bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a Knowledge‐and‐Data‐Driven Artificial Intelligence System with Robustness and Interpretability in Laboratory Medicine
Authors: Wang Beilei , Jing Jie , Huang Xiaochun , Hua Cheng , Qin Qin , Jia Yin , Wang Zhiyong , Jiang Lei , Gao Bai , Wu Lele , Zeng Xianfei , Wang Fubo , Mao Chuanbin , Liu Shanrong
Published: February 2022

Laboratory medicine plays an important role in clinical diagnosis. However, no laboratory‐based artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic system has been applied in current clinical practice due to the lack of robustness and interpretability. Although many attempts have been made, it is still difficult for doctors to adopt the existing machine learning (ML) patterns in interpreting laboratory (lab) big data. Here, a knowledge‐and‐data‐driven laboratory diagnostic system is developed, termed AI‐based Lab tEst tO diagNosis (AI LEON), by integrating an innovative knowledge graph analysis framework and “mixed XGboost and Genetic Algorithm (MiXG)” technique to simulate the doctor's laboratory‐based diagnosis. To establish AI LEON, we included 89 116 949 laboratory data and 10 423 581 diagnosis data points from 730 113 participants. Among them, 686 626 participants were recruited for training and validating purposes with the remaining for testing purposes. AI LEON automatically identified and analyzed 2071 lab indexes, resulting in multiple disease recommendations that involved 441 common diseases in ten organ systems. AI LEON exhibited outstanding transparency and interpretability in three universal clinical application scenarios and outperformed human physicians in interpreting lab reports. AI LEON is an advanced intelligent system that enables a comprehensive interpretation of lab big data, which substantially improves the clinical diagnosis.
Pregnancy outcomes with hydroxyurea use in women with sickle cell disease
Authors: Kroner Barbara L. , Hankins Jane S. , Pugh Norma , Kutlar Abdullah , King Allison A. , Shah Nirmish R. , Kanter Julie , Glassberg Jeffrey , Treadwell Marsha , Gordeuk Victor R. ,   for the Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium
Published: February 2022

Hydroxyurea reduces pain crises, acute chest syndrome, and blood transfusions in sickle cell disease (SCD), but potential detrimental effects on fertility and birth outcomes impede its use. Data on the effects of hydroxyurea taken for SCD during conception and pregnancy are scarce. The Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium collected self‐reported pregnancy history, corresponding hydroxyurea use, and pregnancy outcomes in women with SCD in the clinical setting. Among 1285 women 18–45 years of age, 737 (57.4%) reported 1788 pregnancies (1079 live births, 394 miscarriages, 40 stillbirths, 207 abortions, 48 current pregnancies, and 20 missing outcomes) of which 241 (15.9%) live births, miscarriages or stillbirths were conceived while on hydroxyurea. In univariate analyses, pregnancy number more than three, severe sickle genotype, history of stillbirth or miscarriage, and chronic kidney disease at enrollment were covariates significantly associated with a pregnancy ending in miscarriage or stillbirth. After adjustment for covariates and additional SCD severity markers in multivariate analyses, hydroxyurea use during conception and pregnancy, but not during conception only, was associated with an increase in the odds ratio (OR) of miscarriage or stillbirth (OR 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40–3.47). In analyses of live birth outcomes, hydroxyurea use during conception and pregnancy was associated with birth weight < 5.5 pounds in full‐term infants (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.09–7.38) but not with prematurity or serious medical problems at birth. These findings suggest that hydroxyurea use may be safe up to the time of conception, but that clinicians should continue to advise caution regarding use during pregnancy.
Understanding settlement services literacy and the provision of settlement services for humanitarian migrants in Australia—A service provider perspective
Authors: Abood Julianne , Polonsky Michael , Woodward Kerry , Green Julie , Tadjoeddin Zulfan , Renzaho Andre M. N.
Published: February 2022

Over the past 40 years, successive Australian Governments have developed a comprehensive programme of settlement services (SS) designed to improve settlement outcomes for humanitarian migrants. Many humanitarian migrants do not arrive with the appropriate skills and abilities to fully benefit from available SS. “Settlement services literacy” (SSL) has been proposed as a framework to contextualise factors that may enable or constrain humanitarian migrants' utilisation of SS. The aim of this study was to investigate the provision of SS in relation to SSL, that is humanitarian migrants' ability to effectively access information and services, to critically assess services, and to politically mobilise and effect change. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 service providers representing 19 organisations in Greater Western Sydney (n = 8) and Melbourne (n = 11). The study found that SS programmes address many of the indicators that promote SSL acquisition. However, this is not achieved systematically, nor do the programmes reflect all indicators across the three SSL levels. This study provides new insights into various factors impacting the effectiveness of SS provision and SSL acquisition. These insights can inform future programme policy reforms and contribute to more effective and responsive service systems that meet the diverse and complex needs of humanitarian migrants.
Enhancing Tumor Catalytic Therapy by Co‐Catalysis
Authors: Yang Jiacai , Yao Heliang , Guo Yuedong , Yang Bowen , Shi Jianlin
Published: February 2022

Fenton reactions have been recently applied in tumor catalytic therapy, whose efficacy suffers from the unsatisfactory reaction kinetics of Fe3+ to Fe2+ conversion. Here we introduce a co‐catalytic concept in tumor catalytic therapy by using a two‐dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheet atomically dispersed with Fe species. The single‐atom Fe species act as active sites for triggering Fenton reactions, while the abundant sulfur vacancies generated on the nanosheet favor electron capture by hydrogen peroxide for promoting hydroxyl radical production. Moreover, the 2D MoS2 support also acts as a co‐catalyst to accelerate the conversion of Fe3+ to Fe2+ by the oxidation of active Mo4+ sites to Mo6+, thereby promoting the whole catalytic process. The 2D nanocatalyst exhibits a desirable catalytic performance, as well as a significantly enhanced anticancer efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, which indicates the feasibility for applying such a co‐catalytic concept in tumor therapy.
Synthesis and photoluminescence enhancement of the LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+ red phosphors by co‐doping with Bi3+
Authors: Zhou Peng , Qiu Kehui , Zhang Wentao , Yue Lu , Lou Sangang
Published: February 2022

The LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+ and LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+,Bi3+ phosphors were prepared using the citric‐acid‐fueled combustion method and the influence of concentrations of Bi3+ dopant on LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+ red luminescence was investigated. The LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+ and LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+,Bi3+ samples matched well with the scheelite structure and I41/a space group and did not detect structural changes. Under an excitation of 403 nm, the prepared LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+,Bi3+ phosphor was excited and produced orange‐red emission. When compared with the LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+ phosphor, the LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+,Bi3+ phosphor exhibited enhanced fluorescence intensity because the Bi3+ dopant ions are doped as a sensitizer. The optimal doping concentrations of Sm3+ and Bi3+ were 5 and 1 mol%, respectively. Furthermore, the energy transfer from Bi3+ to Sm3+ is effective (3P1 → 4K11/2). Subsequently, the electrons in an unstable excited state were transferred to a stable ground state (4G5/2 → 6H5/2, 6H7/2, 6H9/2). The Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates of the optimized LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+,Bi3+ phosphor were situated in the orange‐red region. The luminescence of the LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+,Bi3+ phosphor generated under near‐ultraviolet (UV) irradiation could be used to produce a warm white light, indicating its possible applications in white light‐emitting diodes.
Agency cost: A missing link between female on board and firm performance
Authors: Khuong Nguyen Vinh , Anh Le Huu Tuan , Quyen Pham Nhat , Thao Ngo Thi Thien
Published: February 2022

This research aims to investigate the relationship between the presence of females in the board of directors (BOD) and agency cost as well as firm performance with the mediating role of agency costs. We employ STATA to test feasible general least squares and generalized method of moments (GMM) on Vietnamese listed firms' data over 2015–2019. The results demonstrate that the presence of female directors is positively related to firm performance. The percentage of females has a positive relationship with agency cost, which has a negative impact on firm performance. The mediating role of the agency cost variable only reduces the positive impact of gender diversity in the BOD on firm performance, but this relationship is not reversed. The main contribution is the examination of the moderating role of state ownership and the mediating role of agency costs. Our study provides evidence about women's roles in different legal contexts, which might foster the formation of future legal frameworks.
Restricting expert testimony by faculty invites legal challenges
Authors: Porter Michael
Published: February 2022

A hallmark of higher education is faculty members’ remarkable expertise in their chosen fields. Most institutions rely on their faculty members’ reputation to  attract students, research and grant funding, and other reputable faculty.
A few FERPA training perspectives: Unexpected questions, Part 3
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: February 2022

Several years ago, I was conducting a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act training session for student services personnel at a large state college.
Inhibition of Skp2 enhances doxorubicin‐induced cell death in B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Manafi Shabestari Rima , Chegeni Rouzbeh , Faranoush Mohammad , Zaker Farhad , Safa Majid
Published: February 2022

S‐phase kinase‐associated protein 2 (Skp2) is a well‐defined component of the Skp2‐Culin1‐F‐box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, which is involved in cell cycle progression and considered a prognostic marker in cancers. Overexpression of Skp2 is frequently observed in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Inhibition of this protein may be a valuable strategy to induce apoptosis in malignant cells. Less well known is the effect of Skp2 inhibition on the potentiation of the chemotherapeutic‐induced cell death in B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP‐ALL). Our results demonstrated that inhibition of the Skp2 using SZL P1‐41, not only resulted in caspase‐mediated apoptosis but also potentiated doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis in BCP‐ALL cell lines (NALM‐6 and SUP‐B15). SZL P1‐41 in combination with doxorubicin altered cell cycle distribution and the level of cyclins and cyclin‐dependent kinases in BCP‐ALL cells. DNA damage response genes were also upregulated in presence of the doxorubicin and SZL P1‐41 in both cell lines. In conclusion, our results indicated that inhibition of Skp2 either alone or in a combination with doxorubicin may hold promise in the future treatment of BCP‐ALL.
Complex‐derived Fe2N Anchored on Conductive Few‐layer Graphene for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhang Shaoning , Dong Chenlong , Wan Zengming , Huang Fuqiang
Published: February 2022

Constructing highly active sites and simultaneously electrically conductive pathways is necessary to establish rapid oxygen reduced reaction (ORR) kinetics. Herein, hexamethylene tetramine as the bidentate ligand is utilized to chelate Fe ion and provide carbon and nitrogen source. During pyrolysis, Fe catalyzes the growth of N‐doped few‐layer graphene so that Fe2N nanoparticles are anchored on conductive framework due to strong Fe−N interaction. Benefiting from above merits, the Fe2N@NGs catalyst achieves a half‐potential of 0.84 V (vs. RHE), long‐term stability and robustness to methanol crossover effect compared to the Pt/C catalyst. Thus, synergistically combining ligand‐metal framework and transition metal‐catalyzed graphitization gives new insight into engineering transition‐metal/heteroatom‐doped‐graphene hybrid catalysts.
Long‐term responses of gastropods to simulated hurricanes in a tropical montane rainforest
Authors: Presley Steven J. , Willig Michael R.
Published: February 2022

Climate‐induced disturbances such as hurricanes affect the structure and functioning of ecosystems, especially those in the Caribbean Basin, where high‐energy storms have long affected ecosystem dynamics. Because climate change will likely continue to alter the frequency and intensity of hurricanes in the Caribbean, it is increasingly important to understand the mechanistic bases for ecosystem responses. Although long‐term surveys and nonmanipulative “natural experiments” provide considerable insight, manipulative experiments are required to decouple confounded factors associated with high‐intensity storms. To address this, we exploited a replicated factorial design to experimentally isolate the long‐term effects of canopy opening and debris deposition on population‐ and community‐level characteristics of gastropods in the Luquillo Experimental Forest of Puerto Rico. The canopy trimming experiment included four treatments: (1) the reference treatment received no manipulations; (2) canopy trimmed, but debris from trimming not deposited on the forest floor (trim only); (3) canopy not trimmed, but debris deposited on the forest floor (debris only); and (4) canopy trimmed and debris deposited on the forest floor (trim and debris). After 10 years, the trim and debris treatment was repeated to simulate reoccurring hurricane events, whereas the trim‐only and debris‐only treatments were not subject to additional manipulation at this time. We evaluated responses to treatment and time for gastropod populations (abundance) and communities (biodiversity and composition). Population‐level responses were species specific. Three species and total gastropod abundance exhibited consistent responses to treatments regardless of time, four species exhibited consistent temporal trends regardless of treatment, and five species exhibited an interaction in which the effects of time depended on treatment. In general, point‐, α‐, and γ‐biodiversity decreased through time, whereas β‐biodiversity increased through time. Gastropod populations and communities were resistant and resilient to the simulated disturbances, exhibiting quick recovery from any short‐term changes in abundance or biodiversity. From an evolutionary perspective, long‐term exposure to hurricane‐induced disturbances likely leads to species‐specific adaptations that enhance resistance and resilience.
Optimized canopy structure improves maize grain yield and resource use efficiency
Authors: Liu Guangzhou , Yang Yunshan , Liu Wanmao , Guo Xiaoxia , Xie Ruizhi , Ming Bo , Xue Jun , Zhang Guoqiang , Li Rongfa , Wang Keru , Hou Peng , Li Shaokun
Published: February 2022

Improved canopy structure was instrumental in setting maize yield records, and yet it has rarely been examined in China. At Qitai Farm in Xinjiang, we conducted a 4‐year field experiment using China's six highest‐yielding maize hybrids sorted into three yield level groups that were grown at similar growth durations and at optimum densities. The average yield of high‐yield level (HL, 22.3 Mg ha−1) was 7.2% and 24.6% higher than that of medium‐yield level (ML) and low‐yield level (LL), respectively. For each yield level, we measured morphological traits that influence canopy structure and yield. They included plant height, ear height, ear ratio, internode length, leaf numbers, leaf angle, LOV, leaf area, and spatial density of leaf area. Among the preceding morphological traits of the three yield levels, HL’s best optimized the canopy structure, as shown by improved light distribution (19.0% light transmission at the ear) and increased light interception per unit leaf area per day (LIPA, 51.7 MJ m−2 day−1) in the canopy. In comparison, light transmission was 12.2% and 15.9% at the ear and the total LIPAs were 37.2 and 29.0 MJ m−2 day−1 at silking for ML and LL, respectively. HL had significantly longer leaf area duration and a higher photosynthetic rate, especially at the grain filling stage, and its total accumulated biomass at maturity was significantly better (by 13.9%) than LL’s. HL’s harvest index (0.54) was significantly higher than that of ML (0.52) and LL (0.48). HL’s radiation and heat use efficiencies were 2.61% and 1.37 g °C−1 day−1 m−2, both significantly greater than those of ML and LL. Therefore, optimum maize plant types can significantly improve canopy structure and increase resource use efficiency and grain yield.
Apios americana Medikus: A novel and promising food for postpartum uterine involution
Authors: Li Yonglu , Feng Xinyu , Zhou Su , Zheng Zihuan , Yu Ting , Zheng Xiaodong , Zhu Jiajin
Published: February 2022

Pregnancy is a prolonged and tortuous process impairing puerperal health and life, in which uterine involution playing a decisive role. However, puerperae continually suffer from postpartum complications, whereas few research has focused on the postpartum recovery and uterine involution acceleration. The requirement for a safer and efficient therapy strategy for postpartum care is very urgent. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of Apios americana Medikus tuber to be a novel adjuvant therapy strategy for postpartum recovery. As a natural resource supplement, AM possesses multiple bioactivities and high biosafety, which also more acceptable for long treatment period during and after pregnancy. AM significantly altered the levels of estrogen, progesterone and their receptors, the secretion of transforming growth factor, matrix metalloproteinases, and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, it also significantly regulated various genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, and cell cycle, such as PLA2G3, EGR1, LCN2, and MMP9, thereby inhibiting inflammation and facilitating postpartum recovery and uterine involution. To conclude, our results suggested that AM as a promising supplementary food or a potential adjuvant treatment to accelerate postpartum uterine involution.
Sustainable Digital Product Design
Authors: Johnson Eric
Published: February 2022

The digital evolution is here. You are out for a fancy dinner at your favorite restaurant and post a photo of your delicious meal on Instagram. You post your latest dance routine or challenge on Tik Tok. You've been scrolling through your timeline on Facebook for the past 10 minutes. You are adding to your Snapchat Story as you check out a new city on vacation.
Tackling “Transmission III”—Problems in 2022 for the Renewable Generation Backlog
Authors: Makholm Jeff D.
Published: February 2022

Transmission III? I use that term to describe what publication Law360 signaled as one of the key energy policy issues to watch in 2022: how to overhaul the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC's) transmission rules to accommodate increasing amounts of renewable energy coming from interior parts of the country with significant levels of wind and solar energy—but few large population centers. The FERC is facing a new interstate transmission problem, as existing US interstate transmission networks were built to serve other purposes. Transmission I, as I call it, arose to provide interstate electric grid system reliability and resilience for state‐regulated, vertically integrated electric utilities after the famous East Coast blackout of November 1965. Transmission II followed in the wake of the regional wholesale power market development, which arose after the mid‐1990s, to avoid the higher electricity costs arising when transmission congestion kept low‐cost generating plants from contributing to intrastate regional power grids.
Bioethics for Journalists
Authors: Gilbert Susan
Published: February 2022

In 2021, The Hastings Center launched Bioethics for Journalists, an annual series of online events aimed at helping journalists identify and investigate ethics questions in science and medicine. The Center partnered with the Center for ELSI Resources & Analysis, a federally funded project focused on the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetics and genomics research, to produce four events: “Genomics, Human Behavior, and Social Outcomes”; “Law Enforcement and Genetic Data”; “Precision Medicine Research, ‘All of Us,’ and Inclusion”; and “Addressing Racism in Medical Research and Publishing.” While created for journalists, these events appeal to a broader audience. You can watch them on the Center's website.
The Bleak Future of Reproductive Rights for Queer Indians
Authors: Bhatt Rohin
Published: February 2022

Despite the decriminalization of homosexuality in India in 2018, LGBTQ+ rights are under threat in the nation under Prime Minister Modi’s far‐right government. In this commentary, I explain why two bills recently passed by the Indian parliament—the Artificial Reproductive Technologies (Regulation) Bill and the Surrogacy Regulation Bill—will have chilling effects on the reproductive rights of LGBTQ+ citizens. The biologically essentialist and heteropatriarchal framing of reproductive rights in the bills will prevent LGBTQ+ citizens from accessing reproductive technologies. Contextualizing this framing within Modi’s wider far‐right Hindu nationalist agenda, I argue that there is a need for a heightened bioethical call to action from queer and feminist bioethicists in India and across the globe.
Consent for Intimate Exams on Unconscious Patients: Sharpening Legislative Efforts
Authors: Friesen Phoebe , Wilson Robin Fretwell , Kim Soyoon , Goedken Jennifer
Published: February 2022

The practice of nonconsensual intimate exams performed on unconscious patients by medical students during their training has received significant attention in the last several years. Clinicians, medical students, bioethicists, lawyers, and the public have called for explicit and specific consent to take place before all educational intimate examinations of unconscious patients. In response, since January of 2019, dozens of bills have been proposed in more than twenty states, and thirteen of these have been signed into law (in addition to six that passed before 2019). Here, we consider the content of these enacted bills, drawing attention to five variable features and offering these five corresponding legislative recommendations, in hopes of narrowing in on the appropriate ethical scope of consent laws surrounding educational intimate exams: (1) use gender‐neutral language; (2) include all intimate exams, not solely pelvic exams; (3) focus on unconscious patients; (4) focus on educational exams; and (5) regulate systems, not individuals.
Death in a Cold Climate: Medical Aid in Dying in Vermont
Authors: Davis Dena S.
Published: February 2022

What happened when Vermont passed its medical‐aid‐in‐dying bill in 2013? Not what one might hope or expect. In Scripting Death: Stories of Assisted Dying in America (University of California Press, 2021), Mara Buchbinder details, through a host of gripping interviews, the difficulties people experience in actually accessing their legal rights to physician‐assisted suicide.
Tractostorm 2: Optimizing tractography dissection reproducibility with segmentation protocol dissemination
Authors: Rheault Francois , Schilling Kurt G. , Valcourt‐Caron Alex , Théberge Antoine , Poirier Charles , Grenier Gabrielle , Guberman Guido I. , Begnoche John , Legarreta Jon Haitz , Y. Cai Leon , Roy Maggie , Edde Manon , Caceres Marco Perez , Ocampo‐Pineda Mario , Al‐Sharif Noor , Karan Philippe , Bontempi Pietro , Obaid Sami , Bosticardo Sara , Schiavi Simona , Sairanen Viljami , Daducci Alessandro , Cutting Laurie E. , Petit Laurent , Descoteaux Maxime , Landman Bennett A.
Published: February 2022

The segmentation of brain structures is a key component of many neuroimaging studies. Consistent anatomical definitions are crucial to ensure consensus on the position and shape of brain structures, but segmentations are prone to variation in their interpretation and execution. White‐matter (WM) pathways are global structures of the brain defined by local landmarks, which leads to anatomical definitions being difficult to convey, learn, or teach. Moreover, the complex shape of WM pathways and their representation using tractography (streamlines) make the design and evaluation of dissection protocols difficult and time‐consuming. The first iteration of Tractostorm quantified the variability of a pyramidal tract dissection protocol and compared results between experts in neuroanatomy and nonexperts. Despite virtual dissection being used for decades, in‐depth investigations of how learning or practicing such protocols impact dissection results are nonexistent. To begin to fill the gap, we evaluate an online educational tractography course and investigate the impact learning and practicing a dissection protocol has on interrater (groupwise) reproducibility. To generate the required data to quantify reproducibility across raters and time, 20 independent raters performed dissections of three bundles of interest on five Human Connectome Project subjects, each with four timepoints. Our investigation shows that the dissection protocol in conjunction with an online course achieves a high level of reproducibility (between 0.85 and 0.90 for the voxel‐based Dice score) for the three bundles of interest and remains stable over time (repetition of the protocol). Suggesting that once raters are familiar with the software and tasks at hand, their interpretation and execution at the group level do not drastically vary. When compared to previous work that used a different method of communication for the protocol, our results show that incorporating a virtual educational session increased reproducibility. Insights from this work may be used to improve the future design of WM pathway dissection protocols and to further inform neuroanatomical definitions.
The spectrum of data sharing policies in neuroimaging data repositories
Authors: Jwa Anita S. , Poldrack Russell A.
Published: February 2022

Sharing data is a scientific imperative that accelerates scientific discoveries, reinforces open science inquiry, and allows for efficient use of public investment and research resources. Considering these benefits, data sharing has been widely promoted in diverse fields and neuroscience has been no exception to this movement. For all its promise, however, the sharing of human neuroimaging data raises critical ethical and legal issues, such as data privacy. Recently, the heightened risks to data privacy posed by the rapid advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques have made data sharing more challenging; the regulatory landscape around data sharing has also been evolving rapidly. Here we present an in‐depth ethical and regulatory analysis that examines how neuroimaging data are currently shared against the backdrop of the relevant regulations and policies in the United States and how advanced software tools and algorithms might undermine subjects' privacy in neuroimaging data sharing. The implications of these novel technological threats to privacy in neuroimaging data sharing practices and policies will also be discussed. We then conclude with a proposal for a legal prohibition against malicious use of neuroscience data as a regulatory mechanism to address privacy risks associated with the data while maximizing the benefits of data sharing and open science practice in the field of neuroscience.
A new modified chloride mass balance approach based on aquifer hydraulic properties and other sources of chloride to assess rainfall recharge in brackish aquifers
Authors: Aliewi Amjad , Bhandary Harish , Sabarathinam Chidambaram , Al‐Qallaf Habib
Published: February 2022

A reasonable estimation of aquifer recharge can assist in the sustainable management of groundwater resources. The methodology to calculate aquifer recharge presents many challenges due to geological complexity and the existence of different water qualities in the aquifer. The classic chloride mass balance (CMB) method has been used widely for aquifer recharge estimation but the assumptions in the equations neglect other sources of chloride than rainfall; chloride accumulation due to evaporation and the hydraulic properties of the recharged aquifer. This research aims to introduce modifications and derive a new CMB equation that covers the shortcomings in the earlier classic CMB approach. The newly developed approach was verified mathematically to identify the sensitive parameters that affect the results of aquifer recharge. Also, it was verified by independent data and method (groundwater modelling) and showed that it is approaching reality about recharge estimation than the earlier classic method which underestimates aquifer recharge especially for brackish aquifers. This article applies the new modified method to sedimentary aquifers of brackish nature and carbonate aquifers predominantly with fresh water and brackish water. In particular, numerical modelling showed that the optimum percentage of aquifer recharge from rainfall for brackish aquifers is between 10% and 20%. Application of the classic method in brackish aquifers in Kuwait estimates the aquifer recharge to be 0.5%–3% due to rainfall, while the modified method yields aquifer recharge of 9.3%–20% from total rainfall which agrees with the results of numerical modelling approach. The application of the classic CMB method for the carbonate aquifers containing fresh to brackish groundwater in the West Bank, gave recharge percentage of 25% from rainfall while the modified method indicated the recharge percentage is 32% from rainfall. The results of the study obtained by the modified CMB technique are proved promising.
Evaluation of flower visiting insects specimen sampling methodology in turfgrass–forb habitat
Authors: de Souza Isadora G. P. , de Castro Edicarlos B. , Henry Gerald M. , Held David W. , Hill JoVonn G. , McCurdy James D.
Published: February 2022

Pollination is fundamental to healthy ecosystems, and global pollination services have been valued at over $200 billion annually. However, landscape fragmentation, urban growth, and ecosystem degradation adversely influence insect pollinator biodiversity. Efforts to mitigate these factors must be enhanced in order to establish and increase pollinator populations. As such, a better understanding of the landscapes that make up their habitats may help mitigate these negative effects. Gauging the effect of landscapes on pollinators requires identification of insect richness and abundance, but studies that evaluate trapping and netting methodology over established turfgrass–forb habitat are scant. Here, we present preliminary findings from a single location (Starkville, MS) regarding the effectiveness of two sampling methodologies, netting, and pan traps. Methods were compared over bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) mixed with white clover (Trifolium repens). The total abundance, taxa abundance, and the link between insect taxa and method were examined. Netting was found to be more effective at catching pollinators, especially those belonging to the Apidae and Syrphidae families. Apidae and Syrphidae were the most abundant families present. Halictidae showed higher abundance in pan traps, however, no significant difference in abundance was found between it and other families. Ongoing work seeks to identify all samples to species level. The work presented here has been replicated at another site and will be combined with this study to enable broader inferences.
A comparison of RIRD within chained and multiple schedules in the treatment of vocal stereotypy
Authors: Sloman Kimberly N. , McGarry Kacie M. , Kishel Catherine , Hawkins Allison
Published: February 2022

Slaton and Hanley (2016) compared the effects of multiple and chained schedules on stereotypy and item engagement for 2 individuals who exhibited automatically maintained motor stereotypy. Contingent access to motor stereotypy (i.e., chained schedules) was more effective than time‐based access (i.e., multiple schedules) at reducing motor stereotypy, increasing item engagement, and establishing stimulus control for both participants. We systematically replicated Slaton and Hanley with 2 participants by a) targeting vocal stereotypy, b) including response interruption and redirection as a treatment component across conditions, c) conducting sessions in the natural environment with teaching assistants as change agents, and d) conducting an analysis of the effective treatment component(s). Chained schedules were more effective for 1 participant, whereas both treatments were effective for the other participant. The component analysis showed that different components were necessary for effective treatment for each participant.
Aerobic biodegradation of sulfolane using Archaea and Pseudomonas strains
Authors: Yiqiao Yang , Linlong Yu , Gopal Achari
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Sulfolane, an industrial solvent commonly used for sweetening natural gas, has recently emerged as a contaminant of concern in Alberta because of its widespread detection around many gas processing sites. In the work reported in this paper, the aerobic biodegradation of sulfolane by Pseudomonas strain or Archaea strain and mixed bacterial cultures was studied. The evaluation was furtherly conducted using Pseudomonas which had been acclimated to water contaminated with sulfolane. The impacts of co‐contaminant, initial sulfolane concentration and soil content on biodegradation of sulfolane using acclimated Pseudomonas were also investigated.

RESULTS

The results showed that Pseudomonas degraded sulfolane at a rate of 2.03 mg L−1 h−1 while Archaea strain degraded sulfolane at a rate of 0.04 mg L−1 h−1. Pseudomonas and Archaea inoculated with aquifer sediments containing indigenous microbes achieved a higher sulfolane degradation rate. Acclimation of Pseudomonas to sulfolane environment sufficiently mitigated the lag period before the onset of the biodegradation process.

CONCLUSIONS

Pseudomonas is a good candidate for aerobic biodegradation of sulfolane in groundwater. Aerobic biodegradation of sulfolane by Pseudomonas can be significantly enhanced through inoculation with sulfolane‐contaminated sediments or acclimatization to sulfolane environment. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry
Lingual papillary system of the Egyptian mouse‐tailed bat (Rhinopoma hardwickii): New insights to its feeding strategies using scanning electron microscope, and immunohistochemical analysis of keratin
Authors: Abumandour Mohamed M. A. , Madkour Naglaa , Morsy Kareem , Haddad Seham , Abourashed Nagah M. , El Basyouny Hebat Allah , Kandyel Ramadan M.
Published: February 2022

The current investigation described the ultrastructural and histological features of the lingual papillary system in 14 adult Rhinopoma hardwickii using scanning electron and light microscopy, and immunohistochemical staining of keratin. Three types of lingual papillae were recognized; one filiform mechanical and two gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) of three directions: posterior, posteromedian, and median. Five filiform papillae subtypes were observed in four regions. The lingual tip had numerous giant filiform papillae. The lingual root was divided into two regions, an anterior papillary and a posterior non‐papillary region that had only three circumvallate papillae in a triangular pattern. Histologically, the papillae exhibited detached thick keratin that spread over the dorsal epithelial surface. The dorsal surface of the root had stratified keratinized circumvallate papillae. Concerning the pan‐cytokeratin (CK) antibody staining, moderate CK expression was observed in the superficial corneal layer of the apical lingual mucosa. While the superficial corneal cell layer in both body and root exhibited increasing of CK antibody. Morphometrically, there was a significantly increased, region‐specific number of triangular, pointed filiform papillae, which were relatively increased in length and width. However, the round conical blunt filiform papillae and fungiform papillae were sparse. We concluded that our results showed distinguished adaptations in the lingual structure and its different papillae established on the nutritional and energetic demand of this bat species. This lingual adaptation is summarized in number, position, taste buds, direction, ultrastructural features, and histological that concerned with its ability in eating during the night flight.

Research highlights

Three types of lingual papillae; one mechanical (filiform) and two gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) in which there were three circumvallate papillae on the posterior part of the lingual root in a triangular arrangement with an irregular surface, but the filiform papillae had five subtypes arranged in four regions.

The lingual root was divided into two regions, an anterior papillary region and a posterior non‐papillary region that only had three circumvallate papillae.

Concerning staining with a pan‐cytokeratin (CK) antibody, moderate CK expression was observed in the superficial corneal layer of the lingual mucosa of the tongue apex while the superficial corneal cell layer of the body and root exhibited increased expression of the CK antibody compared to the lingual apex.
Distinguishing infinite graphs with bounded degrees
Authors: Lehner Florian , Pilśniak Monika , Stawiski Marcin
Published: February 2022

Call a colouring of a graph distinguishing if the only colour preserving automorphism is the identity. A conjecture of Tucker states that if every automorphism of a connected graph moves infinitely many vertices, then there is a distinguishing 2‐colouring. We confirm this conjecture for graphs with maximum degree . Furthermore, using similar techniques we show that if an infinite graph has maximum degree , then it admits a distinguishing colouring with colours. This bound is sharp.
Synthetic Time of Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography Generation Model Based on Cycle‐Consistent Generative Adversarial Network Using PETRA‐MRA in the Patients With Treated Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: You Sung‐Hye , Cho Yongwon , Kim Byungjun , Yang Kyung‐Sook , Kim Bo Kyu , Park Sang Eun
Published: February 2022

Background

Pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is useful for evaluating intracranial aneurysm recurrence, but the problem of severe background noise and low peripheral signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) remain. Deep learning could reduce noise using high‐ and low‐quality images.

Purpose

To develop a cycle‐consistent generative adversarial network (cycleGAN)‐based deep learning model to generate synthetic TOF (synTOF) using PETRA.

Study type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 377 patients (mean age: 60 ± 11; 293 females) with treated intracranial aneurysms who underwent both PETRA and TOF from October 2017 to January 2021. Data were randomly divided into training (49.9%, 188/377) and validation (50.1%, 189/377) groups.

Field Strength/Sequence

Ultra‐short echo time and TOF‐MRA on a 3‐T MR system.

Assessment

For the cycleGAN model, the peak SNR (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM) were evaluated. Image quality was compared qualitatively (5‐point Likert scale) and quantitatively (SNR). A multireader diagnostic optimality evaluation was performed with 17 radiologists (experience of 1–18 years).

Statistical Tests

Generalized estimating equation analysis, Friedman's test, McNemar test, and Spearman's rank correlation. P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

The PSNR and SSIM between synTOF and TOF were 17.51 [16.76; 18.31] dB and 0.71 ± 0.02. The median values of overall image quality, noise, sharpness, and vascular conspicuity were significantly higher for synTOF than for PETRA (4.00 [4.00; 5.00] vs. 4.00 [3.00; 4.00]; 5.00 [4.00; 5.00] vs. 3.00 [2.00; 4.00]; 4.00 [4.00; 4.00] vs. 4.00 [3.00; 4.00]; 3.00 [3.00; 4.00] vs. 3.00 [2.00; 3.00]). The SNRs of the middle cerebral arteries were the highest for synTOF (synTOF vs. TOF vs. PETRA; 63.67 [43.25; 105.00] vs. 52.42 [32.88; 74.67] vs. 21.05 [12.34; 37.88]). In the multireader evaluation, there was no significant difference in diagnostic optimality or preference between synTOF and TOF (19.00 [18.00; 19.00] vs. 20.00 [18.00; 20.00], P = 0.510; 8.00 [6.00; 11.00] vs. 11.00 [9.00, 14.00], P = 1.000).

Data Conclusion

The cycleGAN‐based deep learning model provided synTOF free from background artifact. The synTOF could be a versatile alternative to TOF in patients who have undergone PETRA for evaluating treated aneurysms.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Tribological properties of water‐based nanofluids prepared by multi‐walled carbon nanotubes composites filled with sulfurised isobutylene
Authors: Guan Jiju , Wu Jian , Gao Chao , Wang Yong , Xu Xuefeng
Published: February 2022

Sulfurised isobutylene (T321) was filled into the cavity of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in order to synthesise MWCNT/T321 composites. Tribological properties of water‐based nanofluids with composites as additives were systematically investigated using a four‐ball configuration. The results showed that MWCNTs were filled by T321 with a filling rate of 22.5%. The nanofluids prepared by the composites produced a significantly lower coefficient of friction and wear loss, in comparison with the lubricants containing only MWCNTs or T321. Such improvement was attributed to the fact that during sliding the T321 filled into composites was released onto the rubbing surface to generate a lubricating film, resulting in a low resistance to shear, whilst the MWCNTs served as nano‐bearings on the formed lubricating film.
Scaffold Flexibility Controls Binding of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 with Sulfated Dendritic Polyglycerol Hydrogels Fabricated by Thiol‐Maleimide Click Reaction
Authors: Thongrom Boonya , Sharma Antara , Nie Chuanxiong , Quaas Elisa , Raue Marwin , Bhatia Sumati , Haag Rainer
Published: February 2022

Herpes Simplex Virus‐1 (HSV‐1) with a diameter of 155–240 nm uses electrostatic interactions to bind with the heparan sulfate present on the cell surface to initiate infection. In this work, the initial contact using polysulfate‐functionalized hydrogels is aimed to deter. The hydrogels provide a large contact surface area for viral interaction and sulfated hydrogels are good mimics for the native heparan sulfate. In this work, hydrogels of different flexibilities are synthesized, determined by rheology. Gels are prepared within an elastic modulus range of 10–1119 Pa with a mesh size of 80–15 nm, respectively. The virus binding studies carried out with the plaque assay show that the most flexible sulfated hydrogel performs the best in binding HSV viruses. These studies prove that polysulfated hydrogels are a viable option as HSV‐1 antiviral compounds. Furthermore, such hydrogel networks are also physically similar to naturally occurring mucus gels and therefore may be used as mucus substitutes.
Smart Synthesis of Hollow Microporous Organic Capsules with a Polyaniline Modified Shell
Authors: Li Qingyin , Cheng Ying , Razzaque Shumaila , Cao Zuolin , Ren Shijie , Tan Bien
Published: February 2022

In this work, novel hypercrosslinked polymer‐based hollow microporous organic capsules with a polyaniline (PANI)‐modified shell (PANI@S‐HMOCs) are prepared by in‐situ polymerization of aniline in the porous structure of the sulfonated hollow microporous organic capsules (S‐HMOCs). PANI@S‐HMOC1, PANI@S‐HMOC2, and PANI@S‐HMOC3 are made by adjusting S‐HMOCs and aniline weight ratios of 4:1 and 3:1, and 2:1, respectively. The characterizations of PANI@S‐HMOCs demonstrate that electrostatic interaction between aniline and sulfonic acid groups plays an important role in encapsulating PANI in the pores of the shell. The content of PANI shows an evident effect on the porosity of PANI@S‐HMOCs, and an appropriate polyaniline loading amount may increase the surface area. PANI@S‐HMOC1 and PANI@S‐HMOC2 have higher BET surface areas (529 and 503 m2 g−1) than S‐HMOCs (424 m2 g−1), but PANI@S‐HMOC3 has lower BET surface area (380 m2 g−1). Based on the structural and textural features, PANI@S‐HMOC2 shows good adsorption performance for Cr(VI) from aqueous media (156 mg g−1, pH = 2, and 27 mg g−1, pH = 7).
Evaluating the profitability and marketability efficiency of group‐affiliated vis‐à‐vis nonaffiliated firms: A study on Indian manufacturing firms
Authors: Bharati Rupambika , Sahoo Biresh K.
Published: February 2022

This paper examines the performance of group affiliate firms vis‐à‐vis nonaffiliated firms during three distinct macroeconomic periods in a postreform institutional environment of an emerging economy. The investigation provides evidence that nonaffiliated firms perform better than firms affiliated to highly and moderately diversified groups as per profitability efficiency scores. However, firms affiliated to highly diversified groups perform better as per their marketability efficiency scores. Performance is gauged as per the Farrell efficiency measures using the nonparametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) method. The two efficiency measures considered here are profitability efficiency and marketability efficiency. In most of the past studies on performance comparison of group‐affiliated and nonaffiliated firms, performance evaluation of firm has been problematic as it is based on only one indicator. This is the first study in this line of inquiry to have used DEA, which reconciles multiple inputs and multiple outputs to provide a summary measure for performance assessment.
A dual‐band dual‐polarization Fabry–Pérot resonator antenna
Authors: Xu He , Zhao Gang , Tian Chao , Zhou Shi‐Guo , Jiang Xu‐Hong
Published: February 2022

A novel dual‐band dual‐polarization Fabry‐Pérot resonator antenna (FPRA) is presented, which is composed of double‐layer frequency selective surfaces (FSS1 and FSS2) and planar patch antenna. By analyzing the passband and stopband characteristics of the FSS1 and the FSS2, it is revealed that FSS1 has stopband characteristic for low frequency and passband characteristic for high frequency, while FSS2 shows stopband characteristic for high frequency and passband characteristic for low frequency. Based on these traits, the gain is improved by the high‐reflection coefficient of FSS1 at low frequency. The linear to circular polarization (CP) conversion is achieved by FSS2 at high frequency. To verify the performance of this proposed design, a prototype FPRA is fabricated and measured. The measurement results show that the peak gain of antenna reaches 16.1 dBic with CP at 9.4 GHz and 15.3 dBi with linear polarization at 5.6 GHz. The measured 3‐dB gain bandwidths is from 5.35 GHz to 5.8 GHz in the lower band, and the combined fractional bandwidth (−10 dB impedance matching, 3‐dB measured gain, and 3‐dB axial ratio) from 9.27 to 9.55 GHz in the upper band is achieved.