bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition of Urdu sign language: a systematic review of the machine learning classification
Authors: Zahid Hira , Rashid Munaf , Hussain Samreen , Azim Fahad , Syed Sidra Abid , Saad Afshan
Published: February 2022

Background and Objective

Humans communicate with one another using language systems such as written words or body language (movements), hand motions, head gestures, facial expressions, lip motion, and many more. Comprehending sign language is just as crucial as learning a natural language. Sign language is the primary mode of communication for those who have a deaf or mute impairment or are disabled. Without a translator, people with auditory difficulties have difficulty speaking with other individuals. Studies in automatic recognition of sign language identification utilizing machine learning techniques have recently shown exceptional success and made significant progress. The primary objective of this research is to conduct a literature review on all the work completed on the recognition of Urdu Sign Language through machine learning classifiers to date.

Materials and methods

All the studies have been extracted from databases, i.e., PubMed, IEEE, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, using a structured set of keywords. Each study has gone through proper screening criteria, i.e., exclusion and inclusion criteria. PRISMA guidelines have been followed and implemented adequately throughout this literature review.

Results

This literature review comprised 20 research articles that fulfilled the eligibility requirements. Only those articles were chosen for additional full-text screening that follows eligibility requirements for peer-reviewed and research articles and studies issued in credible journals and conference proceedings until July 2021. After other screenings, only studies based on Urdu Sign language were included. The results of this screening are divided into two parts; (1) a summary of all the datasets available on Urdu Sign Language. (2) a summary of all the machine learning techniques for recognizing Urdu Sign Language.

Conclusion

Our research found that there is only one publicly-available USL sign-based dataset with pictures versus many character-, number-, or sentence-based publicly available datasets. It was also concluded that besides SVM and Neural Network, no unique classifier is used more than once. Additionally, no researcher opted for an unsupervised machine learning classifier for detection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first literature review conducted on machine learning approaches applied to Urdu sign language.
Neurofibroma of Face: A Challenge in Aesthetic Reconstruction
Authors: Pal Aheli , Bhola Nitin , Agarwal Anchal , Ghavat Chinmay , Jannawar Gaurav
Published: February 2022

Plexiform Neurofibroma (PNF) presents as a growth of unexplained excess that does not pertain to any other organic causes and is hereditary. The iconic ‘bag of worms’ appearance is native to its diffuse and pliable character. Region of occurrence being the face adds the challenge of aesthetics to infiltration into vital structures and recurrence rate. The patient presented here is that of serial reconstructions done in order to satisfy the aesthetic demand of the patient. Initial reconstruction done with split thickness skin graft was later augmented with radial forearm flap. No signs of recurrence were seen during the follow-up of six years.
КОСМИЧЕСКИЕ ИЛИ НАЗЕМНЫЕ?, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: Шустов Б.М.
Published: February 2022

Казалось бы, необходимость выведения телескопов в космос общепризнана, но все же многие и специалисты, и неспециалисты в астрономии, узнав о том, какие гигантские стоимости имеют крупные космические обсерватории, высказывают мнение, что рациональнее было бы направить значительную часть этих средств на развитие наземной астрономии. В этой статье обсуждаются преимущества и недостатки космических телескопов, рассказывается, почему космические телескопы такие дорогие и почему все-таки эти средства нужно тратить. Хорошо бы, чтобы у читателей сложилось (укрепилось) представление о том, что правильнее ставить акцент не на противопоставлении двух основных технологических направлений, а на их синергии. В статье приведены примеры такой синергии.
Culduthel
Authors: Hatherley Candy , Murray Ross
Published: February 2022

The Iron Age settlement at Culduthel (NGR: NH 664 414) is one of the most significant later prehistoric sites identified in mainland Scotland. Archaeological excavation in 2005 revealed a craftworking centre which had specialised in the production of iron, bronze and glass objects between the late 1st Millennium BC and early 1st Millennium AD. This volume combines illustrated catalogues of finds with expert analyses to offer a unique insight into manufacture, trade and exchange of an Iron Age community in north-east Scotland.
Model reference safety‐critical adaptive control for nonlinear and switched systems
Authors: Rong Leqi , Huang Chunxiao , Long Lijun
Published: February 2022

This paper studies the problem of model reference safety‐critical adaptive control for a class of nonlinear and switched systems with nonlinear reference models. An adaptive law is designed to estimate unknown parameters, while an energy function is proposed to guarantee the boundedness and safety of nonlinear systems. Also, a model reference safety‐critical adaptive control framework is established to ensure that the state trajectory of nonlinear systems is always within the safe set in the presence of unknown parameters. Moreover, the results obtained are extended to switched uncertain nonlinear systems under arbitrary switchings. A switched adaptive controller is designed to reduce the conservativeness caused by adoption of a common update law for all subsystems. Also, the safety of switched systems under arbitrary switchings is guaranteed as well as the boundedness of the error states between the switched nonlinear systems and the switched reference models by utilizing the common Lyapunov function method. Finally, two illustrative numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control architecture.
Neural network‐based output synchronization control for multi‐actuator system
Authors: Wang Yunfei , Ding Haigang , Zhao Jiyun , Li Ran
Published: February 2022

This article proposes a novel output synchronization control strategy for a class of multi‐actuator system with strict‐feedback form. High‐order sliding mode observer is utilized to estimate the system states with the only available output signal. Moreover, radio basis function neural network combined estimated states is applied to handle the system uncertainties, which helps to realize the combination of state observation and disturbance observation and reduce the dependence on the system model. Furthermore, a new synchronization control method is employed to improve the synchronization accuracy of multiple actuators through backstepping technology. Based on the above control strategies, the control performance of the multi‐actuator system is greatly enhanced while the design difficulty of the controller is significantly reduced. In the end, simulations and experiments examples are used to illustrate the superiority of the designed technique.
Amino‐Acid‐Encoded Supramolecular Photothermal Nanomedicine for Enhanced Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chang Rui , Zou Qianli , Zhao Luyang , Liu Yamei , Xing Ruirui , Yan Xuehai
Published: February 2022

Photothermal nanomedicine based on self‐assembly of biological components, with excellent biosafety and customized performance, is vital significance for precision cancer therapy. However, the programmable design of photothermal nanomedicine remains extremely challenging due to the vulnerability and variability of noncovalent interactions governing supramolecular self‐assembly. Herein, it is reported that amino acid encoding is a facile and potent means to design and construct supramolecular photothermal nanodrugs with controlled therapeutic activities. It is found that the amount and type of amino acid dominates the assembled nanostructures, structural stability, energy‐conversion pathway, and therapeutic mechanism of the resulting nanodrugs. Two optimized nanodrugs are endowed with robust structural integrity against disassembly along with high photothermal conversion efficiency, efficient cellular internalization, and enhanced tumor accumulation, which result in more efficient tumor ablation. This work demonstrates that design based on amino acid encoding offers an unprecedented opportunity for the construction of remarkable photoactive nanomedicines toward cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Synthesis of β‐Keto Sulfones by Oxy‐Sulfonylation of Alkynes in HFIP
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Lu Sixian , Zheng Yuyan , Wang Jigang , Yang Lan , Sun Peng
Published: February 2022

Herein, we have established a method for the construction of β‐keto sulfones through aerobic oxy‐sulfonylation of alkynes with sulfinates. The reaction performed employing air as the oxidant and oxygen source. Moreover, this protocol exhibits low consume of sulfinates, short reaction period, and minimal waste. Mechanism study and density functional theory (DFT) calculation showed that the solvent played a significant role in the transformation.

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Decitabine and vorinostat with FLAG chemotherapy in pediatric relapsed/refractory AML: Report from the therapeutic advances in childhood leukemia and lymphoma (TACL) consortium
Authors: Pommert Lauren , Schafer Eric S. , Malvar Jemily , Gossai Nathan , Florendo Ellynore , Pulakanti Kirthi , Heimbruch Katelyn , Stelloh Cary , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Sposto Richard , Rao Sridhar , Huynh Van Thu , Brown Patrick , Chang Bill H. , Colace Susan I. , Hermiston Michelle L. , Heym Kenneth , Hutchinson Raymond J. , Kaplan Joel A. , Mody Rajen , O'Brien Tracey A. , Place Andrew E. , Shaw Peter H. , Ziegler David S. , Wayne Alan , Bhojwani Deepa , Burke Michael J.
Published: February 2022

Survival outcomes for relapsed/refractory pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) remain dismal. Epigenetic changes can result in gene expression alterations which are thought to contribute to both leukemogenesis and chemotherapy resistance. We report results from a phase I trial with a dose expansion cohort investigating decitabine and vorinostat in combination with fludarabine, cytarabine, and G‐CSF (FLAG) in pediatric patients with R/R AML [NCT02412475]. Thirty‐seven patients enrolled with a median age at enrollment of 8.4 (range, 1–20) years. There were no dose limiting toxicities among the enrolled patients, including two patients with Down syndrome. The recommended phase 2 dose of decitabine in combination with vorinostat and FLAG was 10 mg/m2. The expanded cohort design allowed for an efficacy evaluation and the overall response rate among 35 evaluable patients was 54% (16 complete response (CR) and 3 complete response with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi)). Ninety percent of responders achieved minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity (<0.1%) by centralized flow cytometry and 84% (n = 16) successfully proceeded to hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Two‐year overall survival was 75.6% [95%CI: 47.3%, 90.1%] for MRD‐negative patients vs. 17.9% [95%CI: 4.4%, 38.8%] for those with residual disease (p < .001). Twelve subjects (34%) had known epigenetic alterations with 8 (67%) achieving a CR, 7 (88%) of whom were MRD negative. Correlative pharmacodynamics demonstrated the biologic activity of decitabine and vorinostat and identified specific gene enrichment signatures in nonresponding patients. Overall, this therapy was well‐tolerated, biologically active, and effective in pediatric patients with R/R AML, particularly those with epigenetic alterations.
Prenatal presentation in two fetuses with features of Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome—An unexpected diagnosis of androgenetic chimera and its clinical implications
Authors: Yu Pui‐Tak , Shu Wendy , Mok Sau‐Lan , Hui Pui‐Wah , Chan Lin‐Wai , Kwok Ka‐Yin , Chan Kelvin Y. K. , Lo Tsz‐Kin , Chung Brian H. Y. , Luk Ho‐Ming , Kan Anita S. Y.
Published: February 2022

Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS, OMIM 130650) is an imprinting disorder that may present antenatally with a constellation of sonographic features namely polyhydramnios, macrosomia, macroglossia, omphalocele, placental mesenchymal dysplasia, cardiomegaly, nephromegaly, fetal hydrops, and other rare anomalies. Paternal uniparental disomy in chromosome 11p15 imprinting region accounts for 20% of all BWS, and 8% among those were due to genome‐wide paternal uniparental disomy (GWpUPD). GWpUPD is a rare condition and usually results in prenatal lethality. The 31 liveborns reported in the literature demonstrate female predominance in surviving GWpUPD. Here, we reported two prenatal cases which initially presented with features suggestive of BWS, which subsequently were confirmed to have GWpUPD. Further trio SNP genotyping analysis using SNP‐based chromosomal microarray revealed androgenetic biparental chimera as the underlying cause. Finally, we highlighted the importance of recognizing GWpUPD as a possible cause in a fetus presenting with BWS phenotype, as it carried a different disease prognosis, tumor predisposition, manifestations of other imprinting disorders, and possibility in unmasking autosomal recessive disorders from the paternal alleles.
Co‐occurring anomalies in congenital oral clefts
Authors: Stoll Claude , Alembik Yves , Roth Marie‐Paule
Published: February 2022

Oral clefts (OCs) are frequently co‐occurring with other non‐OC congenital anomalies. The types and the prevalence of anomalies co‐occurring with OCs vary in the reported studies. The aims of this report were to study the types and the prevalence of the anomalies co‐occurring with OCs in a well‐defined population. The types and the prevalence of anomalies co‐occurring in cases with OCs were ascertained in all terminations of pregnancy, stillbirths, and live births in 387,067 births occurring consecutively during the period 1979–2007 in the area covered by our registry of congenital anomalies which is population based, 789 cases of OCs were registered during the study period with a prevalence of 20.4 per 10,000 births, 39.5% of the cases had associated non‐OC anomalies. Associated anomalies were more common in cases with cleft palate (52.4%) than in cases with cleft lip and palate (37.3%) and in cases with cleft lip only (16.8%). Chromosomal abnormalities were present in 94 (11.9%) cases including 27 trisomies 13, 15 trisomies 18, 12 22 q11.2 deletion, and 40 other chromosomal abnormalities. Nonchromosomal recognizable conditions were diagnosed in 38 cases (4.8%) including syndromes, associations, spectrums and sequences. Multiple congenital anomalies (MCAs) were present in 180 cases (22.8%). The most frequent MCA were in the musculoskeletal system (16.7%), the central nervous system (15.0%), the urogenital system (13.7%), the cardiovascular system (8.6%), and the digestive system (6.6%). The high prevalence of associated anomalies justifies a thorough screening for other congenital anomalies in cases with OCs.
Imaging Net Retrograde Axonal Transport In Vivo: A Physiological Biomarker
Authors: Lee Pin‐Tsun Justin , Kennedy Zachary , Wang Yuzhen , Lu Yimeng , Cefaliello Carolina , Uyan Özgün , Song Chun‐Qing , Godinho Bruno Miguel da Cruz , Xu Zuoshang , Rusckowski Mary , Xue Wen , Brown Robert H.
Published: February 2022

Objective

The objective of this study is to develop a novel method for monitoring the integrity of motor neurons in vivo by quantifying net retrograde axonal transport.

Methods

The method uses single photon emission computed tomography to quantify retrograde transport to spinal cord of tetanus toxin fragment C (125I‐TTC) following intramuscular injection. We characterized the transport profiles in 3 transgenic mouse models carrying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)‐associated genes, aging mice, and SOD1G93A transgenic mice following CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Lastly, we studied the effect of prior immunization of tetanus toxoid on the transport profile of TTC.

Results

This technique defines a quantitative profile of net retrograde axonal transport of TTC in living mice. The profile is distinctly abnormal in transgenic SOD1G93A mice as young as 65 days (presymptomatic) and worsens with disease progression. Moreover, this method detects a distinct therapeutic benefit of gene editing in transgenic SOD1G93A mice well before other clinical parameters (eg, grip strength) show improvement. Symptomatic transgenic PFN1C71G/C71G ALS mice display gross reductions in net retrograde axonal transport, which is also disturbed in asymptomatic mice harboring a human C9ORF72 transgene with an expanded GGGGCC repeat motif. In wild‐type mice, net retrograde axonal transport declines with aging. Lastly, prior immunization with tetanus toxoid does not preclude use of this assay.

Interpretation

This assay of net retrograde axonal transport has broad potential clinical applications and should be particularly valuable as a physiological biomarker that permits early detection of benefit from potential therapies for motor neuron diseases. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:716–729
Reversible Supramolecular Polymorphism in Solution and Solid Matrix by Manipulating Sidegroup Conformation
Authors: Datta Saptarshi , Chaudhuri Debangshu
Published: February 2022

Reversible switching between supramolecular polymorphs offers a great way to introduce stimuli‐responsiveness. Supramolecular polymorphism is usually achieved through pathway complexity, or by exploiting solvent–solute interactions. But, steering a self‐assembly along a specific pathway to form a kinetically‐stable aggregate is not easy. Also, changing solvent to switch between polymorphs is impractical. We present a perylene bisimide molecule with a trans‐azobenzene sidegroup that assembles into three supramolecular polymorphs with distinct colors, morphologies, packing and aggregation mechanism. Optical absorption and FTIR spectroscopy reveal the importance of hydrogen‐bonding interaction between protic solvent and azo N that controls the planarity of the azobenzene group and influences molecular packing. This interaction can be further modulated using temperature, and solution pH to reversibly switch between the three polymorphs, in solution as well as in solid silica‐gel matrix.
A Critical, Relational Approach for Working with Suicide in Family Therapy
Authors: Ellis Émilie
Published: February 2022

Suicidality is a major global public health issue that couple and family therapists will inevitably encounter in their clinical work. While relational therapies for addressing suicidality are growing, few specifically outline ways to address the influence of systemic oppression on suicidality, reflecting the push to de‐politicise suicide research. To address this issue, scholars have proposed integrating narrative approaches with evidence‐based practices. This paper therefore delineates the integration of narrative therapy with dialectical behaviour therapy as a material discursive therapy. All main aspects of theory integration are described, including the epistemological framework, approach to the therapeutic relationship, and interventions. Finally, the change process is described using clinical case examples throughout to illustrate the ways in which these models can be integrated to produce a critical, relational approach for addressing suicidality in family therapy.
Optimizing signal timing of the arterial‐branch intersection: A fuzzy control and nonlinear programming approach
Authors: Lu Zhaoyou , Ding Naikan , Lu Linsheng , Tian Zhuang
Published: February 2022

Arterial‐branch intersections are important components of urban road network but are greatly ignored of its role in maintaining an efficient traffic operation in regional networks. Arterial‐branch intersections are generally featured with significant fluctuations in the flow ratio of the branch road to the arterial road. So, in order to adapt the signal timing to this kind of intersection, an optimization control algorithm based on fuzzy control and nonlinear programming (FCNP) was proposed. To verify this optimization algorithm, the Python and Vissim joint simulation was employed. Prior to the simulation, traffic flow data were collected in 12 consecutive hours at an arterial‐branch intersection in China. The simulation results show that, after signal timing optimization with FCNP, the average vehicle queue length and delay reduced 25.8% and 17.3%, respectively, when compared with the performance of the traffic‐actuated control, which also outperformed previous equivalent research. Besides, the overall operation of the intersection was verified to be greatly improved and stabilized by using the proposed algorithm. The findings of this study provide a reasonable solution of distributing the right‐of‐way at arterial‐branch intersections and suggest the advantage of combining fuzzy control and nonlinear programming in dealing with the signal timing optimization.
Detecting systematic anomalies affecting systems when inputs are stationary time series
Authors: Sun Ning , Yang Chen , Zitikis Ričardas
Published: February 2022

We develop an anomaly detection method when systematic anomalies, possibly statistically very similar to genuine inputs, are affecting control systems at the input and/or output stages. The method allows anomaly free inputs (i.e., those before contamination) to originate from a wide class of random sequences, thus opening up possibilities for diverse applications. To illustrate how the method works on data, and how to interpret its results and make decisions, we analyze several actual time series, which are originally nonstationary but in the process of analysis are converted into stationary. As a further illustration, we provide a controlled experiment with anomaly free inputs following an ARMA time series model under various contamination scenarios.
Subdomains of restricted and repetitive behaviors within autism: Exploratory structural equation modeling using the diagnostic interview for social and communication disorders
Authors: Uljarević Mirko , Carrington Sarah J. , Hardan Antonio Y. , Leekam Susan R.
Published: February 2022

The current study aimed to explore the factor structure of a broad range of restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) within the autism spectrum. Exploratory structural equation modeling was conducted using individual item‐level data from the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO). DISCO is a comprehensive semi‐structured interview used by clinicians to elicit information from caregivers about the individual's profile of development and behavior. Data from a sample of 226 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (189 males; Mage = 11.82 years, SDage = 7.87) were analyzed. The six‐factor structure provided the most optimal and interpretable fit (comparative fit index = 0.944, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.923, root mean square error of approximation = 0.018). Derived factors were interpreted as repetitive motor behaviors (RMB), unusual sensory and object focused interests (USOI), sensory sensitivity (SS), insistence on sameness (IS), circumscribed interests (CI) and stereotyped language (SL). Age was significantly negatively associated with RMB, USOI and SL but not with SS, IS or CI factor scores. None of the factors were associated with sex. ASD individuals with intellectual disability (ID) had the highest RMB, USOI, SS and SL scores while those without ID had the highest IS and CI scores. Our findings provide preliminary evidence for the utility of the DISCO as a comprehensive measure of several distinct RRB domains in both research and clinical contexts. Importantly, the current investigation highlights crucial areas for measurement development.

Lay Summary

The diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) is a detailed caregiver report clinical interview designed to capture a wide range of key features associated with autism spectrum disorder, including restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB). This paper provides initial evidence that the DISCO is a promising measure for assessing a wide range of RRB including repetitive motor behaviors, insistence on sameness, circumscribed interests, unusual interests in sensory stimuli, sensory sensitivity and stereotypic language.
Intra‐articular injection of rapamycin microparticles prevent senescence and effectively treat osteoarthritis
Authors: Dhanabalan Kaamini M. , Dravid Ameya A. , Agarwal Smriti , Sharath Ramanath K. , Padmanabhan Ashok Kumar , Agarwal Rachit
Published: February 2022

Trauma to the knee joint is associated with significant cartilage degeneration and erosion of subchondral bone, which eventually leads to osteoarthritis (OA), resulting in substantial morbidity and healthcare burden. With no disease‐modifying drugs in clinics, the current standard of care focuses on symptomatic relief and viscosupplementation. Modulation of autophagy and targeting senescence pathways are emerging as potential treatment strategies. Rapamycin has shown promise in OA disease amelioration by autophagy upregulation, yet its clinical use is hindered by difficulties in achieving therapeutic concentrations, necessitating multiple weekly injections. Rapamycin‐loaded in poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microparticles (RMPs) induced autophagy, prevented senescence, and sustained sulphated glycosaminoglycans production in primary human articular chondrocytes from OA patients. RMPs were potent, nontoxic, and exhibited high retention time (up to 35 days) in mice joints. Intra‐articular delivery of RMPs effectively mitigated cartilage damage and inflammation in surgery‐induced OA when administered as a prophylactic or therapeutic regimen. Together, the study demonstrates the feasibility of using RMPs as a potential clinically translatable therapy to prevent the progression of post‐traumatic OA.
Health‐related quality of life at 3 months following head and neck cancer treatment is a key predictor of longer‐term outcome and of benefit from using the patient concerns inventory
Authors: Kanatas Anastasios , Lowe Derek , Rogers Simon N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

During clinical follow‐up it can be difficult to identify those head and neck cancer (HNC) patients who are coping poorly and could benefit from additional support. Health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires and prompt lists provide a means by which patients can express their perceived outcomes and raise concerns. The first aim of this secondary analysis following a randomized trial was to explore which patient characteristics, at around 3 months following treatment completion (baseline), best predict HRQOL 12 months later. The second aim was to attempt to ascertain which patients were most likely to benefit from using prompt list.

Methods

Cluster‐controlled pragmatic trial data were analyzed. HRQOL was measured by the University of Washington Quality of life questionnaire (UW‐QOLv4). The prompt list was the Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI‐HN).

Results

The trial involved 15 eligible consultants and a median (inter‐quartile range) of 16 (13–26) primary HNC patients per consultant, with 140 PCI patients and 148 controls. Baseline HRQOL was the dominant predictor of 12‐month HRQOL with other predictors related to social, financial, and lifestyle characteristics as well as clinical stage and treatment. Although formal statistical tests for interaction were non‐significant the trend in analyses over a range of outcomes suggested that patients with worse baseline HRQOL could benefit more from the PCI‐HN.

Discussion

HRQOL early post‐treatment is a key predictor of longer‐term outcome. Measuring and using HRQOL and the PCI‐HN are not only surrogates for predicting HRQOL at 15 months post‐treatment, but also tools to help guide interventions.
Acculturation moderating between international students’ career decision‐making difficulties and career decision self‐efficacy
Authors: Li Dan , Lindo Natalya A.
Published: February 2022

We conducted a moderation analysis with a sample of 96 international students in the United States to examine the relationship among three study variables. Results indicated that international students’ acculturation modes (i.e., marginalization, separation, assimilation, and integration) significantly moderated the relationship between career decision‐making difficulties and career decision self‐efficacy. This finding not only corroborated the well‐documented inverse correlation between career decision‐making difficulties and career decision self‐efficacy, but further contextualized this relationship within the international students’ population, wherein acculturation plays a crucial role in their cross‐cultural living and learning experience. Implications for career development practitioners and future research directions were provided.
Iodine‐Chemisorption, Interpenetration and Polycatenation: Cationic MOFs and CPs from Group 13 Metal Halides and Di‐Pyridyl‐Linkers
Authors: Schäfer Thomas C. , Becker Jonathan , Seuffert Marcel T. , Heuler Dominik , Sedykh Alexander E. , Müller‐Buschbaum Klaus
Published: February 2022

Eight cationic, two‐dimensional metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) were synthesized in reactions of the group 13 metal halides AlBr3, AlI3, GaBr3, InBr3 and InI3 with the dipyridyl ligands 1,2‐di(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (bpe), 1,2‐di(4‐pyridyl)ethane (bpa) and 4,4’‐bipyridine (bipy). Seven of them follow the general formula 2∞[MX2(L)2]A, M=Al, In, X=Br, I, A−=[MX4]−, I−, I3−, L=bipy, bpa, bpe. Thereby, the porosity of the cationic frameworks can be utilized to take up the heavy molecule iodine in gas‐phase chemisorption vital for the capture of iodine radioisotopes. This is achieved by switching between I− and the polyiodide I3− in the cavities at room temperature, including single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformation. The MOFs are 2D networks that exhibit (4,4)‐topology in general or (6,3)‐topology for 2∞[(GaBr2)2(bpa)5][GaBr4]2⋅bpa. The two‐dimensional networks can either be arranged to an inclined interpenetration of the cationic two‐dimensional networks, or to stacked networks without interpenetration. Interpenetration is accompanied by polycatenation. Due to the cationic character, the MOFs require the counter ions [MX4]−, I− or I3− counter ions in their pores. Whereas the [MX4]−, ions are immobile, iodide allows for chemisorption. Furthermore, eight additional coordination polymers and complexes were identified and isolated that elaborate the reaction space of the herein reported syntheses.
Versatile Near‐Infrared Super‐Resolution Imaging of Amyloid Fibrils with the Fluorogenic Probe CRANAD‐2
Authors: Torra Joaquim , Viela Felipe , Megías Diego , Sot Begoña , Flors Cristina
Published: February 2022

CRANAD‐2 is a fluorogenic curcumin derivative used for near‐infrared detection and imaging in vivo of amyloid aggregates, which are involved in neurodegenerative diseases. We explore the performance of CRANAD‐2 in two super‐resolution imaging techniques, namely stimulated emission depletion (STED) and single‐molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), with markedly different fluorophore requirements. By conveniently adapting the concentration of CRANAD‐2, which transiently binds to amyloid fibrils, we show that it performs well in both techniques, achieving a resolution in the range of 45–55 nm. Correlation of SMLM with atomic force microscopy (AFM) validates the resolution of fine features in the reconstructed super‐resolved image. The good performance and versatility of CRANAD‐2 provides a powerful tool for near‐infrared nanoscopic imaging of amyloids in vitro and in vivo.
Prediction of Water Consumption in 31 Provinces of China Based on FGM(1,1) Model
Authors: Qiao Zhengran , Wu Lifeng , Yang Zizhao
Published: February 2022

Human production activities and social development cannot be separated from the indispensable water resources. In recent years, with the increasing speed of China's economic development, the consumption of water resources has gradually become the focus of attention of the Chinese government and the public. Based on the original data of water use of 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2014 to 2018, a fractional order accumulative gray prediction model (FGM(1,1)) is established to predict the water use of 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China in the short term, and the applicability of the model is verified by the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value. According to the MAPE value, the data obtained by the FGM(1,1) model is relatively accurate. The prediction results show that in case of little change in total water consumption, agricultural water and industrial water use show a downward trend, while domestic water use shows an upward trend. The government's water management policy for urban residents needs to be adjusted, and the publicity work to improve the water‐saving awareness of urban residents needs to be improved.
Low dietary adherence after a positive food challenge in food allergic adults
Authors: Versluis Astrid , Le Thuy‐My , Erp Francine C. van , Blankestijn Mark A. , Houben Geert F. , Knulst André C. , Os‐ Medendorp Harmieke van
Published: February 2022

Background

After a positive food challenge (FC), patients receive dietary advice regarding avoidance of the culprit food. We examined the frequency and variables associated with dietary adherence after a positive FC in adults.

Methods

In this prospective daily practice study, adults with a positive FC were included. After every FC, dietary advice was given consisting of three options: (1) strict avoidance, (2) avoidance but products with precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) allowed and (3) (small) amounts allowed. Questionnaires about dietary adherence and associated variables were completed prior to and 6 months after the FC(s).

Results

41 patients (with 58 positive FCs) were included. Overall, patients adhered to the advised diet after 31% of the FCs. After 33 FCs, the advice was strict avoidance, whereof 82% followed a less strict diet. After 16 FCs, the advice was avoidance but products with PAL allowed, whereof 19% followed a less strict and 25% a stricter diet. In 9 FCs with the least strict advice, “(small) amounts allowed’’, 67% followed a stricter diet. Three variables were associated with adherence: misremembering dietary advice, impaired health‐related quality of life (HRQL) on domain “Emotional impact’’ and the need for dietary change after the FC.

Conclusion

After one third of the positive FCs, patients adhered to the dietary advice. Variables associated with adherence were misremembering dietary advice, impaired HRQL on domain “Emotional impact’’ and the need for dietary change after the FC. It seems important that healthcare professionals should more frequently apply adherence‐enhancing strategies to improve dietary adherence.
An efficient chaotic system based hybrid radiation heat transfer sunflower optimization algorithm for securing digital image transmission
Authors: Sekar Jai Ganesh , Ezhumalai Periyathambi , Chokkalingam Arun
Published: February 2022

At the pixel level, several chaos‐based image encryption and decryption models have been developed throughout the years. However, due to long‐haul, privacy, and security considerations, it has a number of drawbacks, including increased network complexity and low scalability, and actual text cracking avoidance is more challenging. In this study, we have proposed a novel approach for image encryption and decryption. The confusion and diffusion process is performed using fractional‐order chaotic maps with the hybrid radiation heat transfer algorithm based sunflower optimization (HRHT‐SO) algorithm. The proposed method works for both color and grayscale images. The HRHT‐SO algorithm is the combination of both heat transfer search (HTS) and sunflower optimization (SO) algorithms. During the search process, the SO algorithm improves the radiation stage of the HTS model. Further, the DNA sequence improves the performance of image encryption and decryption using fractional‐order chaotic maps with the HRHT‐SO algorithm. The experimental investigations are carried out by using various parameters such as key sensitivity analysis, keyspace analysis, histogram analysis, correlation coefficient analysis, entropy analysis, PSNR, NPCR, and UACI analysis thereby analyzing the efficiency and complexity of the encryption scheme. Hence, the proposed method outperforms superior performances in all the experiments.
Load balancing in cloud using improved gray wolf optimizer
Authors: Gohil Bhavesh N. , Patel Dhiren R.
Published: February 2022

Cloud computing allocates virtual resources dynamically on user's demand. The sudden rise of data storage and computation in the cloud computing environment may cause an imbalanced workload distribution. As a result, job completion time will be higher in overloaded servers than the underloaded servers in the same environment. Distributing load fairly in the cloud is a crucial challenge. Traditionally, load balancing is used to distribute the workload among multiple servers to overcome the overloading and underloading of servers. This article presents a novel load balancing approach for cloud computing using improved gray wolf optimization algorithm. We compare our approach with harmony search algorithm, artificial bee colony algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and gray wolf optimization algorithms. Results of simulation are encouraging with improved system performance and fair utilization of resources.
Assessing vegetation recovery from energy development using a dynamic reference approach
Authors: Monroe Adrian P. , Nauman Travis W. , Aldridge Cameron L. , O’Donnell Michael S. , Duniway Michael C. , Cade Brian S. , Manier Daniel J. , Anderson Patrick J.
Published: February 2022

Ecologically relevant references are useful for evaluating ecosystem recovery, but references that are temporally static may be less useful when environmental conditions and disturbances are spatially and temporally heterogeneous. This challenge is particularly acute for ecosystems dominated by sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), where communities may require decades to recover from disturbance. We demonstrated application of a dynamic reference approach to studying sagebrush recovery using three decades of sagebrush cover estimates from remote sensing (1985–2018). We modelled recovery on former oil and gas well pads (n = 1200) across southwestern Wyoming, USA, relative to paired references identified by the Disturbance Automated Reference Toolset. We also used quantile regression to account for unmodelled heterogeneity in recovery, and projected recovery from similar disturbance across the landscape. Responses to weather and site‐level factors often differed among quantiles, and sagebrush recovery on former well pads increased more when paired reference sites had greater sagebrush cover. Little (<5%) of the landscape was projected to recover within 100 years for low to mid quantiles, and recovery often occurred at higher elevations with cool and moist annual conditions. Conversely, 48%–78% of the landscape recovered quickly (within 25 years) for high quantiles of sagebrush cover. Our study demonstrates advantages of using dynamic reference sites when studying vegetation recovery, as well as how additional inferences obtained from quantile regression can inform management.
Effects of weather variation on waterfowl migration: Lessons from a continental‐scale generalizable avian movement and energetics model
Authors: Aagaard Kevin J. , Lonsdorf Eric V. , Thogmartin Wayne E.
Published: February 2022

We developed a continental energetics‐based model of daily mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) movement during the non‐breeding period (September to May) to predict year‐specific migration and overwinter occurrence. The model approximates movements and stopovers as functions of metabolism and weather, in terms of temperature and frozen precipitation (i.e., snow). The model is a Markov process operating at the population level and is parameterized through a review of literature. We applied the model to 62 years of daily weather data for the non‐breeding period. The average proportion of available habitat decreased as weather severity increased, with mortality decreasing as the proportion of available habitat increased. The most commonly used locations during the course of the non‐breeding period were generally consistent across years, with the most inter‐annual variation present in the overwintering area. Our model revealed that the distribution of mallards on the landscape changed more dramatically when the variation in daily available habitat was greater. The main routes for avian migration in North America were predicted by our simulations: the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific flyways. Our model predicted an average of 77.4% survivorship for the non‐breeding period across all years (range = 76.4%–78.4%), with lowest survivorship during autumn (90.5 ± 1.4%), intermediate survivorship in winter (91.8 ± 0.7%), and greatest survivorship in spring (93.6 ± 1.1%). We provide the parameters necessary for exploration within and among other taxa to leverage the generalizability of this migration model to a broader expanse of bird species, and across a range of climate change and land use/land cover change scenarios.
Population structure and gene flow in the Sheepnose mussel (Plethobasus cyphyus) and their implications for conservation
Authors: Schwarz Sara , Roe Kevin J.
Published: February 2022

North American freshwater mussel species have experienced substantial range fragmentation and population reductions. These impacts have the potential to reduce genetic connectivity among populations and increase the risk of losing genetic diversity. Thirteen microsatellite loci and an 883 bp fragment of the mitochondrial ND1 gene were used to assess genetic diversity, population structure, contemporary migration rates, and population size changes across the range of the Sheepnose mussel (Plethobasus cyphyus). Population structure analyses reveal five populations, three in the Upper Mississippi River Basin and two in the Ohio River Basin. Sampling locations exhibit a high degree of genetic diversity and contemporary migration estimates indicate that migration within river basins is occurring, although at low rates, but there is no migration is occurring between the Ohio and Mississippi river basins. No evidence of bottlenecks was detected, and almost all locations exhibited the signature of population expansion. Our results indicate that although anthropogenic activity has altered the landscape across the range of the Sheepnose, these activities have yet to be reflected in losses of genetic diversity. Efforts to conserve Sheepnose populations should focus on maintaining existing habitats and fostering genetic connectivity between extant demes to conserve remaining genetic diversity for future viable populations.
Characterization of heart failure patients with reverse left ventricular remodelling post‐angiotensin receptor blockers/neprilysin inhibitors therapy
Authors: Maizels Leonid , Wasserstrum Yishay , Fishman Boris , Segev Amitai , Ben‐Nun David , Younis Anan , Freimark Dov , Mazin Israel , Grupper Avishay
Published: February 2022

Aims

To assess the effect of angiotensin receptor blockers/neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) on left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV dimensions in a real‐life cohort of heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients, while analysing patient characteristics that may predict reverse LV remodelling.

Methods and results

The ARNI‐treated HFrEF patients followed at a single tertiary medical centre HF‐outpatient clinic were included in the study. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated prior to ARNI initiation, and while on ARNI therapy, assessing patient characteristics associated with reverse LV remodelling. The cohort included 91 patients (mean age 60.5 years, 90% male) and 47 (52%) patients exhibited ARNI responsiveness, defined as an increase in LVEF during therapy. Overall, LVEF increased by 19% post‐ARNI (23.8 to 28.4%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed several parameters associated with significant LVEF improvement, including baseline LVEF <30%, non‐ischaemic HF aetiology, lack of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), better initial functional class and ARNI initiation within 3 years from HF diagnosis (P ≤ 0.001 for all). Significant reduction in LV dimensions was noted in patients with lower initial LVEF, non‐ischaemic HF and no CRT. Further combined subgrouping of the study population demonstrated that patients with both LVEF <30% and a non‐ischaemic HF gained most benefit from ARNI with an average of 51% improvement in LVEF (19.9 to 30%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The ARNI treatment response is not uniform among HFrEF patient subgroups. More pronounce reverse LV remodelling is associated with early ARNI treatment initiation in the course of HFrEF, and in those with LVEF <30%, non‐ischaemic HF and no CRT.
Clinical study on the treatment of chronic heart failure with a novel D‐shant atrium shunt device
Authors: Shang Xiaoke , Liu Mei , Zhong Yucheng , Wang Xueli , Chen Song , Fu Xiaojuan , Sun Ming , Xie Mingxing , Ke Yuhe , Guan Ying , Zhang Changdong , Dong Nianguo
Published: February 2022

Background

Atrial septal shunt devices might improve hospitalizations and also prognosis in heart failure with increased pulmonary pressures due to left heart diseases. In recent years, atrial shunt devices have been used for the treatment of chronic heart failure, but there remains a lack of clinical experience. This study aimed to analyse the therapeutic effect of a novel type of atrial shunt on chronic heart failure.

Methods and results

From May 2020 to September 2020, six patients who were diagnosed with chronic heart failure and completed percutaneous D‐shant atrium shunt device implantation in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, were retrospectively included. The shunt location was evaluated by echocardiography and digital subtraction angiography. Heart function was evaluated by New York Heart Association functional class. Echocardiography was used to measure the diameter of the new chamber and ventricle, and to evaluate the degree of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Before operation and 6 months after operation, left atrial end‐diastolic volume, right atrial end‐diastolic volume, left ventricular end‐diastolic volume, and right ventricular end‐diastolic volume were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Left ventricular ejection fractions and right ventricular ejection fractions were calculated. Haemodynamic indexes of right heart catheterization and clinical cardiac function indexes were collected and compared before and 6 months after shunt implantation. All six patients completed percutaneous shunt device implantation. Echocardiography and digital subtraction angiography showed that the shunt device was correctly positioned and unobstructed in all patients. Echocardiography revealed that the left ventricular diameter decreased significantly from 6.40 ± 0.57 mm to 5.03 ± 0.73 mm (P < 0.05). There was an obvious decrease in mitral regurgitation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a reduction in the volume of the left ventricle (182.00 ± 27.02 mL vs. 125.75 ± 16.11 mL, P < 0.05). Cardiac catheter examination showed the mean left atrium pressure or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased postoperatively (31.83 ± 11.55 vs. 18.00 ± 5.51 mmHg, P < 0.05). There was also obvious improvement in clinical indicators of cardiac function at 6 months after implantation.

Conclusions

This novel D‐shant atrium shunt device revealed maintained good function, no dislodgement and no paradoxical emboli. After implantation, functional mitral regurgitation in all patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction improved.