bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A data‐driven modeling and analysis approach to test the resilience of green buildings to uncertainty in operation patterns
Authors: Alkaabi Noura , Cho Chung‐Suk , Mayyas Ahmad , Azar Elie
Published: September 2020

Green building design is a promising approach to reduce the energy intensity of the building sector. However, green buildings often show important discrepancies between their predicted and actual energy use levels, in part due to varying operation patterns that are difficult to predict during design. This paper presents a data‐driven modeling and analysis approach to test the resilience of green‐certified buildings to uncertainty in the operation of building systems. Using building energy modeling coupled with an extensive empirical Monte Carlo analysis scheme, the framework quantifies and compares the response of a building to uncertainty in key technical and operational features before and after the adoption of green building certification specifications. The framework is illustrated and validated through a case study of an archetype commercial building located in the extreme hot climate of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Results show that adopting the green building features of the local “Estidama” building code reduces energy demand by an average of 17%. More importantly, the variability in demand is reduced (P < .05), confirming the increase in building resilience to uncertainty in design and operation factors. Finally, the techno‐economic potential for solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption is also assessed, showing an estimated 16% reduction in capital costs.
A Distributed framework for detecting DDoS attacks in smart contract‐based Blockchain‐IoT Systems by leveraging Fog computing
Authors: Kumar Prabhat , Kumar Randhir , Gupta Govind P. , Tripathi Rakesh
Published: September 2020

With the advancement of blockchain technology, and the proliferation of Internet of things (IoT)‐driven devices, the blockchain‐IoT applications is changing the perception and working infrastructure of smart networks. Blockchain supports decentralized architecture and provides secure management, authentication, and access to IoT systems by deploying smart contracts provided by Ethereum. The growing demand and expansion of blockchain‐IoT systems is generating large volume of sensitive data. Moreover, distributed denial‐of‐service (DDoS) attacks are the most challenging threats to smart contracts in blockchain‐IoT systems. The 2016 decentralized autonomous organization and 2017 parity wallet attacks exposed the critical fault‐lines among Ethereum smart contracts. Currently, there is no security mechanism available for smart contracts after its deployment in blockchain‐IoT systems. In order to address these challenges, first we use two artificial intelligence techniques, random forest (RF) and XGBoost that gives full autonomy in decision making capabilities in the proposed security framework. Second, for data load balancing and distributed file storage of IoT data, interplanetary file system is suggested. Finally, we are the first to propose a distributed framework based on fog computing to detect DDoS attacks in smart contracts. The performance of the detection system is evaluated using actual IoT dataset, namely, BoT‐IoT. The proposed system is evaluated in terms of accuracy (AC), detection rate (DR), and false alarm rate (FAR). The results confirms the superiority of the proposed framework over some of the recent state‐of‐art techniques in detecting rare attacks. The proposed framework has achieved DR up to 99.99% using RF by using 10 features of BoT‐IoT dataset.
Does formal home care reduce inpatient length of stay?
Authors: Walsh Brendan , Lyons Seán , Smith Samantha , Wren Maev‐Ann , Eighan James , Morgenroth Edgar
Published: September 2020

Formal home care is an appropriate substitute for acute hospital care for many older people. However, limited empirical evidence exists on the extent of substitution between the supply of home care and hospital use. This study examines whether patients from areas with a better supply of home care have lower inpatient length of stay (LOS). We link administrative data on over 300,000 public hospital inpatient admissions in Ireland between 2012 and 2015 to region‐year panel data on public home care supply. In addition to modeling average LOS, we estimate unconditional quantile regressions to examine whether home care supply has a disproportionately strong impact on long LOS. We find that inpatients from areas with higher per capita home care supply have lower average LOS; a 10% increase in home care is associated with a 1.2%–2.1% reduction in LOS. This result is driven by the subset of patients with the longest LOS, likely delayed discharges. Stronger results were found for stroke and hip fracture patients, who might be expected to have higher than average propensity to use home care services, and for patients from a region that experienced an unusually large increase in home care supply.
Using the Perceptual Cycle Model and Schema World Action Research Method to generate design requirements for new avionic systems
Authors: Banks Victoria A. , Allison Craig K. , Plant Katherine L. , Parnell Katie J. , Stanton Neville A.
Published: September 2020

The Schema World Action Research Method (SWARM) has previously been used as a means to explore the underlying decision‐making processes involved in retrospective incident reports. The approach has been fruitful in capturing all interacting processes involved in managing incidents. This paper proposes that SWARM may also be used prospectively within the early phases of the design lifecycle for new behavioral‐based intervention strategies. Six pilot interviews were conducted to explore pilots' perceptual cycle processing when faced with a suspected engine oil leak. The aim was to explore whether there may be any deficiencies within current practise and explore ways in which pilots may be better supported in dealing with abnormal system parameters such as this. A number of design recommendations are proposed for a new avionic system capable of supporting and guiding pilots through the decision‐making process.
Maternal early pregnancy serum level of 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Al‐Shafei Ahmad I. , Rayis Duria A. , Mohieldein Abdelmarouf H. , El‐Gendy Ola A. , Adam Ishag
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess if early pregnancy (≤14 weeks of gestation) 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level is associated with risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A nested case‐control study (60 women in each arm) was conducted at Saad Abualila Hospital (Khartoum, Sudan) during the period of January to November 2017. Clinical and obstetrical data were gathered, 25(OH)D concentration was measured at the first prenatal visit, and a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test was performed at 24–28 weeks of gestation.

Results

Compared with women without GDM, in women with GDM, the median of the 25(OH)D level was significantly lower (7.3 [interquartile range 5.7–8.8] ng/mL versus 8.4 [interquartile range 6.6–11.9] ng/mL, P=0.001). All women in the study (with and without GDM) had vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D<20 ng/mL). The results of the logistic regression showed that a low 25(OH)D level was the only factor associated with GDM (odds ratio [OR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–0.95, P=0.010). Women with 25(OH)D less than 6.0 ng/mL were at a higher risk of GDM (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.29–8.12, P=0.012).

Conclusion

A low 25(OH)D level in early pregnancy was associated with increased risk of GDM. This finding might be useful in predicting GDM.
High‐intensity focused ultrasound in management of placenta accreta spectrum: A systematic review
Authors: Abd Elazeem Hossam Aldein S. , Saad Mahmoud M. , Ahmed Islam A. , Sayed Esraa G. , AlMahdy AlBatool M. , Atef Fatma , Elassall Gena M. , Ashraf Salah Mohamed , Ali Ahmed K. , Ragab Esraa Y. , Shazly Sherif A. ,   Middle‐East Obstetrics, Gynecology Graduate Education (MOGGE) Foundation Research Committee
Published: September 2020

Background

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non‐invasive procedure that has been studied in the management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

Objective

To appraise HIFU in the management of PAS and highlight the restrictions on converting uterus‐preserving studies into evidence‐based practice.

Search strategy

A search on Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed and Web of Science was conducted from date of inception to January 2020.

Selection criteria

Studies on using HIFU in the management of PAS were eligible. Review articles, conference papers, and case reports were excluded.

Data collection

A standardized sheet was used to abstract data from eligible studies. CON‐PAS registry was used to include studies on other conservative modalities.

Results

Four studies were eligible (399 patients). Average residual placental volume was 61.74 cm3 (6.01–339 cm3). Treatment was successful in all patients. Normal menstruation recovered after 48.8 days (15–150 days). No major complications were encountered. Sixty‐one studies were retrieved from the CON‐PAS registry; uterine artery embolization (23 studies), balloon placement (15 studies), compression sutures (10 studies), placenta in situ (7 studies), and uterine resection (6 studies) were successful in 83.7%, 92.9%, 87.9%, 85.2%, and 79.3% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions

HIFU may fit certain clinical situations in the management of PAS. A global research strategy is recommended to incorporate conservative approaches within a comprehensive management protocol.
Biocompatibility and stability during storage of Foley urinary catheters coated chlorhexidine loaded nanoparticles by nanocoating: in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Srisang Siriwan , Boongird Atthaporn , Ungsurungsie Malyn , Wanasawas Pimpaka , Nasongkla Norased
Published: September 2020

Foley urinary catheters were coated by chlorhexidine‐loaded micelles and chlorhexidine‐loaded nanospheres. In our prior study, the nanocoating of Foley urinary catheter was investigated for chlorhexidine‐release study, degradation, antibacterial evaluation, and cytotoxicity assessment. These studies presented the 1 month antibacterial property of nanocoating deposited via the layers of micelles and nanospheres. In this study, we evaluated the biocompatibility of these catheters, including hemocompatibility, skin irritation, skin sensitization, and stability during the age of coated urinary catheter. Results demonstrated that coated urinary catheters presented slight hemolysis, whereas skin irritation on rabbit and skin sensitization on Dunkin Hartley guinea pig showed no signs of dermal toxicity, which indicated that inflammation, redness, and swelling did not occur. Moreover, the stability of coated urinary catheters during storage indicated no change in chlorhexidine peaks by high performance liquid chromatography. Information from these studies supports the biocompatibility of coated urinary catheters via nanocoating and their use as indwelling devices to prevent urinary tract infections.
Neuroprotective effect of rhaponticin against Parkinson disease: Insights from in vitro BV‐2 model and in vivo MPTP‐induced mice model
Authors: Zhao Fangfang , Tian Huijun , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Yang Hongan
Published: September 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative illness associated with the loss or damage to neurons of the dopaminergic system in the brain. Few therapeutic approaches and considerable side effects of conventional drugs necessitate a new therapeutic agent to treat patients with PD. Rhaponticin is a natural hydroxystilbene, found in herbal plants such as Rheum rhaponticum, and known to have desirable biological activity including anti‐inflammatory properties. However, the neuroinflammation on rhaponticin levels has only been investigated partially so far. So, the current study explored whether rhaponticin could ameliorate the pathophysiology observed in both the in vitro microglial BV‐2 cells and the in vivo (1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,5‐tetrahydropyridine [MPTP])‐mediated PD model. The results show rhaponticin significantly attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐mediated microglial activation by suppressing nitric oxide synthase in conjunction with abridged reactive oxygen species production together with proinflammatory mediator reduction. In vivo rhaponticin treatment improves motor impairments as well as the loss of dopaminergic neurons in MPTP‐treated mice possibly through suppression via mediators of inflammation. Taken together, these results offer evidence that rhaponticin exerts anti‐inflammatory effects and neuroprotection in an LPS‐induced microglial model and the MPTP‐induced mouse models of PD.
Development of iron deficiency anemia in patients undergoing extracorporeal photopheresis: Comparison of the UVAR and CELLEX instruments
Authors: Moosavi Mitchell M. , Goodman Abigail L. , Duncan Alexander , Stowell Sean R. , Waller Edmund K. , Roback John D. , Sullivan Harold C.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a procedure used to influence T‐cell activity in patients suffering from immune‐mediated cellular damage secondary to activated lymphocytes. Although well‐tolerated, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has been described. The goal herein is to describe IDA in patients who received extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) treatment using UVAR (Therakos Inc) and CELLEX (Therakos Inc) instruments.

Design and Methods

Patients treated with ECP from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. IDA was defined by a decrease in hemoglobin following treatment with concomitant decrease in mean cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, increased RBC distribution width, and/or iron studies compatible with IDA.

Results

During the four‐year study period, thirty‐four patients received ECP. Thirteen (38%) underwent treatment with the previous UVAR device while 21 (62%) received treatment on the newer CELLEX instrument. Nineteen (56%) of the cohort developed clinical and laboratory evidence of IDA with an average of 3.2 g/dL decrease in hemoglobin. Patients who developed IDA treated on the CELLEX instrument experienced a significantly greater drop in hemoglobin (P = .04) than those treated on the UVAR. Examining the CELLEX‐treated patients, those who received the procedure at greater frequency experienced significantly greater drops in hemoglobin (P = .03).

Conclusions

IDA is a risk of chronic ECP therapy and is likely secondary to retained blood components in the instrument. The temporal relationship between anemia and ECP treatment has a direct correlation with the treatment schedule. Patients undergoing ECP treatment should be closely monitored for the development of IDA.
Evaluation of a dynamic navigation system for training students in dental implant placement
Authors: Zhan Yalin , Wang Miaozhen , Cheng Xueyuan , Li Yi , Shi Xiaorui , Liu Feng
Published: September 2020

Objective

Computer‐guided simulation systems may offer a novel training approach in many surgical fields. This study aimed to compare dental students’ learning progress in dental implants placement between a dynamic navigation system and a traditional training method using a simulation model.

Methods

Senior dental students with no implant placement experience were randomly assigned to implant placement training using a dynamic navigation system or a traditional freehand protocol. After training, 3‐dimensional (3D) deviation at implant platform, 3D deviation at implant apex, and deviation of implant axis between the planned and placed implant positions were measured using superimposed cone beam computed tomography scans.

Results

Six students were trained in this study. Students showed significantly greater improvement in implant placement after training using the dynamic navigation system than after using the traditional freehand protocol. Overall deviation of implant axis (P < 0.001) and 3D apex deviation (P = 0.014) improved with training using the dynamic navigation system, but differences in 3D platform deviation (P = 0.513) were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

A dynamic navigation system may be a useful teaching tool in the early development of clinical skills in implant placement for the novice practitioners. Novice practitioners exhibited significant improvement in angulation deviation across implant placement attempts with dynamic navigation system training.
Intratubular penetration of endodontic sealers depends on the fluorophore used for CLSM assessment
Authors: Furtado Taiane Correa , de Bem Igor Abreu , Machado Lucas Silveira , Pereira Jefferson Ricardo , Só Marcus Vinícius Reis , da Rosa Ricardo Abreu
Published: September 2020

Root canal filling aims at eliminating empty spaces into the root canal system using biologically compatible materials. Three‐dimensional root canal obturation must prevent or minimize the reinfection caused by microorganisms' leakage. This study aimed at evaluating whether fluorophore (Rhodamine or Fluo‐3) influences the CLSM images of intratubular penetration of four endodontic sealers. Eighty bovine teeth were prepared using K files up to a size #70 and irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. All roots were divided into eight groups (n = 10) according to the sealer and fluorophore used: AH Plus/Rhodamine, AH Plus/Fluo‐3, Sealer Plus/Rhodamine, Sealer Plus/Fluo‐3, Sealer Plus BC/Rhodamine, Sealer Plus BC/Fluo‐3, Endosequence/Rhodamine, and Endosequence/Fluo‐3. All roots were filled using cold lateral compaction technique. After 7 days, the roots were transversely sectioned, and three slices, one of each canal third, were obtained. Intratubular penetration was evaluated using CLSM. Sealer Plus BC/Rhodamine and Endosequence BC/Rhodamine presented higher intratubular penetration than AH Plus/Fluo‐3 and Sealer Plus/Fluo‐3 (p ˂ .05). The intragroup analysis showed similar intratubular penetration, regardless of the root third, except for the apical third in AH Plus/Fluo‐3 and Sealer Plus BC/Fluo‐3 groups. The type of fluorophore influences the calcium silicate sealers' tubular penetration but not of epoxy resin‐based ones using CLSM. Bioceramic sealers should not be used associated with Rhodamine for CLSM evaluation.

Research Highlights

The type of fluorophore influences the calcium silicate sealers' tubular penetration but not of epoxy resin‐based ones when CLSM is used for assessment. Bioceramic sealers should not be used associated with Rhodamine.
Synthesis, antioxidant activity, and α‐glucosidase enzyme inhibition of α‐aminophosphonate derivatives bearing piperazine‐1,2,3‐triazole moiety
Authors: Kandula Madhu Kumar Reddy , Gundluru Mohan , Nemallapudi Bakthavatchala Reddy , Gundala Sravya , Kotha Peddanna , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Chadive Sridevi , Cirandur Suresh Reddy
Published: September 2020

A novel series of piperazine‐1,2,3‐triazole bearing dimethyl(((2‐(4‐((1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4‐yl)methyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)ethylamino)(2‐hydroxyaryl)methyl)phosphonate derivatives have been prepared via copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) (Click Reaction) and Schiff base reactions. The synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral characterization (1H, 13C and 31P NMR, and mass). The title compounds were evaluated for in vitro alpha glucosidase enzyme inhibition and in vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH and H2O2 methods.
Comparative study of binding interactions between three organometallic rhodium(III) complexes with curcuminoid ligands and human serum albumin
Authors: Huang Shan , Luo Huajian , Su Wei , Xiao Qi , Xie Jiangning
Published: September 2020

Organometallic rhodium(III) complexes with curcuminoid ligands attracted considerable attention in biological‐related fields and the variation of curcuminoid ligands may regulate the biological activity of these organometallic rhodium(III) complexes. To deeply evaluate the biological influences of these complexes, the binding interactions between three rhodium(III) complexes with curcuminoid ligands and human serum albumin (HSA) were comparably investigated by spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The results suggested that the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA was quenched by three complexes through static fluorescence quenching mode. Three complexes bonded with Sudlow's site I of HSA to form ground‐state compounds under the binding forces of van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bonds formation, and protonation. Finally, the native conformational structure and the thermal stability of HSA were all changed. Space steric hindrance of complexes took part in the differences of the fluorescence quenching processes, and the chemical polarity of the complexes played a vital role in the variations of the structure and biological activity of HSA. These results illustrated the molecular interactions between protein and organometallic rhodium(III) complexes with curcuminoid ligands, offering new insight about the prospective applications of analogical rhodium(III) complexes in biomedicine areas.
Neural Correlates of Motor Imagery of Gait in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Abidi Malek , de Marco Giovanni , Grami Fatma , Termoz Nicolas , Couillandre Annabelle , Querin Giorgia , Bede Peter , Pradat Pierre‐Francois
Published: September 2020

Background

Gait impairment is poorly characterized in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), despite increasing evidence of extrapyramidal and cerebellar dysfunction. Gait impairment adds to the considerable motor disability of ALS patients and requires targeted multidisciplinary interventions.

Purpose

To assess gait imagery‐specific networks and functional adaptation in ALS.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Seventeen ALS patients with lower motor neuron predominant (LMNp) disability, 14 patients with upper motor neurons predominant (UMNp) disease, and 14 healthy controls were included.

Field Strength/Sequences

3T / gradient echo echo planar (GE‐EPI).

Assessment

Subjects performed a dual motor imagery task: normal and precision gait. The Movement Imagery Questionnaire – Revised Second Version (MIQ‐rs) was used to appraise movement imagery in each participant. Study group‐specific activation patterns were evaluated during motor imagery of gait. Additional generalized psychophysiological interaction analyses were carried out using the supplementary motor area, caudate, cerebellum, and superior parietal lobule as seed regions.

Statistical Tests

Repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare time imagery and MIQ‐rs scores between groups. Size effects were also reported as partial eta squared (η2). One‐way ANOVA was performed to explore differences in terms of connexions during motor imagery tasks.

Results

A significant increase in imagery time in UMNp patients compared to controls (P < 0.05) and LMNp (P < 0.05) during imagined gait was demonstrated. UMNp patients exhibited altered supplementary motor area, precentral gyrus, superior parietal lobule, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation and increased orbitofrontal (pFDR(False Discovery Rate) < 0.05), posterior parietal (pFDR < 0.05) caudate (pFDR < 0.05), and cerebellar (pFDR < 0.05) signal during imagined locomotion. Increased effective connectivity of the striato‐cerebellar and parieto‐cerebellar circuits was also demonstrated. Additional activation was detected in the insula and cingulate cortex.

Data Conclusion

Enhanced striato‐ and parieto‐cerebellar networks in UMNp ALS patients are likely to represent a compensatory response to impaired postural control.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

5
Tumor Stiffness Measurements on MR Elastography for Single Nodular Hepatocellular Carcinomas Can Predict Tumor Recurrence After Hepatic Resection
Authors: Park Sae‐Jin , Yoon Jeong Hee , Lee Dong Ho , Lim Woo Hyeon , Lee Jeong Min
Published: September 2020

Background

Tumor stiffness (TS), measured by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), could be associated with tumor mechanical properties and tumor grade.

Purpose

To determine whether TS obtained using MRE is associated with survival in patients with single nodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatic resection (HR).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 95 patients with pathologically confirmed HCCs.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T/3D spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging MRE.

Assessment

TS values of the whole tumor (TS‐WT) and of a solid portion of the tumor (TS‐SP) after excluding the necrotic area were measured on stiffness maps. Known imaging prognostic factors of HCC were also analyzed. After surgery, pathologic findings were evaluated from resected pathology specimens.

Statistical Tests

Fisher's exact test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test were performed to determine the significance of differences according to the tumor grade. Overall survival (OS) / recurrence‐free survival (RFS) analyses were performed using Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox multivariable models.

Results

The average TS‐WT was 2.14 ± 0.74 kPa, and the average TS‐SP was 2.51 ± 1.07 kPa. The cumulative incidence of RFS was 73.1%, 63.1%, and 57.3% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The TS‐WT, TS‐SP, and tumor size (≥5 cm) were significant prognostic factors for RFS (P < 0.001; P < 0.001; P = 0.017, respectively). The estimated overall 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates were 95.7%, 86.9%, and 80.8%, respectively. The alpha‐fetoprotein changes, platelets, tumor size (≥5 cm), and vascular invasion in pathology were significant predictive factors for overall survival (all P < 0.05). Tumor necrosis, TS‐WT, TS‐SP, and vascular invasion in pathology were significantly correlated with poorly differentiated HCC (all P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

The TS‐WT, TW‐SP, and tumor size (≥5 cm) were significant predictive factors of RFS after HR in patients with HCC.

Level of Evidence

Technical Efficacy Stage 5

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:587–596.
Evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 genome from December 2019 to late March 2020: Emerged haplotypes and informative Tag nucleotide variations
Authors: Safari Iman , InanlooRahatloo Kolsoum , Elahi Elahe
Published: September 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes serious disease in humans. First identified in November/December 2019 in China, it has rapidly spread worldwide. We analyzed 2790 SARS‐CoV‐2 genome sequences from 56 countries that were available on April 2, 2020, to assess the evolution of the virus during this early phase of its expansion. We aimed to assess sequence variations that had evolved in virus genomes, giving the greatest attention to the S gene. We also aimed to identify haplotypes that the variations may define and consider their geographic and chronologic distribution. Variations at 1930 positions that together cause 1203 amino acid changes were identified. The frequencies of changes normalized to the lengths of genes and encoded proteins were relatively high in ORF3a and relatively low in M. A variation that causes an Asp614Gly near the receptor‐binding domain of S were found at a high frequency, and it was considered that this may contribute to the rapid spread of viruses with this variation. Our most important findings relate to haplotypes. Sixty‐six haplotypes that constitute thirteen haplotype groups (H1–H13) were identified, and 84.6% of the 2790 sequences analyzed were associated with these haplotypes. The majority of the sequences (75.1%) were associated with haplotype groups H1–H3. The distribution pattern of the haplotype groups differed in various geographic regions. A few were country/territory specific. The location and time of emergence of some haplotypes are discussed. Importantly, nucleotide variations that define the various haplotypes and Tag/signature variations for most of the haplotypes are reported. The practical applications of these variations are discussed.
Comparison of the Efficacy of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition Criteria, Subjective Global Assessment, and Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 in Diagnosing Malnutrition and Predicting 5‐Year Mortality in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Illnesses
Authors: Balci Cafer , Bolayir Başak , Eşme Mert , Arik Güneş , Kuyumcu Mehmet Emin , Yeşil Yusuf , Varan Hacer Doğan , Kara Özgür , Güngör A. Evrim , Doğu Burcu Balam , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Halil Meltem
Published: September 2020

Background

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) has developed new criteria for diagnosing patients with malnutrition. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria, Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), and Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS‐2002) and their association with long‐term mortality in patients hospitalized for acute illnesses.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in a sample of 231 patients with different comorbidities hospitalized for acute illnesses in medical or surgical wards. Nutrition status was retrospectively assessed with GLIM criteria using patients’ records at admission in addition to SGA and NRS‐2002. The agreement between the tools was calculated using κ statistics, and the association of malnutrition according to each tool and mortality were analyzed using Cox regression analysis.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 62.2 ± 18.2 years, and 56.7% were women. The prevalence of malnutrition was 35.9% with GLIM criteria, 37.2% with SGA, and 38% with NRS‐2002. The agreement between tools was good (GLIM‐SGA, κ = 0.804; GLIM–NRS‐2002, κ = 0.784). During a median follow‐up period of 63.2 months, 79 deaths occurred. The sensitivity in predicting 5‐year mortality was 59.49%, 58.23%, and 58.23%, and specificity was 76.32%, 73.68%, and 72.37% for GLIM criteria, SGA, and NRS‐2002, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, GLIM criteria best predicted 5‐year mortality (hazard ratio, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.96–4.86; P < .001).

Conclusions

Our findings support the effectiveness of GLIM in diagnosing malnutrition and predicting all‐cause mortality among patients hospitalized for acute illnesses.
Effects of pre‐cutting treatments and combination drying with different orders on drying characteristics and physicochemical properties of Lentinula edodes
Authors: Hou Hui , Lu Xiaoshuo , Du Hengjun , Chen Xin , Fang Donglu , Fan Xia , Hu Qiuhui , Zhao Liyan
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Combination drying is recognized as an energy‐efficient method utilized for dry product processing, and proper order of combination is a critical factor determining the effectiveness of the technique. In this study, hot air drying (HD), vacuum freeze‐drying (VFD), and combination drying with different orders (HD–VFD and VFD–HD) are performed on whole Lentinula edodes and pre‐cut (half‐cut and quarter‐cut) L. edodes. The effects of various cutting and drying approaches on drying characteristics, physicochemical properties, and microstructures of dried L. edodes were investigated.

RESULTS

The longest processing time required to dry the whole L. edodes by VFD was 25 h. In contrast, the pre‐cutting treatment and combination drying certainly shortened the drying time. Compared with HD, use of VFD–HD and VFD significantly decreased the shrinkage ratio, hardness, and discoloration of dried products but increased the rehydration capacity, nutrient retention, and porous microstructure. Interestingly, switching the order of combination drying provoked entirely different drying effects. Specifically, HD–VFD triggered negative effects on the shrinkage and color of dried mushrooms, and its appearance color was similar to HD‐treated samples. Moreover, pre‐cutting dramatically enhanced the protein content of HD‐treated mushrooms, and the quarter‐cut samples obtained the highest level (21.69 g kg−1 dry basis) among the three types of cutting.

CONCLUSIONS

The dried L. edodes processed through pre‐cutting and combination drying (VFD–HD) have optimal industrial quality, accompanied by shorter processing time. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Outcomes of neoadjuvant therapy for cholangiocarcinoma: A review of existing evidence assessing treatment response and R0 resection rate
Authors: Le Viet H. , O'Connor Victoria V. , Li Daneng , Melstrom Laleh G. , Fong Yuman , DiFronzo Andrew L.
Published: September 2020

Adjuvant chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has not been shown to gain significant improvements in survival. Factors contributing to suboptimal treatment response include aggressive disease biology and late clinical presentation. When feasible, surgical resection is the first line of treatment. Yet, recurrence remains high and long‐term survival is rare. Neoadjuvant therapy is an appealing approach, with oncologic advantages in allowing the treatment of occult systemic disease and selection of patients most likely to benefit from radical surgery. However, given the surgery‐first treatment paradigm for CCA, there is a paucity of data supporting neoadjuvant therapy. This review summarizes the current evidence on treatment response and margin‐negative (R0) resection rate associated with neoadjuvant therapy for CCA.
How I Do It: A Novel Technique for Endoscopic Placement of Stent in Management of Anterior Glottic Webs
Authors: Enver Necati , Ramaswamy Apoorva , Pitman Michael J
Published: September 2020

View Video S1 Laryngoscope, 131:1320–1323, 2021
An empirical study on anthropomorphism and engagement with disembodied AIs and consumers' re‐use behavior
Authors: Moriuchi Emi
Published: September 2020

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the human race has gradually become a norm. AI entails technology assemblages such as machine learning, natural language processing, and reasoning. The influence of AI systems has intensified in consumers' daily lives. Many consumers have interacted with the notions of AI through advertisements or having personal experiences. Many consumers are curious about the use of AI. This paper reports three studies conducted to determine whether anthropomorphism (ANTH) and engagement play a role in consumers' intention to re‐use a voice assistant (VA; a machine‐learning AI). The second study will determine if ANTH and engagement play a role when consumers are using the VAs for different activities (task completion vs. information gathering). In addition, in Study 2, actual re‐use behavior was also tested in the model, which encouraged a stronger overall model fit. The results show that in general effort expectation (EE) has a strong positive impact on consumers' usage experience of the VA. However, between the two types of activities, EE has a stronger impact on consumers' usage experience for information‐gathering activities, whereas performance expectation has a stronger impact on usage experience when consumers use the VA for task‐completion purposes. The third study used internet usage experience as a moderating variable to determine the boundaries of the mediating effects in the study. The results show that the mediators yield results similar to prior studies.
Multifunctional Synthetic Protein Nanoparticles via Reactive Electrojetting
Authors: Quevedo Daniel F. , Habibi Nahal , Gregory Jason V. , Hernandez Yazmin , Brown Tyler D. , Miki Rikako , Plummer Bradley N. , Rahmani Sahar , Raymond Jeffery E. , Mitragotri Samir , Lahann Joerg
Published: September 2020

Protein nanoparticles are a promising approach for nanotherapeutics, as proteins combine versatile chemical and biological function with controlled biodegradability. In this work, the development of an adaptable synthesis method is presented for synthetic protein nanoparticles (SPNPs) based on reactive electrojetting. In contrast to past work with electrohydrodynamic cojetting using inert polymers, the jetting solutions are comprised of proteins and chemically activated macromers, designed to react with each other during the processing step, to form insoluble nanogel particles. SPNPs made from a variety of different proteins, such as transferrin, insulin, or hemoglobin, are stable and uniform under physiological conditions and maintain monodisperse sizes of around 200 nm. SPNPs comprised of transferrin and a disulfide containing macromer are stimuli‐responsive, and serve as markers of oxidative stress within HeLa cells. Beyond isotropic SPNPs, bicompartmental nanoparticles containing human serum albumin and transferrin in two distinct hemispheres are prepared via reactive electrojetting. This novel platform provides access to a novel class of versatile protein particles with nanoscale architectures that i) can be made from a variety of proteins and macromers, ii) have tunable biological responses, and iii) can be multicompartmental, a prerequisite for controlled release of multiple drugs.
Supply chain financing mechanism with guarantee insurance
Authors: Yu Xing , Chen Huaizhe , Xiang Kongzhuo , Wan Zhongkai
Published: September 2020

This paper designs a bankruptcy guarantee insurance contract for a capital constrained retailer who can choose two financing ways of trade credit and bank credit. Different from the existing research, we introduced a third party insurance institution to undertake the loss of the retailer in bankruptcy. Under the two financing mechanisms, we present the optimal decision for each subject and analyze the influence of each parameter on the decision making and the revenues. The results facilitate scientific policy development and provide a reference for promoting finance sourcing operations in a supply chain.
How National Education Policy 2020 can be a lodestar to transform future generation in India
Authors: Kumar Kishore , Prakash Ajai , Singh Krishanveer
Published: September 2020

Developments across the board require an educational backup which requires a robust educational system. The last 50 years have witnessed big leap transformation of applications supported by advancements in science and technology. Even today due to the fast advancement it is difficult to evaluate how usage shapes up in the near future. This requires an upgraded educational structure to cope with the challenges. India has over 1/sixth of the human force representation on the global map and it should contribute strongly to the global development in sync with the human force representation on earth. India responded slowly to the upgradation gap in the education policy and came up with a new one after a gap of 34 years. The new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 of India provides a comprehensive framework from primary education to higher education, vocational & technical education and a new paradigm of internet‐based e‐leanings. Five founding pillars of this policy (i.e., Access, equity, affordability, accountability, and quality) have been considered to build the new education system of India to create a perfect harmony with the principles of United Nations (UN) 2030 agenda for sustainable development. However, the successful implementation of this policy requires a significant structural overhaul in the Indian education system. This paper provides insights into various contours of NEP 2020 and how it aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 targets. This paper looks at how India should step up with caution to achieve the objectives. The paper presents some major loopholes and execution challenges that need to be addressed to truly foster “quality education for all” with the objective of providing value to the globe.
Knowledge and attitudes about the use of pangolin scale products in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) within China
Authors: Wang Yifu , Turvey Samuel T. , Leader‐Williams Nigel
Published: September 2020

All eight pangolin species are threatened with extinction, largely through demand for their products including scales, meat and body parts. The demand for pangolin scales has gained attention from many conservation groups due to the large volumes involved in illegal trade. Market demand in China is one of the major drivers for international illegal trade according to confiscation reports, and many conservation interventions have been attempted to reduce this demand.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) community plays a key role in regulating legal trade and combating illegal trade in pangolin scales. However, this community has been largely overlooked by previous conservation interventions directed at the pangolin scale trade. There has also been little research into the involvement of the TCM community in pangolin scale trade in China.

To fill these knowledge gaps, we interviewed TCM doctors from 41 hospitals, shop owners/assistants from 90 TCM shops, two TCM wholesalers, and 2,168 members of the general public in Henan and Hainan provinces, China. Respondents' knowledge of and attitudes towards the pangolin scale trade were investigated using semi‐structured and structured questionnaires, with a total of 2,301 respondents.

Our results show that TCM practitioners generally have poor awareness of the illegal nature of their behaviours and pangolin scale products involved. Awareness is particularly poor among participants at the end of the trade chain (i.e. end sellers). The public also generally lacked understanding of pangolin products in markets.

Results also show that 20 (71%) of 28 doctors believed that the use of pangolin scales in at least some, if not all, treatments could be substituted by other ingredients.

These findings suggest that raising awareness of the legality of pangolin scale products and petitioning TCM communities to use alternative substitutes for these products could constitute feasible and effective pangolin conservation interventions.

This study provides the first insights into the knowledge of and attitudes towards the pangolin scale trade from the perspective of TCM practitioners, and suggests that collaborating with the TCM community is necessary to combat this illegal trade.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Chitin/cellulose blend fibers prepared by wet and dry‐wet spinning
Authors: Ota Antje , Beyer Ronald , Hageroth Ulrich , Müller Alexandra , Tomasic Patricija , Hermanutz Frank , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: September 2020

We describe the wet and dry‐wet spinning of multifilament cellulosic composite fibers, namely chitin/cellulose fibers. The direct solution process for the two biopolymers based on an ionic liquid as solvent represents an environmentally friendly and alternative technology to the industrially applied viscose and lyocell process. Both cellulose and chitin possess good solubility in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium propionate ([C2C1Im][OPr]) and were spun into multifilament composite fibers. Moreover, for the first time, pure chitin multifilament fibers were obtained by dry‐wet spinning. The effect of chitin addition on the filament properties was investigated and evaluated by microscopic, spectroscopic, and mechanical analyses.
Preparation of fluorosilicone rubber containing perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether
Authors: Wang Mingying , Yuan Yan , Zhao Caide , Diao Shen , Duan Baorong
Published: September 2020

A new curing system for high temperature vulcanized fluorosilicone rubber was studied by thermal cycloaddition reaction of trifluoroethylene aryl ether (TFVE). Fluorosilicone rubber containing perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether (Si‐PFCB) was prepared by using the polysiloxane containing trifluorovinyl aryl ether (Si‐TFVE) as base gum. The basic formula of vulcanized rubber was determined as: 100 parts Si‐TFVE (0.10%TFVE, mol), 50 parts fumed silica. The curing process is as follows: the primary curing process is 180°C, 25 minutes; the post‐curing process is 190°C, 3 hours. It is found that the mechanical properties (the tensile strength is 6.9 MPa, the tearing strength is 35.3 KN/m and the elongation at break is 1685%), thermal property (Tg: −120 ± 5°C) and heat resistance (T5: 450 ± 5°C) of Si‐PFCB are comparable to ordinary high‐temperature vulcanized silicone rubber, while the new curing system has the advantage of no vulcanizing agents and no by‐products.
Effect of micro‐/nano‐scale aramid fibrillated fibers on the tensile properties of styrene‐butadiene latex
Authors: Zhong Aixin , Luo Junrong , Wang Yi , Xu Guilong , Hu Jian
Published: September 2020

Micro−/nanofibers attract extensive attention of being used as reinforcing agents in polymer composites. Fibrillated fibers have a hierarchical network structure, and a larger specific surface area. Thus, they provide additional anchorage sites in the composite, enhancing the bonding strength between different constituents. In this work, aramid fibrillated micro−/nanofibers (AFMNs) were prepared by a refining process. Styrene‐butadiene latex (SBL) was used as the matrix, and it was mixed with AFMNs, formed AFMN/SBL composites. The mass fractions of AFMNs in the matrix are adjusted to 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%. The microstructure of AFMNs and the fracture surfaces of AFMN/SBL composites were investigated by microscopical techniques. The results showed that the elastic modulus and tensile strength of AFMN/SBL composites are higher than that of the pure styrene‐butadiene latex film, except tensile strain. With the increase of fiber content, the elastic modulus and tensile strength of AFMN/SBL composites increased from 5.15 MPa to 19.66 MPa and 2.35 MPa to 4.23 MPa, respectively. However, the tensile strain decreased from 101% to 35%. The calculated elastic modulus of Halpin‐Tsai equation is close to the experimental values when the mass fractions of AFMNs is less than 6%.
Preparation of thermally conductive polycarbonate/boron nitride composites with balanced mechanical properties
Authors: Zhou Shengtai , Shi You , Bai Yang , Liang Mei , Zou Huawei
Published: September 2020

In this study, thermally conductive polycarbonate/boron nitride (PC/BN) composites were prepared by masterbatch dilution and direct melt mixing methods, respectively. A comparative study of both microstructure and rheological properties of corresponding composites suggests an improved filler distribution is achieved by masterbatch dilution, which is advantageous to the enhancement of both thermal conductivity and tensile properties at a medium filler loading range. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis indicated that thermal stability of masterbatch diluted PC/BN composites is superior to that of direct melt compounded counterparts. However, the char residue of PC in subsequent composites decreases with increasing filler content, which is believed to be related to the incompatibility between fillers and the matrix, as well as the enhancement of thermal conductivity. This work provides a facile method to prepare thermally conductive composites with balanced mechanical properties.
Polyamide 6 and polyamide 66 blends with functionalized polyolefins: Effect of phenomenal increase in viscosity and melt strength of polyamide 66‐based materials
Authors: Krivoguz Yuri , Pesetskii Stepan , Makarenko Olga
Published: September 2020

The effect of adding blends of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and ethylene‐octene copolymer (EOC) functionalized by grafting (in the course of reactive extrusion) of trans‐ethylene‐1,2‐dicarboxylic acid (TEDA) onto polyamide 6 (PA6) and polyamide 66 (PA66) on rheological and elastic properties of their melts, structural morphology, and mechanical properties has been studied. It is shown that PA66/functionalized polyolefins (fPO) blends are characterized by more significant changes in the characteristics being analyzed as compared to PA6/fPO blends. A phenomenally sharp increase (by more than two decimal orders of magnitudes) in the melt viscosity of PA66/fPO blend as compared to the initial PA66 was established. At the same time, the melt strength may increase more than 50‐fold. The degree of TEDA grafting (β) onto PO macromolecules is the most important parameter determining the level of the values of property indices, as well as the structural features of PA/fPO blends. Only when particular β values (varying in a relatively narrow range) are reached, a quasi‐homogeneous morphology is formed in PA/fPO blends and their deformation capacity as well as the impact strength of materials increase dramatically. The observed effects are caused by the influence of TEDA grafting on interphase interactions in PA/fPO and PA66/fPO blends.