bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progression of muscle loss and fat accumulation in a rabbit model of rotator cuff tear
Authors: Vargas‐Vila Mario A. , Gibbons Michael C. , Wu Isabella T. , Esparza Mary C. , Kato Kenji , Johnson Seth D. , Masuda Koichi , Ward Samuel R.
Published: August 2021

Rotator cuff (RC) tears present a treatment challenge due to muscle atrophy and degeneration, fatty infiltration, and fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to generate a high time‐resolution model of RC tear in rabbits and to characterize the progression of architectural and histological changes. Thirty‐five female New Zealand White rabbits (age: 6 months) underwent left supraspinatus tenotomy. Five rabbits were used to evaluate immediate muscle architectural changes. The remaining 30 rabbits underwent right shoulder sham surgery and sacrifice at 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 weeks. Histology was used to quantify muscle fiber cross‐sectional area (CSA), muscle degeneration and regeneration, and fat localized to inter‐ versus intrafascicular regions. Muscle fiber CSA decreased by 26.5% compared to sham at 16 weeks (effect of treatment, p < 0.0001). Muscle degeneration increased after tenotomy (effect of treatment, p = 0.0006) without any change in regeneration. Collagen and fat content increased by 4 weeks and persisted through 16 weeks. Interfascicular fat was increased at all time points, but intrafascicular fat was increased only at 1, 4, and 16 weeks posttenotomy. Intrafascicular fat adjacent to degenerating muscle fibers increased as well (effect of treatment, p < 0.0001; effect of time, p = 0.0102). Statement of clinical relevance: Rabbit supraspinatus tenotomy recapitulates key features of the pathophysiology of human RC tears, including muscle atrophy and degeneration, lack of regeneration, fat accumulation, and fibrosis.
Ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy of anthracene: Experiment and theory
Authors: Holtum Tim , Bloino Julien , Pappas Christos , Kumar Vikas , Barone Vincenzo , Schlücker Sebastian
Published: August 2021

Ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) scattering is a highly sensitive and selective vibrational spectroscopic technique with a broad range of applications from polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to biomolecular systems (peptides/proteins and nucleic acids) and catalysts. The interpretation of experimental UVRR spectra is not as straightforward as in purely vibrational Raman scattering (Placzek approximation) due to the involvement of higher lying electronic states and vibronic coupling. This necessitates the comparison with theoretical UVRR spectra computed by electronic structure calculations. Anthracene is an ideal model system for such a comparison between experiment and theory because it is rigid, symmetric, and of moderate size. By taking into account Herzberg–Teller contributions including Duschinsky effects, bulk solvent effects, and anharmonic contributions, a good qualitative agreement close to the resonance condition is achieved. The present study shows that within the framework of time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT), a general and robust approach for the analysis and interpretation of resonance Raman spectra of medium‐ to large‐size molecules is available.
Rapid identification of chemical constituents of Rhodiola crenulata using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry pseudotargeted analysis
Authors: Chen Kuikui , Liu Jie , Ma Zhaochen , Duan Feipeng , Guo Zhonghui , Xiao Hongbin
Published: August 2021

Rhodiola crenulata (R. crenulata), is a famous traditional Chinese medicine, with observable effects such as anti‐high‐altitude illness and fatigue resistance. Nevertheless, comprehensive and systematic structural identification of its components remains a challenge. In this study, a pseudotargeted analytical method, involving key fragment filtering by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐linear ion trap‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry, was developed for rapid detection and identification of the chemical constituents of R. crenulata. The process consists of three steps: (i) acquiring sufficient mass spectral data, (ii) constructing a key fragments schedule and discovering the substructures rapidly by pseudotargeted key fragment filtering, and (iii) further identification of the compound structures based on accurate masses, fragment ions, related literatures, and authentic standards. As a result, 104 compounds were identified and divided into five categories, among which three potentially new and 59 ones were reported for the first time in R. crenulata. These results indicated that the major types of components are flavanols and gallic acid derivatives, organic acids, alcohols and their glycosides, flavonoids and their glycosides. This study enhances the understanding of R. crenulata and provides a reference for rapid and comprehensive identification of constituents in other herbal medicines.
Measurement of Pubofemoral Distance in the Diagnosis of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Sensitivity and Specificity
Authors: Motta Giovanna Galvão Braga , Chiovatto Alessandra Rodrigues Silva , Chiovatto Eduardo Davino , Duarte Marcio Luís , de Lourenço Alexandre Francisco , Takahashi Marcelo Straus , Rodrigues Natasha Vogel Majewski , Iared Wagner
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of measurement of the pubofemoral distance (PFD) for the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), using the Graf method as the reference standard.

Methods

This was a prospective diagnostic accuracy study evaluating 1980 hips in at‐risk neonates. The PFD measurement and the Graf method were performed at the same opportunity, with the hips in the same position (slightly flexed, adducted, and medially rotated).

Results

In our sample, the prevalence of DDH, defined as Graf type IIb or higher, was 15.6%. The mean PFD for dysplastic hips was 3.5 mm (median, 3.3 mm), whereas it was 3.0 mm (median, 2.9 mm) for nondysplastic hips. In both groups, there was a significant overlap between the PFD measurements and the Graf classifications. The PFD cutoff with the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 3.0 mm, which was found to have a sensitivity and specificity of 63.6 and 62.2%, respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 31.2 and 71.4%, respectively, for the diagnosis of DDH.

Conclusion

Measurement of the PFD shows good overall accuracy for the diagnosis of DDH. However, given its low‐positive predictive value, it should not be considered to be a replacement for the Graf method.
Otolaryngologist Characteristics and Outlier Use of Balloon Sinuplasty in the Medicare Population
Authors: Exilus Smirnov D. , Haut Elliot R. , Canner Joe , Boss Emily F. , Rowan Nicholas R.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Balloon sinuplasty (BSP) is associated with varied practice patterns. This study sought to identify otolaryngologist characteristics associated with BSP utilization.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of Medicare claims data and the National Physician Compare database.

Methods

Outlier otolaryngologists were compared to non‐outliers. Otolaryngologist characteristics included sex, practice size, geographic setting, years of experience, procedure setting, 10 or fewer endoscopic sinus surgeries per year for 3 or more years, and high number of services per unique Medicare beneficiary. Outlier status was defined as performing an annual total of balloon procedures of 2 standard deviations (SDs) above the mean for all otolaryngologists in the same year.

Results

Between January 2012 and December 2017, 1,408 otolaryngologists performed 101,662 endoscopic sinus surgeries and 97,680 BSP procedures. Sixty‐six outlier otolaryngologists (4.7%) accounted for 44.3% of all BSP procedures. Outlier status was associated with practice size of 10 or fewer individual providers (OR, 5.15; 95% CI, 2.73–9.74; P < .001), performance of 10 or fewer total endoscopic sinus surgeries per year for 3 or more years (OR, 3.90; 95% CI, 1.59–9.57; P = .003), and high number of overall services per beneficiary (OR 6.70; 95% CI, 1.19–37.84; P = .031). Provider sex, years of experience, and geographic setting were not associated with outlier status.

Conclusion

Outlier BSP patterns are associated with a few otolaryngologists who are more likely to be identified in small practices and record low numbers of endoscopic surgeries. Although BSP is an appropriate and effective tool, identification of outlier patterns may help to facilitate peer‐to‐peer counsel.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1340–1345, 2022
The contribution of ecosystem restoration to sustainable development goals in Asian drylands: A literature review
Authors: Yao Ying , Fu Bojie , Liu Yanxu , Wang Yijia , Song Shuang
Published: August 2021

The multiple effects of ecosystem restoration programmes deserve attention. After reviewing the social‐ecological effects of 23 ecosystem restoration programs in Asia's drylands, we find that these programmes mainly contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs) synergistically, but the trade‐offs between social‐ecological effects still exist. Among the five goals of SDG15 (Life on Land), SDG13 (Climate Action), SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG1 (No poverty), and SDG2 (Zero Hunger), 11 programs can synergistically achieve no less than three goals, especially grassland restoration and water diversion in China, as well as water management programmes in Israel. However, the contribution of ecosystem restoration programs to SDG15 easily weakens SDG6, SDG1, and SDG2, indicating the competition of land and water between ecosystem restoration and agriculture. To reduce the trade‐offs among SGDs caused by ecosystem restoration, we propose the social‐ecological system research framework of 'Dryland Boundary – Water, Food, Energy and Ecosystem Nexus – Meta‐coupling – Nature‐based Solutions' to guide the implementation of ecosystem restoration programmes from four aspects: supply–demand matching, element matching, regional matching, and local adaptation.
A virtual sub‐internship for otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery
Authors: Bernstein Jeffrey D. , Ball Laurel L. , Nardone Zachary B. , Watson Deborah
Published: August 2021

Objective

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, away rotations were suspended for safety purposes. This led to the development of online interactive learning modules for students, now known as virtual sub‐internships (VSIs). To date, VSIs within otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery (OHNS) have been limited in their description and design.

Study design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

ACGME‐accredited OHNS residency program.

Methods

Our curriculum for an OHNS VSI is presented. Based on the model used by our OHNS residency program, the VSI consisted of a 2‐week block of activities and interactive small‐group discussions. A post‐VSI feedback survey was distributed to participants; results are reported.

Results

Six 2‐week VSI sessions were administered. Twenty‐one individuals participated from all US regions, median 4 individuals per session. Fifteen participants (71.4%) completed the feedback survey. Of survey respondents, 20% lacked a home OHNS residency program, and no respondents' home‐programs featured a VSI. All respondents were satisfied with the schedule and organization of the VSI, and 73.3% (11 of 15) felt it was of appropriate duration. All respondents reported a high degree of familiarity with the program, with a greater (86.7%) or equal (13.3%) level of interest in applying to the residency program as a result of participating in the VSI.

Conclusion

This VSI curriculum offers a well‐received virtual learning experience for medical students applying to OHNS residency. It provides an opportunity for programs to expand their appeal to potential applicants who may otherwise be restricted in their ability to travel.
Antimicrobial Peptides: The Promising Therapeutics for Cutaneous Wound Healing
Authors: Miao Fengze , Li Ying , Tai Zongguang , Zhang Yong , Gao Yue , Hu Menghong , Zhu Quangang
Published: August 2021

Chronic wound infections have caused an increasing number of deaths and economic burden, which necessitates wound treatment options. Hitherto, the development of functional wound dressings has achieved reasonable progress. Antibacterial agents, growth factors, and miRNAs are incorporated in different wound dressings to treat various types of wounds. As an effective antimicrobial agent and emerging wound healing therapeutic, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted significant attention. The present study focuses on the application of AMPs in wound healing and discusses the types, properties and formulation strategies of AMPs used for wound healing. In addition, the clinical trial and the current status of studies on “antimicrobial peptides and wound healing” are elaborated through bibliometrics. Also, the challenges and opportunities for further development and utilization of AMP formulations in wound healing are discussed.
Energetics and mechanisms for decomposition of cationized amino acids and peptides explored using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Armentrout P. B.
Published: August 2021

Fragmentation studies of cationized amino acids and small peptides as studied using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry (GIBMS) are reviewed. After a brief examination of the key attributes of the GIBMS approach, results for a variety of systems are examined, compared, and contrasted. Cationization of amino acids, diglycine, and triglycine with alkali cations generally leads to dissociations in which the intact biomolecule is lost. Exceptions include most lithiated species as well as a few examples for sodiated and one example for potassiated species. Like the lithiated species, cationization by protons leads to numerous dissociation channels. Results for protonated glycine, cysteine, asparagine, diglycine, and a series of tripeptides are reviewed, along with the thermodynamic consequences that can be gleaned. Finally, the important physiological process of the deamidation of asparagine (Asn) residues is explored by the comparison of five dipeptides in which the C‐terminal partner (AsnXxx) is altered. The GIBMS thermochemistry is shown to correlate well with kinetic results from solution phase studies.
Applications and continued evolution of glycan imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: McDowell Colin T. , Lu Xiaowei , Mehta Anand S. , Angel Peggi M. , Drake Richard R.
Published: August 2021

Glycosylation is an important posttranslational modifier of proteins and lipid conjugates critical for the stability and function of these macromolecules. Particularly important are N‐linked glycans attached to asparagine residues in proteins. N‐glycans have well‐defined roles in protein folding, cellular trafficking and signal transduction, and alterations to them are implicated in a variety of diseases. However, the non‐template driven biosynthesis of these N‐glycans leads to significant structural diversity, making it challenging to identify the most biologically and clinically relevant species using conventional analyses. Advances in mass spectrometry instrumentation and data acquisition, as well as in enzymatic and chemical sample preparation strategies, have positioned mass spectrometry approaches as powerful analytical tools for the characterization of glycosylation in health and disease. Imaging mass spectrometry expands upon these strategies by capturing the spatial component of a glycan's distribution in‐situ, lending additional insight into the organization and function of these molecules. Herein we review the ongoing evolution of glycan imaging mass spectrometry beginning with widely adopted tissue imaging approaches and expanding to other matrices and sample types with potential research and clinical implications. Adaptations of these techniques, along with their applications to various states of disease, are discussed. Collectively, glycan imaging mass spectrometry analyses broaden our understanding of the biological and clinical relevance of N‐glycosylation to human disease.
UV‐vis spectroscopy of gas‐phase ions
Authors: Tureček František
Published: August 2021

Photodissociation action spectroscopy has made a great progress in expanding investigations of gas‐phase ion structures. This review deals with aspects of gas‐phase ion electronic excitations that result in wavelength‐dependent dissociation and light emission via fluorescence, chiefly covering the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum. The principles are briefly outlined and a few examples of instrumentation are presented. The main thrust of the review is to collect and selectively present applications of UV‐vis action spectroscopy to studies of stable gas‐phase ion structures and combinations of spectroscopy with ion mobility, collision‐induced dissociation, and ion–ion reactions leading to the generation of reactive intermediates and electronic energy transfer.
Usher syndrome type 2A complicated with glycogen storage disease type 3 due to paternal uniparental isodisomy of chromosome 1 in a sporadic patient
Authors: Wang Hua , Huo Liang , Wang Yajian , Sun Weiwei , Gu Weiyue
Published: August 2021

Background

The condition of uniparental disomy (UPD) occurs when an individual inherits two copies of a chromosome, or part of a chromosome, from one parent. Most cases of uniparental heterodisomy (UPhD) do not cause diseases, whereas cases of uniparental isodisomy (UPiD), while rare, may be pathogenic. Theoretically, UPiD may cause rare genetic diseases in a homozygous recessive manner.

Methods

A 4‐year‐old girl presented with congenital hearing loss, developmental delay, hepatomegaly, and other clinical features. She and her parents were genetically tested using trio whole exome sequencing (Trio‐WES) and copy number variation sequencing (CNV‐seq). In addition, we built a structural model to further examine the pathogenicity of the UPiD variants.

Results

Trio‐WES identified a paternal UPiD in chromosome 1, and two homozygous pathogenic variants AGL c.4284T>G/p.Tyr1428* and USH2A c.6528T>A/p.Tyr2176* in the UPiD region. We further analyzed the pathogenicity of these two variations. The patient was diagnosed with Usher syndrome type 2A (USH2A) and glycogen storage disease type III (GSD3).

Conclusions

Our study reports a rare case of a patient carrying two pathogenic variants of different genes caused by paternal UPiD, supporting the potential application of Trio‐WES in detecting and facilitating the diagnosis of UPD.
MRI pulse sequence integration for deep‐learning‐based brain metastases segmentation
Authors: Yi Darvin , Grøvik Endre , Tong Elizabeth , Iv Michael , Emblem Kyrre Eeg , Nilsen Line Brennhaug , Saxhaug Cathrine , Latysheva Anna , Jacobsen Kari Dolven , Helland Åslaug , Zaharchuk Greg , Rubin Daniel
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is an essential diagnostic tool in clinical medicine. Recently, a variety of deep‐learning methods have been applied to segmentation tasks in medical images, with promising results for computer‐aided diagnosis. For MR images, effectively integrating different pulse sequences is important to optimize performance. However, the best way to integrate different pulse sequences remains unclear. In addition, networks trained with a certain subset of pulse sequences as input are unable to perform when given a subset of those pulse sequences. In this study, we evaluate multiple architectural features and characterize their effects in the task of metastasis segmentation while creating a method to robustly train a network to be able to work given any strict subset of the pulse sequences available during training.

Methods

We use a 2.5D DeepLabv3 segmentation network to segment metastases lesions on brain MR's with four pulse sequence inputs. To study how we can best integrate MR pulse sequences for this task, we consider (1) different pulse sequence integration schemas, combining our features at early, middle, and late points within a deep network, (2) different modes of weight sharing for parallel network branches, and (3) a novel integration level dropout layer, which will allow the networks to be robust to performing inference on input with only a subset of pulse sequences available at the training.

Results

We find that levels of integration and modes of weight sharing that favor low variance work best in our regime of small amounts of training data (n = 100). By adding an input‐level dropout layer, we could preserve the overall performance of these networks while allowing for inference on inputs with missing pulse sequences. We illustrate not only the generalizability of the network but also the utility of this robustness when applying the trained model to data from a different center, which does not use the same pulse sequences. Finally, we apply network visualization methods to better understand which input features are most important for network performance.

Conclusions

Together, these results provide a framework for building networks with enhanced robustness to missing data while maintaining comparable performance in medical imaging applications.
Social, health and rehabilitation sector educators’ competence in evidence‐based practice: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Halvari Johanna , Mikkonen Kristina , Kääriäinen Maria , Kuivila Heli , Holopainen Arja , Immonen Kati , Koivula Meeri , Koskinen Camilla , Sjögren Tuulikki , Kyngäs Helvi , Tuomikoski Anna‐Maria
Published: August 2021

Aim

The purpose of the study was to identify and describe the characteristic profiles of evidence‐based practice competence of educators in the social, health and rehabilitation sectors and to establish relevant background factors.

Design

This study was carried out as a descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Data were collected from social, health and rehabilitation sector educators working in the 21 Finnish universities of applied sciences and seven vocational colleges (n = 422; N = 2,330). A self‐assessment instrument measuring evidence‐based practice competence was used. Competence profiles were formed using a K‐cluster grouping analysis.

Results

Three distinct competence profiles were identified and delineated. Most educators feel that they can guide students' critical thinking and are able to seek and produce scientific knowledge. Evidence‐based practice competence was explained by background factors such as year of graduation (for higher degree), level of education, job title, current employer and current field of work.
Continuous quality improvement of nutrition management during radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ji Juan , Jiang Dan‐dan , Xu Zhe , Yang Yi‐qun , Qian Ke‐yan , Zhang Mu‐xing
Published: August 2021

Aim

To investigate the effect of implementing a model for continuous quality improvement in the nutritional management of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with radiotherapy.

Design methods

In the intervention group (n = 77), a model for the continuous quality improvement of efforts at nutrition management was implemented. These efforts included the development of a new process for nutrition management, a system to provide nutritional support and the use of targeted intervention plans to improve nutrition. The time from diagnosis to the administration of radiation therapy, the severity of oral mucositis and dietary factors were recorded and considered in the development of targeted nutrition intervention and nutrition education. The control group (n = 71) followed the original procedures for nutrition management.

Results

The study found that the CQI model can decrease the severity of oral mucositis caused by radiation and improve nutritional status in affected patients.
Development of MADB of P‐I controller using LMI technique in a renewable energy based AGC system and study its application in a deregulated environment including energy storage device
Authors: Biswas Soumen , Roy Provas Kumar , Chatterjee Kalyan
Published: August 2021

In recent decades, inclusion of renewable resources is considered as one of the most promising options for the long run uninterrupted power supply without depending on conventional resources. Thus, the renewable energy generation will get more attention and massive growing, so that the goal of 40% share of electricity in the worldwide energy portfolio in 2050 would be realized. But during replacement of renewable energy by conventional energy, engineers are facing a lot of problem due to solar generation, wind generation change their characteristic rapidly with weather condition, which may cause large synchronizing imbalance between different units and generate large system delay or communication delay in large interconnected grid. In this article, the authors propose linear matrix inequalities techniques to developed margin of allowable delay for delay dependent stable hybrid system. Initially, to judge the efficacy of proposed chaotic atomic search optimization (CASO) algorithm over other evolutionary algorithms with PID controller, a thermal‐hydro gas system is considered. The second part of this article is motivated by the fact that proposed CASO algorithm with P‐I controller is superior in contrast to bacterial foraging algorithm technique. In addition to this, some energy storage devices such as fuel cell, aqua electrolyzer, and ultra‐capacitor are used to achieve a better dynamic response within specified delay margin. Moreover, to study the impact of communication delays (delay margin) due to the loss of synchronism between solar‐wind (for their unpredicted environmental features) and thermal unit (nonlinearities like generation rate constraints, boiler dynamics, and governor with the dead band) are considered in thermal unit and the simulation results verify with the effectiveness of the proposed approach on providing a balance between the delay margin and the damping performances is evaluated under deregulated environment. The simulation results help to make an inter‐relation between the delay margin and the controller gain (P‐I) which help the system operator in designing controllers gain for stable operation of the proposed hybrid system.
Two In Cis Variants—Two Worlds Apart
Authors: Lo Ying-Chun , Narayan Rupa , Nardi Valentina , Lennerz Jochen K.
Published: August 2021

Precision oncology emphasizes genotyping as one of the mainstays of oncological decision-making. The core information element exchanged between the laboratory and the oncologist is the precise mutation. Specifically, it is the written representation typically in the form of a variant description at the DNA or protein level. These annotations can be confusing, and many commercial laboratories have abandoned DNA-level annotations. Here we present a complex double-point mutation to illustrate a situation where a formally “correct” reporting nomenclature can obscure clinically relevant and potentially clinically actionable information.

Key Points
Globalization and politico‐administrative factor‐driven energy‐growth nexus: A case of South Asian economies
Authors: Islam Md. Monirul , Islam Md. Saiful
Published: August 2021

In modern days, economic growth is energy‐dependent and vice versa. Earlier studies concentrated a bit to analyze the influence of globalization and politico‐administrative factors on the energy consumption‐economic growth nexus in developing economies. The motivation for the current research is to scrutinize the energy consumption‐economic growth nexus while accounting for the influence of globalization and country risk indicators—the politico‐administrative factors in a panel of 4 South Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) during 1980–2018. To check the issues of heterogeneity and cross‐sectional independence, the study employs the pooled mean group estimation method. The investigated results provide a nexus between energy consumption and economic growth where globalization ‐ a long‐run force positively affects this nexus in the long run and negatively in the short run. Besides, the politico‐administrative factors have an adverse impact in the long run and an insignificant effect on this nexus in the short run. The Dumitrescu–Hurlin non‐causality test establishes the feedback hypothesis concerning energy consumption‐economic growth nexus in South Asian economies. The study results remain robust across the dynamic ordinary least square estimator. Therefore, this study suggests sustaining the energy‐growth nexus to properly handle globalization and politico‐administrative and the Covid‐19 pandemic issues through institutional quality. Moreover, the objective‐oriented policies are critical to strengthening the energy‐growth nexus without decaying environmental quality in South Asian countries.
Social conflict on the front lines of reform: Institutional activism and girls' education in rural India
Authors: Mangla Akshay
Published: August 2021

How do states realize social reforms for marginalized groups in settings of entrenched inequality? This article argues that reform implementation is a conflict‐ridden process driven by the institutional activism of street‐level bureaucrats. Through an ethnographic case study of Mahila Samakhya, a novel government program for women's empowerment in Uttar Pradesh, India, I find that local fieldworkers committed to reform promoted girls' education by mobilizing marginalized citizens and mediating local conflicts. Organizational processes of gender‐based training and deliberation enabled fieldworkers to challenge village patriarchy and exclusion and forge programmatic ties with lower caste women. By altering rules to address the practical needs of households, fieldworkers effectively integrated disadvantaged girls into the education system. Institutional activism also engendered conflicts over rules within the bureaucracy, prompting senior officials to advocate for marginalized groups. The findings suggest that institutional commitment to activism is critical for agencies working on the front lines of reform.
Graphene functionalized with nanosilver particle‐modified methacrylate‐based bonding agent improves antimicrobial capacity and mechanical strength at tooth orthodontic bracket interface
Authors: Sawan Nozha M. , AlSagob Eman I. , Ben Gassem Afnan A. , Alshami Abeer A.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to formulate and characterize functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and evaluate the antimicrobial and mechanical properties of GNP‐Ag‐modified adhesives bonded to orthodontic brackets. The morphology and physiochemical properties of nanoparticles were studied. The functionalized nanoparticles were incorporated at 0.25 and 0.5 wt% into experimental orthodontic adhesives (Transbond XT) and characterized for their biological, antimicrobial capacity, degree of conversion (DC), shear bond strength (SBS), and adhesive remnant index (ARI). Among the experimental groups, the specimen treated with 0.25 wt% modified experimental adhesive had the highest mean DC score (40.8 ± 6.5), shear bond strength (9.8 ± 1.8), lowest mean adhesive remnant index scores (1.35 ± 0.78), and the lowest cytotoxicity effect after 72 h (p < 0.001). However, 0.5 wt% GNP‐Ag modified experimental adhesive specimens showed a greater relative antibiofilm viability against S. mutans after 24 h and 30 days in comparison to 0.25 wt%. Our study found that 0.25 wt% revealed substantial increase in antibacterial properties and therefore could be used for bonding orthodontic brackets to the enamel surface without compromising bond strength.
N‐type silk fibroin/TiO2 nanocomposite transparent films: electrical and optical properties
Authors: Yadav Reetu , Batra Radhika , Bansal Priya , Purwar Roli
Published: August 2021

This paper highlights the effect of different concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the electrical and optical properties of silk fibroin (SF). TiO2 based SF nanocomposite films were prepared using the solvent casting method. Uniform dispersion and agglomeration of nanoparticles, in nanocomposite films, were observed by field emission SEM. The conductivity of pure SF and nanocomposite films was determined by a four‐point probe and the TiO2 nanoparticles were found to bring high conductivity to the nanocomposite films. Dielectric strength improved with the addition of nanoparticles to the SF matrix. Dielectric constant and capacitance of the pure SF and nanocomposite films were measured using an LCR meter, which showed a 10‐fold enhancement on the addition of nanoparticles in SF. A very unusual property, i.e. negative resistance, was observed during LCR meter analysis for the nanocomposite films for a particular range of frequency (200–550 kHz), voltage (1 V) and current (0.5–1.5 μA). TiO2 nanoparticles changed the semiconducting behavior of the SF films from p‐type to n‐type as measured by the Hall effect experiment. The optical properties of pure SF and nanocomposite films were measured using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. The increased concentration of nanoparticles in the SF has effectively enhanced the absorbing coefficient, refractive index and percentage transmittance and reduced the bandgap energy. These SF/TiO2 nanocomposite films have shown the potential to be used as dielectric and high refractive index material for optoelectronics applications. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Flexible thin films based on poly(ester imide) materials for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Serbezeanu Diana , Homocianu Mihaela , Macsim Ana‐Maria , Enache Alexandru Alin , Vlad‐Bubulac Tăchiță
Published: August 2021

A series of high‐performance poly(ester imide)s bearing cycloaliphatic moieties was manufactured by a two‐step procedure via solution polycondensation of an aromatic–aliphatic dianhydride containing preformed ester units and cyclohexanone ring in the main chain, with various aromatic diamines. The new dianhydride monomer, namely 2‐oxocyclohexane‐1,3‐bis[4,4′‐bis(trimellitate)benzylidene] dianhydride, was synthesized by the reaction between 2,6‐bis(4‐hydroxybenzylidene)cyclohexanone and trimellitic anhydride chloride. The chemical structure of the resulting dianhydride was confirmed by means of Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopies. The poly(ester imide)s from the series exhibited water uptake capacity in the range 3.45–10.09%. The onset temperatures, corresponding to the first detected thermal weight loss in the samples, ranged from 367 to 441 °C. Besides the cycloaliphatic moieties coming from the dianhydride monomer, the other aliphatic segments present in the diamine structures were responsible for improved optical performance in the resulting poly(ester imide)s, the transmittance being higher than 80% at 684 nm. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Comprehensive analysis of trends in Medicare utilization and reimbursement in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: 2012 to 2017
Authors: Han Alex , Carayannopoulos Alexios G.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

There is an absence of literature describing Medicare utilization by physiatrists, despite their key role in treating Medicare enrollees with qualifying disabilities and common neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

Objective

To analyze Medicare data regarding physiatrists and their beneficiaries, services, and reimbursement, as well as trends in utilization and geographic distribution.

Design and Setting

Retrospective analysis of publicly available Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data for Medicare beneficiaries receiving physiatric services from 2012 to 2017.

Main Outcome Measures

After adjustment for inflation, variables assessed for changes over time included provider and beneficiary demographics, total Medicare reimbursement, and the number of services provided, subsequently separated by drug and medical service metrics. Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients were computed to study reimbursement inequality. Choropleth maps were generated to assess geographic differences in physician density and reimbursement, both by state and ZIP code.

Results

The number of physiatrists utilizing Medicare increased from 7230 to 7895 from 2012 to 2017, whereas the average number of unique beneficiaries per clinician remained constant (307 vs. 310; p = .51). The beneficiaries' mean hierarchical conditions category (HCC) health risk score, normalized to 1.0 for the average beneficiary, increased significantly from 2012 to 2017 (1.72 vs. 1.80; p < .01). The mean Medicare reimbursement per physiatrist decreased significantly from 2012 to 2017 ($131,960 vs. $117,623; p < .001), whereas the mean number of services remained constant (3243 vs. 3077; p = .132). Botulinum toxin and baclofen injections were the two most reimbursed drug‐related services. Gini coefficients ranged from 0.52 to 0.53 for 2012 to 2017, suggesting moderate reimbursement inequality, with the 75th percentile receiving on average two times the median. Both physician density and top earners were concentrated in urban and metropolitan areas.

Conclusions

Despite rising health care costs and the increasing medical complexity of physiatrists' beneficiaries, Medicare payments have decreased over time. These trends are relevant to both providers and policymakers, particularly in light of unequal geographic distribution of physiatrists across the country.
A study of a hierarchical structure of proteins and ligand binding sites of receptors using the triangular spatial relationship‐based structure comparison method and development of a size‐filtering feature designed for comparing different sizes of protein structures
Authors: Kondra Sarika , Chen Feng , Chen Yixin , Chen Yuwu , Collette Caleb J. , Xu Wu
Published: August 2021

The presence of receptors and the specific binding of the ligands determine nearly all cellular responses. Binding of a ligand to its receptor causes conformational changes of the receptor that triggers the subsequent signaling cascade. Therefore, systematically studying structures of receptors will provide insight into their functions. We have developed the triangular spatial relationship (TSR)‐based method where all possible triangles are constructed with Cα atoms of a protein as vertices. Every triangle is represented by an integer denoted as a “key” computed through the TSR algorithm. A structure is thereby represented by a vector of integers. In this study, we have first defined substructures using different types of keys. Second, using different types of keys represents a new way to interpret structure hierarchical relations and differences between structures and sequences. Third, we demonstrate the effects of sequence similarity as well as sample size on the structure‐based classifications. Fourth, we show identification of structure motifs, and the motifs containing multiple triangles connected by either an edge or a vertex are mapped to the ligand binding sites of the receptors. The structure motifs are valuable resources for the researchers in the field of signal transduction. Next, we propose amino‐acid scoring matrices that capture “evolutionary closeness” information based on BLOSUM62 matrix, and present the development of a new visualization method where keys are organized according to evolutionary closeness and shown in a 2D image. This new visualization opens a window for developing tools with the aim of identification of specific and common substructures by scanning pixels and neighboring pixels. Finally, we report a new algorithm called as size filtering that is designed to improve structure comparison of large proteins with small proteins. Collectively, we provide an in‐depth interpretation of structure relations through the detailed analyses of different types of keys and their associated key occurrence frequencies, geometries, and labels. In summary, we consider this study as a new computational platform where keys are served as a bridge to connect sequence and structure as well as structure and function for a deep understanding of sequence, structure, and function relationships of the protein family.
Spatio‐temporal distribution of DMI and SDHI fungicide resistance of Zymoseptoria tritici throughout Europe based on frequencies of key target‐site alterations
Authors: Hellin Pierre , Duvivier Maxime , Heick Thies M , Fraaije Bart A , Bataille Charlotte , Clinckemaillie Aurélie , Legrève Anne , Jørgensen Lise N , Andersson Björn , Samils Berit , Rodemann Bernd , Berg Gunilla , Hutton Fiona , Garnault Maxime , El Jarroudi Moussa , Couleaud Gilles , Kildea Steven
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, demethylation inhibitor (DMI) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides have been extensively used to control to septoria tritici blotch, caused by Zymoseptoria tritici on wheat. This has led to the development and selection of alterations in the target‐site enzymes (CYP51 and SDH, respectively).

RESULTS

Taking advantage of newly and previously developed qPCR assays, the frequency of key alterations associated with DMI (CYP51‐S524T) and SDHI (SDHC‐T79N/I, C‐N86S and C‐H152R) resistance was assessed in Z. tritici‐infected wheat leaf samples collected from commercial crops (n = 140) across 14 European countries prior to fungicide application in the spring of 2019. This revealed the presence of a West to East gradient in the frequencies of the most common key alterations conferring azole (S524T) and SDHI resistance (T79N and N86S), with the highest frequencies measured in Ireland and Great Britain. These observations were corroborated by sequencing (CYP51 and SDH subunits) and sensitivity phenotyping (prothioconazole‐desthio and fluxapyroxad) of Z. tritici isolates collected from a selection of field samples. Additional sampling made at the end of the 2019 season confirmed the continued increase in frequency of the targeted alterations. Investigations on historical leaf DNA samples originating from different European countries revealed that the frequency of all key alterations (except C‐T79I) has been gradually increasing over the past decade.

CONCLUSION

Whilst these alterations are quickly becoming dominant in Ireland and Great Britain, scope still exists to delay their selection throughout the wider European population, emphasizing the need for the implementation of fungicide antiresistance measures. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Segmentation of brain tumour in 3D Intraoperative Ultrasound imaging
Authors: Angel‐Raya Erick , Chalopin Claire , Avina‐Cervantes Juan Gabriel , Cruz‐Aceves Ivan , Wein Wolfgang , Lindner Dirk
Published: August 2021

Background

Intraoperative ultrasound (iUS), using a navigation system and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI), supports the surgeon intraoperatively in identifying tumour margins. Therefore, visual tumour enhancement can be supported by efficient segmentation methods.

Methods

A semi‐automatic and two registration‐based segmentation methods are evaluated to extract brain tumours from 3D‐iUS data. The registration‐based methods estimated the brain deformation after craniotomy based on pMRI and 3D‐iUS data. Both approaches use the normalised gradient field and linear correlation of linear combinations metrics. Proposed methods were evaluated on 66 B‐mode and contrast‐mode 3D‐iUS data with metastasis and glioblastoma.

Results

The semi‐automatic segmentation achieved superior results with dice similarity index (DSI) values between [85.34, 86.79]% and contour mean distance values between [1.05, 1.11] mm for both modalities and tumour classes.

Conclusions

Better segmentation results were obtained for metastasis detection than glioblastoma, preferring 3D‐intraoperative B‐mode over 3D‐intraoperative contrast‐mode.
Corporate‐level influences on internal capital allocation: The role of financial analyst performance projections
Authors: Busenbark John R. , Semadeni Matthew , Arrfelt Mathias , Withers Michael C.
Published: August 2021

Research contends that internal capital should be allocated in proportion to divisional performance, but scholars are often puzzled to find that managers do not adhere to this winner‐picking approach. We argue this is because scholarship has not incorporated corporate‐level factors that influence how corporate managers structure holistic capital allocation strategies. In this study, we build on the behavioral theory of the firm to focus on analyst performance projections for multidivisional corporations and how they inform corporate managers' allocation strategies. Specifically, we theorize corporate managers deviate from the winner‐picking allocation approach owing to search‐related behaviors stemming from projected performance below or above expectations. We further theorize about conditions that offer corporate managers opportunities to deviate from winner‐picking, focusing particularly on multidivisional relatedness and asset durability.
Dynamic resource redeployment in global semiconductor firms
Authors: Chang Sea‐Jin , Matsumoto Yoichi
Published: August 2021

This study explores how firms decide in which businesses to further invest and from which businesses to withdraw resources by examining the detailed product portfolios of firms in the global semiconductor industry. Results show that resource redeployment within incumbent businesses is more prevalent than via new entry or complete exit, since the former is more flexible and easily reversible than the latter. This study further finds that, while underutilized resources may drive resource redeployment, resource shortage by a newly entered or expanding incumbent business may also siphon resources away from other incumbent businesses, leading to their exit or temporary retrenchment. Fabless firms with resource that are more fungible, scalable, and decomposable vis‐a‐vis integrated device manufacturers show a more flexible and gradual pattern of resource redeployment.

Managerial summary

In fast‐moving environments, firms should quickly redeploy resources to more promising business areas. We find fabless firms with more fungible, scale free, and decomposable resources engage in more active resource redeployment than integrated device manufacturers with specialized fabs and equipment, like Intel or Samsung. Redeployment among the latter requires a well‐planned, synchronized approach so as to avoid idle resources. As such, in order to take advantage of dynamic resource redeployment, managers should begin by assessing the characteristics of firm resources along these dimensions. Managers may also consider business model transformation to separate their activities by specializing in areas in which they can best utilize their resources and capabilities, like fabless firms and foundries in the semiconductor industry.
Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of Starch from Brazilian Carioca Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Los Francine Gomes Basso , Chezini Amanda , Piroski Camila Sztoltz , Lacerda Luiz Gustavo , Nogueira Alessandro , Demiate Ivo Mottin
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study is to characterize Carioca bean starch extract from selected cultivars and harvests in different crop years. The starch is analyzed for amylose content, granule morphology, thermal transition (gelatinization and dissociation of retrograded starch), pasting properties, and in vitro digestibility. Carioca bean starch presents high levels of amylose, ranging from 40.06% to 42.60%. The thermal transition study demonstrates high gelatinization temperatures, from 70.8 to 76.6 °C and intense retrogradation. In vitro digestibility of the granular starch evidenced a high content of resistant starch. It is demonstrated for the first time that different cultivars from Brazilian Carioca beans as well as cultivation in distinct crop years are associated with slight differences in the physicochemical characteristics of their starches.