‐CoV‐2 could be a real help to save patients’ lives. This study aims to evaluate the pathogens’ coinfection prevalence among COVID‐19 patients.

Method

In order to find all of the relevant articles, we used systematic search approach. Research‐based databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, without language restrictions, were searched to identify the relevant bacterial, fungal, and viral coinfections among COVID‐19 cases from December 1, 2019, to August 23, 2021. In order to dig deeper, other scientific repositories such as Medrxiv were probed.

Results

A total of 13,023 studies were found through systematic search. After thorough analysis, only 64 studies with 61,547 patients were included in the study. The most common causative agents of coinfection among COVID‐19 patients were bacteria (pooled prevalence: 20.97%; 95% CI: 15.95–26.46; I2: 99.9%) and less frequent were virus coinfections (pooled prevalence: 12.58%; 95% CI: 7.31–18.96; I2: 98.7%). The pooled prevalence of fungal coinfections was also 12.60% (95% CI: 7.84–17.36; I2: 98.3%). Meta‐regression analysis showed that the age sample size and WHO geographic region did not influenced heterogeneity.

Conclusion

We identified a high prevalence of pathogenic microorganism coinfection among COVID‐19 patients. Because of this rate of coinfection empirical use of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral treatment are advisable specifically at the early stage of COVID‐19 infection. We also suggest running simultaneously diagnostic tests to identify other microbiological agents’ coinfection with SARS‐CoV‐2.
An approach to developing oral health knowledge for allied health students
Authors: de Sam Lazaro Stephanie L. , Karger Taylor R. , Despres Brittanee R. , McPherson Rachel C. , Minor Ellen J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Oral health competency‐based education approaches have been proposed as a mechanism to address oral health outcomes and equity issues. Recommendations for oral health education for allied health professional students include practices to increase team members’ knowledge and skills in the integration of oral health and primary care practice (IOHPCP) initiative's oral health clinical competencies for primary care providers.

Aims

This study aimed to examine changes in self‐reported knowledge of occupational students in the topics of oral health, the dental profession, and dental healthcare systems following participation in a series of webinars and a community‐engaged learning project.

Materials and Methods

This study utilized an oral health education program through webinars and a community‐engaged learning project for occupational therapy students. Program evaluation measures were utilized to assess the oral health education activities through self‐reported knowledge in oral health topics aligned with IOHPCP domains along with topics identified by the community partner organization.

Results

Findings demonstrate that asynchronous webinars can increase self‐reported knowledge in occupational therapy students.

Discussion

Recommendations for inclusion of oral health education for allied health students related to knowledge of oral health, the dental profession, and dental healthcare systems are shared.

Conclusions

Asynchronous webinars have the potential to increase self‐reported oral health knowledge for allied health professionals.
A new method for detecting micro‐fragments of biodegradable mulch films containing poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) in soil
Authors: Wortman Sam E. , Jeske Elizabeth , Samuelson Mitchell B. , Drijber Rhae
Published: December 2021

Biodegradable mulch (BDM) is a potentially sustainable alternative to polyethylene plastic mulch film for intensive crop production. Certified BDMs must demonstrate >90% biodegradation in compost and agricultural soil, but the environmental fate of BDM micro‐fragments is usually not measured. While using fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis to study changes in soil microbial communities under different BDMs and management conditions, two peaks were detected by gas chromatography that were derived from a BDM containing poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT). The largest peak was identified as 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid, dimethyl ester, or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). The smaller peak was hexanedioic acid dimethyl ester or dimethyl adipate. From this observation we hypothesized that the FAME method could be used to detect and quantify micro‐fragments (<5 mm in length) of PBAT‐containing BDM in soil. To test this, fragments of two commercially available BDMs were added to soil and extracted for FAME analyses. Linear relationships were observed between DMT and mulch mass added to soil for both BDMs when the initial mass of fragments was <3.5 mg (r2 > .99). Based on our findings, the FAME method could be redeployed to study the environmental fate and possible accumulation of BDM micro‐fragments in soil over time.
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging for segmentation and white matter extraction of the hypothalamus
Authors: Spindler Melanie , Thiel Christiane M.
Published: December 2021

Since the hypothalamus is involved in many neuroendocrine, metabolic, and affective disorders, detailed hypothalamic imaging has become of major interest to better characterize disease‐induced tissue damages and abnormalities. Still, image contrast of conventional anatomical magnetic resonance imaging lacks morphological detail, thus complicating complete and precise segmentation of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus' position lateral to the third ventricle and close proximity to white matter tracts including the optic tract, fornix, and mammillothalamic tract display one of the remaining shortcomings of hypothalamic segmentation, as reliable exclusion of white matter is not yet possible. Recent studies found that quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI), a method to create maps of different standardized tissue contents, improved segmentation of cortical and subcortical brain regions. So far, this has not been tested for the hypothalamus. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the usability of qMRI and diffusion MRI for the purpose of detailed and reproducible manual segmentation of the hypothalamus and data‐driven white matter extraction and compared our results to recent state‐of‐the‐art segmentations. Our results show that qMRI presents good contrast for delineation of the hypothalamus and white matter, and that the properties of these images differ between subunits, such that they can be used to reliably exclude white matter from hypothalamic tissue. We propose that qMRI poses a useful addition to detailed hypothalamic segmentation and volumetry.
Streamflow variability in the past four centuries for the largest tributary of the Yellow River and its teleconnection with large‐scale climate forcing
Authors: Bao Guang , Liu Na , Wu Maili , Liu Zhiye
Published: December 2021

Understanding long‐term hydroclimate change and its evolution mechanism is beneficial to hydrological assessments and future planning in the Weihe River Basin, a region affected by the East Asian monsoon, as well as addressing increasing concerns about water resources due to social and economic development. The average June–July streamflow reconstruction was performed for the period from 1592 to 1988 for the Weihe River, based on the common growth responses relating tree‐ring width, minimum density and hydrological variables, as inferred from the first principal component series of tree‐ring width and density. The statistical results of calibration and verification confirmed that our model was credible and could explain 47.2% of the variance in the calibration period from 1937 to 1970. According to the criteria of one standard deviation less or greater than the mean value, 59 extremely low flow years and 62 high flow years were identified, accounting for 14.86% and 15.62%, respectively, of the past 397‐year hydrological reconstruction. Severe dryness and wetness periods were in good agreement with other hydrological records in the basin, suggesting the coherence of hydroclimate changes at the basin scale, including extreme drought events from the 1920s to 1930s. The reconstructed streamflow had significant interannual and interdecadal periodic signals associated with spatial correlations with sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans, indicating the relationships between hydrological variations in the Weihe River and the natural forcing related to the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole pattern, North Atlantic Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). Our results provide new evidence for the potential of hydrological research using multiple tree‐ring indicators, such as tree‐ring width and minimum density, in the semiarid and semihumid areas of central China.
Ultrasound Pressure Estimation for Diagnosing Portal Hypertension in Patients Undergoing Dialysis for Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Machado Priscilla , Gupta Ipshita , Fenkel Jonathan M. , Gummadi Sriharsha , Stanczak Maria , Wessner Corinne E. , Shaw Colette M. , Schultz Susan , Soulen Michael C. , Wallace Kirk , Eisenbrey John R. , Forsberg Flemming
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is considered the standard in quantifying portal hypertension, but can be unreliable in dialysis patients. A noninvasive ultrasound technique, subharmonic‐aided pressure estimation (SHAPE), may be a valuable surrogate of these pressure estimates. This study compared SHAPE and HVPG with pathology findings for fibrosis in dialysis patients.

Methods

This was a subgroup study from an IRB‐approved trial that included 20 patients on dialysis undergoing SHAPE examinations of portal and hepatic veins using a modified Logiq 9 scanner (GE, Waukesha, WI), during infusion of Sonazoid (GE Healthcare, Oslo, Norway). SHAPE was compared to HVPG and pathology findings using the Ludwig‐Batts scoring system for fibrosis. Logistic regression, ROC analysis, and t‐tests were used to compare HVPG and SHAPE with pathological findings of fibrosis.

Results

Of 20 cases, 5 had HVPG values corresponding to subclinical and clinical portal hypertension (≥6 and ≥10 mmHg, respectively) while 15 had normal HVPG values (≤5 mmHg). SHAPE and HVPG correlated moderately (r = 0.45; P = .047). SHAPE showed a trend toward correlating with fibrosis (r = 0.42; P = .068), while HVPG did not (r = 0.18; P = .45). SHAPE could differentiate between mild (stage 0–1) and moderate to severe (stage 2–4) fibrosis (−10.4 ± 4.9 dB versus −5.4 ± 3.2 dB; P = .035), HVPG could not (3.0 ± 0.6 mmHg versus 4.8 ± 0.7 mmHg; P = .30). ROC curves showed a diagnostic accuracy for SHAPE of 80%, while HVPG reached 76%.

Conclusion

Liver fibrosis staging in dialysis patients evaluated for portal hypertension appears to be more accurately predicted by SHAPE than by HVPG; albeit in a small sample size.
Specialist or new entrant: Who is the ideal investor for a new venture?
Authors: Hu Xiao , Wang Jiayi , Wu Banggang , Zhao Taiyang
Published: December 2021

This study explores whether a new venture invested by a venture capital (VC) firm which is a new entrant to the new venture's industry will achieve a better or worse growth performance. Using the data of 18910 investment deals in China from 2010 to 2018, we find that the industry dissimilarity between a new venture in which a VC firm will invest and the VC firm's portfolio can help the new venture achieve a better growth performance. Such a positive effect would be stronger when the VC firm has more successful experience, when the financing stage of the deal is later, or when the investment environment of the industry is hotter.
Advances in solving conformable nonlinear partial differential equations and new exact wave solutions for Oskolkov‐type equations
Authors: Thabet Hayman , Kendre Subhash , Peters James
Published: December 2021

This paper introduces advances in solving space‐time conformable nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) and exact wave solutions for Oskolkov equations. To arrive at these advances, nonlinear PDEs with space and time conformable partial derivatives are reduced to differential equations with conformable derivatives by using new modifications of the exponential rational function method (ERFM). These modifications are efficious approaches for obtaining exact analytical solutions. An important result of this work is that it yields new exact wave solutions for space‐time conformable pseudo‐parabolic type equations. The graphical representations of the obtained solutions are shown to confirm the accuracy and efficiency of the suggested method.
Impact of In Utero Folate Exposure on DNA Methylation and Its Potential Relevance for Later‐Life Health—Evidence from Mouse Models Translated to Human Cohorts
Authors: Kok Dieuwertje E. , Richmond Rebecca C. , Adriaens Michiel , Evelo Chris T. , Ford Dianne , Mathers John C. , Robinson Natassia , McKay Jill A.
Published: December 2021

Scope

Persistent DNA methylation changes may mediate effects of early‐life exposures on later‐life health. Human lifespan is challenging for prospective studies, therefore data from longitudinal studies are limited. Projecting data from mouse models of early‐life exposure to human studies offers a tool to address this challenge.

Methods and Results

C57BL/6J mice were fed low/normal folate diets before and during pregnancy and lactation. Genome‐wide promoter methylation was measured in male offspring livers at 17.5 days gestation and 28 weeks. Eight promoters were concurrently hypermethylated by folate depletion in fetuses and adults (>1.10 fold‐change; p < 0.05). Processes/pathways potentially influenced by global changes, and function of these eight genes, suggest neurocognitive effects. Human observational and randomized controlled trial data were interrogated for translation. Methylation at birth was inversely associated with maternal plasma folate in six genes (−1.15% to −0.16% per nmol L−1; p < 0.05), while maternal folic acid supplementation was associated with differential methylation of four genes in adulthood. Three CpGs were persistently hypermethylated with lower maternal folate (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Some persistent folate‐induced methylation changes in mice are mirrored in humans. This demonstrates utility of mouse data in identifying human loci for interrogation as biomarkers of later‐life health.
Leitfähig und verformbar – Flüssigmetalle
Authors: Wang Stephan , Stadler Florian
Published: December 2021

Eine Reihe Legierungen sind bei Raumtemperatur flüssig und vereinen so die Eigenschaften von Metallen und Flüssigkeiten. Anders als das flüssige Metall Quecksilber sind sie ungiftig. Damit sind sie gut handhabbar und eignen sich beispielsweise für elektronische Bauteile.
Global exponential stability results for the host‐parasitoid model of sugarcane borer in stochastic environment with impulsive effects via non‐fragile control: An LMI approach
Authors: Joseph Dianavinnarasi , Ramachandran Raja , Alzabut Jehad , Cao Jinde , Niezabitowski Michal , Lim Chee Peng
Published: December 2021

In this article, we evaluate how the random environmental fluctuations affect the interplay between the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis) and its egg parasitoid (Trichogramma galloi). In order to procure an optimal control input, we considered the uncertainties in the control agent that leads to a non‐fragile control synthesis. Due to the existence of a stochastic environment and uncertainties in the control agent, the impulsive biological control is introduced to stabilize the situation. By means of the classical Lyapunov method, a new sufficient condition for exponential stability of our proposed population model through non‐fragile control and impulsive biological control is established. With the assistance of linear matrix inequality (LMI) solvers, non‐fragile controllers can be obtained effortlessly. In addition, we provide simulation studies that are primarily based on the sugarcane borer system to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of our proposed model.
Additive manufacturing of continuous carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite with graphene enhanced interlayer bond toward ultra‐high mechanical properties
Authors: Parandoush Pedram , Li Xuemu , Chang Baoning , Sorensen Christopher M. , Shi Jing , Liu Yuan , Lin Dong
Published: December 2021

Continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRPCs) exhibiting superior mechanical properties have emerged as high‐performance engineering materials for various industrial applications. Additive manufacturing (AM) of CFRPCs enables production of customized structures with superior mechanical properties at a low cost and has gained tremendous popularity. In the present study, a novel AM technique namely laser‐assisted laminated object manufacturing (LA‐LOM) is proposed for producing CFRPCs using prepreg sheets with continuous carbon fiber reinforcement. The interfacial properties of the bonded prepreg sheets are critical for the performance of the additively manufactured CFRPCs. We further introduce graphene as a modifier between the prepreg sheets to improve the mechanical properties of the CFRPCs. It is shown that low porosity (0.38%), high concentrations of continuous carbon fibers (63 wt. %), and improved interfacial bonding strength contribute to excellent mechanical properties. For the composite structure ([0°]s fiber arrangements), in which 0.5 mg/ml graphene is introduced as interface modifier, the lap shear strength, tensile strength, and tensile modulus are 18 MPa, 2940 MPa, and 170 GPa, respectively, and the flexural strength and modulus are 1310 MPa and 140 GPa, respectively. The tensile strength and modulus outperform all AM‐produced structures reported in literature, including carbon fiber composites and metals and metal alloys. Meanwhile, the increases are observed in the lap shear strength by 25%, flexural strength by 10%, and flexural modulus by 27%, as well as tensile strength by 7% and modulus by 6%, compared to specimens without graphene reinforcement. This composite architecture design, involving laminated continuous carbon fiber reinforced prepreg sheets and graphene‐modified interfaces, provides a readily scalable manufacturing method toward excellent properties and this method can be further explored in industrial applications.
An ecologically valid understanding of executive functioning
Authors: Monteiro Elissa M.
Published: December 2021

Executive functioning (EF) is an overarching term that encompasses a wide range of neuropsychological processes including inhibition, set shifting, cognitive flexibility, organization, planning, self‐monitoring, working memory, following rules, emotional control, and self‐regulation that enable physical, cognitive, and emotional self‐control. There is a wealth of evidence to suggest EF ability is linked to several salient life skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) like social skills, self‐regulation, organization, and time management. Given the broad definition of EF, it is important to understand EF as experienced by individuals with ASD in the context of their experience at school and during interactions at home and community. Are we measuring a construct relevant for individuals with ASD to function appropriately and successfully in their day to day lives?
Writing in the margins: Considerations for safe operating limits
Authors: Dee Sean J. , Ogle Russell A. , Walters Matthew S.
Published: December 2021

When learning how to write, school‐age children are often told, “Do not write in the margins.” This guidance is important because it instills in a child the sense of where text is best placed on a piece of paper. The same is true for chemical processes—normal operating limits define the area where a process is best operated. However, processes may occasionally stray into the margins beyond the operating limits. As a result, facilities may need to define safety margins where temporary operation beyond the normal operating limits is tolerable. In this paper, guidance will be provided for understanding and setting operating limits and safety margins for chemical processes. Good practices from the industry for defining and setting limits, as well as documenting and communicating the limits to operational staff, will be discussed. Last, a case study that examines safe operating limits, alarm setpoints, interlocks, and process safety information for a dryer processing a thermally unstable material will be presented to illustrate the concepts of the paper.
Seed treatment for managing fall armyworm as a defoliator and cutworm on maize: plant protection, residuality, and the insect life history
Authors: Oliveira Camila , Orozco‐Restrepo Silvana M , Alves Antônio CL , Pinto Braullio S , Miranda Morgana S , Barbosa Márcio HP , Picanço Marcelo C , Pereira Eliseu JG
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The highly polyphagous and invasive fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) can feed on different plant parts of host crops, damaging whorls and stalks in early maize growth stages. Systemic insecticide seed treatment (IST) could minimize this damage, although the residual efficacy may vary with the plant tissue damaged. Using damage rating scales and artificial infestation in controlled conditions, we determined the potential of IST against FAW attacking maize whorl leaves or the stalk base.

RESULTS

Chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, or thiodicarb + imidacloprid IST similarly killed > 80% FAWs for 1 or 2 weeks after plant emergence depending on the plant tissue attacked. The residual efficacy (i.e. time after plant emergence sustaining > 80% larval mortality) lasted from the first to the eleventh day (VE–V3 maize growth stages), while for cutworm on the maize stalk base, it lasted 3–7 days after plant emergence (V1–V2 stages). In terms of damage, the ISTs lasted 15 days after emergence (V4 stage) for FAW on whorl leaves and 10 days (V3 stage) for FAW feeding on the stalk base. The larvae surviving on the seed‐treated plants underwent sublethal effects in growth and development, reducing insect fitness.

CONCLUSION

Diamide or carbamate + neonicotinoid seed treatments kill FAW larvae on maize whorls or stalks in favorable edaphoclimatic and insecticide‐susceptibility conditions. The cumulative impacts of systemic IST on aboveground insect pests go beyond mortality. The ISTs studied can be valuable against FAW in maize, for instance, to help protect varieties that may not express sufficient insect resistance in maize early growth stages.
Alkyl‐Amino Functionalized Reduced‐Graphene‐Oxide–heptadecan‐9‐amine‐Based Spin‐Coated Microsupercapacitors for On‐Chip Low Power Electronics
Authors: Vyas Agin , Zare Hajibagher Simin , Mendez Romero Ulises , Azega R. K. , Wang Ergang , Lundgren Per , Enoksson Peter , Smith Anderson D.
Published: December 2021

With the miniaturization of microelectronics, integrated circuits can benefit from an on‐chip solid‐state power supply. Microsupercapacitors (MSCs), owing to their long lifetimes and complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) compatible fabrication, can be a potential on‐chip energy storage unit. MSCs fabricated through spin coating graphene‐oxide (GrO) often suffer from insufficient electrode thicknesses that lead to low energy densities. It, therefore, requires functionalizations for GrO that can improve the MSC electrode thickness and, thereby, the performance of the MSC. Thus, herein, the MSCs fabricated of alkyl‐amino functionalized reduced‐graphene‐oxide–heptadecan‐9‐amine (rGO) are reported for enhanced electrode thickness, high capacitance, and lower series resistance compared with functionalized GrO‐based MSCs (GO‐MSCs). The functionalized rGO solves a significant issue of inadequate electrode thickness in wafer‐scale MSC fabrication while achieving higher energy densities in fewer spin coatings. The rGO‐MSC displays an areal capacitance of 108 μF cm−2 compared with 24 μF cm−2 for the GO‐MSC while also demonstrating more than twice its power density in an integration compatible ionic liquid electrolyte 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfony)imide (EMIM‐TFSI).
Sliding mode switched control for Markovian jumping systems subject to intermittent DoS attacks
Authors: Chen Bei , Niu Yugang
Published: December 2021

This article focuses on the sliding mode control (SMC) of Markovian jumping systems subject to network attacks. The transmission from the sensor to the controller may be attacked via the intermittent denial‐of‐service (DoS) pattern. A key issue is to establish a unified SMC framework under different DoS attack status. To this end, a mode‐detector is first employed to estimate the system mode that is unavailable under DoS attacks. And then, a synchronous/asynchronous switching estimator is constructed to observe the unmeasurable system state, meanwhile, estimate the attacked system output. Based on the above estimator, a synchronous/asynchronous switching sliding mode controller is designed, the corresponding sufficient conditions are derived by introducing a novel Lyapunov function. Finally, the proposed switching SMC strategy is illustrated via the simulation examples.