bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative mechanical study of two types of femur bone implant using the finite element method
Authors: Hamidi Saeideh , Khosravifard Amir , Hematiyan Mohammad Rahim , Dehghani Javad
Published: March 2021

The femoral bone fracture is one of the most common fractures that orthopedic surgeons deal with. These fractures are associated with a significant percentage of death due to non‐orthopedic complications. For this reason, it is necessary that the surgeon be well‐aware of the condition of the patient and also of the biomechanical conditions of the bone and implant before surgery, in order to use the best surgical technique. Nowadays, the use of implants is a popular technique among the available methods for the treatment of femoral fractures. In the present study, two patients with different ages, three types of femoral bone fractures, that is, oblique, reverse oblique, and neck fracture, and two types of implants, namely, the dynamic hip screw (DHS) and the Gamma nail have been investigated. The behavior of the implants has been investigated at the two stages of treatment, that is, before and after bone union. The analysis of implants was based on the amount of stress and displacement induced in different parts of the bone and the implant. From the viewpoint of the stresses induced in the bone, all models are quite similar and in terms of the implant stresses, the Gamma nail is more reliable than the DHS. Additionally, the relative displacement of the fractured bone segments at the fracture planes was calculated. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that the relative displacement of the fracture planes with the use of Gamma nail is somewhat less than the DHS, but this difference is not significant.
A method for the automatic detection of myopia in Optos fundus images based on deep learning
Authors: Shi Zhengjin , Wang Tianyu , Huang Zheng , Xie Feng , Song Guoli
Published: March 2021

Myopia detection is significant for preventing irreversible visual impairment and diagnosing myopic retinopathy. To improve the detection efficiency and accuracy, a Myopia Detection Network (MDNet) that combines the advantages of dense connection and Residual Squeeze‐and‐Excitation attention is proposed in this paper to automatically detect myopia in Optos fundus images. First, an automatic optic disc recognition method is applied to extract the Regions of Interest and remove the noise disturbances; then, data augmentation techniques are implemented to enlarge the data set and prevent overfitting; moreover, an MDNet composed of Attention Dense blocks is constructed to detect myopia in Optos fundus images. The results show that the Mean Absolute Error of the Spherical Equivalent detected by this network can reach 1.1150 D (diopter), which verifies the feasibility and applicability of this method for the automatic detection of myopia in Optos fundus images.
Estimating agronomically relevant symbiotic nitrogen fixation in green manure breeding programs
Authors: Muller Katherine E. , Guinness Joseph , Hecking Matthew , Drinkwater Laurie E.
Published: March 2021

Widespread use of legume green manures is limited by a lack of reliable varieties that meet the needs of farmers. Improving symbiotic N fixation (SNF) in open‐pollinated legume species poses a challenge because normal methods used for assessing SNF conflict with breeding practices such as seed production and removing low‐quality sires. We investigated methods for measuring symbiotic N fixation that are compatible with breeding practice for two major legume cover crops: hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatumL.). We collected two nondestructive samples at the early‐flowering stage (Meristem and Wedge) and a sample at seed harvest (Seed). Our objective was to determine which combination of measurements best predicted symbiotic N fixation (% N derived from atmosphere [Ndfa]) and total N content at 50% flowering. Our statistical approach accommodated the problem that target traits and seed measurements cannot be measured in the same individuals. Overall, the Wedge sample provided the best prediction for Ndfa at 50% flowering. The best predictions for total N plant–1came from combining vigor ratings with aboveground biomass at seed harvest. In addition to specific recommendations for legume cover crop breeding programs, we provide a flexible statistical method for studying relationships between traits that cannot be measured jointly.
Glycine and N‐acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) supplementation in older adults improves glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, genotoxicity, muscle strength, and cognition: Results of a pilot clinical trial
Authors: Kumar Premranjan , Liu Chun , Hsu Jean W. , Chacko Shaji , Minard Charles , Jahoor Farook , Sekhar Rajagopal V.
Published: March 2021

Background

Oxidative stress (OxS) and mitochondrial dysfunction are implicated as causative factors for aging. Older adults (OAs) have an increased prevalence of elevated OxS, impaired mitochondrial fuel‐oxidation (MFO), elevated inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, cognitive decline, muscle weakness, and sarcopenia, but contributing mechanisms are unknown, and interventions are limited/lacking. We previously reported that inducing deficiency of the antioxidant tripeptide glutathione (GSH) in young mice results in mitochondrial dysfunction, and that supplementing GlyNAC (combination of glycine and N‐acetylcysteine [NAC]) in aged mice improves naturally‐occurring GSH deficiency, mitochondrial impairment, OxS, and insulin resistance. This pilot trial in OA was conducted to test the effect of GlyNAC supplementation and withdrawal on intracellular GSH concentrations, OxS, MFO, inflammation, endothelial function, genotoxicity, muscle and glucose metabolism, body composition, strength, and cognition.

Methods

A 36‐week open‐label clinical trial was conducted in eight OAs and eight young adults (YAs). After all the participants underwent an initial (pre‐supplementation) study, the YAs were released from the study. OAs were studied again after GlyNAC supplementation for 24 weeks, and GlyNAC withdrawal for 12 weeks. Measurements included red‐blood cell (RBC) GSH, MFO; plasma biomarkers of OxS, inflammation, endothelial function, glucose, and insulin; gait‐speed, grip‐strength, 6‐min walk test; cognitive tests; genomic‐damage; glucose‐production and muscle‐protein breakdown rates; and body‐composition.

Results

GlyNAC supplementation for 24 weeks in OA corrected RBC‐GSH deficiency, OxS, and mitochondrial dysfunction; and improved inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, insulin‐resistance, genomic‐damage, cognition, strength, gait‐speed, and exercise capacity; and lowered body‐fat and waist‐circumference. However, benefits declined after stopping GlyNAC supplementation for 12 weeks.

Conclusions

GlyNAC supplementation for 24‐weeks in OA was well tolerated and lowered OxS, corrected intracellular GSH deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased inflammation, insulin‐resistance and endothelial dysfunction, and genomic‐damage, and improved strength, gait‐speed, cognition, and body composition. Supplementing GlyNAC in aging humans could be a simple and viable method to promote health and warrants additional investigation.
Reconstruction of meander‐bend migration from associated channel‐belt architecture recorded in successions of ancient meandering rivers: A case study from the Cretaceous Songliao Basin, China
Authors: Lin Zhipeng , Wang Chengshan , Shan Jingfu , Han Zhongpeng , Chen Le
Published: March 2021

Identification of the diverse channel patterns of meander‐bend migration is essential when reconstructing the historical evolution of sedimentary processes in meandering rivers. However, reconstruction of the spatio‐temporal evolution of ancient meandering fluvial deposits for hydrocarbon exploration is difficult due to the limited research on the patterns and styles of meander‐bend migration. To reconstruct the geomorphologic and sedimentary evolution of subsurface meandering palaeochannels, this study proposes an approach based on combining meander‐bend planforms and cross‐sectional architectural elements of clastic sedimentary successions of ancient meandering rivers. The research was applied to meandering fluvial deposits of the lower Cretaceous Quantou Formation in the north‐eastern Songliao Basin, China. High‐resolution satellite images of modern meandering rivers were used to classify and evaluate the meander‐bend planform transformations of expansion, rotation and contraction (also known as bend tightening, i.e. narrowing of the neck of the meander‐bend showing a tendency towards neck tightening or cut‐off). Major meander‐bend transformations were related to cross‐sectional bedding architecture (i.e. bed dipping or bounding surface), which was identified through well‐log and core characteristics, to construct the migration patterns of subsurface meander‐belt deposits. Integration of well‐log and core analysis from a dense array of wells allowed the stratigraphic architecture of ancient meandering rivers and stacking patterns of fluvial sandbodies to be characterised. Furthermore, major reservoir architectural elements and bounding surfaces of meandering channels were identified. Ultimately, the 3D meandering fluvial architecture was represented on 2D vertical sections so that, planform transformations and the evolutionary processes of point bars and meander bends could be elucidated. Reconstruction of meander‐bend migration is of practical value for deciphering ancient fluvial systems and the development of subsurface fluvial reservoir models.
Using organoids to study human brain development and evolution
Authors: Chan Wai‐Kit , Fetit Rana , Griffiths Rosie , Marshall Helen , Mason John O. , Price David J.
Published: March 2021

Recent advances in methods for making cerebral organoids have opened a window of opportunity to directly study human brain development and disease, countering limitations inherent in non‐human‐based approaches. Whether freely patterned, guided into a region‐specific fate or fused into assembloids, organoids have successfully recapitulated key features of in vivo neurodevelopment, allowing its examination from early to late stages. Although organoids have enormous potential, their effective use relies on understanding the extent of their limitations in accurately reproducing specific processes and components in the developing human brain. Here we review the potential of cerebral organoids to model and study human brain development and evolution and discuss the progress and current challenges in their use for reproducing specific human neurodevelopmental processes.
Assessing temperature‐dependent competition between two invasive mosquito species
Authors: Evans Michelle V. , Drake John M. , Jones Lindsey , Murdock Courtney C.
Published: March 2021

Invasive mosquitoes are expanding their ranges into new geographic areas and interacting with resident mosquito species. Understanding how novel interactions can affect mosquito population dynamics is necessary to predict transmission risk at invasion fronts. Mosquito life‐history traits are extremely sensitive to temperature, and this can lead to temperature‐dependent competition between competing invasive mosquito species. We explored temperature‐dependent competition between Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi, two invasive mosquito species whose distributions overlap in India, the Middle East, and North Africa, where An. stephensi is currently expanding into the endemic range of Ae. aegypti. We followed mosquito cohorts raised at different intraspecific and interspecific densities across five temperatures (16–32°C) to measure traits relevant for population growth and to estimate species’ per capita growth rates. We then used these growth rates to derive each species’ competitive ability at each temperature. We find strong evidence for asymmetric competition at all temperatures, with Ae. aegypti emerging as the dominant competitor. This was primarily because of differences in larval survival and development times across all temperatures that resulted in a higher estimated intrinsic growth rate and competitive tolerance estimate for Ae. aegypti compared to An. stephensi. The spread of An. stephensi into the African continent could lead to urban transmission of malaria, an otherwise rural disease, increasing the human population at risk and complicating malaria elimination efforts. Competition has resulted in habitat segregation of other invasive mosquito species, and our results suggest that it may play a role in determining the distribution of An. stephensi across its invasive range.
The species–area relationship for a highly fragmented temperate river system
Authors: Carl Leon M. , Esselman Peter C. , Sparks‐Jackson Beth L. , Wilson Chris C.
Published: March 2021

Despite the importance of species–area relationships (SARs) to conservation, SARs in human‐fragmented rivers have received little attention. Our aim was to test for the presence and strength of SARs for littoral fish assemblages of an extensively dammed river in south‐central Ontario, Canada, and to examine long‐running hypotheses for the drivers of SARs. Twenty‐six navigational dams with locks built between 1837 and 1913 occur along the 160 km length of the Trent River examined in this study. We evaluated the relationship between richness and fragment area, and then used linear models to test whether the area per se, habitat diversity, or other hypotheses were best supported by the data. A power–function relationship with area explained 46% of the variation in fish species richness, and the slope (z = 0.4) was high compared with SARs reported from other ecosystems, indicating that species accumulated rapidly with an increase in fragment area. Multi‐predictor models suggested that area was significantly related to richness, but that vegetation cover diversity had a stronger relative effect. The slope of our SAR may indicate that there is a high degree of isolation between populations in different fragments, even though the lock system reportedly allows some passage of organisms. Our findings also suggest that mitigating against local extinction due to small population sizes (i.e., area effects), and enhancing aquatic vegetation cover may be viable strategies for promoting species diversity in the study river. Studies of SARs in fragmented rivers may offer additional benefits to supporting restoration planning where efforts are being made to increase species diversity.
Comparing sample bias correction methods for species distribution modeling using virtual species
Authors: Inman Richard , Franklin Janet , Esque Todd , Nussear Kenneth
Published: March 2021

A key assumption in species distribution modeling (SDM) with presence‐background (PB) methods is that sampling of occurrence localities is unbiased and that any sampling bias is proportional to the background distribution of environmental covariates. This assumption is rarely met when SDM practitioners rely on federated museum records from natural history collections for geo‐located occurrences due to inherent sampling bias found in these collections. We use a simulation approach to explore the effectiveness of three methods developed to account for sampling bias in SDM with PB frameworks. Two of the methods rely on careful filtering of observation data—geographic thinning (G‐Filter) and environmental thinning (E‐Filter)—while a third, FactorBiasOut, creates selection weights for background data to bias locations toward areas where the observation dataset was sampled. While these methods have been assessed previously, evaluation has emphasized spatial predictions of habitat potential. Here, we dig deeper into the effectiveness of these methods by exploring how sampling bias not only affects predictions of habitat potential, but also our understanding of niche characteristics such as which explanatory variables and response curves best represent species–environment relationships. We simulate 100 virtual species ranging from generalist to specialist in their habitat preferences and introduce geographic and environmental bias at three intensity levels to measure the effectiveness of each correction method to (1) predict true probability of occurrence across a study area, (2) recover true species–environment relationships, and (3) identify true explanatory variables. We find that the FactorBiasOut most often showed the greatest improvement in recreating known distributions but did no better at correctly identifying environmental covariates or recreating species–environment relationships than G‐Filter or E‐Filter methods. Narrow niche species are most problematic for biased calibration datasets, such that correction methods can, in some cases, make predictions worse.
Increasing temperature threatens an already endangered coastal dune plant
Authors: Compagnoni Aldo , Pardini Eleanor , Knight Tiffany M.
Published: March 2021

Climate change has the potential to reduce the abundance and distribution of species and threaten global biodiversity, but it is typically not listed as a threat in classifying species conservation status. This likely occurs because demonstrating climate change as a threat requires data‐intensive demographic information. Moreover, the threat from climate change is often studied in specific biomes, such as polar or arid ones. Other biomes, such as coastal ones, have received little attention, despite being currently exposed to substantial climate change effects. We forecast the effect of climate change on the demography and population size of a federally endangered coastal dune plant (Lupinus tidestromii). We use data from a 14‐yr demographic study across seven extant populations of this endangered plant. Using model selection, we found that survival and fertility measures responded negatively to temperature anomalies. We then produced forecasts based on stochastic individual‐based population models that account for uncertainty in demographic outcomes. Despite large uncertainties, we predict that all populations will decline if temperatures increase by 1°C. Considering the total number of individuals across all seven populations, the most likely outcome is a population decline of 90%. Moreover, we predict extinction is certain for one of our seven populations. These results demonstrate that climate change will profoundly decrease the current and future population growth rates of this plant, and its chance of persistence. Thus, our study provides the first evidence that climate change is an extinction threat for a plant species classified as endangered under the USA Endangered Species Act.
Foraging habitat drives the distribution of an endangered bat in an urbanizing boreal landscape
Authors: Thomas Julie P. , Kukka Piia M. , Benjamin Justine E. , Barclay Robert M. R. , Johnson Chris J. , Schmiegelow Fiona K. A. , Jung Thomas S.
Published: March 2021

The boreal forest is the largest intact forest in the world, and a refuge for species experiencing range retractions as a consequence of climate and landscape change. Yet, large tracts of the boreal forest are threatened by the cumulative impacts of climate change, natural resource extraction, agriculture, and urbanization, perhaps warranting a shift in focus from biodiversity conservation in intact wilderness to that in anthropologically modified landscapes. We investigated landscape features that influence the distribution of the endangered little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) in an urbanizing boreal landscape at two spatial scales. We hypothesized that little brown bat activity would be influenced by proximity to available building roosts, because roosts are a potential limiting factor for boreal bats. Secondarily, we predicted that bats would use potential foraging habitat, such as waterbodies, and would avoid young, cluttered forests at the landscape scale. We conducted acoustic surveys of bat activity at 210 sites distributed across the study area in Yukon, Canada, within 1‐km grid cells. We tested a priori hypotheses with a set of candidate regression models, accounting for spatial autocorrelation. Our hypothesis about the relative importance of anthropogenic roosts was not supported. Little brown bats were equally active in urban areas (high building density) and rural areas (low building density), perhaps because roosts were adequately available throughout the region. Instead, habitat use was driven by the distribution of potential foraging habitat, particularly waterbodies, which are important sources of aerial insect prey. Little brown bats also avoided young (≤100‐yr‐old) forest at the landscape scale (including areas regenerating after fire), which may have been poor foraging or roosting habitat, and used areas with a smaller agricultural and industrial footprint. Our results suggest that waterbodies and mature forest are important little brown bat habitats that should be protected from urban encroachment. Proactive conservation of important habitat for species at risk is still possible throughout much of the boreal forest, where human densities are comparatively low and the urban footprint is currently small.
Health‐related quality of life in left ventricular assist device‐supported patients
Authors: Itzhaki Ben Zadok Osnat , Ben-Avraham Binyamin , Jaarsma Tiny , Shaul Aviv , Hammer Yoav , Barac Yaron D. , Mats Israel , Eldar Orit , Abuhazira Miriam , Yaari Vicky , Gulobov Dmitry , Mulu Mastwal , Aravot Dan , Kornowski Ran , Ben-Gal Tuvia
Published: March 2021

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the different health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL) aspects in patients with both short‐term and long‐term duration LVAD support at pre‐specified time intervals.

Methods and results

We performed a single‐centre HR‐QoL analysis of short‐term and long‐term LVAD‐supported patients using the short version of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ‐12) and the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire along with a survey to evaluate patients' social and driving routines. Data were collected at baseline and at 6 or 12 month follow‐up. Included were 46 patients with a median time from LVAD implantation of 1.1 [inter‐quartile range (IQR) 0.5, 2.6] years. The median KCCQ‐12 summary score was 56 (IQR 29, 74) with most favourable scores in the symptom frequency domain [75 (IQR 50, 92)] and worse scores in the physical limitation [42 (IQR 25, 75)] and QoL [44 (IQR 25, 75)] domains. No significant changes were apparent during study follow‐up [KCCQ‐12 summary score 56 (IQR 35, 80)], and no significant correlation between the KCCQ‐12 summary score and ventricular assist device‐support duration was detected (r = −0.036, P = 0.812). Sexual dysfunction was noted across all domains with a cumulative score of 31 (IQR 22, 42). Seventy‐six per cent of patients resumed driving after LVAD implantation, and 43% of patients reported they socialize with family and friends more frequently since surgery.

Conclusions

Short‐term and long‐term LVAD‐supported patients had impaired HR‐QoL and sexual function at baseline and at follow‐up yet reported an improvement in social interactions and independency. A broader spectrum of patient's reported HR‐QoL measures should be integrated into the pre‐LVAD implantation assessment and preparation.
Cardiac performance in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19: a 6 month follow‐up study
Authors: Fayol Antoine , Livrozet Marine , Boutouyrie Pierre , Khettab Hakim , Betton Maureen , Tea Victoria , Blanchard Anne , Bruno Rosa‐Maria , Hulot Jean‐Sébastien ,   French COVID cohort study group
Published: March 2021

Aims

Myocardial injury is frequently observed in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia. Different cardiac abnormalities have been reported during the acute COVID‐19 phase, ranging from infra‐clinic elevations of myocardial necrosis biomarkers to acute cardiac dysfunction and myocarditis. There is limited information on late cardiac sequelae in patients who have recovered from acute COVID‐19 illness. We aimed to document the presence and quantify the extent of myocardial functional alterations in patients hospitalized 6 months earlier for COVID‐19 infection.

Methods and results

We conducted a prospective echocardiographic evaluation of 48 patients (mean age 58 ± 13 years, 69% male) hospitalized 6 ± 1 month earlier for a laboratory‐confirmed and symptomatic COVID‐19. Thirty‐two (66.6%) had pre‐existing cardiovascular risks factors (systemic hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidaemia), and three patients (6.2%) had a known prior myocardial infarction. Sixteen patients (33.3%) experienced myocardial injury during the index COVID‐19 hospitalization as identified by a rise in cardiac troponin levels. Six months later, 60.4% of patients still reported clinical symptoms including exercise dyspnoea for 56%. Echocardiographic measurements under resting conditions were not different between patients with versus without myocardial injury during the acute COVID‐19 phase. In contrast, low‐level exercise (25W for 3 min) induced a significant increase in the average E/e′ ratio (10.1 ± 4.3 vs. 7.3 ± 11.5, P = 0.01) and the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (33.4 ± 7.8 vs. 25.6 ± 5.3 mmHg, P = 0.02) in patients with myocardial injury during the acute COVID‐19 phase. Sensitivity analyses showed that these alterations of left ventricular diastolic markers were observed regardless of whether of cardiovascular risk factors or established cardiac diseases indicating SARS‐CoV‐2 infection as a primary cause.

Conclusions

Six months after the acute COVID‐19 phase, significant cardiac diastolic abnormalities are observed in patients who experienced myocardial injury but not in patients without cardiac involvement.
A single subcutaneous or intranasal immunization with adenovirus‐based SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine induces robust humoral and cellular immune responses in mice
Authors: Kim Eun , Weisel Florian J. , Balmert Stephen C. , Khan Muhammad S. , Huang Shaohua , Erdos Geza , Kenniston Thomas W. , Carey Cara Donahue , Joachim Stephen M. , Conter Laura J. , Weisel Nadine M. , Okba Nisreen M. A. , Haagmans Bart L. , Percivalle Elena , Cassaniti Irene , Baldanti Fausto , Korkmaz Emrullah , Shlomchik Mark J. , Falo Louis D. , Gambotto Andrea
Published: March 2021

Optimal vaccines are needed for sustained suppression of SARS‐CoV‐2 and other novel coronaviruses. Here, we developed a recombinant type 5 adenovirus vector encoding the gene for the SARS‐CoV‐2 S1 subunit antigen (Ad5.SARS‐CoV‐2‐S1) for COVID‐19 immunization and evaluated its immunogenicity in mice. A single immunization with Ad5.SARS‐CoV‐2‐S1 via S.C. injection or I.N delivery induced robust antibody and cellular immune responses. Vaccination elicited significant S1‐specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a endpoint titers as early as 2 weeks, and the induced antibodies were long lasting. I.N. and S.C. administration of Ad5.SARS‐CoV‐2‐S1 produced S1‐specific GC B cells in cervical and axillary LNs, respectively. Moreover, I.N. and S.C. immunization evoked significantly greater antigen‐specific T‐cell responses compared to unimmunized control groups with indications that S.C. injection was more effective than I.N. delivery in eliciting cellular immune responses. Mice vaccinated by either route demonstrated significantly increased virus‐specific neutralization antibodies on weeks 8 and 12 compared to control groups, as well as BM antibody forming cells (AFC), indicative of long‐term immunity. Thus, this Ad5‐vectored SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine candidate showed promising immunogenicity following delivery to mice by S.C. and I.N. routes of administration, supporting the further development of Ad‐based vaccines against COVID‐19 and other infectious diseases for sustainable global immunization programs.
Characterization of multi‐cationic aminopyrene‐based tag for oligosaccharide labeling by capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection
Authors: Krenkova Jana , Dusa Filip , Cmelik Richard
Published: March 2021

In this work, we characterize a previously synthesized multi‐cationic aminopyrene‐based labeling tag for oligosaccharide analysis by capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection (CE/LIF). The fluorescent tag, 4,4',4''‐(8‐aminopyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonyl)tris(1‐methylpiperazine) (APTMP), was characterized by reaction with standard maltooligosaccharides and the labeling parameters such as fluorescent tag concentration, labeling temperature, and time as well as influence of a reducing agent and its solvent were investigated in terms of labeling efficiency. The nanomolar limit of detection of CE/LIF analysis of APTMP labeled maltopentaose was determined. However, significant amount of the oligosaccharides was reduced to alditols, which negatively affects the yield and rate of the labeling reaction. Under optimized conditions, a highly reproducible labeling by multi‐cationic APTMP was obtained; however, the most commonly used labeling by multi‐anionic 8‐aminopyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (APTS) is superior compared to APTMP labeling. Lower reactivity of APTMP compared to APTS can be explained by the loss of nucleophilicity induced by substitution of the sulfonate groups with more electron‐withdrawing aminosulfonyl ones. On contrary, APTMP is still a promising tag for oligosaccharide labeling followed by CE‐MS in a positive ion mode, which is considered to be more sensitive than MS detection of APTS in a negative ion mode.
Comparison of the influence of solid and phase change materials as a thermal storage medium on the performance of a solar chimney
Authors: Méndez Carlos , Bicer Yusuf
Published: March 2021

This paper studies the heat storage system's influence on a solar chimney's power production. This study considers several material types, including solid and phase change materials, at the bottom section of a solar chimney for energy storage, and evaluates their effects on the energy yield and capacity to prolong the power output during the absence of the sun. A computational fluid dynamic model using COMSOL Multiphysics is performed to carry out this work. An initial steady‐state analysis using average monthly irradiance is implemented, after which the top two solid and phase change material options are selected. Subsequently, a time‐dependent simulation using a typical summer day is carried out for the chosen storage materials. The overall performance results are comparatively assessed in terms of average temperature, power generation, and efficiency. As a result, bismuth‐led‐tin‐cadmium and magnesium chloride hexahydrate present the highest power production among the phase change materials, giving a yearly average power output of 27.46 kW and a storage temperature of about 346 K. On the other hand, sandstone offers the highest overall annual average power production, yielding 31.49 kW, and a storage temperature of 352.17 K. This material also reflects the highest yearly average energy and exergy efficiencies with 0.122% and 0.128%, respectively.
Suitability of phytoliths as a quantitative process tracer for soil erosion studies
Authors: Kraushaar Sabine , Konzett Matthias , Kiep Janika , Siebert Christian , Meister Julia
Published: March 2021

Phytoliths are plant microfossils commonly used as qualitative archive markers in archaeological and paleoecological studies. Their potential uniqueness to the vegetation cover, robustness to weathering, and lack of chemical alteration along the transport paths make them potentially suitable tracers for quantitative erosion studies. In this pilot study, we explore the potential of phytoliths in a sediment fingerprinting study in the Ceguera catchment (28 km2) in NE Spain. The phytolith concentrations and morphologies of four land cover classes (agricultural land, badland, forest, and shrubland) were analysed, and their contributions to four natural sediment mixture samples along the river course were modelled. Phytolith concentrations allowed us to discriminate sources sufficiently, albeit with limited sample size. The performance of the phytoliths as tracer was tested by reproducing the sources of artificial sediment mixture samples with satisfactory recall ratio. Results identified badlands to be the main contributor, with 84–96% of the sediment load to the sinks, followed by shrublands (median 5%) and agricultural lands (median 2%). These major findings can be reproduced by other conventional erosion studies from this area, indicating that phytoliths are suited to quantifying erosion patterns in mesoscale catchments.
Effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil and potassium sorbate on inoculated Listeria monocytogenes, microbial and chemical quality of raw trout fillet during refrigerator storage
Authors: Motavaf Forough , Mirvaghefi Alireza , Farahmand Hamid , Hosseini Seyed Vali
Published: March 2021

Human listeriosis is predominantly associated with contaminated food consumption, including seafood, shrimp, and RTE foods. Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that is mainly found in freshwater, seawater, and fish mucus. Seafood contamination can occur during food processing. L.monocytogenes levels of below 100 cfu/g can be found in seafood samples. The present study was conducted to investigates the effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) and potassium sorbate (PS) on microbial and chemical changes in raw rainbow trout at 4°C to extent shelf life and improve food safety. First, the chemical compositions of ZEO were identified. Then, different percentage of ZEO (1.5, 0.8, and 0.5%) and PS (2%) were inoculated in raw fish fillets and analyzed for TVC, TBA, TVB‐N, pH, sensory attributes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and inoculated L. monocytogenes (1 × 105 cfu/g) survival at 4°C for 12 days. The best sensory evaluation score was observed for the samples treated with 0.8% and 1.5% ZEO. Overall, this study results indicated that the treatment of rainbow trout fillet with 1.5% ZEO is the best method for controlling the growth of L. monocytogenes at refrigerator temperature without any undesirable sensory effects.
Stabilization and attributive amelioration of sugarcane juice by naturally derived preservatives using aonla and moringa extract
Authors: Khan Moazzam Rafiq , Syed Ayesha , Zia Sania , Ahmed Waqar , Aadil Rana Muhammad , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal , Inam‐Ur‐Raheem Muhammad , Abid Muhammad , Shabbir Muhammad Asim , Qureshi Shahnah , Din Ahmad , Karrar Emaad
Published: March 2021

Sugarcane juice (SCJ) is a cheap, popular, and very nutritious beverage served at roadside stalls in many countries during harvesting season. The juice is normally consumed immediately after extraction as fermentation sets within a few hours of extraction. Preserving the raw sugarcane juice is always challenging because it spoils within a few hours of extraction due to fermentation. Therefore, the bottling, distribution, and marketing of sugarcane are difficult tasks. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of naturally derived preservatives using aonla extract (AE) and moringa extract (ME) in different proportions (0%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) for the preservation of SCJ during 21 days of the storage period at 4 ± 2°C temperature. The effect of extracts and storage time were analyzed on physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds, enzymatic, microbiological, and sensory analyses of SCJ. A significant improvement in pH of 5% AE (5.30 ± 0.06) and 5% ME (5.36 ± 0.02) was observed at 21 days as compared to control (5.89 ± 0.02). The total phenolic contents in 7% ME were also observed to be retained (4.4 ± 0.02 mg GAE/mL) at 21 days as compared to control (2.65 ± 0.03 mg GAE/mL). Other physicochemical and phytochemical analyses including titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, 2,2‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) also indicated that SCJ treated with ME was significantly stable (p < .05) regarding quality parameters, nutritional and sensory attributes at different storage intervals. These findings may be practical for the large‐scale production, storage, and marketing of SCJ products.
Technically exploitable mineral carbonation potential of four alkaline waste materials and effects on contaminant mobility
Authors: Schnabel Kevin , Brück Felix , Pohl Sven , Mansfeldt Tim , Weigand Harald
Published: March 2021

Mineral carbonation of alkaline wastes can contribute to the sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2). In this study we examined the CO2 sequestration potential of four dry‐discharged waste materials using theoretical and experimental approaches. The materials encompassed biomass bottom ash, biomass fly ash, refuse‐derived fuel fly ash, and stainless‐steel slag. Their CO2 sequestration potential was determined from the acid neutralization capacity (ANC) and alternatively from the elemental composition using the Steinour equation (StE). Results were compared to experimental data from batch carbonation tests performed with pure CO2 at near atmospheric pressure over 7 days. Influence of water content on the CO2 uptake was determined in short‐term carbonation tests over 2 hr. Effects related to the hydration and the subsequent carbonation were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and leaching tests. Depending on the material the experimental CO2 uptakes ranged from 0.99 to 2.54 mol kg−1. The ANC‐based approach either under‐ or overestimated the experimental CO2 uptake and the StE strongly overestimated the experimental CO2 uptake throughout. Except for biomass fly ash the experimental CO2 uptake within a test period of 2 hr depended on the moisture content. Upon carbonation the leachate pH decreased and amphoteric trace elements tended to be immobilized. In contrast to this, the mobility of oxyanions increased by two orders of magnitude. Our results suggest that for the design of CO2 sequestration strategies experimental investigations of the CO2 uptake are preferable to indirect estimates. When using waste materials for CO2 sequestration, effects on contaminant mobility must be considered since these determine disposal costs. © 2021 The Authors. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utility of the pareidolia test in mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hamilton Calum A , Matthews Fiona E , Allan Louise M , Barker Sally , Ciafone Joanna , Donaghy Paul C , Durcan Rory , Firbank Michael J , Lawley Sarah , O'Brien John T , Roberts Gemma , Taylor John‐Paul , Thomas Alan J
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Previous research has identified that dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) has abnormal pareidolic responses which are associated with severity of visual hallucinations (VH), and the pareidolia test accurately classifies DLB with VH. We aimed to assess whether these findings would also be evident at the earlier stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with Lewy bodies (MCI‐LB) in comparison to MCI due to AD (MCI‐AD) and cognitively healthy comparators.

Methods

One‐hundred and thirty‐seven subjects were assessed prospectively in a longitudinal study with a mean follow‐up of 1.2 years (max = 3.7): 63 MCI‐LB (22% with VH) and 40 MCI‐AD according to current research diagnostic criteria, and 34 healthy comparators. The pareidolia test was administered annually as a repeated measure.

Results

Probable MCI‐LB had an estimated pareidolia rate 1.2–6.7 times higher than MCI‐AD. Pareidolia rates were not associated with concurrent VH, but had a weak association with total score on the North East Visual Hallucinations Inventory. The pareidolia test was not an accurate classifier of either MCI‐LB (Area under curve (AUC) = 0.61), or VH (AUC = 0.56). There was poor sensitivity when differentiating MCI‐LB from controls (41%) or MCI‐AD (27%), though specificity was better (91% and 89%, respectively).

Conclusions

Whilst pareidolic responses are specifically more frequent in MCI‐LB than MCI‐AD, sensitivity of the pareidolia test is poorer than in DLB, with fewer patients manifesting VH at the earlier MCI stage. However, the high specificity and ease of use may make it useful in specialist clinics where imaging biomarkers are not available.
Financial Hardship From Medical Bills Among Adults With Chronic Liver Diseases: National Estimates From the United States
Authors: Lago‐Hernandez Carlos , Nguyen Nghia H. , Khera Rohan , Loomba Rohit , Asrani Sumeet K. , Singh Siddharth
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

Chronic liver diseases (CLD) affect approximately 2% of the U.S. population and are associated with substantial burden of hospitalization and costs. We estimated the national burden and consequences of financial hardship from medical bills in individuals with CLD.

Approach and Results

Using the National Health Interview Survey from 2014 to 2018, we identified individuals with self‐reported CLD. We used complex weighted survey analysis to obtain national estimates of financial hardship from medical bills and other financial toxicity measures (eg, cost‐related medication nonadherence, personal and/or health care–related financial distress, food insecurity). We evaluated the association of financial hardship from medical bills with unplanned health care use and work productivity, accounting for differences in age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance, income, education, and comorbidities. Of the 3,666 (representing 5.3 million) U.S. adults with CLD, 1,377 (representing 2 million [37%, 95% CI: 35%‐39%]) reported financial hardship from medical bills, including 549 (representing 740,000 [14%, 95% CI: 13%‐16%]) who were unable to pay medical bills at all. Adults who were unable to pay medical bills had 8.4‐times higher odds of cost‐related medication nonadherence (adjusted OR [aOR], 8.39 [95% CI, 5.72‐12.32]), 6.3‐times higher odds of financial distress (aOR, 6.33 [4.44‐9.03]), and 5.6‐times higher odds of food insecurity (aOR, 5.59 [3.74‐8.37]), as compared to patients without financial hardship from medical bills. Patients unable to pay medical bills had 1.9‐times higher odds of emergency department visits (aOR, 1.85 [1.33‐2.57]) and 1.8‐times higher odds of missing work due to disease (aOR, 1.83 [1.26‐2.67]).

Conclusions

One in 3 adults with CLD experience financial hardship from medical bills, and frequently experience financial toxicity and unplanned healthcare use. These financial determinates of health have important implications in the context of value‐based care.
Promoting Confident Body, Confident Child in community child health: A mixed‐methods implementation study
Authors: Norton Lyza , Hart Laura M. , Butel Francoise , Moloney Susan , O’Connor Narelle , Attenborough Vicki , Roberts Shelley
Published: March 2021

Objective

To evaluate population‐level implementation of Confident Body, Confident Child (CBCC); an evidence‐based program providing parenting strategies to promote healthy eating, physical activity and body satisfaction in children aged 2‐6 years; with community child health nurses (CHNs).

Methods

This study utilised an implementation‐effectiveness hybrid design, with dual focus on assessing: (a) CBCC implementation into Child Health Centres at a regional health service in Queensland, Australia (process evaluation); and (b) CBCC’s effect on CHNs’ knowledge and attitudes (outcomes evaluation). Process (CBCC reach, dose, fidelity) and outcome data (CHN knowledge of child body image; and attitudes towards higher body weights) were collected during implementation, and pre‐ and post‐intervention delivery to CHNs, respectively.

Results

Twenty‐six CHNs (all female; mean age 52.7 ± 9.5 years) participated in the study by attending a 1‐day CBCC training workshop and completing demographic and outcome surveys. Process evaluation found that CBCC was implemented as planned and reached 56% of CHNs across the health service. Outcome evaluation showed small but non‐significant improvements in CHN knowledge (P = .077) and attitudes towards overweight (using Anti‐Fat Attitudes scale; significant improvements on willpower sub‐scale only (P < .05)).

Discussion

This is the first study to evaluate population‐wide CBCC implementation in a real‐world health service setting with CHNs. Findings highlight the potential for using pragmatic, implementation‐focused methodologies to translate preventive eating disorder programs into community child health services.
Empowering leadership and followers' good and bad behaviors: A dual mediation model
Authors: Rai Arpana , Kim Minseo
Published: March 2021

Drawing from social exchange theory and conservation of resources theory, the present study examines the effects of empowering leadership on followers' innovative work behavior (IWB) and organizational deviance through two underlying psychological mechanisms: (a) by developing followers' trust in leader and (b) by lowering followers' emotional exhaustion. The model was tested using a sample of 343 full‐time Indian managerial employees who completed surveys at two time points separated by an approximate 2‐week interval. Results from structural equation modeling supported the hypothesized model, suggesting that empowering leadership elicited greater trust in the leader and lowered emotional exhaustion, both of which made followers engaged in more IWB and less organizational deviance. Together, these findings highlight the importance of both social exchange‐based and resource‐based underlying mechanisms explaining why empowering leadership promotes desirable and reduces undesirable work behaviors of followers. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Numerical study of activation energy and thermal radiation effects on Oldroyd‐B nanofluid flow using the Cattaneo–Christov double diffusion model over a convectively heated stretching sheet
Authors: Rawat Sawan Kumar , Upreti Himanshu , Kumar Manoj
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates a theoretical model of a mixed convective Oldroyd‐B nanofluid with thermal radiation and activation energy effects. A thorough analysis is done by employing the nonhomogeneous Buongiorno model in the presence of velocity slip and suction. The surface is porous in nature, and nanoparticle mass flux is maintained passively at the surface. The thermal and concentration equations are modeled with the Cattaneo–Christov theory of heat and mass flux, respectively. Proper transformations are utilized for the conversion of transport equations and boundary conditions. The similarity solution is obtained through a numerical approach by utilizing the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method and shooting technique. The vital outcomes of this study and the influence of controlling parameters on the flow field, temperature, and concentration profiles are discussed graphically and in a tabular manner. Furthermore, a detailed discussion is provided to explain the results physically. The velocity of the nanofluid increases when the porosity parameter is increased, and temperature decreases with increasing thermal relaxation parameter. The outcomes elucidate that the suction parameter, thermal radiation parameter, and thermal relaxation parameter are positively correlated with the heat transfer coefficient. The result of passive control of nanoparticles at the surface is that the Brownian motion parameter has no influence on the temperature of the Oldroyd‐B nanofluid flow and rate of heat transfer at the surface.