bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A precedent approach to incident management in automated process control systems
Authors: Dobrynin Aleksey Sergeevich , Gudkov Mikhail Yur'evich , Koynov Roman Sergeevich
Published: October 2020

The continuous development of automated control systems for industrial facilities leads to the emergence of more advanced and complex control algorithms. A natural consequence of the development of control systems (CS) is the use of more complex technical means: sensors, controllers, SCADA and MES systems. Ultimately, the saturation of systems with additional software and hardware leads to a decrease in manageability in general, since software needs to be updated, equipment often fails, needs replacement, etc. Thus, approaches aimed at creating separate, autonomously functioning subsystems are becoming a thing of the past. An integrated, multi-level joint management of the entire infrastructure of the process control system is needed, from the technological facility to the technical infrastructure, which is closely tied to the facility. The article discusses the issues of constructing top-level control subsystems for the process control system, when it is necessary to control directly the software and hardware as part of the process control system. As research methods, simulation and computer modeling was used, which made it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches and management methods. Also, the research results were verified through the pilot implementation of an automated incident management system based on the proposed approaches in the process of managing a complex technologically object. The novelty of the research lies in the proposed approach to incident management in automated process control systems, which makes it possible to improve the quality of management, reduce management costs, and predict (in some cases) the occurrence of new incidents and take measures to prevent them. Studies have shown the feasibility of using the proposed approach to control complex non-stationary automation systems.
Over-optimistic computing: concept and approbation in the problem of modeling an electrostatic lens
Authors: Pekunov Vladimir Viktorovich
Published: October 2020

The subject of research is the possibility of parallelizing loops with dependent iterations and a body, in which the order of execution of operators is strictly defined. Such loops are quite often encountered, for example, in problems of numerical simulation by the method of particles in cells, where at the first stage of the cycle body execution the particles are processed and a certain field determined by them is calculated, and at the second stage a partial differential equation dependent on this field is solved. The possibility of parallelizing the bodies of such cycles is currently insufficiently covered in the literature, this topic is relevant. The ideas of applying predictive (autoregressive point) channels in the programmed transactional memory are used. The implementation is built using object-oriented programming. For the first time, the concept of super-optimistic computing was formulated, that is, working with predictive channels in conditions of partially transactional memory. Mechanisms for the implementation of partially transactional memory, adapted to the use of channels, are proposed. A scheme for parallelizing linearly executed cycle bodies (with dependent loops) on the basis of super-optimistic calculations is proposed, its justification is shown on the example of solving the problem of modeling a beam of charged particles in an electrostatic lens.
Method of covert information transfer in still images using a chaotic oscillator.
Authors: Baltaev Rodion Khamzaevich
Published: October 2020

The subject of the research is the steganographic method of embedding information in digital images. Steganography is able to hide not only the content of information, but also the fact of its existence. The paper presents a method of embedding and extracting information into digital images using a chaotic dynamic system. Chaotic systems are sensitive to certain signals and at the same time immune to noise. These properties allow the use of chaotic systems for embedding information with small image distortions in statistical and visual terms. The methodological basis of the study is the methods of the theory of dynamical systems, mathematical statistics, as well as the theory of image processing. The novelty of the study lies in the development of a new method of embedding information in static images. The author examines in detail the problem of using a chaotic dynamic Duffing system for embedding and extracting information in digital still images. It is shown that the proposed method allows you to embed information in digital images without significant distortion.
Financial Returns of Maize and Bean Production under Selected Tillage Practices in Semi-arid Area of Mwala Sub County, Kenya
Authors: Karuma Anne N. , Gicheru Patrick T. , Gachene Charles K. K.
Published: October 2020

An on-farm experiment was carried out to assess the short term financial returns over four cropping seasons of selected tillage practices and cropping systems in semi-arid Mwala Sub County of Kenya. The tillage treatments were Disc Ploughing (DP), Disc Ploughing and Harrowing (DPH), Ox-ploughing (OX), Subsoiling – Ripping (SSR), Hand hoeing with Tied Ridges (HTR), and Hand hoeing (H) only. There were three cropping systems of Sole Maize (SM), Sole Bean (SB), and Maize - Bean intercrop (M + B), which were investigated in a Split-Plot Design with four replications. Input and output prices were obtained from the local markets and used to compute the financial returns. Across the tillage practices, higher net returns were realized in DPH (USD 1165), DP (USD 1014), and SSR (USD 866). In the cropping systems, the intercrop (USD 1051) and sole bean (USD 954) reported higher benefits than sole maize (USD 692). Based on marginal analysis, it is economically viable to recommend the SSR with sole bean systems to farmers in Mwala Sub County as it produced the higher BCR (> 2) and an MRR (> 100 %) which is comfortable to most farmers.
Factors Influencing Post-harvest Losses among Vegetable Farmers in Mbaitoli Local Government Area in Imo State
Authors: Adeola Egwuonwu, Helen
Published: October 2020

The study analyzed factors influencing post harvest losses among vegetables farmers in Mbaitoli Local Government Area in Imo state, Nigeria. Specifically the study ascertained the kind of vegetables produced; determined the quantity of output production of vegetables; determined the causes of post harvest losses among vegetable farmers; examined the factors affecting post harvest losses of vegetable; ascertained the effect of post harvest losses among vegetable farmers and identify possible strategies that can reduce losses among vegetable farmers. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was used in the selection of ninety eight (98) respondents and a set of structured questionnaire was administered on them to obtain information. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentages and chart) and inferential (multiple regression) statistics. Result showed that majority (51%) of the farmers cultivated leafy vegetables and the average quantity of vegetable produced was 142.35 kg. Farmers identified major causes of post harvest losses as pest (94.9%), disease (81.6%), lack of storage facility (80.6%) and poor handling of vegetable (71.4%). The major factors affecting post harvest losses were improper handling (87.8%), lack of credit facility (86.7%) and the possible strategies to reduce post harvest were use of improved processing and preservation method (91.8%), access to appropriate technology (88.8%), adequate post harvest handling (87.8%). The study recommends that, the extension agents through the aids of federal government, should train rural, urban and sub- urban farmers on post harvest, processing and marketing technology.
Teacher Attrition: The Former Teachers’ Perspectives in the Bhutanese Context
Authors: Wangchuk Chencho , Dorji Jigme
Published: October 2020

Aims: To examine why professional teachers leave teaching and what measures the stakeholders could adopt to retain them.

Study Design: A qualitative research design.

Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted in Bhutan, and it took one year.

Methodology: Data were collected from 15 former teachers through semi-structured interviews and written responses to open-ended questionnaires. Qualitative data were analyzed using directed content analysis technique.

Findings: Analyses of the data revealed four findings. They are human, social, structural, and psychological capitals. However, as structural and psychological capitals were either the cause or the result of human and social capitals, the findings were subsumed into human and social capitals.

Conclusions: This study examined reasons for teacher attrition from the perspective of former teachers. Based on the analyses of the data, two measures are suggested for teacher retention. These measures are renovating or building new physical structures and revamping leadership selection procedures.
Hemodialysis Status in an Egyptian Coastal City, Alexandria: An Epidemiological Study with a 3-year Prospective Mortality Observation
Authors: Megahed Abir Farouk , Saleh Reem Mohamed Farouk , Fahmy Afaf Mohamed , Ahmed Nagy Sayed-
Published: October 2020

Backgrounds: Hemodialysis (HD) represents the main modality of RRT in Egypt and it constitutes a burden on the health care budget. In Alexandria province of Egypt, HD service is provided through fifty-seven HD units, which are categorized into twenty-one nonprofit units and thirty-six private for-profit HD units. Our aims were to study epidemiology and to assess the three-year survival of ESRD patients treated by HD in governmental hospitals in Alexandria province.

Methods and Design: In the year 2016; the data of the patients were collected from all the governmental hospitals in Alexandria province, which comprised seven HD units containing 687 patients. In a cross-sectional arm of the study, demographic data, vascular access, HIV, HBV and HCV serology, the possible etiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD), associated comorbidities, and the routine laboratory variables were included. Furthermore, in a prospective phase of the study, a three-year-survival rate of the studied HD patients was recorded.

Results: The total number of HD patients in Alexandria province during 2019 was totaled to be 3552 in all HD units, so the estimated HD prevalence rate would be around 710 ppm. Demographic data of the surveyed 687 patients in the governmental HD units showed their mean age; 50.78 years with more males, and their mean duration of HD; 55 months. It was also noted that there was no positive seroconversion regarding HCV, HBV nor HIV. Sixteen HCV antibody-positive patients received direct-acting antiviral drugs and were converted to HCV PCR-negative. HTN was more common etiology of CKD in males, while DM and combined DM and HTN were more common in females. The target hemoglobin level was present in around 37% of the studied HD patients. Most of the studied patients had serum calcium ranged from 8-10 mg /dl and 53% of them had serum phosphorus ranged from 3-5.5 mg /dl. Para-thyroidectomy was done for 2% of the studied patients while 4% of cases received cinacalcet. The 3-year, 5-year and 7-year survival rates were 92.5%, 87%, and 82% respectively.

Conclusion: The epidemiology of hemodialysis patients in Alexandria province is not different in many aspects from other published data about some Egyptian governorates however there is no published new epidemiology about the whole country. 11.2% of HCV Abs positive became PCR negative after antiviral management protocol.
Effects of Different Weed Control Measures on Leaf Area Index and Yield of Three Varieties of Rice under Two Planting Methods
Authors: Olorukooba M. M.
Published: October 2020

Field trials were conducted during the 2005, 2006 and 2007 rainy season at Irrigation Research Station, Kadawa situated in Sudan savannah agro – ecological zone, Kano state, Nigeria to investigate the effects of different weed control measures on leaf area index and yield of three varieties of lowland rice under two planting methods. The trials were laid out in split – plot design and replicated three times with factorial combination of two planting methods and three varieties in the main plots and weed control treatments in the subplots. The result revealed that transplanting of rice increased leaf area index in 2006, 2007 and mean value for the three years 12WAS / T. Transplanting also resulted in higher paddy yield than direct seeding in 2006 and mean value for the three years. FARO 52 rice variety had significantly higher leaf area index than FARO 50 and FARO 44 in 2005 cropping season. FARO 52 had higher yield in 2006 and the mean value for the three years compare to the other two varieties. Application of pre – emergence oxadiazon at 1.0 Kg per hectare followed by post – emergence piperophos plus propanil at 1.5 Kg per hectare applied at 5 WAS / T gave the highest mean yield for the three years closely followed by hand-pulling weed control measure compared to the weedy check that gave the least mean paddy yield. Application of pre – emergence oxadiazon at 1.0 Kg per hectare followed by post – emergence piperophos plus propanil at 1.5 Kg per hectare applied at 5 WAS / T in transplanted FARO 52 gave the highest mean yield of 5.5 tonnes per hectare for the three years than  weedy check that gave the least mean paddy yield of 2.6 tonnes per hectare. It can be concluded that transplanting of FARO 52 rice variety and combined application of pre-emergence application of oxadiazon at 1.0 kg per hectare followed by post-emergence piperophos plus propanil at 1.5 kg per hectare is therefore recommended as the economically viable integrated package for lowland rice production in the Sudan Savanna agro-ecological zones.
Malaria Infection and Efficacy of Antimalarials among Persons Patronizing Drugstores for Malaria Treatment in Port Harcourt
Authors: ’israel E. L. Augustine–D , Abah A. E. , Onosakponome E. O.
Published: October 2020

Background: Monitoring of malaria infection and antimalarial drug efficacy is necessary for effective case management, detection of resistance and control of the disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess malaria infection and the efficacy of antimalarials among persons patronizing drugstores for malaria treatment in Port Harcourt and its environs, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Whole blood was randomly collected from individuals visiting 24 drug stores for malaria treatment in three different locations in Port Harcourt and analysed using both microscopy and rapid diagnostic techniques.

Results: The overall prevalence of 22.8% was recorded out of 633 participants for (P. falciparum) malaria. Infection was highest in Mile IV (Rumueme) 30.8% followed by Rumuosi, 23.1% and the least was D/Line area, 14.5% out of 221 participants per location respectively. The incidence of malaria in the study area was significantly different (X2 = 16.69; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the intensity of malaria parasite infection in the study areas. Seven types of drugs were purchased to treat perceived malaria. 177 (26.7%) participants purchased coatem, 187 (28.3%) purchased Lonart. The others were Lumartem 133 (20.1%), P.alaxin 83 (12.5%), Amarla by 19 (2.9%) and artesunate by 57 (8.6%). All the antimalarial were purchased by those that tested positive. The most purchased drug was Lonart 11 (34.37%), Lumartem 25 (36.8%) and Malareich 19 (31.3%) in D/Line, Mile IV and Rumuosi cluster areas respectively. There was a significant difference in the antimalarials purchased. Result of Follow up test shows that only 59.6% returned to be tested and they all tested negative.

Conclusion: Malaria preponderance was high among studied subjects, ACT was topmost among antimalarials regularly purchased by the individuals. Conformity to the use of ACT could be said to be impressive though not yet 100%. People who are treated for malaria should be encouraged to undergo a test after treatment for effective case management and detection of resistance.
The Locus of Fat Over-Accumulation as Predictor of Cardiometabolic Risks among Non Obese Normotensive Adults
Authors: Sharaye Kolade Oladele , Eboh Emmanuel Idia
Published: October 2020

Studies on Metabolic Syndrome (MS) have recently been narrowed down to fat over-accumulation but there is no consistency in the obesity requirements for any of the health risk scores and definitions, thus, the utility of anthropometric measures in cardiometabolic risks prediction among non-obese requires additional research. This cross sectional study assessed the relationships and predictabilities of visceral adiposity index (VAI) and Lipid accumulation product (LAP) for cardiometabolic risks among 174 non obese adults (91 males and 83 females) 35 - 70 years of age that was randomly selected for this study after their consent. Anthropometric evaluation included weight, height, hip and waist circumferences. BMI, Waist-height ratio and waist-hip ratio were calculated. Serum Triglyceride and High Density Lipoprotein measured in a 12 hour fasting condition (mmol/L) using standard laboratory techniques were recorded. The VAI and LAP scores were calculated using the gender-specific equations. Systolic blood pressure and Diastolic blood pressure were measured and MABP was calculated as: DBP + 1/3 Pulse Pressure (mm/Hg). The results showed significant correlations among LAP, VAI, WHTR, WHPR and BMI (p≤0.01). Multivariate correlations and regression analysis of measures of adiposity and MS features also showed that LAP had a greater impact on features of MS and superior to other adiposity measures in male and female (R2: 0.956; p≤0.01). In conclusion, this study shows that LAP is superior in predicting risks of lipid and visceral adipose over-accumulations than other measures of adiposity among non-obese adults. The use of LAP as an assessment tool for Risks of fat over-accumulations and its intervention among non-obese adults was suggested.
Antiproliferative Activity of Ethanol Extract of Boswellia dalzielii (Hutch) Stem Bark in Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Otitoju A. P. , Longdet I. Y. , Alemika T. E. , Gota V. P.
Published: October 2020

Aim and Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the antiproliferative activity of ethanol extract derived from the Boswellia dalzielii stem bark in breast carcinoma.

Methodology: Ethanolic extract of stem bark of Boswellia dalzielii were prepared. Antiproliferative activity was assessed in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231) cells by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay.

Results: Obtained results in 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay indicated that ethanol extract of Boswellia dalzielii stem bark showed significant antiproliferative activity in MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. IC50 of Boswellia dalzielii stem bark ethanol extract in MDA-MB231 was 98. 12 μg/mL.

Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that Boswellia dalzielii stem bark extract possesses significant antiproliferative potential which could be mediated by the chemical constituents present in the plant. However, further research needs to be carried out to determine the effect of the extract on the cell cycle and also to determine the type of cell death produced by the extract.
Evaluation of Nephrotoxic and Hepatotoxic Potential of Artesunate in Malaria Patients
Authors: Nwankpa Ugonna D. , Ogbonna Henry N. , Udekwu Chinedu E. , Nwokafor Chibuzo V.
Published: October 2020

Aim: To evaluate the nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic potentials of artesunate in humans.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, between November and December 2019.

Methodology: 70 blood samples were collected from 35 normal individuals (control group), and 35 malaria patients treated with parenteral artesunate (treatment group). These were analyzed for biochemical parameters, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The treatment group was further regrouped according to gender (19 males and 16 females), age (20 patients aged 20-29 and 15 patients aged 30-40 years) and duration of treatment (29 patients on 3rd or 4th day and 6 patients on 5th or 6th day of treatment). Biochemical tests were carried out using standard Randox test kits. One-way ANOVA was done on the parameters using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), and comparisons were made.

Results: Compared to control group, the treatment group showed significant increases (p<0.05) in BUN (15.89+1.30 against 11.69+0.62), Creatinine (0.96+0.62 against 0.82+0.03) and AST (22.14+2.45 against 16.66+0.85), a non-significant increase (p 0.05) in ALT (26.57+3.18 against 21.66+2.56) and ALP (85.31+4.06 against 77.54+3.09) and a non-significant decrease (p 0.05) in total bilirubin (0.59+0.06 against 0.65+0.06). However, all parameters examined were within the normal ranges. There was no significant relationship found in any parameter in a comparison of gender, age and duration of treatment.

Conclusion: Since all parameters examined were in the normal ranges, administration of artesunate in the recommended dosage and the right duration may not have any significant toxic effect on the kidney and liver. However, further studies may be necessary to ascertain if the observed elevations could be attributed wholly to artesunate or other medications taken by the malaria patients.
Effect of Grape Seed Extract in Minimizing the Harmful Effects of Monosodium Glutamate on the Chicken Embryonic Retina to Show Scientific Miracles In the Holy Quran
Authors: Gamdi Fawzya Al- , Harbi Nouf Al-
Published: October 2020

In 1969, a Canadian laboratory announced that its studies on synthetic alkaline (cyclamate) proved to be a carcinogen despite its use for more than twenty years in the beverage industry. There are many additives that have raised the controversy about the large extent of safety to consumers and the most famous controversy and consumption is the article of monosodium glutamate (MSG) which touched research on the negative impact on samples of research experiments. This research aims to study the effect (MSG) on the formation of retina in chicken embryos and the potential improvement effects of GSE grape seed extracts during incubation as part of the solutions provided in the event of the long term use of MSG and its accumulation in the body Human. The experimental groups were divided into 4 groups based on the injection period and the injected substances. The first control group(Injected with saline), the second group, treated with  MSG, the 3rd group were treated with Monosoudim glutamate and grape seed extract at days 0,1 of incubation, whereas the 4thgroup,was treated with MSG and then the GSE (M – G) were given at3,4 days post MSG . The effect of the experimental materials on the development of the retina at the age of 14 was investigated in the current work. The results showed that the treatment of embryos with MSG dose (0.1 ml) caused many of the abnormalities at the level of tissue formation of the retina, and after the treatment of the fetus with GSE was noted to reduce the damage to the tissue of the retina. The results showed that the treatment of embryos with MSG dose (0.1 ml) caused many of the abnormalities at the level of tissue form of the retina, and after the treatment of the fetus with GSE was noted to reduce the damage to the tissue of the retina.
The Fungal Microbiota of the Digestive Tract of the Chagas Disease Vectors Triatoma infestans Klug, 1834 and Panstrongylus megistus Burmeister, 1835
Authors: Silva Ingrid dos Santos da , Guedelha Mônica de França , Silva Cíntia Alves da , Santos Lara Cristina , Junqueira Angela Cristina Verissimo , Moraes Aurea Maria Lage de
Published: October 2020

Chagas is a neglected disease, one of Brazil’s main medical and social problems and a serious public health problem in the Americas, with more recent occurrences in non-endemic countries outside of the Americas. Research into the microbiota of triatomines is relevant because of its potential role in vector competence and as a proposed biological control strategy. Stressing a possible insect-fungal interaction in the development of Trypanosoma cruzi, and considering the lack of studies on the subject, we analyzed the fungal microbiota of the digestive tract of two species considered important vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi: Triatoma infestans and Panstrongylus megistus. Specimens were dissected, digestive tracts macerated and contents serially diluted. Each aliquot was seeded in three culture media. The plates were incubated in type B.O.D. climate chambers for 21 days, after which isolated colonies were morphological characterized and identified. There have been few published studies on the fungal microbiota of the triatomine digestive tract. Comparing the results found here with existing data reveals that the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium are commonly found in the digestive tract of the studied triatomines. Among the several genera identified, the species found in the highest percentages were Aspergillus flavus, Paecilomyces variotii, Penicillium waksmanii, Penicillium raistrickii and Penicillium fellutanum. Quantitative differences in the number of isolated fungal strains were observed according to sex and nymphal stage of the vector. The present findings corroborate those found in the literature, showing that there is a natural fungal microbiota in triatomines. Data revealing quantitative differences in isolated fungal strains found in male, female and nymphs reinforce the idea that their presence is related to physiology and fasting resistance. The secondary metabolite-producing fungi isolated in this work have in their biology great potential to be tested with regard to the establishment of T. cruzi in the digestive tract of its vector.
Structural and functional analyses of the PPIase domain ofArabidopsis thalianaCYP71 reveal its catalytic activity toward histone H3
Authors: Lakhanpal Smarth , Fan Jing‐Song , Luan Sheng , Swaminathan Kunchithapadam
Published: October 2020

Arabidopsis thalianaCYP71 (AtCYP71) is a chromatin‐remodeling protein that promotes shoot apical meristem (SAM) differentiation. The N terminus of AtCYP71 contains a noncanonical WD domain, and the C terminus contains an enzymatic peptidyl‐prolyl isomerase (PPIase) cyclophilin (CYP) domain. To date, there has been no characterization of CYP71, and its mode of action remains unknown. Here, we report the crystal structure of the CYP domain of AtCYP71 at 1.9 Å resolution. The structure shows key differences when compared to the canonical CYP fold of human CypA. To the best our knowledge, this is the firstA. thalianaCYP structure with a conserved active site loop. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the CYP domain is active toward histone H3. Our findings suggest that the PPIase activity of the CYP domain is important for the function of AtCYP71 in chromatin remodeling during organogenesis.
Long non‐coding RNA SOX21‐AS1 enhances the stemness of breast cancer cells via the Hippo pathway
Authors: Li Lanzhen , Meng Dongmei , Wang Ruiqing
Published: October 2020

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) have high tumorigenicity and invasiveness, which contributes to recurrence and metastasis. The long non‐coding RNA SOX21‐AS1 has been previously reported to modulate the properties of breast cancer stem cells via targeting SOX2, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate this issue, we first confirmed that the expression level of SOX21‐AS1 is increased in breast cancer tissues and cell lines (MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐231, CSC‐MCF‐7, CSC‐MDA‐MB‐231), especially in BCSCs. We demonstrated that SOX21‐AS1 promotes the stemness of CSC‐MCF‐7 cells through western blot detection of stemness‐related proteins, as well as side population and sphere formation assays. Overexpression of SOX21‐AS1 enhanced the proliferation, migration and invasion of CSC‐MCF‐7 cells. We also observed that SOX21‐AS1 inhibited the Hippo pathway. SOX21‐AS1 enhanced the stemness, migration and invasion of CSC‐MCF‐7 cells by increasing the nuclear localization of YAP and decreasing the level of pYAP. Overall, we conclude that SOX21‐AS1 may promote the stemness viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of BCSCs by inhibiting the Hippo pathway. Our findings provide insights into potential biomarkers and prognostic measures for the treatment of breast cancer.
Dietary patterns and the neoplastic‐prone tissue landscape of old age
Authors: Marongiu Fabio , Laconi Ezio
Published: October 2020

There is now sufficient evidence to indicate that aging is associated with the emergence of a clonogenic and neoplastic‐prone tissue landscape, which fuels early stages of cancer development and helps explaining the rise in cancer incidence and mortality in older individuals. Dietary interventions are among the most effective approaches to delay aging and age‐related diseases, including cancer. Reduced caloric intake has been, historically, the most intensely investigated strategy. Recent findings point to a critical role of a long fasting interval in mediating some of the beneficial effects of caloric restriction. Time‐restricted feeding, intermittent fasting, and fasting mimicking diets are being proposed for their potential to prolong healthy life span and to delay late‐onset diseases such as neoplasia. Evidence will be discussed suggesting that the effects of these dietary regimens are mediated, at least in part, through retardation of age‐related functional changes at cell and tissue level, including a delay in the emergence of the neoplastic‐prone tissue microenvironment.
Portal dosimetry scripting application programming interface (PDSAPI) for Winston‐Lutz test employing ceramic balls
Authors: Hao Yao , Schmidt Matthew C. , Wu Yu , Knutson Nels C.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatments require a high degree of accuracy. Mechanical, imaging, and radiation isocenter coincidence is especially important. As a common method, the Winston‐Lutz (WL) test plays an important role. However, weekly or daily WL test can be very time consuming. We developed novel methods using Portal Dosimetry Scripting Application Programming Interface (PDSAPI) to facilitate the test as well as documentation.

Methods

Winston‐Lutz PDSAPI was developed and tested on our routine weekly WL imaging. The results were compared against two commercially available software RIT (Radiological Imaging Technology, Colorado Springs, CO) and DoseLab (Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Palo Alto, CA). Two manual methods that served as ground truth were used to verify PDSAPI results. Twenty WL test image data sets (10 fields per tests, and 200 images in total) were analyzed by these five methods in this report.

Results

More than 99.5% of WL PDSAPI 1D shifts agreed with each of four other methods within ±0.33 mm, which is roughly the pixel width of a‐Si 1200 portal imager when source to imager distance (SID) is at 100 cm. 1D shifts agreement for ±0.22 mm and 0.11 mm were 96% and 63%, respectively. Same trend was observed for 2D displacement.

Conclusions

Winston‐Lutz PDSAPI delivers similar accuracy as two commercial applications for WL test. This new application can save time spent transferring data and has the potential to implement daily WL test with reasonable test time. It also provides the data storage capability, and enables easy access to imaging and shift data.
Visual search for drowning swimmers: Investigating the impact of lifeguarding experience
Authors: Laxton Victoria , Crundall David , Guest Duncan , Howard Christina J.
Published: October 2020

How does domain expertise influence dynamic visual search? Previous studies of visual search often use abstract search arrays that are devoid of applied context, with comparatively few studies exploring applied naturalistic and dynamic settings. The current research adds to this literature by examining lifeguard drowning‐detection across two studies using naturalistic, dynamic search tasks. Behavioural responses and eye‐movement data were recorded as participants watched staged video clips and attempted to identify if a swimmer was drowning. The results demonstrate lifeguard superiority in response times to drowning events, compared to non‐lifeguards. No differences between lifeguard and non‐lifeguard eye‐movements were noted however. This suggests that the experiential benefit in response times results from other underlying processes, rather than any scanning benefits. This research highlights the complex nature of naturalistic and dynamic searches, while demonstrating the robust nature of simulated videos in producing experience effects in visual search.
Comorbidities Before and After the Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Matched Longitudinal Study
Authors: Tatangelo Mark R. , Tomlinson George , Keystone Edward , Paterson J. Michael , Bansback Nick , Bombardier Claire
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine the contribution of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to conditions and medical events. A secondary objective is to quantify this association before and after the introduction of biologic medications.

Methods

All data were collected as health administrative data in Ontario, Canada. Patients with RA (n = 136 678) matched 1:1 to a pool of possible controls without RA from 1995 to 2016. The study was a retrospective longitudinal observational administrative data‐based cohort study with cases (RA) and controls (two non‐RA comparator groups). The main exposure was new‐onset RA identified by a validated diagnosis algorithm. The secondary exposure was the calendar year, which provided a natural experiment to compare years in which biologics were unavailable (pre‐2001) to increasing utilization over time. The main outcomes were counts of 27 Johns Hopkins Expanded Diagnostic Cluster Comorbid Conditions. Outcomes were reported as counts and percentage differences between cases and matched controls.

Results

Patients experienced increases in conditions and medical events up to 5 years before RA disease incidence—4.9 conditions per patient‐year compared with 4.6 conditions per patient‐year in matched controls. Comorbidities increased to 8.7 conditions per patient‐year in the year of RA incidence but were lower in the years after diagnosis—6.9 conditions per patient‐year at 5 years postdiagnosis.

Conclusion

This study reframes the clinical manifestations of RA with detailed data on the marginal contribution of RA to conditions and medical events. These results show that a large portion of disease burden is due to the indirect effects of RA.
Washington state's COVID‐19 shutdown had immediate effect on drinking
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2020

Few will react with surprise to a newly published survey that reported an increase in alcohol consumption following a state's imposition of a stay‐at‐home order resulting from COVID‐19. Yet there also were some unexpected and striking observations in the study, published late last month in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.
Ads, stores increase teen plans to use marijuana
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2020

It didn't take a study to prove that the more marijuana advertising adolescents are exposed to, the more likely they are to want to use the drug, but this study showed a lot more than that. The study, “Youth's proximity to marijuana retailers and advertisements: Factors associated with Washington state adolescents' intentions to use marijuana” was conducted by surveying 350 13–17‐year‐olds in Washington state in June 2018. Published online October 8 by the Journal of Health Communication, the study looked at the distances between retailers (who advertised) and concluded that states that have legalized recreational marijuana should consider the location of retailers in relation to neighborhoods and advertising that appeals to youth. In addition, there should be prevention efforts aimed at influencing beliefs by teens.
Quit‐smoking counseling works, but barriers exist in cancer care
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2020

The best predictor of tobacco‐related cancer survival is abstinence from tobacco, an editorial, “Intensive Smoking Cessation Counseling for Patients with Cancer,” reports in the Oct. 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends cessation counseling and pharmacologic treatment for patients with cancer who are interested in quitting smoking, but only 44% of physicians who treat lung cancer treat their patients' tobacco dependence. Barriers to cessation treatment in oncology include time constraints and lack of tobacco‐cessation training.
Bead‐Based Extracellular Vesicle Analysis Using Flow Cytometry
Authors: Yang Katherine S. , Lin Hsing‐Ying , Curley Caleigh , Welch Marisa W. , Wolpin Brian M. , Lee Hakho , Weissleder Ralph , Im Hyungsoon , Castro Cesar M.
Published: October 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent promising circulating biomarkers for cancers, but their high‐throughput analyses in clinical settings prove challenging due to lack of simple, fast, and robust EV assays. Here, a bead‐based EV assay detected by flow cytometry is described, which integrates EV capture using microbeads with EV protein analyses by flow cytometry. The assay is fast (<4 h for 48 samples), robust, and compatible with conventional flow cytometry instruments for high‐throughput EV analysis. With the method, a panel of pancreatic cancer biomarkers in EVs from plasma samples of pancreatic cancer patients is successfully analyzed. The assay is readily translatable to other biomarkers or cancer types and can be run with standard materials on conventional flow cytometers, making it highly flexible and adaptable to diverse research and clinical needs.
High‐Performance Perovskite‐Based Blue Light‐Emitting Diodes with Operational Stability by Using Organic Ammonium Cations as Passivating Agents
Authors: Kim Yun Cheol , An Hee Ju , Kim Do Hoon , Myoung Jae‐Min , Heo Ye Jin , Cho Jeong Ho
Published: October 2020

Blue emissive perovskites can be prepared by incorporating chlorine into bromine‐based perovskites to tune their bandgap. However, mixed‐halide perovskites exhibit intrinsic phase instability, particularly under electrical potential, owing to halide migration. To achieve high‐performance blue perovskite‐based light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) with operational stability, organic ammonium cations are used for passivating the anionic defects of the CsPbBr2Cl film. Diphenylpropylammonium chloride (DPPACl), used as a passivating agent, successfully prevents the spectral instability of blue PeLEDs by passivating the Cl− vacancies. Consequently, the blue PeLED prepared with this passivating agent delivers excellent device performance with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 3.03%. Moreover, upon tuning the DPPACl concentration, the PeLED emits stably in the deep‐blue spectral region (464 nm) with a half‐life time of 420 s. Thus, the use of organic ammonium cation as a passivating agent is an effective strategy for developing high‐performance blue PeLEDs with operational stability.
On‐Surface Synthesis of Polyferrocenylene and its Single‐Chain Conformational and Electrical Transport Properties
Authors: Santhini Vijai M. , Stetsovych Oleksandr , Ondráček Martin , Mendieta Moreno Jesus I. , Mutombo Pingo , de la Torre Bruno , Švec Martin , Klívar Jiří , Stará Irena G. , Vázquez Héctor , Starý Ivo , Jelínek Pavel
Published: October 2020

Unlike intrinsically conductive organic polymers, which are central to organic electronics/photovoltaics, metallopolymers contain multiple redox‐active centers allowing extra control of their intriguing properties. Ferrocene polymers are particularly attractive in this regard, but research of the iconic poly(1,1′‐ferrocenylene), a main‐chain ferrocene polymer with the most densely bound redox‐active iron centers, has practically stopped because it is an insoluble and rather inhomogeneous material. Herein, its synthesis on the Ag(111) surface is reported, based on the Ullmann coupling of 1′,1″′‐diiodo‐1,1″‐biferrocene. Conformationally flexible single‐chain nanowires up to 50 nm in length, thus overcoming the limits of conventional solution polymerization, are characterized by scanning probe microscopy techniques achieving atomic resolution. Single‐chain electrical conductivity measurements are performed in the longitudinal directions revealing apparent metal‐to‐semiconductor transition (depending on the number of ferrocene units lifted from the surface). A simple transport model is established to rationalize this observation.
Bone‐on‐a‐Chip: Microfluidic Technologies and Microphysiologic Models of Bone Tissue
Authors: Mansoorifar Amin , Gordon Ryan , Bergan Raymond C. , Bertassoni Luiz E.
Published: October 2020

Bone is an active organ that continuously undergoes an orchestrated process of remodeling throughout life. Bone tissue is uniquely capable of adapting to loading, hormonal, and other changes happening in the body, as well as repairing bone that becomes damaged to maintain tissue integrity. On the other hand, diseases such as osteoporosis and metastatic cancers disrupt normal bone homeostasis leading to compromised function. Historically, the ability to investigate processes related to either physiologic or diseased bone tissue is limited by traditional models that fail to emulate the complexity of native bone. Organ‐on‐a‐chip models are based on technological advances in tissue engineering and microfluidics, enabling the reproduction of key features specific to tissue microenvironments within a microfabricated device. Compared to conventional in vitro and in vivo bone models, microfluidic models, and especially organ‐on‐a‐chip platforms, provide more biomimetic tissue culture conditions, with increased predictive power for clinical assays. In this review, microfluidic and organ‐on‐a‐chip technologies designed for understanding the biology of bone as well as bone‐related diseases and treatments are reported. Finally, the authors discuss the limitations of the current models and point toward future directions for microfluidics and organ‐on‐a‐chip technologies in bone research.
Wearable Stretchable Dry and Self‐Adhesive Strain Sensors with Conformal Contact to Skin for High‐Quality Motion Monitoring
Authors: Wang Shan , Fang Yuanlai , He Hao , Zhang Lei , Li Chang'an , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: October 2020

Wearable stretchable strain sensors can have important applications in many areas. However, the high noise is a big hurdle for their application to monitor body movement. The noise is mainly due to the motion artifacts related to the poor contact between the sensors and skin. Here, wearable stretchable dry and self‐adhesive strain sensors that can always form conformal contact to skin even during body movement are demonstrated. They are prepared via solution coating and consist of two layers, a dry adhesive layer made of biocompatible elastomeric waterborne polyurethane and a sensing layer made of a non‐adhesive composite of reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes. The adhesive layer makes the sensors conformal to skin, while the sensing layer exhibits a resistance sensitive to strain. The sensors are used to accurately monitor both small‐ and large‐scale body movements, including various joint movements and muscle movements. They can always generate high‐quality signals even on curvilinear skin surface and during irregular skin deformation. The sensitivity is remarkably higher while the noise is saliently lower than the non‐adhesive strain sensors. They can also be used to monitor the movements along two perpendicular directions, which cannot be achieved by the non‐adhesive strain sensors.
A Hydrogen‐Bonded Extracellular Matrix‐Mimicking Bactericidal Hydrogel with Radical Scavenging and Hemostatic Function for pH‐Responsive Wound Healing Acceleration
Authors: Ahmadian Zainab , Correia Alexandra , Hasany Masoud , Figueiredo Patrícia , Dobakhti Faramarz , Eskandari Mohammad Reza , Hosseini Seyed Hojjat , Abiri Ramin , Khorshid Shiva , Hirvonen Jouni , Santos Hélder A. , Shahbazi Mohammad‐Ali
Published: October 2020

Generation of reactive oxygen species, delayed blood clotting, prolonged inflammation, bacterial infection, and slow cell proliferation are the main challenges of effective wound repair. Herein, a multifunctional extracellular matrix‐mimicking hydrogel is fabricated through abundant hydrogen bonding among the functional groups of gelatin and tannic acid (TA) as a green chemistry approach. The hydrogel shows adjustable physicochemical properties by altering the concentration of TA and it represents high safety features both in vitro and in vivo on fibroblasts, red blood cells, and mice organs. In addition to the merit of facile encapsulation of cell proliferation‐inducing hydrophilic drugs, accelerated healing of skin injury is obtained through pH‐dependent release of TA and its multifaceted mechanisms as an antibacterial, antioxidant, hemostatic, and anti‐inflammatory moiety. The developed gelatin‐TA (GelTA) hydrogel also shows an outstanding effect on the formation of extracellular matrix and wound closure in vivo via offered cell adhesion sites in the backbone of gelatin that provide increased re‐epithelialization and better collagen deposition. These results suggest that the multifunctional GelTA hydrogel is a promising candidate for the clinical treatment of full‐thickness wounds and further development of wound dressing materials that releases active agents in the neutral or slightly basic environment of infected nonhealing wounds.
Transition‐metal‐free Photo‐induced Cascade Sulfonylation/Addition/Cyclization of 3‐Arylethynyl‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2‐carbonitriles with Aryldiazonium Tetrafluoroborates via the Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Zhou Nengneng , Wu Meixia , Kuang Kaimo , Wu Sixin , Zhang Man
Published: October 2020

A transition‐metal‐free photo‐induced cascade sulfonylation/addition/cyclization of 3‐arylethynyl‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2‐carbonitriles with Na2S2O5 and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates for the construction of 4‐sulfonated cyclopenta[gh]phenanthridines is developed. This reaction involves a radical pathway and goes through a sequence of phenyl radical formation, sulfur dioxide insertion, sulfonyl radical addition, iminyl radical formation, and cyclization. The methodology displays mild conditions, a broad substrate scope and does not require any external oxidants.

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High‐Definition Optophysical Image Construction Using Mosaics of Pixelated Wrinkles
Authors: Kim Kitae , Kim Se‐Um , Choi Subi , Heo Kyuyoung , Ahn Suk‐kyun , Na Jun‐Hee
Published: October 2020

Despite many efforts in structuring surfaces using mechanical instabilities, the practical application of these structures to advanced devices remains a challenging task due to the limited capability to control the local morphology. A platform that programs the orientation of mechanically anisotropic molecules is demonstrated; thus, the surface wrinkles, promoted by such instabilities, can be patterned in the desired manner. The optics based on a spatial light modulator assembles wrinkle pixels of a notably small dimension over a large area at fast fabrication speed. Furthermore, these pixelated wrinkles can be formed on curved geometries. The pixelated wrinkles can record images, which are naturally invisible, by mapping the gray level to the orientation of wrinkles. They can retrieve those images using the patterned optical phase retardation generated under the crossed polarizers. As a result, it is shown that the pixelated wrinkles enable new applications in optics such as image storage, informative labeling, and anti‐counterfeiting.