bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parapharyngeal tuberculoid mass: A rare complication of Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin therapy for urothelial carcinoma in situ
Authors: Plonowska‐Hirschfeld Karolina A. , Fung Monica , Glastonbury Christine , Ha Patrick K.
Published: May 2021

Key Clinical Message

Local and systemic complications of Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin therapy are important to recognize as they require prolonged antimicrobial therapy; molecular genomic testing may be key to diagnosis when culture data are inconclusive.
Hollow POM@MOF‐derived Porous NiMo6@Co3O4 for Biothiol Colorimetric Detection
Authors: Xu Mingqi , Li Xiao , Sha Jing‐Quan , Tong Zhibo , Li Qian , Liu Chang
Published: May 2021

Developing highly active and sensitive peroxidase mimics for L‐cysteine (L‐Cys) colorimetric detection is very important for biotechnology and medical diagnosis. Herein, polyoxometalate‐doped porous Co3O4 composite (NiMo6@Co3O4) was designed and prepared for the first time. Compared with pure and commercial Co3O4, NiMo6@Co3O4(n) composites exhibit the enhanced peroxidase‐mimicking activities and stabilities due to the strong synergistic effect between porous Co3O4 and multi‐electron NiMo6 clusters. Moreover, the peroxidase‐mimicking activities of NiMo6@Co3O4(n) composites are heavily dependent on the doping mass of NiMo6, and the optimized NiMo6@Co3O4(2) exhibits the superlative peroxidase‐mimicking activity. More importantly, a sensitive L‐Cys colorimetric detection is developed with the sensitivity of 0.023 μM−1 and the detection limit at least 0.018 μM in the linear range of 1–20 μM, which is by far the best enzyme‐mimetic performances, to the best our knowledge.
Exploiting Transient Radical Cations as Brønsted Acids for Allylic C–H Heteroarylation of Enol Silyl Ethers
Authors: Nakashima Tsubasa , Fujimori Haruka , Ohmatsu Kohsuke , Ooi Takashi
Published: May 2021

Intermediary radical cations, generated through single‐electron oxidation of enol silyl ethers by excited Ir‐based photocatalysts, can be exploited as Brønsted acids for the activation of heteroarylcyanides. This strategy enables the direct allylic C−H heteroarylation of enol silyl ethers under visible‐light irradiation.
Resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma: An Asian institution's experience
Authors: Ng Kennedy Yao Yi , Chow Edwin Wei Xiang , Jiang Bochao , Lim Cindy , Goh Brian Kim Poh , Lee Ser Yee , Teo Jin Yao , Tan Damien Meng Yew , Cheow Peng Chung , Ooi London Lucien Peng Jin , Chow Pierce Kah Hoe , Lee Joycelyn Jie Xin , Kam Juinn Huar , Koh Ye Xin , Jeyaraj Prema Raj , Tan Ek Khoon , Choo Su Pin , Chan Chung Yip , Chung Alexander Yaw Fui , Tai David
Published: May 2021

Background

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly lethal. Surgery offers the only chance of cure, but 5‐year overall survival (OS) after surgical resection and adjuvant therapy remains dismal. Adjuvant trials were mostly conducted in the West enrolling fit patients. Applicability to a general population, especially Asia has not been described adequately.

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes, prognostic factors of survival, pattern, and timing of recurrence after curative resection in an Asian institution.

Methods and Results

The clinicopathologic and survival outcomes of 165 PDAC patients who underwent curative resection between 1998 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Median age at surgery was 62.0 years. 55.2% were male, and 73.3% had tumors involving the head of pancreas. The median OS of the entire cohort was 19.7 months. Median OS of patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy was 23.8 months. Negative predictors of survival include lymph node ratio (LNR) of >0.3 (HR = 3.36, P = .001), tumor site involving the body or tail of pancreas (HR = 1.59, P = .046), presence of perineural invasion (PNI) (HR = 2.36, P = .018) and poorly differentiated/undifferentiated tumor grade (HR = 1.86, P = .058). The median time to recurrence was 8.87 months, with 66.1% and 81.2% of patients developing recurrence at 12 months and 24 months respectively. The most common site of recurrence was the liver.

Conclusion

The survival of Asian patients with resected PDAC who received adjuvant chemotherapy is comparable to reported randomized trials. Clinical characteristics seem similar to Western patients. Hence, geographical locations may not be a necessary stratification factor in RCTs. Conversely, lymph node ratio and status of PNI ought to be incorporated.
A new hardware architecture of the adaptive vector median filter and validation in a hardware/software environment
Authors: Ben Atitallah Ahmed , Abid Imen , Boudabous Anis , Loukil Hassen
Published: May 2021

Presented in this paper is a new hardware architecture of the adaptive vector median filter (AVMF). The suggested structure yielded important values in impulsive noise removal from color images while preserving their fine details. The software (SW) study of this filter demonstrated that its implementation is too complex. To overcome this limitation, some approximations using a ROM memory were proposed to perform the square root for a hardware (HW) implementation. Comparative results between the ideal and approximated SWs of the AVMF showed a relative error equal to 0.01%. Then, sequential and parallel HW architectures were developed for this filter based on the approximated method. Finally, the validation of these architectures was conducted using an field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) platform on an HW/SW environment. The validation results demonstrated that the proposed HW/SW implementation of the AVMF can speed up the execution time 180 times in the worst case at 140 MHz compared to the SW solution as well as preserving a high data quality (same image quality).
Identification of optimal location points for efficient data gathering in IoT environment
Authors: Wala Tanuj , Chand Narottam , Sharma Ajay K.
Published: May 2021

Recent development in sensor technologies encourages the adoption of mobile data collectors (MDCs), that is, vehicles or robots, to collect data in the Internet of Things (IoT) environment. However, the slow travel speed of the MDCs leads to significant delays in the transmission of data. This work proposes an optimal region location point based route planning (ORLP‐RP) scheme to construct a shorter tour with minimized data delivery latency. Primary goal of the work is to distinguish the overlapped wireless sensor network (WSN) clusters and specify the overlapped regions to find optimal location points within each identified region to ensure one‐hop data gathering from each cluster. Thereafter, MDC trajectory is formed by using the nearest‐neighbor (NN) heuristic approach that generates a near optimal solution. In performance evaluation, the ORLP‐RP scheme has been compared with the existing algorithms such as EAPC, RDP, MOPSO, and NDCMC for data collection in terms of the number of optimal location points, total path length, data gathering latency, network lifespan, energy consumption, and data gathering ratio. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach by improving the number of optimal location points with an average up to 58%, total path length improvement by 17%, energy consumption and network lifespan improvement on average by 18% and 12%, data gathering ratio by the MDC up to 9%, and reducing the delay of the MDC path by 21% compared with considered approaches. Thus, simulation results indicate better performance of the proposed scheme at all the indices listed above.
The fate of a travertine record: Impact of early diagenesis on the Y‐10 core (Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, USA)
Authors: De Boever Eva , Jaramillo‐Vogel David , Bouvier Anne‐Sophie , Frank Norbert , Schröder‐Ritzrau Andrea , Baumgarter Lukas , Swennen Rudy , Foubert Anneleen
Published: May 2021

Spring systems are efficient and fast precipitating non‐marine carbonate factories, but they are also prone to (early) diagenesis. Evidence of diagenesis in travertines remains controversial as the resulting textures have been considered primary in other deposits and the impact on geochemical/palaeo‐environmental signals is often poorly addressed. This study revisits the Y‐10 core, taken in 1967 at one of the upper terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park (USA). The travertine depositional facies in the upper 50 m of the core show a general distal to proximal facies trend upwards. To unravel the nature, impact and timing of early diagenesis, fabrics and geochemical signatures are also compared to modern hot spring carbonates. Secondary ion mass spectrometry and detailed microscopy proved powerful in determining the stable isotope signature of different cement generations, thereby detangling the fluid history. Diagenesis starts during spring activity, but these warm waters not only precipitate CaCO3 at the top, they also seem to have circulated through the porous spring fabrics below. It resulted in coarsening and homogenization of the primary textures through neomorphism of aragonite and calcite cementation, often resulting in new intracrystalline microporosity within the calcite crystals. Subsequent circulation of meteoric fluids led to dissolution and cementation, particularly near the top of the core. Careful interpretation of U/Th dates suggests that travertine deposition started at the beginning of the Holocene/end Pleistocene. Calculated depositional (precipitation) rates vary between 2 and 20 mm/year, assuming a constant rate between samples at different depths. Aragonite deposits are completely transformed to calcite below depths of 5–10 m, corresponding to a time span of 4,000 years. Core and petrography observations, together with dating, suggest that travertine strata below marine sandstones in the lower part of the core may relate to fault displacement after the onset of travertine deposition.
Spatial variation in antler investment of Apennine red deer
Authors: Mattioli Stefano , Ferretti Francesco , Nicoloso Sandro , Corlatti Luca
Published: May 2021

Heterogeneity in resource availability and quality can trigger spatial patterns in the expression of sexually selected traits such as body mass and weaponry. While relationships between habitat features and phenotypic quality are well established at broad geographical scales, information is poor on spatial patterns at finer, intrapopulation scales. We analyzed biometric data collected on 1965 red deer Cervus elaphus males over 20 years from a nonmigratory population living on two sides of a mountainous ridge, with substantial differences in land cover and habitat quality but similar climate and population density. We investigate spatial patterns in (i) body mass, (ii) antler mass, and (iii) antler investment. We also tested for site‐ and age‐specific patterns in allometric relationship between body mass and antler mass. Statistically significant fine‐scale spatial variations in body mass, antler mass, and, to a lesser extent, antler allocation matched spatial differences in land cover. All three traits were greater in the northern slope, characterized by higher habitat heterogeneity and greater availability of open habitats, than in the southern slope. Moreover, the allometric relationship between body mass and antler mass differed among age‐classes, in a pattern that was consistent between the two mountain slopes. Our results support the occurrence of spatial patterns in the expression of individual attributes also at a fine, intrapopulation scale. Our findings emphasize the role of environmental heterogeneity in shaping spatial variations of key life‐history traits, with potential consequences for reproductive success.
Wild bees of Chile: a database on taxonomy, sociality, and ecology
Authors: López‐Aliste Manuel , Flores‐Prado Luis , Ruz Luisa , Sepúlveda Yanet , Rodríguez Sharon , Saraiva António M. , Fontúrbel Francisco E.
Published: May 2021

Bees are a diverse group of insects that have tremendous importance as pollinators. In recent decades, there has been a global decline in bee populations because of land‐use change, intensive agriculture, and climate change. Unfortunately, our knowledge of native bees’ ecology is rather scarce, and such knowledge gaps are also a major threat to its conservation. In this sense, biological collections are a priceless natural history legacy and an information source for new research and decision making. Chile has a remarkable bee diversity, with 464 species currently known from Chile and a high incidence of endemism and a variety of habitats (including the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot). The largest wild bee collection in Chile is held at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (comprising a century of data). This collection has been recently included in GBIF. Here we present a database with 36,010 records, including information on sociality and ecology (including information on floral visitation range, the resource collected, and nesting substrates) for 160 out of the 167 bee species included (36% of the Chilean bee diversity, including 49 genera and five families). All records have the taxonomy resolved, and 83% of them have geographic coordinates, covering a latitudinal range between 18° S and 53° S from the continental and insular territories. This data set is released for noncommercial use only. Credits should be given to this paper (i.e., proper citation), and the products generated with this database should be shared under the same license terms (CC BY‐NC‐SA).
Fishing in the Toolbox of Cyclic Turn Mimics: a Literature Overview of the Last Decade
Authors: Bucci Raffaella , Foschi Francesca , Loro Camilla , Erba Emanuela , Gelmi Maria Luisa , Pellegrino Sara
Published: May 2021

The main goal in developing peptidomimetics is the stabilization of the bioactive conformation of peptides. Among all the secondary structures, turns are of paramount importance. This review highlights the recent advances in the design and synthesis of cyclic turn mimics. Both amino acids, carbo‐ and hetero‐cyclic scaffolds have been considered, focusing on their use in the preparation of peptidomimetics and on their ability to induce γ‐, β‐, and α‐turns.
Accelerating Amine‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Reactions by Intermolecular Cooperative Thiourea/Oxime Hydrogen‐Bond Catalysis
Authors: Ma Guangning , Afewerki Samson , Zhang Kaiheng , Ibrahem Ismail , Córdova Armando
Published: May 2021

The ability of intermolecular cooperative thiourea/oxime hydrogen‐bond catalysis for improving and accelerating asymmetric aminocatalysis is presented. The two readily available hydrogen‐bond‐donating catalysts operates in synergy with a chiral amine catalyst to accomplish highly stereoselective transformations. The synergistic catalyst systems simultaneously activate both electrophiles and nucleophiles, and make the transformations more chemo‐ and stereoselective. This was exemplified by performing co‐catalytic enantioselective direct intermolecular α‐alkylation reactions of aldehydes, direct aldol reactions, and asymmetric conjugate reactions, which gave the corresponding products in high yields and enantiomeric ratios.
Insulator‐based dielectrophoretic focusing and trapping of particles in non‐Newtonian fluids
Authors: Bentor Joseph , Malekanfard Amirreza , Raihan Mahmud Kamal , Wu Sen , Pan Xinxiang , Song Yongxin , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: May 2021

Insulator‐based dielectrophoretic (iDEP) microdevices have been limited to work with Newtonian fluids. We report an experimental study of the fluid rheological effects on iDEP focusing and trapping of polystyrene particles in polyethylene oxide, xanthan gum, and polyacrylamide solutions through a constricted microchannel. Particle focusing and trapping in the mildly viscoelastic polyethylene oxide solution are slightly weaker than in the Newtonian buffer. They are, however, significantly improved in the strongly viscoelastic and shear thinning polyacrylamide solution. These observed particle focusing behaviors exhibit a similar trend with respect to electric field, consistent with a revised theoretical analysis for iDEP focusing in non‐Newtonian fluids. No apparent focusing of particles is achieved in the xanthan gum solution, though the iDEP trapping can take place under a much larger electric field than the other fluids. This is attributed to the strong shear thinning‐induced influences on both the electroosmotic flow and electrokinetic/dielectrophoretic motions.
Cost‐effective purification process development for chimeric hepatitis B core (HBc) virus‐like particles assisted by molecular dynamic simulation
Authors: Zhang Bingyang , Yin Shuang , Wang Yingli , Su Zhiguo , Bi Jingxiu
Published: May 2021

Inserting foreign epitopes to hepatitis B core (HBc) virus‐like particles (VLPs) could influence the molecular conformation and therefore vary the purification process. In this study, a cost‐effective purification process was developed for two chimeric HBc VLPs displaying Epstein–Barr nuclear antigens 1 (EBNA1), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) core. Both chimeric VLPs were expressed in soluble form with high production yields in Escherichia coli. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was employed to predict the stability of chimeric VLPs. HCV core‐HBc was found to be less stable in water environment compared with EBNA1‐HBc, indicating its higher hydrophobicity. Assisting with MD simulation, ammonium sulfate precipitation was optimized to remove host cell proteins with high target protein recovery yields. Moreover, 99% DNA impurities were removed using POROS 50 HQ chromatography. In characterization measurement, we found that inserting HCV core epitope would reduce the ratio of α‐helix of HCV core‐HBc. This could be another reason on the top of its higher hydrophobicity predicted by MD simulation, causing its less stability. Tertiary structure, transmission electron microscopy, and immunogenicity results indicate that two chimeric VLPs maintained correct VLP structure ensuring its bioactivity after being processed by the developed cost‐effective purification approach.
The Extended Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay: A Thyroid-Specific and Less Animal-Intensive Alternative to the Larval Amphibian Growth and Development Assay
Authors: Ortego Lisa S. , Olmstead Allen W. , Weltje Lennart , Wheeler James R. , Bone Audrey J. , Coady Katherine K. , Banman Chris S. , Burden Natalie , Lagadic Laurent
Published: May 2021

The amphibian metamorphosis assay (AMA; US Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA] test guideline 890.1100 and Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development test guideline 231) has been used for more than a decade to assess the potential thyroid-mediated endocrine activity of chemicals. In 2013, in the context of the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program of the USEPA, a Scientific Advisory Panel reviewed the results from 18 studies and recommended changes to the AMA test guideline, including a modification to a fixed-stage design rather than a fixed-time (i.e., 21-d) design. We describe an extended test design for the AMA (or EAMA) that includes thyroid histopathology and time to metamorphosis (Nieuwkoop–Faber [NF] stage 62), to address both the issues with the fixed-time design and the specific question of thyroid-mediated adversity in a shorter assay than the larval amphibian growth and development assay (LAGDA; Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development test guideline 241), using fewer animals and resources. A demonstration study was conducted with the EAMA (up to NF stage 58) using sodium perchlorate. Data analyses and interpretation of the fixed-stage design of the EAMA are more straightforward than the fixed-time design because the fixed-stage design avoids confounded morphometric measurements and thyroid histopathology caused by varying developmental stages at test termination. It also results in greater statistical power to detect metamorphic delays than the fixed-time design. By preferentially extending the AMA to NF stage 62, suitable data can be produced to evaluate thyroid-mediated adversity and preclude the need to perform a LAGDA for thyroid mode of action analysis. The LAGDA remains of further interest should investigations of longer term effects related to sexual development modulated though the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis be necessary. However, reproduction assessment or life cycle testing is currently not addressed in the LAGDA study design. This is better addressed by higher tier studies in fish, which should then include specific thyroid-related endpoints. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2135–2144. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Evaluation of the Acute Effects and Oxidative Stress Responses of Phenicol Antibiotics and Suspended Particles in Daphnia magna
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Guo Peiyong , Wu Yanmei , Wang Meixian , Deng Jun , Su Haitao , Sun Yinshi
Published: May 2021

Suspended particles (SP) exist widely in various water systems and are able to adsorb other pollutants in water, producing ecotoxic effects on aquatic nontarget species. Until now, however, few studies have focused on the effects of SP on antibiotics. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of the mixtures of SP and phenicol antibiotics (chloramphenicol [CAP], thiamphenicol [TAP]) on acute toxicity and oxidative stress responses in Daphnia magna. The results indicated that the acute toxicity of phenicol antibiotics in D. magna was increased when combined with SP. Besides, the immobilization of daphnids caused by phenicol drugs in the presence of 10 mg/L of SP was more intense than that with 200 mg/L of SP. Furthermore, the impact of SP with diverse concentrations on the activity of catalase and the level of reduced glutathione in D. magna was different. Notably, almost all CAP + TAP + SP treatments markedly increased malondialdehyde content in D. magna, causing potential cellular oxidative damage in D. magna. In summary, the present study provides insights into the toxic effects of phenicol antibiotic and SP mixtures on aquatic organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2463–2473. © 2021 SETAC
Cavity occupancy by wild honey bees: need for evidence of ecological impacts
Authors: Saunders Manu E , Goodwin Emma K , Santos Karen CBS , Sonter Carolyn A , Rader Romina
Published: May 2021

The European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is managed worldwide for honey production and crop pollination, and is an invasive species in many countries. Wild colonies occupy natural and human‐made cavities and are thought to impact other cavity‐using species. We reviewed documented evidence of wild A mellifera nesting sites globally via a literature review (27 relevant studies) and citizen‐science observations of wild honey bee colonies on iNaturalist (326 observations). Honey bee occupancy rates from published studies were typically low and occupation was often temporary. Citizen‐science data showed that most colonies in cavities had small or narrow entrance holes. Current evidence of perceived competition with honey bees in cavities is largely anecdotal and little is known about the long‐term impacts on survival and reproductive success of other cavity‐occupying species. To guide conservation policy and practice, more empirical research is needed to understand the ecological outcomes of competitive interactions in nesting cavities.
Effects of complex extracts of traditional Chinese herbs on gastric mucosal injury in rats and potential underlying mechanism
Authors: Yuan Erdong , Liu Liangyun , Huang Min , Chang Bo , Qi Chunli , Gou Na , Ren Jiaoyan
Published: May 2021

Five complex extracts (CEs) of seven Chinese herbs (Astragalus, Poria cocos, Alpinia officinarum Hance, Radix Puerariae, Ginseng, Licorice, Hericium erinaceus) were prepared by hot water extraction and evaluated for their effect on gastric ulcer in rats. In rats with acetic acid‐induced chronic gastric ulcer, gross and microscopic appearance showed that gastric mucosal injury index and lesion inhibition rate were improved after CEs gavage for 21 days. Pretreatment with CEs for 21 days in rats with acute gastric ulcer could also improve the gastric mucosal injury by ethanol. CE1, CE4, and CE5 showed more obvious effect in two models. The cell experiments results showed that CE1, CE4, and CE5 effectively inhibited Wnt signaling activity. Thus, they could protect gastric mucosa through inhibiting Wnt signaling pathway. These results indicated that CE1, CE4, and CE5 had significant protective effects on gastric mucosal injury by inhibiting Wnt signalling pathway and could be developed into safe functional products.
The morphometry of left cuneus mediating the genetic regulation on working memory
Authors: He Xiaoxi , Li Xi , Fu Jilian , Xu Jiayuan , Liu Huaigui , Zhang Peng , Li Wei , Yu Chunshui , Ye Zhaoxiang , Qin Wen
Published: May 2021

Working memory is a basic human cognitive function. However, the genetic signatures and their biological pathway remain poorly understood. In the present study, we tried to clarify this issue by exploring the potential associations and pathways among genetic variants, brain morphometry and working memory performance. We first carried out association analyses between 2‐back accuracy and 212 image‐derived phenotypes from 1141 Human Connectome Project (HCP) subjects using a linear mixed model (LMM). We found a significantly positive correlation between the left cuneus volume and 2‐back accuracy (T = 3.615, p = 3.150e−4, Cohen's d = 0.226, corrected using family‐wise error [FWE] method). Based on the LMM‐based genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on the HCP dataset and UK Biobank 33 k GWAS summary statistics, we identified eight independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were reliably associated with left cuneus volume in both UKB and HCP dataset. Within the eight SNPs, we found a negative correlation between the rs76119478 polymorphism and 2‐back accuracy accuracy (T = −2.045, p = .041, Cohen's d = −0.129). Finally, an LMM‐based mediation analysis elucidated a significant effect of left cuneus volume in mediating rs76119478 polymorphism on the 2‐back accuracy (indirect effect = −0.007, 95% BCa CI = [−0.045, −0.003]). These results were also replicated in a subgroup of Caucasians in the HCP population. Further fine mapping demonstrated that rs76119478 maps on intergene CTD‐2315A10.2 adjacent to protein‐encoding gene DAAM1, and is significantly associated with L3HYPDH mRNA expression. Our study suggested this new variant rs76119478 may regulate the working memory through exerting influence on the left cuneus volume.
User‐centered development of a worker guidance system for a flexible production line
Authors: Stockinger Christopher , Stuke Fokko , Subtil Ilka
Published: May 2021

Worker guidance systems are digital assistance systems in production, which provide work‐related information and, thus, guide employees through production processes. This article describes the user‐centered development of such a worker guidance system for a flexible production line in a metrology company. Usage context analysis and requirements analysis illustrate the need for a simple and independent system that can be used voluntarily by employees. After two iterations of the human‐centered design process, an interactive software prototype was created and implemented on a tablet personal computer. In this prototype, all essential process and assembly information in the flexible production line is available to the employees in the form of text descriptions and pictures as step‐by‐step instructions, which can be selected via two‐step navigation. The final evaluation was conducted as a user study with N = 10 assembly workers in the flexible production line under realistic conditions and was also intended to find out at which level of detail the information should be displayed in the system. The system scored well on the system usability scale (between 65.8 and 70.8) and concerning acceptance. Using the worker guidance system, no assembly faults occurred during the user study. Due to the significantly shorter assembly time, but no further significant differences, it was decided to set up the less detailed assembly information as a standard in the system. However, employees can call up more detailed information, if necessary. This system will be used by the company in the future.
A comparative series solutions of Japanese encephalitis model using differential transform method and variational iteration method
Authors: Baniya Vinod , Keval Ram
Published: May 2021

In this study, a deterministic mathematical model involving the transmission dynamics of Japanese encephalitis (JE) is presented and studied. The biologically feasible equilibria and their stability properties have been discussed. This study investigates a series of solutions to the system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in the transmission dynamics of JE. To get approximate series solutions of the JE model, we employed the differential transform method (DTM) and variational iteration method (VIM). DTM utilizes the transformed function of the original JE model, while VIM uses the general Lagrange multiplier to develop the correction functional for the JE model. The results show that the VIM solution is more accurate than the DTM solution for short intervals of time. In addition, the fractional compartmental model of JE is briefly discussed. We illustrated the profiles of the solutions of each of the compartments, from which we found that the fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method solutions are more accurate than the DTM and VIM solutions for long intervals of time.
Heat generation/absorption on MHD flow of a micropolar fluid over a heated stretching surface in the presence of the boundary parameter
Authors: Bejawada Shankar Goud , Khan Zafar Hayat , Hamid Muhammad
Published: May 2021

A model study is reported to examine the effect of magnetic hydrodynamics polar fluid over a semistretched infinite vertical porous surface in the presence of heat source, temperature, magnetic field, and thermal radiation. The governing dimensional partial differential equations are transformed into an ordinary differential equation set by introducing the similarity variables. The reduced model is numerically solved via Runge–Kutta fourth order along with the shooting technique. The effects of various physical parameters on coefficient of skin friction, microrotation coefficient, and Nusselt number are studied whereas the outcomes are explained through a set of graphs. The results obtained are explained in tabular form and graphs. Prandtl and Hartman's numbers enhance the velocity profile while the opposite behavior is noticed for . Higher values of Pr enlarge the angular velocity near the surface. Improved temperature distribution is noticed for higher values of Ha and ϕ, However, a declined behaviour is observed for , and .
The psychological effect of COVID‐19 quarantine on Greek young adults: Risk factors and the protective role of daily routine and altruism
Authors: Kornilaki Ekaterina N.
Published: May 2021

To save lives and slow the spread of COVID‐19 Greece imposed a country‐wide, 6‐week lockdown and a stay‐at‐home order at an early stage. This study examines the effect of quarantine on young adults by assessing depression, anxiety, stress and the experience of positive and negative affect. The role of potential risk factors such as disruption of normal life, perceived threat of the disease, acquaintance with someone infected and gender; and protective factors, such as adherence to a daily routine and altruism was evaluated. An online questionnaire entailing demographics, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS‐21), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), measures of life disruption, perceived threat and adherence to a daily routine and an altruism scale was completed by 1018 undergraduates. Increased levels of depression, anxiety, stress and negative affect were found. Life disruption and perceived threat of the disease were risk factors in all psychological distress measures, while a stable, satisfying daily routine and altruism mitigated the negative consequences. Gender was a moderator. Acknowledging the psychological effect of quarantine on young adults should be the starting point for interventions. Helping people build a new routine and assign an altruistic meaning to the confinement can protect psychological health.
Creating a “Community of Information Practice” for improved routine health data management in Resource Constrained Setting: The case of Mbingo Primary Healthcare facility, South Africa
Authors: Asah Flora Nah
Published: May 2021

Intrigued by the outstanding performances of a rural health care facility in relation to data management and use, recognized by the KwaZulu‐Natal Ministerial Award in 2017 and 2018, respectively, we draw on an interpretive case study to further our understanding of the role of the healthcare managers in this and the context in which they operated. The performance of the healthcare facility in relation to data management and use could be traced to the cultivation of a “Community of Information Practice” around data management and the leadership style of the healthcare manager and the commitment of the staff. The study highlights the healthcare manager as pivotal in strengthening a data use culture in resource‐constrained healthcare settings. This paper presents a practical approach in operationalizing health indicators in resource‐constrained settings. This paper contributes to CoP by extending the role of the facilitator beyond the usual role as organizer of meetings to champions of the CoP. The paper concludes that healthcare managers are change agents, who make sense of changes with their colleagues, by sharing knowledge and experiences in a way that allows continuous learning to take place, creating a sustainable context for continuous use of health data.
Understanding and perception of direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing in Hong Kong
Authors: Hui Vivian C. C. , Li H. C. , Chow Josh H. K. , Ng Chris S. C. , Lui Constance Y. W. , Fung Jasmine L. F. , Mak Christopher C.Y. , Chung Brian H. Y. , Lau Kui Kai
Published: May 2021

Direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) is gaining popularity in Hong Kong (HK). As DTCGT forgoes specialist medical involvement, healthcare professionals have raised concerns regarding its validity, utility, and the public's ability to interpret DTCGT results. Thus, genetic counseling (GC) is recommended to facilitate understanding of DTCGT. This study aimed to investigate HK public's perception toward DTCGT and the importance of GC in DTCGT. A total of 304 HK adults were invited to complete a 37‐item survey online. Participants’ genomic literacy, understanding and attitude toward DTCGT and GC, and responses to a mock DTCGT scenario were assessed. 48% of participants were aware of DTCGT while 82% indicated an interest. 30% of participants were aware of GC services in HK; 49% were interested in GC services for understanding DTCGT results. Participants scored on average 7.6/11 in the genomic sequencing knowledge scale and were weak in limitations of genomic testing. In the mock DTCGT scenario, 73% of participants expressed concern with the positive results initially. After being explained limitations of DTCGT, 40% of participants reported decreased concern. Reduced perceived helpfulness in medical management and lifestyle modification were also reported by 35% and 27%, respectively. This HK population demonstrated a high level of awareness and interest in DTCGT. As potential DTCGT users, they might experience excess concern and overestimate the usefulness of positive DTCGT results, particularly in medical management. The importance of GC to educate and guide interpretation of DTCGT results is supported; yet the awareness and access of GC services is inadequate in HK.
Monitoring the differentiation of dimethyl sulfoxide‐induced human leukemia (HL‐60) cells by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhao Yingjia , Zhang Yunyun , Liang Xinyue , Liu Shupeng , Cao Xiumei , Chen Na , Chen Zhenyi , Yan Jianshe
Published: May 2021

Raman spectroscopy has been widely used in biology and medicine for the analysis of biochemical components such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. We exploited the application of the Raman spectroscopy to the monitoring of the process of cell differentiation. Human promyelocytic leukemia (HL‐60) cells were differentiated into granulocytes by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment. Raman spectra, in parallel with the changes of morphology and antigen expression of cells, were analyzed in the cells during differentiation. We found that there is a correlation between the differential stages and Raman characteristic regions related to macromolecular substances. Furthermore, we employed the support vector machine to distinguish the spectra of undifferentiated and differentiated HL‐60 cells and found that the average classification accuracy exceeded 84%. The results suggested that Raman spectroscopy may have potential application in monitoring cell differentiation.
Fresh and saline submarine groundwater discharge in a large coastal inlet affected by seasonal upwelling
Authors: Ibánhez J. Severino P. , Álvarez‐Salgado Xosé Antón , Nieto‐Cid Mar , Rocha Carlos
Published: May 2021

Submarine groundwater discharge is recognized as a major source of chemicals to the global ocean, exerting large control over coastal water composition. Radon and 226Ra are used to evaluate, for the first time, the occurrence and magnitude of submarine groundwater discharge in the Ría de Vigo, a large, highly productive embayment affected by seasonal, wind‐driven upwelling. The system is naturally enriched in 222Rn due to the regional granitic basement geology: high 222Rn activities (up to 106 Bq m−3) are detected in wells and boreholes in the drainage basin of the embayment. High 222Rn activities (>400 Bq m−3) are also measured in certain areas of the embayment. Comparatively lower 226Ra activities (<4 103 Bq m−3) were measured in the freshwater sources to the bay. Mass balances obtained with a box model are used to perform a volumetric estimate of fresh and saline submarine groundwater discharge in the Ría de Vigo under contrasting circulation patterns. Fresh groundwater is shown to be a relevant hydrological component of the Ria de Vigo water balance, equivalent to 9% ± 4% and 23% ± 9% of the volume discharged by tributary rivers during winter and summer, respectively. On the other hand, recirculation of seawater through permeable sediments is capable of filtering the entire upper volume of the Ria de Vigo through its seafloor in <100 days and might thus be a previously overlooked major source of regenerated solutes to the system.
New Dithiazole Side Chain Benzodithiophene Containing D–A Copolymers for Highly Efficient Nonfullerene Solar Cells
Authors: Keshtov Muhammed L. , Konstantinov Ionv O. , Ostapov ILya E. , Khokhlov Alexei R. , Alekseev Vladimir G. , Xie Zhiyuan , Dahiya Hemraj , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: May 2021

To examine the effects of pendent alkyl chain on the benzodithiophenedione (BDD) acceptor in the donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated copolymers, two D–A copolymers with same thiazole ring substituted benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDTTz) and different acceptors BDD with two pendent alkyl units PBDTTz‐BDD and one pendent alkyl unit in benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione (BDTD) PBDTTz‐BDTD are synthesized. There is small effect on the optical properties but significant effect on the intermolecular π–π stacking, charge transport, and photovoltaic performance. PBTTz‐BDTD (with one pendent alkyl chain) on the BDD exhibits smaller π–π stacking distance as compared to PBDTTz‐BDD (with two pendent alkyl chains). The balanced charge carrier mobilities for the PBDTTZ‐BDTD based blends than those for PBDTTz‐BDD based blends are beneficial for suppressing the recombination processes, resulting in higher short circuit current and fill factor for the polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on PBDTTz‐BDTD. Combined with BThIND or Y6 as acceptor, PBDTTZ‐BDTD based PSCs show power conversion efficiency of 12.85% and 14.08%, respectively, which are larger than that for PBDTTz‐BDD counterparts (10.46% and 10.90% for BThIND and Y6, respectively). Thus, the photovoltaic performance of the D–A copolymer donors can be regulated through the slight variations of the pendent alkyl chains in the BDD acceptor unit.
Nitro‐Carbazole Based Oxime Esters as Dual Photo/Thermal Initiators for 3D Printing and Composite Preparation
Authors: Liu Shaohui , Graff Bernadette , Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: May 2021

A series of Type I photoinitiators (PIs) based on a nitrocarbazole scaffold are developed and examined for the first time as photoinitiators for visible light photopolymerization. Three oxime esters (OXE‐M, OXE‐V, OXE‐P) varying by the terminal groups (acetyl, acryloyl and benzoyl) attached via the oxime ester group are originally prepared. As a result of this, the three PIs exhibit excellent photoinitiation abilities in the presence of acrylate monomers upon LED@ 405 nm irradiation. Markedly, OXE‐M exhibits a better performance than the benchmark Type I phosphine‐oxide (diphenyl(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide TPO). Chemical mechanisms supporting the polymerization process with these PIs are investigated by steady state photolysis, molecular orbital calculations and real‐time Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. After the cleavage of N─O bond and decarboxylation, free radicals are generated to initiate the free radical polymerization efficiently. Free radical photopolymerization of OXE‐M is applied in direct laser write and 3D printing. Interestingly, OXE‐M exhibits thermal initiation behaviors in monomers and can be used as dual photo and thermal initiators. The highly opaque feature of carbon fibers makes it difficult for light penetration, so dual photo/thermal curing are used here to prepare carbon fiber composites.
On the parabolic‐elliptic Keller–Segel system with signal‐dependent motilities: A paradigm for global boundedness and steady states
Authors: Wang Zhi‐An
Published: May 2021

This paper is concerned with a parabolic‐elliptic Keller–Segel system where both diffusive and chemotactic coefficients (motility functions) depend on the chemical signal density. This system was originally proposed by Keller and Segel to describe the aggregation phase of Dictyostelium discoideum cells in response to the secreted chemical signal cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), but the available analytical results are very limited by far. Considering system in a bounded smooth domain with Neumann boundary conditions, we establish the global boundedness of solutions in any dimensions with suitable general conditions on the signal‐dependent motility functions, which are applicable to a wide class of motility functions. The existence/nonexistence of non‐constant steady states is studied and abundant stationary profiles are found. Some open questions are outlined for further pursues. Our results demonstrate that the global boundedness and profile of stationary solutions to the Keller–Segel system with signal‐dependent motilities depend on the decay rates of motility functions, space dimensions and the relation between the diffusive and chemotactic motilities, which makes the dynamics immensely wealthy.
Development of an L‐band resonator optimized for fast scan EPR imaging of the mouse head
Authors: Samouilov Alexandre , Komarov Denis , Petryakov Sergey , Iosilevich Arkadiy , Zweier Jay L.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To develop a novel resonator for high‐quality fast scan electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and EPR/NMR co‐imaging of the head and brain of mice at 1.25 GHz.

Methods

Resonator dimensions were scaled to fit the mouse head with maximum filling factor. A single‐loop 6‐gap resonator of 20 mm diameter and 20 mm length was constructed. High resonator stability was achieved utilizing a fixed position double coupling loop. Symmetrical mutually inverted connections rendered it insensitive to field modulation and fast scan. Coupling adjustment was provided by a parallel‐connected variable capacitor located at the feeding line at λ/4 distance. To minimize radiation loss, the shield around the resonator was supplemented with a planar conductive disc that focuses return magnetic flux.

Results

Coupling of the resonator loaded with the mouse head was efficient and easy. This resonator enabled high‐quality in vivo 3D EPR imaging of the mouse head following intravenous infusion of nitroxide probes. With this resonator and rapid scan EPR system, 4 ms scans were acquired in forward and reverse directions so that images with 2‐scan 3,136 projections were acquired in 25 s. Head images were achieved with resolutions of 0.4 mm, enabling visualization of probe localization and uptake across the blood–brain barrier.

Conclusions

This resonator design provides good sensitivity, high stability, and B1 field homogeneity for in vivo fast scan EPR of the mouse head and brain, enabling faster measurements and higher resolution imaging of probe uptake, localization, and metabolism than previously possible.
The HDR Display Ecosystem
Authors: Smith Euan
Published: May 2021

This edition of Information Display focusing on high dynamic range (HDR) and wide color gamut (WCG) is very timely. From my perspective of standards development (IEC TC110 and the IDMS), it seems unclear what an HDR display really is.
Nachruf: Ralf Steudel (1937 – 2021)
Authors: Driess Matthias
Published: May 2021

Ralf Steudel starb am 12. Februar 2021. Mit dem Lehrbuch „Chemie der Nichtmetalle“ schuf er einen Klassiker für die Ausbildung in anorganischer Chemie.
Time‐encoded golden angle radial arterial spin labeling: Simultaneous acquisition of angiography and perfusion data
Authors: van der Plas Merlijn C. E. , Schmid Sophie , Versluis Maarten J. , Okell Thomas W. , van Osch Matthias J. P.
Published: May 2021

The objective of the current study was to combine a time‐encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (te‐pCASL) scheme with a golden angle radial readout for simultaneous acquisition of angiography and perfusion images from one single dataset, both in a highly flexible single‐slice approach as well as within a multislice setting. A te‐pCASL preparation and the golden angle radial readout were both used as a temporal resolution tool to retrospectively choose the temporal window for the reconstruction of both angiography and perfusion images from a single‐slice dataset. The temporal window could be chosen retrospectively and adjusted to the hemodynamics of the volunteer on the scanner for the single‐slice dataset. Angiographic images were reconstructed at a minimum temporal resolution of 69 ms. For the perfusion phase, only the densely sampled center of k‐space was included in the reconstruction. For a multislice acquisition, the golden angle radial readout allowed reconstruction of images with different spatial resolutions to provide angiographic and perfusion information over 10 slices. The te‐pCASL preparation was used as the only source for dynamic information. The multislice acquisition shows the ability of the golden angle radial readout to display the inflow of the labeled blood into the arteries as well as the perfusion in the tissue with full brain coverage. By combining a te‐pCASL preparation with a golden angle radial readout, single‐slice high temporal resolution angiography and good quality perfusion images were reconstructed in a flexible manner from a single dataset. Optimizing the golden angle radial readout for reconstructions at multiple spatial resolutions allows for multislice acquisition.