bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security challenges of Internet of Underwater Things: A systematic literature review
Authors: Yisa Aliyu Gana , Dargahi Tooska , Belguith Sana , Hammoudeh Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Water covers approximately 71% of the earth surface, yet much of the underwater world remains unexplored due to technology limitations. Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) is a network of underwater objects that enables monitoring subsea environment remotely. Underwater Wireless Sensor Network (UWSN) is the main enabling technology for IoUT. UWSNs are characterised by the limitations of the underlying acoustic communication medium, high energy consumption, lack of hardware resources to implement computationally intensive tasks and dynamic network topology due to node mobility. These characteristics render UNWSNs vulnerable to different attacks, such as Wormhole, Sybil, flooding, jamming, spoofing, and Denial of Service attacks. This article reviews peer‐reviewed literature that addresses the security challenges and attacks on UWSNs as well as possible mitigative solutions. Findings show that the biggest contributing factors to security threats in UWSNs are the limited energy supply, the limited communication medium and the harsh underwater communication conditions. Researchers in this field agree that the security measures of terrestrial wireless sensor networks are not directly applicable to UWSNs due to the unique nature of the underwater environment where resource management becomes a significant challenge. This article also outlines future research directions on security and privacy challenges of IoUT and UWSN.
On secure transmission in hybrid satellite‐terrestrial cooperative network with untrusted energy harvesting relay and imperfect channel estimation
Authors: Odeyemi Kehinde O. , Owolawi Pius A. , Olakanmi Oladayo O.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the security performance of a hybrid satellite‐terrestrial cooperative network (HSTCN) with untrusted energy limited relay and imperfect channel state information (CSI) is investigated. The satellite and terrestrial links are assumed to follow Shadowed‐Rician fading and Rayleigh fading distributions respectively. The amplify‐and‐forward energy‐limited relay node employs power splitting relaying mode to scavenge energy from its received signals. By considering imperfect CSI between the relay and destination link, maximum ratio combining (MRC) and selection combining (SC) diversity schemes are utilized at the destination to enhance the quality of received signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and aid jamming signal to prevent the untrusted relay from intercepting the satellite confidential data. Thus, to evaluate the HSTCN security performance, the exact analytical closed‐form expressions for the security outage probability (SOP) and connectivity outage probability (COP) are derived for each of the diversity combining techniques. Owing to trade‐off between SOP and COP, the effective secrecy throughput (EST) expression is obtained for the considered diversity schemes with a view to examine the security and reliability performance of the concerned system. Moreover, the impact of system parameters such as transmit SNR, channel coefficient, energy harvesting coefficient, and number of antennas are evaluated. In addition, the results reveal that the MRC has better SOP, COP, and EST performance compare with the SC. Also, it is found that the system EST degrades at high transmit SNR when the number of antennas at satellite is higher. The accuracy of the derived analytical expressions is confirmed by using Monte‐Carlo simulations.
On outage analysis of nonlinear radio frequency energy harvesting based cooperative communication in cognitive radio network
Authors: Ghosh Sutanu
Published: December 2020

The aim of this article is to investigate the outage performance of nonlinear radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting (EH) enabled decode‐and‐forward relay assisted cognitive radio network. Here, secondary transmitter (ST) can access the licensed spectrum of primary users (PUs) to send its message toward the secondary receiver and at the same time, it can support the primary communication by performing like a relay node. ST can harvest the energy from the received RF signal of primary transmitter to execute its necessary activities. The closed‐form expressions of PU and secondary user outage are derived to measure the end‐to‐end reliability of the system. The accuracy of derived expressions are also validated through the observation of simulation results. In addition to that, the performance of nonlinear EH model is also compared with respect to linear EH model.
Glycemic index of different varieties of yam as influenced by boiling, frying and roasting
Authors: Ampofo Deborah , Agbenorhevi Jacob K. , Firempong Caleb K. , Adu‐Kwarteng Evelyn
Published: December 2020

Yam is one of the commonly consumed carbohydrate staples. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of boiling, roasting, and frying on the glycemic index (GI) of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata), yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenesis), and water yam (Dioscorea alata). Yam tubers were obtained (peeled, sliced, washed) deep fried in vegetable oil for 35–40 min and boiled in water for about 35–45 min. Sliced unpeeled tubers were also roasted at about 120°C for 40–45 min. The cooked yam samples were fed to 10 healthy subjects aged between 20–50 years. A glucometer was used to measure the blood glucose concentrations of the test individuals before consuming the yam diets and after the 15th, 30th, 45th, 60th, 90th, and 120th min of consumption. The average incremental area under the curves (IAUC) obtained from the recorded blood glucose concentrations were used to calculate the GI of various yam diets. The GI of the yam diets were found to be in the following increasing order: White‐yam‐boiled (44.26%) < Water‐yam‐boiled (50.12%) < White‐yam‐roasted (50.62%) < Water‐yam‐roasted (54.04%) < White‐yam‐fried (59.13%) < Yellow‐yam‐fried (65.08%) < Water‐yam‐fried (69.16%) < Yellow‐yam‐roasted (70.62%) < Yellow‐yam‐boiled (75.18%). White yam diets relatively had lower GI compared to yellow yam and water yam. Boiling was found to give generally lower GI in the white and water yams and could therefore be applied in the preparation of lower GI diets for diabetics.
“They don't think it will ever happen to them”: Exploring factors affecting participation in alcohol‐influenced aquatic activity among young Australian adults
Authors: Calverley Hannah L. M. , Petrass Lauren A. , Blitvich Jennifer D.
Published: December 2020

Issue addressed

Young adults are over‐represented in alcohol‐related drownings in high‐income countries; however, little research has investigated their behaviours and decision‐making to inform prevention efforts.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 23 young Australian adults (aged 18‐24 years). Questions, informed by previous research, inquired about behavioural practices in aquatic contexts and influences on involvement in alcohol‐influenced aquatic activity. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic and interpretative phenomenological analysis followed.

Results

Two main themes: personal and contextual awareness, and the impact of other people affected perceptions and involvement in alcohol‐influenced aquatic activity. Perceived control of situations and self‐confidence affected how these influences impacted individuals’ involvement. Participants acknowledged some young adults likely overestimate their aquatic abilities. This awareness was not discussed in relation to their own capabilities.

Conclusion

Drowning prevention efforts should inform young adults of the dangers of combining alcohol and aquatic activities, and make risks appear more immediate and applicable. Consideration should be given to measuring both perceived and actual aquatic abilities within various aquatic environments, to determine whether self‐reported perceived competence is an accurate proxy measure for actual aquatic ability. The influence of alcohol should also be highlighted. Steps are required for a positive shift in Australian norms of alcohol use in aquatic settings and the social and cultural attitudes towards this.

So what?

This study provides new insight into young adults’ perceptions and involvement in alcohol‐influenced aquatic activity. It enhances the evidence base for drowning prevention and health promotion practitioners and should inform more focused campaigns to prevent alcohol‐related drownings among young Australian adults.
A reappraisal of acute doses of benzodiazepines as a model of anterograde amnesia
Authors: Segura Isis Angélica , McGhee Jamie , Della Sala Sergio , Cowan Nelson , Pompéia Sabine
Published: December 2020

Objective

Acute administration of benzodiazepines is considered a pharmacological model of general organic anterograde amnesias (OAA). We sought to determine which type of amnesia these drugs best model by comparing the effects of diazepam with those reported in amnesiacs regarding working memory capacity (WMC), susceptibility to retroactive interference (RI), and accelerated forgetting.

Methods

In this double‐blind, parallel‐group design study, 30 undergraduates were randomly allocated to acute oral treatments with 15 mg diazepam or placebo. WMC and story recall were assessed pre‐ and post‐treatment. Story presentation was succeeded by 10 min of RI (spotting differences in pictures) or minimal RI (doing nothing in a darkened room). Delayed story recall was assessed under diazepam and 7 days later in a drug‐free session to assess accelerated forgetting.

Results

Recall of stories encoded under diazepam, whether reactivated or not, was severely impaired (anterograde amnesia). However, diazepam did not impair WMC, increase susceptibility to RI, or accelerate forgetting.

Conclusions

Diazepam's amnestic effects mirror those in patients with probable severe medial temporal damage, mostly restricted to initial consolidation and differ from other OAA (Korsakoff syndrome, frontal, transient epileptic, posttraumatic amnesia, and most progressive amnesias) in terms of WMC, susceptibility to RI and accelerated forgetting.
Is the cost of equity a mere function of leverage? The case of bond IPOs
Authors: Al‐Khasawneh Jamal A. , Dion Paul , Essaddam Naceur , Hussain Tashfeen
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we investigate how undertaking a bond IPO influences a firm's cost of equity. Using a sample of nearly 600 firms that have gone through a bond IPO over the 1980–2014 period, we show that the change in the cost of equity that results is not just a function of leverage influencing the risk of residual owners. The information and monitoring environment, and agency relationships of a firm change significantly with its first public debt, and these changes can have a significant impact on the firm's cost of equity. We find that firms that have relatively high information asymmetry before they undertake the bond IPO experience less of a rise in their cost of equity than firms with relatively low information asymmetry consistent with these firms benefitting from improvements in their information environment as a result of the IPO. We also show that firms with high pre‐bond IPO free cash flow see less of an increase in their cost of equity than firms with low pre‐bond IPO free cash flow consistent with the disciplining mechanism of additional debt and the benefit from additional monitoring. In addition, we find that firms with poor corporate governance experience less of an increase in their cost of equity after the bond IPO than firms with better corporate governance. The evidence suggests that the change in the riskiness of equity after a firm goes through a bond IPO is much more complex than what is predicted by the leverage increase.
Impact of demographics and appointment characteristics on patient attendance in a university dental clinic
Authors: White Laura Jade , Butler‐Howell Kate Ellise , Nadon‐Hoysted Naomie , Schulz Madeleine Carly , Kroon Jeroen
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Failed patient attendance in a university dental clinic is detrimental to the student learning experience, the university as a business, and to members of the public awaiting urgent dental treatment.

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the demographic, appointment characteristics, and time‐related factors associated with patient attendance in a university dental clinic from 2015 to 2019.

Methods

A 5‐year retrospective analysis was conducted in 2020 on data extracted from the Griffith University Dental Clinic patient management system. Following data cleaning and categorization, the dataset was downloaded into SPSS for statistical analysis. Frequencies, odds ratio, and chi squared were used to determine the demographic and time‐related factors of patients who had completed, cancelled, and failed to attend (FTA) appointments.

Results

A total of 23.4% of appointments were cancelled, and 6.6% were FTA. Demographics associated with cancellations include females, adults aged 25 to 44, and private paying patients. FTA were higher in young adults aged 19 to 24, low to mid‐range socioeconomic status (SES) and those eligible for publicly funded dental treatment. Mondays and Fridays experienced the greatest number of FTA and cancellations, respectively. Emergency appointments had the greatest attendance rates and endodontic procedures the lowest.

Conclusion

The loss of clinical teaching hours, resources, and revenue necessitates the implementation of targeted strategies to minimize cancellations and FTA based on demographic and appointment characteristics that may render individual as high risk for failed attendance.
Prenatal music exposure influences weight, ghrelin expression, and morphology of rat hypothalamic neuron cultures
Authors: Russo Cristina , Patanè Martina , Pellitteri Rosalia , Stanzani Stefania , Russo Antonella
Published: December 2020

Music plays an important role in brain physiology, in some areas related to emotions, food intake and body weight, such as the hypothalamus. There are different frequencies to which it can be tuned, today the most utilized is at 440 Hz, while in the past the 432 Hz frequency was more used to show particular effects on brain. It is known that Ghrelin, a peptide hormone, regulates food intake in the hypothalamus; in a previous paper, we reported that musical stimuli at 432 Hz modified the Ghrelin expression in the rat, increasing beneficial effects on metabolism. In this study, we used this frequency and we focused our attention on body weight, Ghrelin expression, and neuron morphology in hypothalamic cultures. To investigate the role of music, we utilized newborn pups from pregnant rats that were exposed to music stimuli at 432 Hz during the perinatal period and for the postnatal period, some for 3 days (P3) and others for 6 days (P6). Some pups were not exposed to music stimuli (controls). Our results showed that music increased the body weight of pups; in addition, enhanced Ghrelin expression in hypothalamic neurons and their axonal elongation were highlighted by immunocytochemical techniques. Moreover, we found that the positive music effect started in pups at P3 and increased at P6 compared with controls. These results suggest that the musical frequency at 432 Hz could stimulate the orexigenic Ghrelin effects influencing the increase in body weight and affecting the number of hypothalamic neurons expressing Ghrelin.
Decomposition of poultry litter organic matter co‐applied with industrial and agricultural products/by‐products
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Tewolde Haile , Miles Dana , Munyon Jay , Brooks John P. , Feng Gary , Zhang Fengbao , Yang Mingyi
Published: December 2020

Increasing soil organic matter (SOM) is one purpose of applying manures to soils, but soil‐applied manures decompose and disappear in a short time, leaving very little trace as SOM. The objective of this study was to test and identify agricultural and industrial products and by‐products (PBPs) that reduce the speed of manure decomposition and, potentially, increase SOM. Raw poultry litter (PL) was amended with selected PBPs (15% fresh weight) and incubated for 1–3 mo. Unamended PL lost an average of 19% of its dry weight after 1 mo incubation and 24% of its dry weight after 3 mo. Monitoring the CO2 release during a 1‐mo incubation revealed that decomposition and weight loss of unamended PL is greatest in the first 2 d. Amending PL with Al2(SO4)3· 18H2O and CaO reduced cumulative CO2 release and final dry biomass loss during the incubation period of 1–3 mo. Amending PL with Al2(SO4)3· 18H2O reduced PL temperature by up to 14 °C and pH by ∼4.0, whereas CaO elevated its temperature by up to 24 °C and pH by ∼4.0. Both products suppressed total culturable bacteria and reduced dehydrogenase activity soon after mixing. Amending PL with flue gas desulfurization gypsum, CaCO3, cement kiln dust, or biochar either enhanced or had no effect on suppressing litter decomposition. Our results overall show that the decomposition of PL and possibly other manures may be slowed and that the soil‐residence life of manure C may be increased using PBPs that raise or lower manure pH and temperature.
GeneLiFT: A novel test to facilitate rapid screening of genetic literacy in a diverse population undergoing genetic testing
Authors: Milo Rasouly Hila , Cuneo Nicole , Marasa Maddalena , DeMaria Natalia , Chatterjee Debanjana , Thompson Jacqueline J. , Fasel David A. , Wynn Julia , Chung Wendy K. , Appelbaum Paul , Weng Chunhua , Bakken Suzanne , Gharavi Ali G.
Published: December 2020

With the broader introduction of genomic medicine in research and clinical care, an increasing number of persons are offered genetic testing. Many factors, including genetic literacy, may impact the utilization of genetic results by patients and their families. We developed a rapid, self‐administered measure of genetic literacy, called Genetic Literacy Fast Test (GeneLiFT). We next evaluated the association of GeneLiFT scores with the comprehension of limitations of genomic medicine in participants undergoing genetic testing in the NIH‐sponsored eMERGE III study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York. All participants underwent genetic screening for variants in 74 actionable genes associated with adult‐onset disorders. A diverse cohort of 724 participants completed the survey (60% women, 45% less than 40 years old, and 53% self‐reported White non‐Hispanic ancestry). The GeneLiFT was validated using known group differences based on education, health literacy, and numeracy, and with questions assessing genetic knowledge. GeneLiFT identified multiple standard genetics terms, that is, jargon, not recognized by more than 50% of participants (including actionability and pathogenicity). Low genetic literacy, identified in 210 participants (29%), was significantly associated with poor understanding of the limitations of genetic testing (p‐values < 10–9). This association was independent of education, health literacy, and numeracy levels, highlighting the importance of directly measuring genetic literacy. Low genetic literacy was also associated with low satisfaction with the informed consent process. GeneLiFT is a practical tool for rapid assessment of genetic literacy in large studies or clinical care. GeneLiFT will allow future research to efficiently assess the role of genetic literacy on the clinical impact of genetic testing.
“Conformation pinning” by anion attachment enabling separation of isomeric steroid monomers by ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Cole Richard B. , Bayat Parisa , Murray Jane S. , Albers Christian , Brombach Dorith
Published: December 2020

The separation of small molecule isomers has become a proving ground for ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). To date, successful IMS separation of steroid isomers has been accomplished largely by examination of alkali metal cationized dimers, with few examples of successful separations of monomeric steroid isomers in either positive or negative ion modes. Here, we report on the novel use of anion attachment to form negative ion monomeric adducts of steroid isomers that may be separated by IMS. Computational modeling shows that [prednisolone + Cl]− adopts a conformation wherein the attaching chloride is chelated between two hydroxyl hydrogens. The electrostatic interaction between Cl− and the two substituent electropositive hydroxyl hydrogens causes “conformation pinning” of prednisolone, thereby forcing the complex to adopt a constricted conformation. The tighter conformation of [prednisolone + Cl]− permits baseline IMS separation from its isomer [cortisone + Cl]− that exists only in elongated form. Although distinguishable as anionic adducts, these isomeric steroids were impossible to separate as either protonated (MH+, positive mode) or deprotonated ([M‐H]−, negative mode) analogs. Another pair of isomeric steroids 21‐deoxycortisol and corticosterone showed improved IMS separations as chloride adducts as compared to the analogous MH+ or [M‐H]− pairs. Lastly, success was shown in separating protonated dimeric forms of isomeric steroid pairs by IMS, and we distinguish these separations from those of alkali metal cationized dimers that have been previously reported.
Ammonium fertilization increases pearl millet yield by promoting early root growth, higher tillering, and water use during grain filling in a low P Sahelian soil
Authors: Beggi Francesca , Vadez Vincent , Buerkert Andreas
Published: December 2020

Background: Adaptation of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] to low soil phosphorus (P) at early seedling stages and efficient P fertilizer application are crucial for its survival in the West African Sahel. While addition of to P in the microdose technique has been reported to stimulate early growth of pearl millet, there is little information regarding root length (RL) at different timings.

Aims: Our study aimed at assessing the effects of added and to P on (1) pearl millet agronomic traits such as root and shoot growth and (2) the water use dynamics during the cropping cycle.

Methods: Twenty‐four “RhizoTubes” filled with P‐deficient soil were used to grow pearl millet under three treatments: (T1) placed P addition alone at 0.4 g per seed hole, Pplaced, (T2) Pplaced + , and (T3) Pplaced + . At 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks after sowing (WAS) we took non‐destructive measurements of RL. Water use (transpiration) was measured from 3.5 to 9 WAS.

Results: At early growth, roots in the topsoil of T2 were longer than T3 and T1 roots (at 4 WAS: 129.3 cm for T2, 87.5 cm for T3, and 93.3 cm for T1, p < 0.05). Total RL at 2 WAS correlated positively with seedling height and final grain yield. Fertilization with reduced the time to flowering and increased the number of tillers and grain yield, whereas addition of increased vegetative dry matter at harvest and water use efficiency.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that fertilization with plays a critical root stimulating role at early growth stages, seemingly by increasing lateral root initiation, which carries through to a larger water use during grain filling and higher grain yield.
Averaging principle for slow–fast stochastic 2D Navier–Stokes equation driven by Lévy noise
Authors: Gao Junrong , Li Shihu , Sun Xiaobin , Xie Yingchao
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the multiscale stochastic 2D Navier–Stokes equation driven by multiplicative Lévy noise. To be more precise, we establish the strong averaging principle for the stochastic 2D Navier–Stokes equation driven by Lévy noise, which involves a fast time scale component governed by a stochastic reaction‐diffusion equation driven by Lévy noise. The Khasminkii's time discretization approach and the technique of stopping time play the important roles in our proof.
Systematic method for a deep learning‐based prediction model for gamma evaluation in patient‐specific quality assurance of volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Tomori Seiji , Kadoya Noriyuki , Kajikawa Tomohiro , Kimura Yuto , Narazaki Kakutarou , Ochi Takahiro , Jingu Keiichi
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel strategy for establishing a deep learning‐based gamma passing rate (GPR) prediction model for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using dummy target plan data, one measurement process, and a multicriteria prediction method.

Methods

A total of 147 VMAT plans were used for the training set (two sets of 48 dummy target plans) and test set (51 clinical target plans). The dummy plans were measured using a diode array detector. We developed an original convolutional neural network that accepts coronal and sagittal dose distributions to predict the GPRs of 36 pairs of gamma criteria from 0.5%/0.5 mm to 3%/3 mm. Sixfold cross‐validation and model averaging were performed, and the mean training result and mean test result were derived from six trained models that were produced during cross‐validation.

Results

Strong or moderate correlations were observed between the measured and predicted GPRs in all criteria. The mean absolute errors and root mean squared errors of the test set (clinical target plan) were 0.63 and 1.11 in 3%/3 mm, 1.16 and 1.73 in 3%/2 mm, 1.96 and 2.66 in 2%/2 mm, 5.00 and 6.35 in 1%/1 mm, and 5.42 and 6.78 in 0.5%/1 mm, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.80 in the training set and 0.68 in the test set at the 0.5%/1 mm criterion.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the training of the deep learning‐based quality assurance model can be performed using a dummy target plan.
NMR spectral fingerprint patterns as diagnostics for the unambiguous configurational analysis of the classic organo‐gelator 1,3:2,4‐dibenzylidene‐d‐sorbitol (DBS) and its derivatives
Authors: Sánchez‐Pedregal Víctor M. , Kertesz Miklos , Weiss Richard G. , Navarro‐Vázquez Armando , Cid María Magdalena
Published: December 2020

On the basis of experimental data and density functional theory (DFT) chemical shift and scalar coupling predictions, simple spectral nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) fingerprint patterns have been established for the determination of the configuration in 1,3:2,4‐dibenzylidene‐d‐sorbitol (DBS), a classic low molecular weight gelator, and its derivatives. The results rigorously prove the orientation of the phenyl rings in DBS that had been previously assumed in the literature on the basis of thermodynamic arguments.
Dynamic oxygen‐17 MRI with adaptive temporal resolution using golden‐means‐based 3D radial sampling
Authors: Gu Yuning , Gao Huiyun , Kim Kihwan , Liu Yuchi , Ramos‐Estebanez Ciro , Luo Yu , Wang Yunmei , Yu Xin
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop a high‐resolution 3D oxygen‐17 (17O) MRI method to delineate the kinetics of 17O‐enriched water (H217O) across the entire mouse brain after a bolus injection via the tail vein.

Methods

The dynamic 17O signal was acquired with a golden‐means‐based 3D radial sampling scheme. To achieve adequate temporal resolution with preserved spatial resolution, a k‐space–weighted view sharing strategy was used in image reconstruction with an adaptive window size tailored to the kinetics of the 17O signal. Simulation studies were performed to determine the adequate image reconstruction parameters. The established method was applied to delineating the kinetics of intravenously injected H217O in vivo in the post‐stroke mouse brain.

Results

The proposed dynamic 17O‐MRI method achieved an isotropic resolution of 1.21 mm (0.77 mm nominal) in mouse brain at 9.4T, with the temporal resolution increased gradually from 3 s at the initial phase of rapid signal increase to 15 s at the steady‐state. The high spatial resolution enabled the delineation of the heterogeneous H217O uptake and washout kinetics in stroke‐affected mouse brain.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrated a 3D 17O‐MRI method for dynamic monitoring of 17O signal changes with high spatial and temporal resolution. The method can be utilized to quantify physiological parameters such as cerebral blood flow and blood–brain barrier permeability by tracking injected H217O. It can also be used to measure oxygen consumption rate in 17O‐oxygen inhalation studies.
Toward a Routine Assessment of Visceral Adipose Tissue Volume from Computed Tomographic Data
Authors: Schaudinn Alexander , Hudak Andrea , Linder Nicolas , Reinhardt Martin , Stocker Gertraud , Lordick Florian , Denecke Timm , Busse Harald
Published: December 2020

Objective

The study’s aim was to determine to what extent total visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume (VVAT‐T) measured from segmented VAT areas (AVAT) on all axial computed tomography (CT) sections (thickness of 5 mm) between the diaphragm and pelvic floor can be predicted by the AVAT of commonly selected landmark sections in patients with overweight or obesity.

Methods

A total of 113 patients (31 females, 82 males) with images of full abdominopelvic coverage and proper image quality were included (BMI = 25.0‐64.1 kg/m2, 29.5 ± 4.9 kg/m2). Linear regression between AVAT and VVAT‐T (reference) was used to determine approximate equations for VAT volume for all parameters (single sex, different anatomical landmarks or lumbar intervertebral disc spaces, one or five axial sections). Agreement was evaluated by the multivariate coefficient of determination and by the SD of the percentage difference (sd%) between the estimated VAT volume on one or five sections and VVAT‐T.

Results

The VVAT‐T was 0.9 to 8.4 (3.8 ± 2.2) L for females and 2.7 to 11.7 (5.6 ± 2.1) L for males. Best agreement was found at L2‐3 (sd% = 14.3%‐15.5%) for females and at L1‐2 or L2‐3 (11.7%‐12.4%) for males. Agreement at the umbilicus or the femoral heads was poor (20.2%‐57.9%). Segmentation of one or five sections was substantially faster (11/70 seconds) than whole‐abdomen processing (15 minutes).

Conclusions

VVAT‐T can be rapidly estimated by VAT segmentation of axial CT sections at sex‐specific lumbar intervertebral disc spaces.
Effect of selecting cone‐beam computed tomography for diagnosis of root fractures
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Ogura Ichiro , Sugawara Yoshihiro , Oohashi Makoto , Mizuhashi Ryo , Saegusa Hisato
Published: December 2020

Background/Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnosability of root fractures by cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) compared to intraoral radiography and panoramic radiography for finding the first choice of radiography to diagnose root fracture.

Methods

We reviewed the CBCT images of 60 patients with root fracture and 60 patients without root fracture. Diagnosability of root fractures by intraoral radiography, panoramic radiography, and CBCT was examined. The influence of metal materials to the diagnosability was also investigated. Sensitivity and specificity of CBCT were calculated. In the group that root fracture was diagnosable; the detection ability of root fractures by inspection was examined. Diagnosability according to vertical root fracture direction was also investigated. Statistical analyses were performed using χ2 test or cross‐tabulation.

Results

Diagnosability was statistically significantly different by radiography (P < .001), and most of root fracture was diagnosable by CBCT but it was impossible to diagnose by intraoral radiography and panoramic radiography (P < .05). Root fracture tended to be impossible to diagnose by CBCT because of the presence of metal materials around root fracture teeth (P < .05). The number of the root fractures that was diagnosable by intraoral radiography or panoramic radiography was more than root fracture detectable by inspection (P < .01) and bucco‐lingual vertical fracture (P < .05).

Conclusions

These results made it clear that the first choice of radiography to diagnose the root fracture was CBCT especially in the case of suspected of mesio‐distal vertical root fracture.
A scoping review of the characteristics and benefits of online prostate cancer communities
Authors: Pyle Denise , Perry Amanda , Lamont‐Mills Andrea , Tehan Gerry , Chambers Suzanne K.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Online prostate cancer communities (OPCaCs) have emerged as a new source of support, not bounded by geographic barriers, for men living with prostate cancer. This scoping review mapped the existing literature to explore the characteristics and benefits of OPCaCs, identify knowledge gaps, and direct future research.

Methods

A six‐step methodological framework for scoping reviews was followed. Four electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts, and full texts, against predefined criteria: empirical research, post 1990, in English‐language peer‐reviewed journals; participants included prostate cancer survivors; and research explored online peer support. Data were extracted from the studies and quality assessed.

Results

The search yielded 905 studies, with 21 selected for synthesis. Despite significant increases in online forum membership, in the last decade, nearly half of the research was conducted over a decade ago. Three studies were rated high quality, the rest moderate. All but one of the studies were observational and cross‐sectional. Men reported that sharing information helped them deal with their diagnosis and treatment side effects. They also gained a sense of camaraderie with men who shared similar experiences. Due to divergent methodologies and reporting standards, assessment regarding OPCaC efficacy is not possible.

Conclusion

OPCaCs may be a cost‐effective and accessible resource for delivering peer support to men living with prostate cancer. While self‐reported evidence as to the benefits of OPCaCs exists, more longitudinal comparative studies, utilising consistent measurement approaches, are needed to support the claims.
Validation of the Death and Dying Distress Scale in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Shapiro Gilla K. , Mah Kenneth , Li Madeline , Zimmermann Camilla , Hales Sarah , Rodin Gary
Published: December 2020

Background

Distress about dying and death is an important clinical and research outcome in advanced cancer. A 15‐item Death and Dying Distress Scale (DADDS) measure has undergone preliminary validation, but full validation in a large sample has not previously been reported. We investigated its psychometric characteristics and responsiveness to a therapeutic intervention.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of baseline data obtained from a randomized controlled trial of psychotherapeutic intervention for patients with advanced cancer. Participants (n = 386) completed the DADDS, and measures of depression, anxiety, demoralization, quality of life (including preparation for end of life), spirituality, attachment security, and symptom burden.

Results

A confirmatory factor analysis revealed factors related to “Finitude” and to “Dying.” Both factors showed good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.861–0.949). DADDS scores were significantly higher in females, those with lower income and not working. Construct validity was demonstrated by a positive correlation between DADDS and demoralization (r = 0.569–0.679), and a negative correlation with preparation for the end of life (r = −0.475 to −0.678). At 6 months, intervention participants with moderate DADDS scores at baseline reported significantly lower DADDS scores on both factors compared to usual care.

Conclusions

The DADDS is a valid and brief two‐factor measure that assesses distress related to the shortness of time and to the process of dying. The total and factor scores have utility in the clinical and research assessment of death‐related distress in patients with advanced cancer.
Natural products: The role and mechanism in low‐density lipoprotein oxidation and atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhang Shengyu , Li Lingli , chen Wenxu , Xu Suowen , Feng Xiaojun , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2020

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory, metabolic, and epigenetic disease, which leads to the life‐threatening coronary artery disease. Emerging studies from bench to bedside have demonstrated the pivotal role of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. This article hereby reviews oxidation mechanism of LDL, and the pro‐atherogenic and biomarker role of oxidized LDL in atherosclerosis. We also review the pharmacological effects of several representative natural products (vitamin E, resveratrol, quercetin, probucol, tanshinone IIA, epigallocatechin gallate, and Lycopene) in protecting against LDL oxidation and atherosclerosis. Clinical and basic research supports the beneficial effects of these natural products in inhibiting LDL oxidation and preventing atherosclerosis, but the data are still controversial. This may be related to factors such as the population and the dosage and time of taking natural products involved in different studies. Understanding the mechanism of LDL oxidation and effect of oxidized LDL help researchers to find novel therapies against atherosclerosis.
Improving MiniHip femoral prosthesis positioning using a cross‐laser projection system in total hip arthroplasty by an anterolateral supine approach
Authors: Fujii Hideki , Hayama Tetsuo , Abe Toshiomi , Takahashi Motoi , Matsushita Yohei , Sato Ryuichi , Otani Takuya , Saito Mitsuru
Published: December 2020

Background

The authors developed a cross‐laser projection system (CLP) to place a femoral neck‐sparing short stem using the minimally invasive anterolateral supine approach in total hip arthroplasty. This study aimed to verify the utility of CLP.

Methods

Thirty joints were assessed with the MiniHip (Corin). The authors compared femoral component implantation with a patient‐specific femoral osteotomy guide (PSG) for the femoral neck‐cut (PSG group), with the CLP attached to the rasp handle to irradiate the cross‐laser to the target of PSG (CLP group), and without PSG or CLP (control group).

Results

In the CLP group, the positional deviation of anteversion, anterior/posterior tilt and varus/valgus placement of the stem postoperatively were 1.8° ± 0.2°, 2.0° ± 2.0° and 2.0° ± 0.1°, respectively. The positional deviation of anteversion (p < 0.001) and anterior/posterior tilt (p = 0.036) were significantly smaller than those in the other groups.

Conclusions

CLP improves the accuracy of MiniHip femoral prosthesis placement.
Robot‐assisted versus conventional laparoscopic major hepatectomies: Systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Coletta Diego , Levi Sandri Giovanni Battista , Giuliani Giuseppe , Guerra Francesco
Published: December 2020

Background

Major hepatectomy is still regarded as a technically demanding procedure for which minimally invasive surgery remains limited to selected cases in experienced centres and robotic platforms may provide some advantages over conventional laparoscopy in this setting. We aimed to combine and meta‐analyse the available literature upon this topic.

Methods

The PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were appraised to find all available studies comparing robotic and laparoscopic major hepatectomies. According to a pre‐established pattern preoperative settings, operative and postoperative outcomes were assessed. The meta‐analysis was performed by using the Revman 5.3 software.

Results

A total of 485 patients from eight studies were included in the analysis. Robotic major hepatectomies showed a significantly lower conversion rate and estimated blood loss as compared to laparoscopic ones. Laparoscopic major hepatectomies patients experienced significant shorter postoperative hospitalisation.

Conclusions

Robotic surgery appears as competent as conventional laparoscopy to perform major hepatectomies, with possible advantages on conversion rate and perioperative blood loss, despite slightly prolonged postoperative hospitalisation.
Classical and alternative receptors for SARS‐CoV‐2 therapeutic strategy
Authors: Masre Siti Fathiah , Jufri Nurul Farhana , Ibrahim Farah Wahida , Abdul Raub Sayyidi Hamzi
Published: December 2020

Understanding the molecules that are essential for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) entry can provide insights into viral infection and dissemination. Recently, it has been identified from several studies that angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 receptor and transmembrane serine protease 2 are the main entry molecules for the SARS‐CoV‐2, which produced the pandemic of Covid‐19. However, additional evidence showed several other viral receptors and cellular proteases that are also important in facilitating viral entry and transmission in the target cells. In this review, we summarized the types of SARS‐CoV‐2 entry molecules and discussed their crucial roles for virus binding, protein priming and fusion to the cellular membrane important for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
High Step‐Down All‐Passive Rectifier Derived Via Duality Principle from Cockcroft–Walton Circuit
Authors: Minami Masataka
Published: December 2020

High step‐down DC–DC converters and rectifiers are required for low‐voltage, high‐current applications. This paper proposes a high step‐down all‐passive rectifier to achieve this conversion. In particular, the proposed rectifier is derived via the duality principle from the N‐stage Cockcroft–Walton circuit; the use of the duality principle in designing proposed rectifier is the novelty. In addition, the proposed rectifier is numerically analyzed based on its operation modes in the case of N = 2, 3, and 4. Furthermore, the validity of the two‐stage rectifier designed via the proposed approach was experimentally verified as an example. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
H14 Three‐Level Inverter for Common‐Mode Voltage Suppression
Authors: Li Jie , Hu Zhi‐qiang , Wang Yan‐bo , Chen Zhe
Published: December 2020

This paper presents an H14 three‐level inverter topology and the corresponding control method for common‐mode voltage (CMV) suppression based on the three phase three‐level neutral‐point‐clamped inverter. Operation performance of the proposed H14 three‐level inverter is first analyzed under different switching patterns, and the corresponding CMV under each operation states is investigated. The control method of H14 inverter is presented by following a feasible minimal CMV output within the switching patterns, and the switching function is given which is very easy to be implemented. Furthermore, the operation performances of the proposed H14 inverter in terms of total harmonic distortion of output current, DC link neutral‐point voltage oscillation and CMV are investigated in simulation and hardware‐in‐the‐loop experiment. The verification results show that the proposed H14 three‐level inverter is able to suppress the CMV, the maximum amplitude of CMV is reduced from Vdc/3 to Vdc/6 especially with desirable operation performances of inverter. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
From wrong word to right word: Equipping ELLs to make correct semantic choices independently
Authors: Everly Pamela , Cai Shengrong
Published: December 2020

Choosing the right word to express meaning can be a challenge for English language learners (ELLs) in both English as second language and English as a foreign language settings, persisting through all proficiency levels in productive language use for several reasons. In order to make correct word choices, ELLs must master the various aspects of a word, including potential multiple meanings, register, connotation, collocation, and other usage aspects. However, learners are typically taught only surface‐level skills for using a dictionary or thesaurus but not the deeper skills for systematically solving semantic errors. To help instructors effectively plan instruction to teach ELLs these skills, this conceptual article introduces a six‐step semantic problem‐solving model for both guiding ELLs in solving semantic choice problems and helping teachers plan instruction. Charts of metalexicographical knowledge, skills, and strategies and of various semantic reference resources with their strengths and weaknesses are included along with a demonstration of how this model can guide ELLs in solving a specific semantic problem. The model in its entirety is most suitable for high school or college ELLs with intermediate proficiency and above. Teachers of younger or lower proficiency learners may simplify this model to gradually build the foundation for systematic semantic problem solving.
There’s No One Way to Be Bilingual: Knowing Students’ Language Practices
Authors: Domke Lisa M. , Cárdenas Curiel Lucía
Published: December 2020

Engaging in discussions of texts featuring diverse expressions of bilingualism is important at the elementary level to move away from historical conceptions of bilingualism focused on language proficiency and instead embrace a translanguaging view focused on linguistic practices. To successfully engage in these conversations, understanding bilingualism’s complexities is important. To choose books that reflect students, it is also key to learn more about their language practices, as they are often more complex than what home language surveys may capture. To these ends, the authors present ways to supplement home language surveys and engage students in text discussions about bilingualism (including providing book recommendations and potential discussion questions).
Remote monitoring of rural water systems: A pathway to improved performance and sustainability?
Authors: Thomson Patrick
Published: December 2020

The presence of the mobile phone network in rural areas where there is little other infrastructure has opened up the prospect of automatically monitoring rural water systems, something previously possible only in person and perhaps only on foot. The technology to monitor these systems continues to develop: basic systems are now leaving research and being implemented in operational WASH programs; machine learning is making pump failure prediction possible. With the move from the previous infrastructure‐focused community management paradigm, to a service‐delivery approach to rural water, remote monitoring has salience with its potential to inform professional maintenance services. This is not without cost. To justify its use in rural water service delivery remote monitoring must generate benefits for service providers: (1) it must be integrated into management systems, and help redesign them; (2) it must contribute to increases in performance that produce real improvement in outcomes for water users; (3) it must open up new transparent sources of funding previously unavailable to the rural water sector. If remote monitoring can do these three things it has a role to play in achieving SDG 6.1; if not it will join the list of development techno‐fixes that failed to make an impact despite the best of intentions.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Human Water