bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Niche dynamics of Memecylon in Sri Lanka: Distribution patterns, climate change effects, and conservation priorities
Authors: Amarasinghe Prabha , Barve Narayani , Kathriarachchi Hashendra , Loiselle Bette , Cellinese Nico
Published: December 2021

Recent climate projections have shown that the distribution of organisms in island biotas is highly affected by climate change. Here, we present the result of the analysis of niche dynamics of a plant group, Memecylon, in Sri Lanka, an island, using species occurrences and climate data. We aim to determine which climate variables explain current distribution, model how climate change impacts the availability of suitable habitat for Memecylon, and determine conservation priority areas for Sri Lankan Memecylon. We used georeferenced occurrence data of Sri Lankan Memecylon to develop ecological niche models and assess both current and future potential distributions under six climate change scenarios in 2041–2060 and 2061–2080. We also overlaid land cover and protected area maps and performed a gap analysis to understand the impacts of land‐cover changes on Memecylon distributions and propose new areas for conservation. Differences among suitable habitats of Memecylon were found to be related to patterns of endemism. Under varying future climate scenarios, endemic groups were predicted to experience habitat shifts, gains, or losses. The narrow endemic Memecylon restricted to the montane zone were predicted to be the most impacted by climate change. Projections also indicated that changes in species’ habitats can be expected as early as 2041–2060. Gap analysis showed that while narrow endemic categories are considerably protected as demonstrated by their overlap with protected areas, more conservation efforts in Sri Lankan forests containing wide endemic and nonendemic Memecylon are needed. This research helped clarify general patterns of responses of Sri Lankan Memecylon to global climate change. Data from this study are useful for designing measures aimed at filling the gaps in forest conservation on this island.
The clinical profile and associated mortality in people with and without diabetes with Coronavirus disease 2019 on admission to acute hospital services
Authors: Gokhale Krishna , Mostafa Samiul A. , Wang Jingya , Tahrani Abd A. , Sainsbury Christopher Andrew , Toulis Konstantinos A. , Thomas G. Neil , Hassan‐Smith Zaki , Sapey Elizabeth , Gallier Suzy , Adderley Nicola Jaime , Narendran Parth , Bellary Srikanth , Taverner Tom , Ghosh Sandip , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Hanif Wasim
Published: December 2021

Introduction

To assess if in adults with COVID‐19, whether those with diabetes and complications (DM+C) present with a more severe clinical profile and if that relates to increased mortality, compared to those with diabetes with no complications (DM‐NC) and those without diabetes.

Methods

Service‐level data was used from 996 adults with laboratory confirmed COVID‐19 who presented to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, UK, from March to June 2020. All individuals were categorized into DM+C, DM‐NC, and non‐diabetes groups. Physiological and laboratory measurements in the first 5 days after admission were collated and compared among groups. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate associations between diabetes status and the risk of mortality.

Results

Among the 996 individuals, 104 (10.4%) were DM+C, 295 (29.6%) DM‐NC and 597 (59.9%) non‐diabetes. There were 309 (31.0%) in‐hospital deaths documented, 40 (4.0% of total cohort) were DM+C, 99 (9.9%) DM‐NC and 170 (17.0%) non‐diabetes. Individuals with DM+C were more likely to present with high anion gap/metabolic acidosis, features of renal impairment, and low albumin/lymphocyte count than those with DM‐NC or those without diabetes. There was no significant difference in mortality rates among the groups: compared to individuals without diabetes, the adjusted HRs were 1.39 (95% CI 0.95–2.03, p = 0.093) and 1.18 (95% CI 0.90–1.54, p = 0.226) in DM+C and DM‐C, respectively.

Conclusions

Those with COVID‐19 and DM+C presented with a more severe clinical and biochemical profile, but this did not associate with increased mortality in this study.
An comparison of acute toxicities and patient‐reported outcomes between intensity‐modulated proton therapy and volumetric‐modulated arc therapy after ipsilateral radiation for head and neck cancers
Authors: Jeans Elizabeth B. , Shiraishi Satomi , Manzar Gohar , Morris Lindsay K. , Amundson Adam , McGee Lisa A. , Rwigema Jean‐Claude , Neben‐Wittich Michelle , Routman David M. , Ma Daniel J. , Patel Samir H. , Foote Robert L. , Lester Scott C.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) demonstrates superior dose distribution over volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for sparing organs‐at‐risk (OARs) in ipsilateral radiotherapy. To determine a clinical benefit, assessment of patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) and physician‐reported toxicities alongside a dosimetric analysis is needed.

METHODS

Plans were analyzed for dosimetric differences. PROs were compared for patients undergoing ipsilateral curative‐intent radiotherapy for tonsil and salivary gland cancers with VMAT or IMPT from 2015 to 2020. Physician‐reported toxicities were compared.

RESULTS

In 40 patients, IMPT was associated with decreased dose to multiple OARs and less deterioration in the following PROs: pain, swallowing function, dry mouth, sticky saliva, sensory change, cough, speech, feeling ill, and social eating. Physician‐reported toxicities demonstrated less oral pain.

CONCLUSION

IMPT is associated with decreased dose to OARs and less patient‐reported acute deterioration in multiple head and neck domains. A strong consideration for IMPT in ipsilateral head and neck patients with cancer is warranted.
Severe Alcohol‐Associated Hepatitis Is Associated With Worse Survival in Critically Ill Patients With Acute on Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Patidar Kavish R. , Peng Jennifer L. , Kaur Harleen , Worden Astin , Kettler Carla D. , Pike Francis , Buckley Caitriona A. , Orman Eric S. , Desai Archita P , Nephew Lauren D. , Kubal Chandrashekhar A. , Gawrieh Samer , Chalasani Naga , Ghabril Marwan S.
Published: December 2021

Differences in mortality between critically ill patients with severe alcohol‐associated hepatitis (sAH) and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) and non‐sAH ACLF (i.e., ACLF not precipitated by sAH) are unknown. Such differences are important, as they may inform on prognosis and optimal timing of liver transplantation (LT). Thus, we aimed to compare short‐term and longer‐term mortality between patients with sAH ACLF and patients with non‐sAH ACLF who were admitted to the intensive care unit. Patients with ACLF admitted from 2016‐2018 at two tertiary care intensive care units were analyzed. SAH was defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s Alcoholic Hepatitis Consortium and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score >20. Mortality without LT was compared between sAH ACLF and non‐sAH ACLF using Fine and Gray’s competing‐risks regression. A total of 463 patients with ACLF (18% sAH and 82% non‐sAH) were included. Compared to patients with non‐sAH ACLF, patients with sAH ACLF were younger (49 vs. 56 years; P < 0.001) and had higher admission Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) (35 vs. 25; P < 0.001) and Chronic Liver Failure Consortium (CLIF‐C) scores (61 vs. 57; P = 0.002). There were no significant differences between the two groups for vasopressor, mechanical ventilation, and hemodialysis use. The cumulative incidence of death was significantly higher in patients with sAH ACLF compared to patients with non‐sAH ACLF: 30‐day 74.7% versus 45.3%; 90‐day 81.9% versus 57.4%; 180‐day 83.2% versus 63.0% (unadjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 1.88 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44‐2.46]; P < 0.001). After adjusting for CLIF‐C score and infection in a multivariable competing‐risk model, patients with sAH ACLF had significantly higher risk of death (sHR 1.57 [95% CI 1.20‐2.06]; P = 0.001) compared to patients with non‐sAH ACLF. Conclusion: Critically ill patients with sAH ACLF have worse mortality compared to patients with non‐sAH ACLF. These data may inform prognosis in patients with sAH and ACLF, and early LT referral in potentially eligible patients.
Second wave of COVID‐19 in Nigeria: Lessons from the first wave
Authors: Okereke Melody , Fortune Effiong , Peter Adebiyi Oluwasina , Ukor Nelson Ashinedu , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic struck the world unawares. The virus is now spreading as never before, despite the initial progress recorded by several countries towards kerbing the pandemic. As the pandemic continues to spread across Africa, there is a need for countries in the continent to re‐evaluate, re‐strategise, and re‐invigorate their COVID‐19 responses and efforts based on lessons from the first wave, and Nigeria is no exception. Before the second wave was officially announced by the health authorities on 17 December 2020, there were 78,434 confirmed cases and 1221 deaths reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.6%. To ensure that Nigeria achieves total pandemic control and reacts better given the possibility of a second wave, we propose workable recommendations to strengthen our preparedness and readiness efforts. Here, we argue that lessons learnt from the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic can help Nigeria better react to the second wave.
Trend of annual maximum rainfall in Campania region (Southern Italy)
Authors: Avino Angelo , Manfreda Salvatore , Cimorelli Luigi , Pianese Domenico
Published: December 2021

Extreme rainfall events are increasing in both number and intensity at global scale; however, it is hard to quantify the impact of climate change at local scale given the strong temporal and spatial heterogeneity of this process. Moreover, limited data availability and its spatial variability requires significant effort to identify specific trends at the regional level. In this study, we attempt to construct a detailed description of rainfall patterns and trends over the Campania region, southern Italy. For this reason, the dataset of rainfall annual maxima in pre‐assigned durations was constructed using all available records and extended using interpolation methods such as inverse distance weighting and ordinary kriging methods. The rainfall dataset allowed actual trends over the region to be quantified using the Mann‐Kendall trend test and the record‐breaking analysis. The trend test reveals that most of the rainfall stations display no statistically significant trend, however, an increasing trend of extreme rainfall for short durations, in specific portions of the region, is observed.
Online promotion of resident research and research training among postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency programs
Authors: Benyamin Olivia , Lambert Sydney , Mascarenas Kristi , Goodlet Kellie J.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

National pharmacy organizations advocate for training relating to the investigation and evaluation of scientific evidence. Accordingly, most postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) residents conduct longitudinal research. However, residents typically report low confidence in their research abilities and may benefit from structured training within the residency program. The purpose of this study was to assess how PGY1 programs promote research on their websites, including the proportion offering resident research training.

Methods

PGY1 residency programs were identified using the American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists residency directory. Community‐based, managed care, or PGY1/postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) combined programs were excluded. Study data were extracted using the residency directory and program websites and included program characteristics, research requirements, dedicated research time, promotion of past research, research mentorship and support, and research training. Characteristics of the programs with and without research training were compared.

Results

Of 1139 PGY1 residency program websites, 3.0% had a highly prominent research section, 19.7% had a clear paragraph relevant to research information, 63.4% had minimal information on research, and 14.0% offered no research information. Forty‐one percent of PGY1 residency programs required dissemination of research findings via poster presentation, platform presentation, or completed manuscript. Fifty‐one programs (4.5%) provided research development training through seminars, a development program, or a certificate program. Compared with programs without research training, these programs were more likely to be fully accredited (100% vs 92.2%, P = .028), offer five or more PGY1 positions (25.5% vs 14.0%, P = .037), and offer one or more PGY2 specialty residencies (60.8% vs 35.6%, P < .001).

Conclusion

Most PGY1 program websites had minimal information related to resident research. Although the presentation and dissemination of research was a commonly listed residency requirement, less than 5% of programs indicated that they provide resident research development. Residency program directors should ensure that their program websites accurately reflect their residents' research experience, including development opportunities.
Vascularization in tissue engineering: The architecture cues of pores in scaffolds
Authors: Xia Ping , Luo Yongxiang
Published: December 2021

Vascularization is a key event and also still a challenge in tissue engineering. Many efforts have been devoted to the development of vascularization based on cells, growth factors, and porous scaffolds in the past decades. Among these efforts, the architecture features of pores in scaffolds played important roles for vascularization, which have attracted increasing attention. It has been known that the open macro pores in scaffolds could facilitate cell migration, nutrient, and oxygen diffusion, which then could promote new tissue formation and vascularization. The pore parameters are the important factors affecting cells response and vessel formation. Thus, this review will give an overview of the current advances in the effects of pore parameters on vascularization in tissue engineering, mainly including pore size, interconnectivity, pore size distribution, pore shape (channel structure), and the micro/nano‐surface topography of pores.
Ginsenoside‐Rg1 attenuates sepsis‐induced cardiac dysfunction by modulating mitochondrial damage via the P2X7 receptor‐mediated Akt/GSK‐3β signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Zhengyu , Pan Hongwei , Zhang Yixiong , Zheng Zhaofen , Xiao Weiwei , Hong Xiuqin , Chen Fang , Peng Xiang , Pei Yanfang , Rong Jingjing , He Jin , Zou Lianhong , Wang Jia , Zhong Jie , Han Xiaotong , Cao Yan
Published: December 2021

Ginsenoside‐Rg1 (G‐Rg1), a saponin that is a primary component of ginseng, is effective against inflammatory diseases. The P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7) receptor is an ATP‐gated ion channel that is predominantly expressed in immune cells and plays a key role in inflammatory processes. We investigated the role of G‐Rg1 in sepsis‐related cardiac dysfunction and the underlying mechanism involving the regulation of the P2X7 receptor. We detected cell viability, cytotoxicity, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) with or without G‐Rg1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐ or hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced H9c2 cell models of ischemia/reperfusion injury. We applied cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce a mouse model of sepsis and measured the survival duration and cardiac function of CLP mice. Next, we quantified the ROS level, MMP, respiratory chain complex I–IV enzymatic activity, and mitochondrial fusion in CLP mouse heart tissues. We then investigated the role of G‐Rg1 in repairing LPS‐induced cell mitochondrial damage, including mitochondrial superoxidation products. The results showed that G‐Rg1 inhibited LPS‐ or H/R‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, cytotoxicity, ROS levels, and mitochondrial damage. In addition, G‐Rg1 prolonged the survival time of CLP mice. G‐Rg1 attenuated LPS‐induced superoxide production in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes and the excessive release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytoplasm. Most importantly, G‐Rg1 suppressed LPS‐mediated induction of proapoptotic Bax, activated Akt, induced GSK‐3β phosphorylation, and balanced mitochondrial calcium levels. Overall, G‐Rg1 activates the Akt/GSK‐3β pathway through P2X7 receptors to inhibit sepsis‐induced cardiac dysfunction and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Smaller reaction volume of triplex taqman real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR assays for diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Dong Wenxue , Yang Xu , Li Jing , Zhang Zhiying , Liu Lijun , Zhao Zhipeng , Kang Longli
Published: December 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has had a devastating impact on public health services worldwide. Currently, there are no standard remedies or therapies for COVID‐19. it is important to identify and diagnose COVID‐19 to control the spread. But clinical symptoms of COVID‐19 are very similar to those of other respiratory viruses.

Results

As a result, the diagnosis of COVID‐19 relies heavily on detecting pathogens. We established a bunch of triplex new TaqMan real‐time PCR assays. Three sets of primers and probes (targeting the ORF1ab, N, and E genes, respectively) are poorly consistent with other human coronaviruses and the human influenza virus. The sensitivity of established PCR assays notices as few as 100 copies per PCR of the ORF1ab, N, and E genes. Meanwhile, standard curves concluded from constant PCR reaction all showed glorious linear correlations between Ct values and the polymer loading copy variety (correlation coefficient (R2) of ORF1ab, N, and E genes is 0.996, 0.991, and 0.998, respectively). Surveillance of RNA‐based pseudovirus demonstrated that they were identified to be positive with respect to SARS‐CoV‐2 and that established PCR assays are achievable.

Conclusion

The assays established provide a smaller reaction volume for diagnosing COVID‐19.
Evaluation of plasma circ_0006282 as a novel diagnostic biomarker in colorectal cancer
Authors: Mohammadi Davood , Zafari Yazdan , Estaki Zohreh , Mehrabi Mahdi , Moghbelinejad Sahar
Published: December 2021

Background

Nowadays, non‐invasive and rapid detection of cancers through molecular biomarkers has received much attention. Therefore, this study investigated the non‐invasive and rapid diagnosis of colorectal cancer through one of the newest biomarkers (circular RNA).

Methods

For this purpose, we collected tumoral, adjacent normal tissue, and plasma samples from 100 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, 25 postoperative CRC patients, 28 colitis patients, and 108 healthy donors. First Illumina high‐throughput (Hi Seq 2000) sequencing was performed to identify known and novel differentially expressed circRNAs in the cancerous and adjacent normal tissues (n = 3). We used quantitative real‐time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to detect the expression level of hsa_circ_0006282 among the different samples. Moreover, inter‐ and intra‐assays were performed to evaluate the potential of hsa_circ_0006282 as being a biomarker. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn to appraise its diagnostic efficacy, and the sensitivity of this circ RNA was evaluated.

Results

Based on RNA‐sequencing results circ_0006282, cirs7, circ‐0001313, circ_0055625, circ_000984, circ_0055625, circ_0001178, circ_0071589, circ‐001569 were upregulated, and circ‐ITGA7, circ‐CDYL, circITCH, circ_0026344, circ_0000038, circ_0002220, circ_0067480, circIGHV3‐20‐1, circ_104916, circ_0009361 were downregulated circRNA. The hsa_circ_0006282 was the highest upregulated differentially expressed circRNA. Expression evaluation of this circRNA on different samples showed upregulation in CRC tissues (p < 0.0001) and plasma samples of CRC patients in comparison to healthy controls (p < 0.0001), while the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.831 (95% CI: 0.779–0.883). Expression of hsa_circ_0006282 in CRC patients decreased to normal after surgery (p < 0.0001). Our results showed high specificity and sensitivity of CRC detection when hsa_circ_0006282, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigen199 (CA199) are combined.

Conclusion

Plasma hsa_circ_0006282 can be used as a novel diagnostic and dynamic monitoring biomarker in CRC patients.
The possible mechanism of Hippophae fructus oil applied in tympanic membrane repair identified based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Huang Juntao , Teh Bing Mei , Xu Ziqian , Yuan Zhechen , Zhou Chongchang , Shi Yunbin , Shen Yi
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of Hippophae fructus oil (HFO) in the treatment of tympanic membrane (TM) perforation through network pharmacology‐based identification.

Methods

The compounds and related targets of HFO were extracted from the TCMSP database, and disease information was obtained from the OMIM, GeneCards, PharmGkb, TTD, and DrugBank databases. A Venn diagram was generated to show the common targets of HFO and TM, and GO and KEGG analyses were performed to explore the potential biological processes and signaling pathways. The PPI network and core gene subnetwork were constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. A molecular docking analysis was also conducted to simulate the combination of compounds and gene proteins.

Results

A total of 33 compounds and their related targets were obtained from the TCMSP database. After screening the 393 TM‐related targets, 21 compounds and 22 gene proteins were selected to establish the network diagram. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that HFO may promote TM healing by influencing cellular oxidative stress and related signaling pathways. A critical subnetwork was obtained by analyzing the PPI network with nine core genes: CASP3, MMP2, IL1B, TP53, EGFR, CXCL8, ESR1, PTGS2, and IL6. In addition, a molecular docking analysis revealed that quercetin strongly binds the core proteins.

Conclusion

According to the analysis, HFO can be utilized to repair perforations by influencing cellular oxidative stress. Quercetin is one of the active compounds that potentially plays an important role in TM regeneration by influencing 17 gene proteins.
Clinical validation of the parent‐report Toronto Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (TOCS): A pediatric open‐source rating scale
Authors: Lambe Laura J. , Burton Christie L. , Anagnostou Evdokia , Kelley Elizabeth , Nicolson Robert , Georgiades Stelios , Soreni Noam , Schachar Russell J. , Hanna Gregory L. , Arnold Paul D. , Crosbie Jennifer
Published: December 2021

Background

There is a need to develop a multipurpose obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) measure that is useful for cross disorder research and as a reliable clinical rating scale. The current study examined the psychometric properties and established clinical cutoffs for the parent‐report version of the Toronto Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (TOCS), a 21‐item rating scale of obsessive–compulsive traits.

Method

Participants ranged in age from 6 to 21 years old and had a primary diagnosis of OCD (n = 350, 50% female), attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (n = 820, 25% female), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (n = 794, 22% female), or were typically developing controls (n = 391, 51% female). Confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency reliability, and convergent and divergent validity of the TOCS were examined in the OCD group. Using various scoring approaches, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to establish a clinical cut‐off by splitting the OCD group into a discovery sample (166 OCD cases, 164 controls) and a validation sample (184 OCD cases, 227 controls). Classification accuracy and TOCS scores were compared across OCD, ADHD, and ASD groups.

Results

The psychometric properties of the TOCS were confirmed. ROC analyses across TOCS scoring approaches in the discovery sample indicated excellent diagnostic discrimination (AUC ≥0.95, sensitivity 77%–92%, specificity 92%–98%). Established cutoffs, when applied in the independent validation sample of OCD cases and controls, showed an overall classification accuracy of 85%–90%. The TOCS total score and symptom count showed good discrimination of OCD from ADHD (AUC ≥0.86) and ASD (AUC ≥0.81). The OCD group scored significantly higher on all TOCS dimensions (except Hoarding) than the ADHD and ASD groups.

Conclusion

The TOCS is a reliable and valid rating scale with strong sensitivity and specificity in discriminating OCD cases from controls, as well as from ASD and ADHD. It is a quantitative OCD measure with important clinical and research applications, with particular relevance for cross disorder phenotyping and population‐based studies.
Fabrication, characterization and evaluation of the effect of PLGA and PLGA–PEG biomaterials on the proliferation and neurogenesis potential of human neural SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Asghari Niari Shabnam , Rahbarghazi Reza , Salehi Roya , Kazemi Leila , Fathi Karkan Sonia , Karimipour Mohammad
Published: December 2021

In recent years with regard to the development of nanotechnology and neural stem cell discovery, the combinatorial therapeutic strategies of neural progenitor cells and appropriate biomaterials have raised the hope for brain regeneration following neurological disorders. This study aimed to explore the proliferation and neurogenic effect of PLGA and PLGA–PEG nanofibers on human SH‐SY5Y cells in in vitro condition. Nanofibers of PLGA and PLGA–PEG biomaterials were synthesized and fabricated using electrospinning method. Physicochemical features were examined using HNMR, FT‐IR, and water contact angle assays. Ultrastructural morphology, the orientation of nanofibers, cell distribution and attachment were visualized by SEM imaging. Cell survival and proliferation rate were measured. Differentiation capacity was monitored by immunofluorescence staining of Map‐2. HNMR, FT‐IR assays confirmed the integration of PEG to PLGA backbone. Water contact angel assay showed increasing surface hydrophilicity in PLGA–PEG biomaterial compared to the PLGA substrate. SEM analysis revealed the reduction of PLGA–PEG nanofibers' diameter compared to the PLGA group. Cell attachment was observed in both groups while PLGA–PEG had a superior effect in the promotion of survival rate compared to other groups (p < .05). Compared to the PLGA group, PLGA–PEG increased the number of Ki67+ cells (p < .01). PLGA–PEG biomaterial induced neural maturation by increasing protein Map‐2 compared to the PLGA scaffold in a three‐dimensional culture system. According to our data, structural modification of PLGA with PEG could enhance orientated differentiation and the dynamic growth of neural cells.
Mass spectrometry in the study of wood compounds released in the barrel‐aged wine and spirits
Authors: Flamini Riccardo , Panighel Annarita , De Marchi Fabiola
Published: December 2021

Aging of wines and spirits in wooden barrels is an industrial process used to stabilize the color, to improve the limpidity and to enrich the sensorial characteristics of the products. In red wines, the oxygen that permeates through the wood staves promotes the oxidization of polyphenols and the formation of new pigments with consequent stabilization of the wine color. Barrel aging of spirits, such as brandy, whisky, rum, and grappa is finalized to enrich their aroma and improve their sensorial characteristics by the contribute of the compounds released by the wood. Oak is the wood type mostly used in making barrels; however, an increasing interest in the use of chestnut, cherry, acacia, and in less extent, ash and mulberry, has been observed in the recent years. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry are the main techniques used to characterize respectively the volatile and polar metabolites released by the wood barrels in the products. In this article are reported the recent advancements in this field.
Digital technology adoption, digital dynamic capability, and digital transformation performance of textile industry: Moderating role of digital innovation orientation
Authors: Shen Lei , Zhang Xi , Liu Hongda
Published: December 2021

In the new manufacturing area, the Chinese textile industry is facing the opportunities and challenges under the sustainable development model and advanced manufacturing technology. It is urgent to use digital technology to realize digital transformation. In this process, digital dynamic capability and digital innovation are significant for textile firms to achieve digital transformation performance. Drawing on the data from 367 questionnaires of Chinese textile firms, we apply multiple regression to examine how a firm's digital transformation is affected by adopting digital technology. A conceptual model based on framework of resource–capability–performance is developed to examine how adoption of digital technology, digital dynamic capability, and digital innovation orientation affects a firm's digital transformation performance. The results indicate that the positive relationship between digital technology adoption and digital transformation performance is less significant; this path is fully mediated through digital dynamic capability. Digital innovation orientation has a positive moderating effect and that the efficiency digital innovation has the most significant moderating effect among all digital innovation types. In addition, compared with textile firms in the low level of digital technology adoption, the firms in the high‐level group show a significant positive relationship between digital technology adoption and digital transformation performance. These findings confirm the validity of the model and contribute to existing literature on technology efforts in firms and provide guidelines to help managers implement informed decisions about digital transformation.
Functional Topography of the Human Subthalamic Nucleus: Relevance for Subthalamotomy in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Rodriguez‐Rojas Rafael , Pineda‐Pardo Jose A. , Mañez‐Miro Jorge , Sanchez‐Turel Alicia , Martinez‐Fernandez Raul , del Alamo Marta , DeLong Mahlon , Obeso Jose A.
Published: December 2021

Background

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is considered a key structure in motor, behavioral, and emotional control. Although identification of the functional topography of the STN has therapeutic implications in the treatment of the motor features of Parkinson's disease (PD), the details of its functional and somatotopic organization in humans are not well understood.

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize the functional organization of the STN and its correlation with the motor outcomes induced by subthalamotomy.

Methods

We used diffusion‐weighted imaging to assess STN connectivity patterns in 23 healthy control subjects and 86 patients with PD, of whom 39 received unilateral subthalamotomy. Analytical tractography was used to reconstruct structural cortico‐subthalamic connectivity. A diffusion‐weighted imaging/functional magnetic resonance imaging–driven somatotopic parcellation of the STN was defined to delineate the representation of the upper and lower limb in the STN.

Results

We confirmed a connectional gradient to sensorimotor, supplementary‐motor, associative, and limbic cortical regions, spanning from posterior‐dorsal‐lateral to anterior‐ventral‐medial portions of the STN, with intermediate overlapping zones. Functional magnetic resonance imaging–driven parcellation demonstrated dual segregation of motor cortico‐subthalamic projections in humans. Moreover, the relationship between lesion topography and functional anatomy of the STN explains specific improvement in bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor induced by subthalamotomy.

Conclusions

Our results support an interplay between segregation and integration of cortico‐subthalamic projections, suggesting the coexistence of parallel and convergent information processing. Identifying the functional topography of the STN will facilitate better definition of the optimal location for functional neurosurgical approaches, that is, electrode placement and lesion location, and improve specific cardinal features in PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Safety and Efficacy of Mevidalen in Lewy Body Dementia: A Phase 2, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Biglan Kevin , Munsie Leanne , Svensson Kjell A. , Ardayfio Paul , Pugh Melissa , Sims John , Brys Miroslaw
Published: December 2021

Background

Mevidalen is a selective positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the dopamine D1 receptor subtype.

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of mevidalen for treatment of cognition in patients with Lewy body dementia (LBD).

Methods

PRESENCE was a phase 2, 12‐week study in participants with LBD (N = 344) randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to daily doses of mevidalen (10, 30, or 75 mg) or placebo. The primary outcome measure was change from baseline on Cognitive Drug Research Continuity of Attention (CoA) composite score. Secondary outcomes included Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Subscale 13 (ADAS‐cog13), Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS), and Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study‐Clinical Global Impression of Change (ADCS‐CGIC). Numerous safety measures were collected.

Results

Mevidalen failed to meet primary or secondary cognition endpoints. Mevidalen resulted in significant, dose‐dependent improvements of MDS‐UPDRS total score (sum of Parts I−III, 10 mg P < 0.05, 30 mg P < 0.05, 75 mg P < 0.01, compared to placebo). The 30 mg and 75 mg mevidalen doses significantly improved ADCS‐CGIC scores compared to placebo (minimal or better improvement: 30 mg P < 0.01, 75 mg P < 0.01; moderate or better improvement: 30 mg P < 0.05, 75 mg P < 0.001). Increases in blood pressure, adverse events, and cardiovascular serious adverse events were most pronounced at the 75 mg dose.

Conclusions

Mevidalen harnesses a novel mechanism of action that improves motor symptoms associated with LBD on top of standard of care while improving or not worsening non‐motor symptoms associated with traditional dopaminergic therapy. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Evaluation of prediction and classification performances in different machine learning models for patient‐specific quality assurance of head‐and‐neck VMAT plans
Authors: Kusunoki Terufumi , Hatanaka Shogo , Hariu Masatsugu , Kusano Yohsuke , Yoshida Daisaku , Katoh Hiroyuki , Shimbo Munefumi , Takahashi Takeo
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prediction and classification performances of the gamma passing rate (GPR) for different machine learning models and to select the best model for achieving machine learning‐based patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA).

Methods

The measurement verification of 356 head‐and‐neck volumetric modulated arc therapy plans was performed using a diode array phantom (Delta4 Phantom), and GPR values at 2%/2 mm with global normalization and 3%/2 mm with local normalization were calculated. Machine learning models, including ridge regression (RIDGE), random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), and stacked generalization (STACKING), were used to predict the GPR. Each machine learning model was trained using 260 plans, and the prediction accuracy was evaluated using the remaining 96 plans. The prediction error between the measured and predicted GPR was evaluated. For the classification evaluation, the lower control limit for the measured GPR and lower control limit for predicted GPR (LCLp) was defined to identify whether the GPR values represent a “pass” or a “fail.” LCLp values with 99% and 99.9% confidence levels were calculated as the upper prediction limits for the GPR estimated from the linear regression between the measured and predicted GPR.

Results

There was an overestimation trend of the low measured GPR. The maximum prediction errors for RIDGE, RF, SVR, and STACKING were 3.2%, 2.9%, 2.3%, and 2.2% at the global 2%/2 mm and 6.3%, 6.6%, 6.1%, and 5.5% at the local 3%/2 mm, respectively. In the global 2%/2 mm, the sensitivity was 100% for all the machine learning models except RIDGE when using 99% LCLp. The specificity was 76.1% for RIDGE, RF, and SVR and 66.3% for STACKING; however, the specificity decreased dramatically when 99.9% LCLp was used. In the local 3%/2 mm, however, only STACKING showed 100% sensitivity when using 99% LCLp. The decrease in the specificity using 99.9% LCLp was smaller than that in the global 2%/2 mm, and the specificity for RIDGE, RF, SVR, and STACKING was 61.3%, 61.3%, 72.0%, and 66.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

STACKING had better prediction accuracy for low GPR values than other machine learning models. Applying LCLp to a regression model enabled the consistent evaluation of quantitative and qualitative GPR predictions. Adjusting the confidence level of the LCLp helped improve the balance between the sensitivity and specificity. We suggest that STACKING can assist the safe and efficient operation of PSQA.
Privacy Preserving distributed smart grid system based on Hyperledger Fabric and Wireguard
Authors: Yao Shixiong , Tian Xingjian , Chen Jiageng , Xiong Yi
Published: December 2021

Smart grid has drawn a lot of attention and investment in recent years, which not only helps the modern generation and distribution of traditional power but also highly widens the application of renewable energy sources. However, the main challenges in the application of smart grid are 1. the privacy preservation of users' information and 2. the trustful transmission channel among peers. In order to solve these problems, VPN and blockchain can be considered since they have some features perfectly suitable for these situations. In this paper, we propose a smart grid system based on WireGuard and Hyperledger Fabric to solve the problems mentioned above. And we also implement the whole system and give a view by web application. What's more, all the functionalities are displayed and tested, including building a smart device simulator, deploying data visualization and making some performance evaluations about transactions and WireGuard communication. Experiment results show that the introduction of WireGuard into network infrastructure does not cause too much loss of bandwidth and delay, but it ensures a certain degree of communication security. And Fabric provides the consistency and traceability of transactions in smart grid system.
Barriers to building wildlife‐inclusive cities: Insights from the deliberations of urban ecologists, urban planners and landscape designers
Authors: Kay Cria A. M. , Rohnke Adam T. , Sander Heather A. , Stankowich Theodore , Fidino Mason , Murray Maureen H. , Lewis Jesse S. , Taves Ilanah , Lehrer Elizabeth W. , Zellmer Amanda J. , Schell Christopher J. , Magle Seth B.
Published: December 2021

Cities are seen as quintessentially human; however, because they can offer viable habitat to many plants, animals and other forms of life, cities are also dynamic ecosystems.

As urban areas expand to house more of the global human population and reduce natural habitat for wildlife, the need for wildlife‐inclusive urban planning and design becomes increasingly pressing.

The 2019 Urban Wildlife Information Network Summit responded to this need by connecting a group of 80 scientists, urban planners and designers to examine the role of cities in combating the global biodiversity crisis.

The Summit focused on identifying and addressing barriers to transdisciplinary work between these communities, such as disciplinary silos, varying incentive structures, funding, differences in spatio‐temporal scale, existing infrastructure and values and bias.

We explore the challenges to network building for wildlife‐inclusive design and planning revealed by the Summit and offer potential solutions for overcoming these obstacles for more effective collaboration around wildlife‐inclusive cities.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Optimal designs of constant‐stress accelerated life‐tests for one‐shot devices with model misspecification analysis
Authors: Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy , Castilla Elena , Ling Man Ho
Published: December 2021

The design of constant‐stress accelerated life‐test (CSALT) is important in reliability estimation. In reliability studies, practitioners usually rely on underlying distribution to design CSALTs. However, model misspecification analysis of optimal designs has not been examined extensively. This paper considers one‐shot device testing data by assuming gamma, Weibull, lognormal and Birnbaum–Saunders (BS) lifetime distributions, which are popular lifetime distributions in reliability studies. We then investigate the effect of model misspecification between these lifetime distributions in the design of optimal CSALTs, in which the asymptotic variance of the estimate of reliability of the device at a specific mission time is minimized subject to a prefixed budget and a termination time of the life‐test. The inspection frequency, number of inspections at each stress level, and allocation of the test devices are determined in optimal design for one‐shot device testing. Finally, a numerical example involving a grease‐based magnetorheological fluids (G‐MRF) data set is used to illustrate the developed methods. Results suggest the assumption of lifetime distribution as Weibull or lognormal to be more robust to model misspecification, while the assumption of gamma lifetime distribution seems to be the most non‐robust (or most sensitive) one.
Computation of entropy measures for phthalocyanines and porphyrins dendrimers
Authors: Manzoor Shazia , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Ahmad Sarfraz
Published: December 2021

Dendrimer designs include three distinct parts: a focal point, an interior construction with repetitive branches, and an exterior design with practical gatherings. Dendrimers are a class of polymeric materials. They are fabricated three dimensional, mano‐disperse structure having tree like branches. Dendrimers are also called arborols and cascade. Because of their outstanding physical and chemical properties, as well as a wide range of intriguing applications in numerous fields, dendrimers hold a prominent role in research. Also, a considerable spectrum of topological indices is accessible, among which bond‐additive and distance‐based indices are generally purposed in QSPR/QSAR studies. These indices indicate different structural properties. In this study we compute the Mostar, Padmakar–Ivan (PI), and Szeged indices for the molecular graphs of two kinds of dendrimers accepting phthalocyanines and porphyrins as their cores. Moreover, we computed the entropies of these structures by developing a connection between these indices and their entropies.
Handwriting identification using random forests and score‐based likelihood ratios
Authors: Johnson Madeline Quinn , Ommen Danica M.
Published: December 2021

Handwriting analysis is conducted by forensic document examiners who are able to visually recognize characteristics of writing to evaluate the evidence of writership. Recently, there have been incentives to investigate how to quantify the similarity between two written documents to support the conclusions drawn by experts. We use an automatic algorithm within the “handwriter” package in R, to decompose a handwritten sample into small graphical units of writing. These graphs are sorted into 40 exemplar groups or clusters. We hypothesize that the frequency with which a person contributes graphs to each cluster is characteristic of their handwriting. Given two questioned handwritten documents, we can then use the vectors of cluster frequencies to quantify the similarity between the two documents. We extract features from the difference between the vectors and combine them using a random forest. The output from the random forest is used as the similarity score to compare documents. We estimate the distributions of the similarity scores computed from multiple pairs of documents known to have been written by the same and by different persons, and use these estimated densities to obtain score‐based likelihood ratios (SLRs) that rely on different assumptions. We find that the SLRs are able to indicate whether the similarity observed between two documents is more or less likely depending on writership.
The self‐assembly of porphine molecules on NaCl pre‐covered Cu(110) surface
Authors: Leng Xinli , Li Wei , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Li
Published: December 2021

The self‐assembly of porphine molecules on NaCl pre‐covered Cu(110) surface has been investigated at a single molecular level by scanning tunneling microscopy. The pre‐grown NaCl stripe pattern has been partly interrupted due to the adsorption of porphine molecules at RT. Annealing the sample at 333 K and 423 K gradually promotes the formation of self‐assembly network composed of porphine molecules and Cu atoms. Annealing at 473 K helps to convert this self‐assembly structure into organometallic nanoribbon through C–Cu–C connecting.
Identification of Anti‐Cancer Agents Targeting Aldo‐Keto Reductase (AKR) 1C3 Protein by Pharmacophore Modeling, Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking
Authors: Khalilullah Habibullah
Published: December 2021

Aldo‐ketoreductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is an attractive target for prostate cancer drug discovery. Three pharmacophore models were generated from three AKR1C3 PDB crystal structures based on their crystal ligand molecules. The three pharmacophores generated from three different AKR1C3 were with 10 features, 5 features and 6 features. Pharmacophore based database screening on Pubchem, CHEMBL, Zinc and MCULE databases were performed to get overall 847 molecules and docked into the active sites of three AKR1C3 protein crystal structures. From the orientation and the docking scores, ten well fitted molecules were selected for the ADMET predictions. From the ADME toxicity studies, three molecules violating the toxicity rules and the three structures were identified from one pharmacophore. The other seven molecules identified from other two pharmacophore models were showing better values that drug like molecules. A 100 nano seconds of the simulations for best six protein ligand complexes revealed the stability of the molecules in the active site of protein. The NADPH co‐crystal in the crystal structure is guiding the inhibitor molecule in the active site of the protein.