bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging the gap in outpatient care: Can a daily patient‐reported outcome measure help?
Authors: Meryk Andreas , Kropshofer Gabriele , Hetzer Benjamin , Riedl David , Lehmann Jens , Rumpold Gerhard , Haid Alexandra , Holzner Bernhard , Crazzolara Roman
Published: July 2021

Background

Childhood patients have high risks for developing debilitating somatic and mental health side‐effects as a consequence of the many different approaches employed in treating their cancer. Early recognition and close monitoring of clinical and psychological problems are essential in planning appropriate interventions and preventing further deterioration.

Case

ePROtect was established as an easy‐to‐use application for daily self‐reporting of symptoms during cancer therapy. ePROtect includes six to eight questions pertaining to seven common symptoms: appetite loss, fatigue, nausea, pain, physical functioning, cognitive impairments and sleep quality. The case of a child diagnosed with Burkitt leukemia developing chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis in home care is presented to show the therapeutic impact of early symptom detection with a daily web‐based tool.

Conclusion

This case highlights how electronic patient‐reported outcome measures (PROM) can directly facilitate patient care in real time and might be incorporated in future clinical routine.
Full versus partial thickness flap to determine differentiation and over keratinization of non‐keratinized mucosa. A 3‐year split mouth randomized pilot study
Authors: Puisys Algirdas , Auzbikaviciute Viktorija , Vindasiute‐Narbute Egle , Zukauskas Saulius , Razukevicus Dainius , Dard Michel M.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

It was shown, that Connective Tissue Grafts (CTG) retrieved from the tuberosity tends to determine hyperplastic responses and may induce a beneficial over‐keratinization of non‐keratinized mucosa. Clinically evaluate and compare CTG from tuberosity ability to increase soft tissue thickness and the keratinization potential after recipient area is either prepared using split or full thickness flap in edentulous mandible.

Materials and methods

Fourty implants were placed in 10 edentulous patients with atrophied mandible (Class IV of Misch) presenting less than 1.0 mm of keratinized tissue using a flapless approach and immediately restored with acrylic temporary bridge on multi‐unit abutments. The surgical sites were split‐mouth randomized and prepared as CTG recipients by a tunneling procedure. Twenty benefited of a partial thickness approach and 20 of a full thickness one. The CTG was placed buccally using partial thickness or full thickness flap according to the randomization schedule. The width of keratinized tissue (KT), the horizontal soft tissue thickness (STT), the marginal hard and soft tissue levels as well as the implant success parameters were collected and analyzed.

Results

After a 3 year follow‐up period the increase of KT was statistically significantly (p < 0.001) larger in the partial thickness group from 0.6(0.6) to 5.1(0.72) mm, while full thickness group showed very little improvement from 0.5(0.51) to 1(0.57) mm (p < 0.001). STT was significantly increased in both groups over time: from 2.4(0.88) to 5.4(0.68) mm in full thickness group and from 2.5(0.51) to 5.8(0.41) mm in partial thickness group without any significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion

The increase of soft tissue thickness by using CTG from tuberosity was found in both groups, while keratinization of non‐keratinized mucosa appeared more in the partial thickness group.
Appropriate statistical methods for analysis of safflower genetic diversity using agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis through combination of phenotypic traits and molecular markers
Authors: Houmanat Karim , Douaik Ahmed , Charafi Jamal , Hssaini Lahcen , El Fechtali Mohamed , Nabloussi Abdelghani
Published: July 2021

Combining phenotypic and genotypic germplasm characterization is a key to efficient and successful safflower (Carthamus tinctoriusL.) breeding program by identifying valuable and confirmed parents. This study aimed to investigate and use appropriate statistical methods for such a characterization, and to identify potential genetic pools in safflower germplasm that may be useful for breeding program implementation. The genetic diversity of 45 accessions from different countries, provided by the USDA‐ARS, was assessed during two cropping seasons, using agromorphological traits and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis (AHCA) was used with appropriate similarity distances, and Ward and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) linkages. Agreement between distance–linkage combinations was evaluated using cophenetic correlation, Mantel test, Fisher exact test, Cramer'sV, overall accuracy, and Cohen's κ. Both agromorphological phenotyping and molecular genotyping revealed significant genetic diversity. Ward linkage was better than UPGMA, using simple matching distance for molecular markers and Gower distance for phenotypic traits as well as for combined phenotypic traits and molecular markers. It delineated the studied accessions into four main clusters. Some accessions showed desirable profiles that can be used in future breeding programs. This is the first report of a series of appropriate statistical methods that can be used for assessing genetic diversity in safflower, combining phenotypic traits and molecular markers, and thus identifying relevant genetic pools for breeding program.
Solvent‐Free Mechanochemical Post‐Polymerization Modification of Ionic Polymers
Authors: Lee Joo Won , Park Jihye , Lee Joonhee , Park Sora , Kim Jeung Gon , Kim Byeong‐Su
Published: July 2021

Despite their superior stability and facile handling, ionic polymers have limited solubility in most organic solvents, restricting the range of substrates and reaction conditions to which they can be applied. To overcome this solubility issue, the present study presents a solvent‐free mechanochemical reaction. Specifically, a post‐polymerization modification of ammonium‐functionalized polyether was demonstrated using a solvent‐free vibrational ball‐milling technique. The formation of imine bonds between the ionic polymer and an aromatic aldehyde led to the complete conversion to imine within 1 h without any bond breakage on the polymer backbone. The viability of this approach for a wide range of aldehydes was also evaluated, highlighting the potential of the mechanochemical post‐polymerization modification of polymers that are inaccessible by conventional solution approaches.
Evaluating and integrating spatial capture–recapture models with data of variable individual identifiability
Authors: Ruprecht Joel S. , Eriksson Charlotte E. , Forrester Tavis D. , Clark Darren A. , Wisdom Michael J. , Rowland Mary M. , Johnson Bruce K. , Levi Taal
Published: July 2021

Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models have become the preferred tool for estimating densities of carnivores. Within this family of models are variants requiring identification of all individuals in each encounter (SCR), a subset of individuals only (generalized spatial mark–resight, gSMR), or no individual identification (spatial count or spatial presence–absence). Although each technique has been shown through simulation to yield unbiased results, the consistency and relative precision of estimates across methods in real‐world settings are seldom considered. We tested a suite of models ranging from those only requiring detections of unmarked individuals to others that integrate remote camera, physical capture, genetic, and global positioning system (GPS) data into a hybrid model, to estimate population densities of black bears, bobcats, cougars, and coyotes. For each species, we genotyped fecal DNA collected with detection dogs during a 20‐d period. A subset of individuals from each species was affixed with GPS collars bearing unique markings and resighted by remote cameras over 140 d contemporaneous with scat collection. Camera‐based gSMR models produced density estimates that differed by <10% from genetic SCR for bears, cougars, and coyotes once important sources of variation (sex or behavioral status) were controlled for. For bobcats, SCR estimates were 33% higher than gSMR. The cause of the discrepancies in estimates was likely attributable to challenges designing a study compatible for species with disparate home range sizes and the difficulty of collecting sufficient data in a timeframe in which demographic closure could be assumed. Unmarked models estimated densities that varied greatly from SCR, but estimates became more consistent in models wherein more individuals were identifiable. Hybrid models containing all data sources exhibited the most precise estimates for all species. For studies in which only sparse data can be obtained and the strictest model assumptions are unlikely to be met, we suggest researchers use caution making inference from models lacking individual identity. For best results, we further recommend the use of methods requiring at least a subset of the population is marked and that multiple data sets are incorporated when possible.
Cattle and sheep differentially alter floral resources and the native bee communities in working landscapes
Authors: Cutter Jasmine , Geaumont Benjamin , McGranahan Devan , Harmon Jason , Limb Ryan , Schauer Chris , Hovick Torre
Published: July 2021

Within agricultural landscapes, native bees often rely on limited natural and seminatural lands to provide the majority of the food and nesting resources that sustain them. To understand better how management can affect pollinators in these seminatural areas, we compared how sheep or cattle herbivory influenced floral resources and bee communities in low‐diversity, former Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) pastures managed with patch‐burn grazing. We sampled bee communities and floral resources three times per season in 2017, 2018, and 2019. We used plant‐pollinator line transect sampling and collected bees and counted all flowering stems within 1 m. Across all years, we found that floral abundance, floral richness, floral diversity (Simpson’s) and bee richness and abundance were significantly higher in cattle pastures compared to sheep. In cattle pastures, 46 native bee species plus honey bees interacted with 25 of 68 available flowering forbs. In sheep pastures, we recorded 14 native bee species and honey bees interacted with 10 of 34 flowering species. Native bee abundance and native bee richness were best explained by models that included an interaction of floral richness and year. Overall, our results suggest that season‐long sheep grazing in low‐diversity grasslands greatly reduces available floral resources and correlates with much lower bee abundance and native bee diversity. Given the importance of pollinators to natural and agricultural systems, it is imperative that we take proactive actions to increase forb richness and native flower abundance in seminatural lands to maintain a more diverse and resilient bee community that can continue to support pollination services and global food security.
Disordered eating, body image concerns, and weight control behaviors in primary school aged children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of universal–selective prevention interventions
Authors: Pursey Kirrilly M. , Burrows Tracy L. , Barker Daniel , Hart Melissa , Paxton Susan J.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Body image concerns and extreme weight control behaviors frequently develop in childhood indicating an important age group for the implementation of universal–selective prevention approaches. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of universal–selective prevention interventions addressing disordered eating, body image concerns, and/or extreme weight control behaviors in children aged 6–12 years.

Method

Nine databases were searched up to April 2021. Studies were included if they delivered a universal–selective prevention intervention to children aged 6–12 years and reported outcomes relating to body image, disordered eating, or weight control behaviors. The review was conducted in line with the PRISMA Guidelines.

Results

A total of 42 articles describing 39 studies included in the review, with most (n = 24; 57%) classified as neutral quality. Thirty studies implemented an eating disorder specific universal–selective program and nine implemented lifestyle interventions plus content to address disordered eating risk factors. Meta‐analysis (n = 16 studies) revealed an improvement in body image‐related outcomes across all studies (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.26 [95%CI 0.01, 0.51]); with a high level of heterogeneity (Î2 = 89.9%; p < .01). Meta‐analysis according to gender revealed a general improvement in body image‐related outcomes for girls (SMD 0.40 [95%CI 0.07, 0.73]), but not boys (SMD 0.23 [95%CI −0.24, 0.70]).

Discussion

By investigating child, parental and teaching interventions and including outcomes such as weight control and disordered eating behaviors, a trend toward a reduction in eating disorder risk factors was observed, particularly body image‐related outomes in girls. Future directions include embedded disordered eating prevention materials within existing lifestyle interventions and inclusion of more diverse samples.
Feasibility of avirtually deliveredeating disorder prevention program for young females with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wisting Line , Haugvik Severina , Wennersberg Anne Louise , Hage Trine Wiig , Stice Eric , Olmsted Marion P. , Ghaderi Ata , Brunborg Cathrine , Skrivarhaug Torild , Dahl‐Jørgensen Knut , Rø Øyvind
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to develop a virtual diabetes‐specific version of the eating disorder (ED) prevention program the Body Project, and to assess feasibility and preliminary efficacy of this program for young females with type 1 diabetes.

Method

Young females with type 1 diabetes aged 16–35 years were invited to participate in the study. A total of 35 participants were allocated to five Diabetes Body Project groups (six meetings over 6 weeks) and completed pretest assessments; 26 participants completed all sessions and posttest assessments (<7 days after last meeting). Primary measures included ED risk factors and symptoms, and secondary outcomes included diabetes‐specific constructs previously found to be associated with ED psychopathology (e.g., diabetes distress and illness perceptions).

Results

The ease of recruitment, timely conduct of five groups, moderate drop‐out rate and appreciation of the intervention by participants indicated that the Diabetes Body Project is feasible. Meaningful reductions occurred on the primary outcomes (i.e., ED psychopathology, body dissatisfaction, and thin ideal internalization) and on internalization of appearance ideals and appearance pressures at posttest (Cohen'sdranging from .63 to .83, which are medium to large effects). Small to medium effect sizes were found for diabetes illness perceptions and distress (.41 and .48, respectively).

Discussion

The virtual Diabetes Body Project is a promising and much‐needed intervention, worthy of more rigorous evaluation. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to determine its effectiveness compared with a control condition.
Staying close to home: Ecological constraints on space use and range fidelity in a mountain ungulate
Authors: Shakeri Yasaman N. , White Kevin S. , Waite Jason N.
Published: July 2021

Understanding patterns of animal space use and range fidelity has important implications for species and habitat conservation. For species that live in highly seasonal environments, such as mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus), spatial use patterns are expected to vary in relation to seasonal changes in environmental conditions and sex‐ or age‐specific selection pressures. To address hypotheses about sex, age, and seasonality influence on space‐use ecology, we collected GPS location data from 263 radio‐collared mountain goats (males,n = 140; females,n = 123) in coastal Alaska during 2005–2016. Location data were analyzed to derive seasonal and sex‐specific fixed‐kernel home range estimates and to quantify the degree of seasonal range and utilization distribution overlap. Overall, we determined that home range size was smallest during winter, expanded coincident with the onset of green‐up and parturition, and was largest during summer. Home range size of males and females did not differ significantly during winter, but females had larger home ranges than males during summer, a relationship that was switched during the mating season. Pairwise comparisons involving individual females across subsequent years indicated home ranges were significantly smaller during years when they gave birth to offspring. Mountain goats exhibited a strong degree of range fidelity, and 99% (n = 138) of individual animals returned to their previous year's seasonal range with an average annual Bhattacharyya's affinity utilization distribution overlap index of 68%. Similarity of seasonal home range utilization distributions varied in relation to sex and season in some respects. Home range overlap was highest during the summer vegetation growing season, particularly among females. These findings advance our understanding about how environmental variation and sex‐ and age‐related reproductive constraints influence space use and range fidelity among alpine ungulates. Documentation of the high degree of range fidelity among mountain goats has important conservation implications in landscapes increasingly altered by anthropogenic activities.
Nutrient limitation of plant reproduction in a tropical moist forest
Authors: Fortier Riley , Wright S. Joseph
Published: July 2021

Nutrient addition experiments indicate that nitrogen and phosphorus limit plant processes in many tropical forests. However, the long‐term consequences for forest structure and species composition remain unexplored. We are positioned to evaluate potential long‐term consequences of nutrient addition in central Panama where we have maintained a factorial nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium fertilization experiment for 21 yr and an independent study quantified the species‐specific nutrient requirements of 550 local tree species. Here, we ask whether nutrients limit reproduction at the species and community levels. We also ask whether species‐specific reproductive responses to nutrient addition are stronger among species associated with naturally fertile soils, which could contribute to a shift in species composition. We quantified species‐level reproductive responses for 38 focal species in the 21st year of the experiment and community‐level reproductive litter production for the first 20 yr. Species‐level reproductive responses to nitrogen and potassium addition were weak, inconsistent across species, and insignificant across the 38 focal species. In contrast, species‐level responses to phosphorus addition were consistently and significantly positive across the 38 focal species but were unrelated to species‐specific phosphorus requirements documented independently for the same species. Community‐level reproductive litter production was unaffected by nutrient addition, possibly because spatial and temporal variation is large. We conclude that phosphorus limits reproduction by trees in our experiment but find no evidence that reproductive responses to phosphorus addition favor species associated with naturally phosphorus‐rich soils.
Standardized gait speed ratio in elderly patients with heart failure
Authors: Ozawa Tetsuya , Yamashita Masashi , Seino Satoshi , Kamiya Kentaro , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Konishi Masaaki , Saito Hiroshi , Saito Kazuya , Ogasahara Yuki , Maekawa Emi , Kitai Takeshi , Iwata Kentaro , Jujo Kentaro , Wada Hiroshi , Kasai Takatoshi , Momomura Shin‐ichi , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Nozaki Kohei , Kim Hunkyung , Obuchi Shuichi , Kawai Hisashi , Kitamura Akihiko , Shinkai Shoji , Matsue Yuya
Published: July 2021

Aims

Although aging is strongly associated with both heart failure and a decline in gait speed, a definition of slowness incorporating an age‐related decline has yet to be developed. We aimed to define an event‐driven cut‐off for the relative decline in gait speed against age‐adjusted reference values derived from the general population and evaluate its prognostic implications.

Methods and results

Standardized gait speed (SGS) was defined as the median gait speed stratified by age, sex, and height in 3777 elderly (age ≥ 65 years) individuals without a history of cardiovascular diseases (Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology‐Longitudinal Interdisciplinary Study on Aging: general population cohort). The mortality event‐driven optimal cut‐off of the SGS ratio (actual gait speed divided by the respective SGS) was defined using FRAGILE‐HF cohort data and externally validated using Kitasato cohort data, comprising 1301 and 1247 hospitalized elderly patients with heart failure, respectively. Using FRAGILE‐HF data, the optimal SGS ratio cut‐off was determined as 0.527. In the Kitasato cohort, SGS ratio < 0.527 was associated with a higher 1 year [hazard ratio (HR): 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–2.72, P = 0.024] and long‐term (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.05–2.02, P = 0.024) mortality rate, independent of pre‐existing covariates.

Conclusions

Gait speed was significantly declined in patients with heart failure, even after taking age and sex‐related decline into account. A SGS ratio of 0.527 is a validated cut‐off for slowness independently associated with mortality in patients with heart failure age ≥65.
Nonlinear modeling and operation stability of variable speed pumped storage power station
Authors: Guo Wencheng , Zhu Daoyi
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the nonlinear modeling and operation stability of variable speed pumped storage power station (PSPS). Firstly, basic equations of variable speed PSPS are established. Nonlinear state equation in the form of relative deviation value is derived by considering supplementary conditions. Then, Hopf bifurcation analysis of variable speed PSPS is carried out. Stable domain of variable speed PSPS is studied. Finally, influence of factors on stability is analyzed. Dynamic response of variable speed PSPS is investigated. The results indicate that variable speed PSPS is a five‐order nonlinear dynamic system. Nonlinear characteristics of variable speed PSPS reflect the nonlinear coupling effect between unit speed and rotor current. The emerged Hopf bifurcation is supercritical. Stable domain locates at the lower side of bifurcation line. Stable domain intuitively reflects and evaluates the stability of variable speed PSPS. When state point locates at stable domain, variable speed PSPS is stable and dynamic response of state variables is damped oscillation. A smaller flow inertia of penstock, a greater head loss of penstock, and a greater slip ratio are favorable for stability of variable speed PSPS. Stable domain under positive disturbance of active power is larger than that under negative disturbance of active power.
IQ imbalance estimation and compensation in space‐time block code multiple‐input/multiple‐output systems
Authors: Borakzaei Amir E. , Saeedi‐Sourck Hamid , Seydnejad Saeid R.
Published: July 2021

Direct‐conversion radio frequency transceivers are well‐substantiated structures for today's wireless communication systems due to their ability in complexity reduction, cost, and power consumption. The unavoidable mismatch between the in‐phase (I) and quadrature‐phase (Q) branch of the analog front‐ends in the direct‐conversion transceiver leads to degrading the performance of communication systems. In this article, we address the estimation and compensation of the IQ imbalance (IQI) parameters for both the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) in multiple‐input/multiple‐output systems with space‐time block code (STBC) in the digital domain. This article proposes a pre‐combiner estimation and compensation of the channel and the frequency‐independent IQI scheme based on the repetitive transmission of the pilot sequence using the least square technique. It is worth noting that the proposed method can be extended to any orthogonal STBC. Moreover, the study is applied to IQI in other scenarios including only TX and only RX. Simulation results show that the proposed method achieves better performance in comparison with the existing post‐combiner technique. Furthermore, the proposed method requires lower computational complexity when the number of receive antennas is limited.
Essential oil constituents and variations in antioxidant compounds of dried summer savory (Saturejahortensis cv. Saturn) affected by storage conditions and ammonium sulfate
Authors: Mohtashami Saeideh , Babalar Mesbah , Tabrizi Leila , Ghani Askar , Rowshan Vahid , Shokrpour Majid
Published: July 2021

Considering the importance of spice plants and their shelf life, as affected by various factors, the current study considered Summer savory plants (Satureja hortensis cv. Saturn) for evaluation under the application of different concentrations of ammonium sulfate (0, 40, 60, 80, and 100 kg/ha) as primary treatments. Based on the plant response, the control group and 100 kg/ha ammonium sulfate were selected as suitable treatments for storage experiments (i.e., storage at ambient, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures for 8 months). Based on the results, the highest percentage and yield of S. hortensis essential oil and biomass occurred in response to 100 kg ammonium sulfate, whereas the lowest amounts were observed in the control group (i.e., in the absence of ammonium sulfate). During the storage period, the essential oil content decreased, but the carvacrol content of the essential oil increased. During the different durations and conditions of storage, the stability of secondary metabolites varied. Essential oil, rosmarinic acid, and carvacrol contents maintained greater stability in plants treated with ammonium sulfate (100 kg/ha), compared with the control group during the storage period. It can be concluded that the preharvest application of ammonium sulfate on S. hortensis improved plant growth and quality indices at preharvest time, while also maintaining the stability of its active ingredients at the postharvest stage and storage time. It also led results to recommend storing Summer savory in the freezer to better preserve its secondary metabolites.
A novel transcriptional risk score for risk prediction of complex human diseases
Authors: Shan Nayang , Xie Yuhan , Song Shuang , Jiang Wei , Wang Zuoheng , Hou Lin
Published: July 2021

Recently polygenetic risk score (PRS) has been successfully used in the risk prediction of complex human diseases. Many studies incorporated internal information, such as effect size distribution, or external information, such as linkage disequilibrium, functional annotation, and pleiotropy among multiple diseases, to optimize the performance of PRS. To leverage on multiomics datasets, we developed a novel flexible transcriptional risk score (TRS), in which messenger RNA expression levels were imputed and weighted for risk prediction. In simulation studies, we demonstrated that single‐tissue TRS has greater prediction power than LDpred, especially when there is a large effect of gene expression on the phenotype. Multitissue TRS improves prediction accuracy when there are multiple tissues with independent contributions to disease risk. We applied our method to complex traits, including Crohn's disease, type 2 diabetes, and so on. The single‐tissue TRS method outperformed LDpred and AnnoPred across the tested traits. The performance of multitissue TRS is trait‐dependent. Moreover, our method can easily incorporate information from epigenomic and proteomic data upon the availability of reference datasets.
Integration of Landsat 8, gravity, and field data for exploration of gold mineralization in Gamba District, Northern Cameroon
Authors: Ketchaya Yanick Blaise , Dong Guochen , Fotze Quentin Marc Anaba , Carrino Thais Andressa , Mandeng Eugene Pascal Binam , Lemdjou Yanick Brice , Assie Konan Roger , Fodoue Yaya , Wassouo Wadjou Jacques
Published: July 2021

Remote sensing is a robust and useful tool for providing high‐resolution image data and enabling reliable geological mapping during the initial stage of mineral exploration. One of its main applications is the extraction of lineaments and to locate alteration areas to target gold exploration. It has been long used in the Pan‐African belt of Cameroon to identify a hydrothermal alteration and a great number of lineaments associated with mineralizations. The study area located in the Pan‐African belt hosts numerous alluvial gold deposits where the primary mineralization was still largely poorly unknown until now, due to deep weathering. Therefore, remote sensing combined with field data is useful for targeting potential zones of primary gold resources involved in the hydrothermal and lineament systems. In this study, remote sensing data from Landsat 8 imagery were selected to map the distribution of hydrothermal minerals, and gravity data were interpreted for highlighting structural patterns related to the control of high‐potential zone for gold mineralization, generating a mineral prospect map. The lineaments network shows directions ranging from ENE‐WSW to E‐W, with main direction N45° and a secondary striking N275°. Image enhancement/processing techniques included the application of band ratio and principal component analysis that were helpful to demarcate potential alteration zones marked by iron oxide/hydroxides in which haematite and pyrite are used as proximal alterations and hydroxyl‐bearing minerals in which sericite (muscovite) is used as a marker of proximal alteration, while chlorite, epidote, biotite, quartz, and calcite are used as distal alteration zone, as described by field and petrographic data. The identified alteration zones display a high consistency with the known locations of gold occurrences (mining sites) and closely concordant with large‐scale gold mineralization in the study area. This study presents an integrated approach of Landsat 8 imagery with gravity data and field data for discovering primary mineral resources in a deep weathering area.
Optimal design of on‐scalp electromagnetic sensor arrays for brain source localisation
Authors: Beltrachini Leandro , von Ellenrieder Nicolas , Eichardt Roland , Haueisen Jens
Published: July 2021

Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) are quickly widening the scopes of noninvasive neurophysiological imaging. The possibility of placing these magnetic field sensors on the scalp allows not only to acquire signals from people in movement, but also to reduce the distance between the sensors and the brain, with a consequent gain in the signal‐to‐noise ratio. These advantages make the technique particularly attractive to characterise sources of brain activity in demanding populations, such as children and patients with epilepsy. However, the technology is currently in an early stage, presenting new design challenges around the optimal sensor arrangement and their complementarity with other techniques as electroencephalography (EEG). In this article, we present an optimal array design strategy focussed on minimising the brain source localisation error. The methodology is based on the Cramér‐Rao bound, which provides lower error bounds on the estimation of source parameters regardless of the algorithm used. We utilise this framework to compare whole head OPM arrays with commercially available electro/magnetoencephalography (E/MEG) systems for localising brain signal generators. In addition, we study the complementarity between EEG and OPM‐based MEG, and design optimal whole head systems based on OPMs only and a combination of OPMs and EEG electrodes for characterising deep and superficial sources alike. Finally, we show the usefulness of the approach to find the nearly optimal sensor positions minimising the estimation error bound in a given cortical region when a limited number of OPMs are available. This is of special interest for maximising the performance of small scale systems to ad hoc neurophysiological experiments, a common situation arising in most OPM labs.
Performance management systems and multinational enterprises: Where we are and where we should go
Authors: DeNisi Angelo , Murphy Kevin , Varma Arup , Budhwar Pawan
Published: July 2021

In this comprehensive summary, we take a critical look at the state of performance management systems in multinational enterprises, summarizing what we have learned to this point, and speculating on where the field should go. We specifically address four challenges (i) can performance really be managed? (ii) if so, how do we go about doing this? (iii) the need to balance consistency across locations with the need to accommodate unique realities of individual locations, and (iv) addressing the different employee profiles ‐ i.e., expatriates vs. host country nationals. In terms of what we have learned to this point, we believe that global organizations need to pay more attention to (i) performance context, (ii) ratee reactions, and (iii) rater motivation, as these are integral to successful performance management. On the other hand, they might re‐consider and re‐visit the amount of time and energy spent on factors such as (i) appraisal forms and (ii) rater training, as these may not be serving any useful purpose. We next discuss the unique challenges faced by multinational enterprises, including (i) the type of strategy a corporation might employ (Bartlett & Ghoshal, 1998), (ii) the different cultures of the nations where the organization operates (Hofstede et al., 2010), and (iii) managing the performance of expatriates (Toh & DeNisi, 2007). Looking ahead, we would like to remind multinational corporations (and all other corporations) that culture and context matter, but these must be addressed in concert with the need to treat all employees fairly and consistently. We conclude by proposing several research ideas, including the need to explore the potential role of host country nationals in the performance management process for multinational enterprises.
Pregnancy care in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Kallapur Aneesh , Jang Christine , Yin Ophelia , Mei Jenny Y. , Afshar Yalda
Published: July 2021

Recipients of solid organ transplants who become pregnant represent an obstetrically high‐risk population. Preconception planning and effective contraception tailored to the individual patient are critical in this group. Planned pregnancies improve both maternal and neonatal outcomes and provide a window of opportunity to mitigate risk and improve lifelong health. Optimal management of these pregnancies is not well defined. Common pregnancy complications after transplantation include hypertension, preterm birth, infection, and metabolic disease. Multidisciplinary preconception and prepartum management, and counseling decrease complications and benefit the maternal‐neonatal dyad.
Delineating papillary dermis around basal cell carcinomas by high and ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography—A pilot study
Authors: Møller Israelsen Niels , Mogensen Mette , Jensen Mikkel , Haedersdal Merete , Bang Ole
Published: July 2021

Bedside diagnosis of skin cancer remains a challenging task. The real‐time noninvasive technology of optical coherence tomography (OCT) masters a high diagnostic accuracy in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) but a lower specificity in recognizing imitators and other carcinomas. We investigate the delicate signal of papillary dermis using an in‐house developed ultrahigh resolution OCT (UHR‐OCT) system with shadow compensation and a commercial multi‐focus high resolution OCT (HR‐OCT) system for clinical BCC imaging. We find that the HR‐OCT system struggled to resolve the dark band signal of papillary dermis where the UHR‐OCT located this in all cases and detected changes in signal width. UHR‐OCT is able to monitor extension and position of papillary dermis suggesting a novel feature for delineating superficial BCCs in pursuit of a fast accurate diagnosis. Comprehensive studies involving more patients are imperative in order to corroborate results.
Visible light–induced cross‐linking of porcine pericardium for the improvement of endothelialization, anti‐tearing, and anticalcification properties
Authors: Yang Fan , Xu Liangpeng , Guo Gaoyang , Wang Yunbing
Published: July 2021

Population aging and the development of transcatheter aortic valve replacement boost the implantation of bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) in patients worldwide. However, the traditional glutaraldehyde cross‐linked BHVs fail within 12–15 years mainly due to leaflet tear and calcification defects. In this study, a novel visible light–induced cross‐linking of the porcine pericardium (PP) was realized by the photo‐oxidation of the furfuryl‐modified PP in the presence of Rose Bengal. The resulting material showed comparable collagen stability with the glutaraldehyde cross‐linked PP and appropriate biomechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus, and elongation, suggesting that this material could meet the general requirement for BHVs. Besides, this cross‐linked PP showed significantly improved cytocompatibility compared with the Glut–cross‐linked PP, with no cytotoxicity to L929 cells and the ability to support HUVECgrowth. Meanwhile, this material showed superior anti‐tearing performance and much less calcification than the Glut–cross‐linked PP in hope of reducing the risk of BHV failure. Considering these results, the visible light–induced cross‐linking method proposed in this study could provide a promising way to construct a biocompatible and robust biomaterial for the fabrication of the BHV.
Association of systemic antibody response against polyethylene terephthalate with inflammatory serum cytokine profile following implantation of differently coated vascular prostheses in a rat animal model
Authors: Köhler Ronny , Pohl Christopher , Walschus Uwe , Zippel Roland , Wilhelm Lutz , Hoene Andreas , Patrzyk Maciej , Schlosser Michael
Published: July 2021

Experimental studies demonstrated antibodies against matrix and coating of polyester‐based vascular prostheses. Thus, this study examined associations of these antibodies with serum cytokines (IL‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐10) and local inflammatory reactions. Rats (n = 8/group) intramuscularly received prosthesis segments [PET‐C, PET‐G, and PET‐A groups: polyethylene terephthalate (PET)‐based prostheses coated with bovine collagen and gelatin or human serum albumin, respectively; uncoated polytetrafluoroethylene‐based (PTFE) prosthesis], with sham‐operated controls. Blood was drawn pre‐operatively and weekly until day 22. Polymer‐specific or coating‐specific antibodies and cytokines were detected by enzyme immunoassays, inflammatory reactions were immunohistochemically evaluated on day 23. Polymer‐specific antibodies were detected in all PET‐groups using uncoated PET as antigenic target, but not for PTFE or controls, coating‐specific antibodies only for PET‐A. IL‐10 was increased in all PET‐groups and correlated with polymer‐specific antibodies for PET‐G and PET‐A. IL‐2 was increased for PET‐A, but overall correlated with PET‐specific antibodies. IL‐4 remained unchanged in all groups. Intense local inflammatory reactions (ED1+/ED2+macrophages and T lymphocytes) were found within all PET‐groups, but only minor for PTFE or controls. In conclusion, PET‐specific antibodies were associated with increased IL‐10 and along with concurrent coating‐specific antibodies also with increased IL‐2, indicating a specific T cell response. Thus, matrix and/or coating of polymeric vascular prostheses elicit distinct systemic immune reactions, probably influencing local inflammatory reactions.
Role of bioglass in enamel remineralization: Existing strategies and future prospects—A narrative review
Authors: Ramadoss Ramya , Padmanaban Rajashree , Subramanian Balakumar
Published: July 2021

Enamel, once formed, loses the ability to regenerate due to the loss of the formative ameloblasts. It is subjected to constant damaging events due to exposure to external agents and oral microbiomes. An enamel remineralization process targets to replenish the lost ionic component of the enamel through a multitude of methods. Enamel remineralization is highly challenging as it has a complex organized hierarchical microstructure. Hydroxyapatite nanocrystals of the enamel vary in size and orientation along alignment planes inside the enamel rod. The inability of the enamel to remodel unlike other mineralized tissues is another substantial deterrent. One of the well‐known biomaterials, bioglass (BG) induces apatite formation on the external surface of the enamel in the presence of saliva or other physiological fluids. Calcium, sodium, phosphate, and silicate ions in BG become responsive in the presence of body fluids, leading to the precipitation of calcium phosphate. Studies have also demonstrated the bactericidal potential of BG against Streptococcus mutans biofilms. The anticariogenicity and antibacterial activity were found to be enhanced when BG was doped with inorganic ions such as F, Ag, Mg, Sr, and Zn. Due to the versatility of BG, it has been combined with a variety of agents such as chitosan, triclosan, and amelogenin to biomimic remineralization process. Key strategies that can aid in the development of contemporary enamel remineralization agents are also included in this review.
The mechanism of sorbitol dehydration in hot acidic solutions
Authors: Kondo Tomomi , Sasaki Takehiko , Shiga Motoyuki
Published: July 2021

Sugar alcohol dehydration in hot water is an important reaction that allows for environmentally friendly biomass conversion without the use of organic solvents. Here, we report a free‐energy analysis by metadynamics (MTD) simulations based on ab initio density functional theory and semiempirical density‐functional tight‐binding method to understand the mechanism of dehydration reactions of d‐sorbitol (SBT) in hot acidic water. Comparing the results of ab initio and semiempirical MTD, it was found that the latter gives a reliable free energy surface of SBT dehydration reaction, although the results vary upon the inclusion of dispersion correction. It was found that the reaction proceeds consistently via an SN2 mechanism, whereby the free energy of protonation of the hydroxyl group created as an intermediate is affected by the acidic species. This mechanism was further verified by real‐time trajectories started from the transition state using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The free energy barriers of the reaction pathways leading to five‐membered ether products are lower than those leading to six‐membered ether products, in agreement with experiment. This outcome can be ascribed, in part, to our finding that the reaction barrier of the pathway is correlated to the stability of the SBT confined conformation at the initial stage of the reaction.
Multilocus sequence typing analysis and second‐generation sequencing analysis of Salmonella Wandsworth
Authors: Zhang Chunling , Wang Yichao , Lu Yutian , Xu Xuebin
Published: July 2021

Background

Salmonella Wandsworth is a rare serotype of Salmonella. This study analyzed the genotyping, genome structure, and molecular biological functions of Salmonella Wandsworth based on the results of multilocus sequence typing and next‐generation sequencing genome assembly analysis.

Methods

Serological typing was performed using the slide‐agglutination method. The micro broth dilution method was used to test antibiotic susceptibility. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to perform the homology analysis, while the second‐generation sequencing genome analysis was used to analyze the whole genome of the bacteria.

Results

Salmonella Wandsworth is Group Q Salmonella. The MLST of this strain was ST1498. Salmonella Wandsworth was sensitive to antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone, imipenem, chloramphenicol, and colistin, but was resistant to ampicillin, cefalotin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. The second‐generation sequencing results showed that the genome sequence length of the bacteria was 5109457bp. Annotated COG library analysis generated 3,746 corresponding genes. After the comparison with the KEGG library, 1,340 genes, which participate in 19 types of metabolic pathways, were obtained. A total of 249 pathogenic factors and 2 disease islands were predicted. 2 CRISPR sites and 8 Cas sites were predicted. It can be seen from the evolutionary tree that Salmonella Wandsworth MLST1498 and Paratyphi B str.SPB7 are gathered together. We identified one resistance gene, namely, aac(6’)‐Iaa accounting for aminoglycoside resistance.

Conclusion

Salmonella Wandsworth isolated in this study is Salmonella group Q. Consequently, it is necessary to strengthen the understanding of clinical infections of Salmonella Wandsworth and carry out continuous monitoring and research.
Valorization of crude glycerol as carbon source for the bioconversion of L‐phenylamine to 2‐phenylethanol by Yarrowia species
Authors: Braga Adelaide , Freitas Bruna , Cordeiro Ana , Belo Isabel
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

2‐Phenylethanol (2‐PE) is an aromatic alcohol with a delicate fragrance of rose petals that is widely used in perfumes, cosmetics, foods, beverages, and pharmaceutical industries. The yeast Yarrowia can produce 2‐PE through L‐Phenylalanine (L‐Phe) biotransformation. However, it has not been properly explored in this field, despite its interesting characteristics for this process, such as the Crabtree negative trait.

RESULTS

This study explored the potential of different Yarrowia species (Y. lipolytica W29, CH 1/5, and CH 3/4, as well as Y. divulgata M 445/4) for 2‐PE production. It was observed that all strains were inhibited by 2‐PE concentrations above 2 g L−1, but only Y. lipolytica W29 was inhibited by 15 g L−1 L‐Phe. It was also confirmed that all strains were able to produce 2‐PE, with concentrations ranging from 1 to 2.2 g L−1. Afterwards, crude glycerol was used as an alternative carbon source for 2‐PE production. All strains grew and produced 2‐PE on this carbon source, but CH 1/5 strain was selected for further studies because it allowed the highest 2‐PE throughput. The production of 2‐PE with CH 1/5 was further studied in bioreactor batch cultures, where a low accumulation of 2‐PE was observed. However, a step‐wise fed‐batch culture allowed an increase in the production of 2‐PE to 3.2 g L−1.

CONCLUSION

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this value corresponds to the highest titer of 2‐PE obtained to date with Y. lipolytica. In this study, Y. lipolytica CH 1/5 is, for the first time, described as a good natural producer for 2‐PE. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Deep convolutional generative adversarial network for Alzheimer's disease classification using positron emission tomography (PET) and synthetic data augmentation
Authors: Sajjad Muhammad , Ramzan Farheen , Khan Muhammad Usman Ghani , Rehman Amjad , Kolivand Mahyar , Fati Suliman Mohamed , Bahaj Saeed Ali
Published: July 2021

With the evolution of deep learning technologies, computer vision‐related tasks achieved tremendous success in the biomedical domain. For supervised deep learning training, we need a large number of labeled datasets. The task of achieving a large number of label dataset is a challenging. The availability of data makes it difficult to achieve and enhance an automated disease diagnosis model's performance. To synthesize data and improve the disease diagnosis model's accuracy, we proposed a novel approach for the generation of images for three different stages of Alzheimer's disease using deep convolutional generative adversarial networks. The proposed model out‐perform in synthesis of brain positron emission tomography images for all three stages of Alzheimer disease. The three‐stage of Alzheimer's disease is normal control, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. The model performance is measured using a classification model that achieved an accuracy of 72% against synthetic images. We also experimented with quantitative measures, that is, peak signal‐to‐noise (PSNR) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM). We achieved average PSNR score values of 82 for AD, 72 for CN, and 73 for MCI and SSIM average score values of 25.6 for AD, 22.6 for CN, and 22.8 for MCI.