bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The electrical‐double layer revisited
Authors: Polster Jake W. , Souna Amanda J. , Motevaselian Mohammad H. , Lucas Rachel A. , Tran Jason D. , Siwy Zuzanna S. , Aluru Narayana R. , Fourkas John T.
Published: March 2022

The electrical‐double layer (EDL) model is fundamental to our understanding of interactions in ionic solutions, and is widely used in chemical, biological, and technological contexts, particularly in the description of aqueous electrolyte solutions. However, recent experiments have raised questions regarding the validity of this model in polar, aprotic solvents; some observations, such as a surface potential that changes sign with increasing salt concentration, are not consistent with the EDL picture. We demonstrate in a model system, acetonitrile at a silica interface, that solvent organization dictates the ionic distributions. Ion‐transport measurements in nanopores, surface‐selective spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the distribution of ions in acetonitrile at a silica interface is determined by the lipid‐bilayer‐like organization that the interface imposes upon the liquid, which accounts for the change in sign of the potential. Our findings emphasize the importance of including solvent molecules and ions explicitly in descriptions of solid/liquid interfaces.

Key Points

 

In a range of acetonitrile‐based electrolyte solutions in contact with silica, the effective surface potential is negative at low salt concentrations and positive at high salt concentrations.

The long‐range, lipid‐bilayer‐like organization of acetonitrile at this interface dictates the preferred locations for cations and anions.

Due to this organizational effect, the classical electrical double‐layer modal is not applicable to the acetonitrile/silica system, as likely also does not hold for other systems involving polar, aprotic liquids.
Towards fairer conservation: Perspectives and ideas from early‐career researchers
Authors: Archer Lucy J. , Müller Helen S. , Jones Lizzie P. , Ma Heidi , Gleave Rosalind A. , da Silva Cerqueira Aline , McMurdo Hamilton Thalassa , Shennan‐Farpón Yara
Published: March 2022

The Black Lives Matter Movement, which gained unprecedented global momentum in mid‐2020, triggered critical reflection on systemic discrimination of disadvantaged groups across many domains of society.

It prompted us, as early‐career researchers (ECRs) in conservation science, to examine our own awareness of ongoing injustices within our field, the role we play in perpetuating or countering these injustices, and how to move forward.

Colonialist ideologies and power dynamics throughout the history of conservation practice and research have left a long‐lasting legacy of inequality and systemic racism. While improvements have been made, these legacies continue to influence teaching and practice today.

In this perspective piece, we reflect on the impacts of conservation’s colonial past and how the sector has developed. We then explore how current traditional routes into conservation, and the dominance of these approaches, can leave ECRs underprepared to address modern‐day conservation issues due to a limited understanding of conservation’s history and key theories from other fields. We end by offering a set of suggestions encouraging others to learn and practise fairer and more inclusive conservation practices.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
How we approach the use of sirolimus and new agents: Medical therapy to treat vascular anomalies
Authors: Shimano Kristin A. , Eng Whitney , Adams Denise M.
Published: March 2022

Vascular anomalies (VAs) are a heterogeneous group of primarily congenital tumors and malformations. The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) has developed a standard classification of these disorders, creating a uniform approach to their diagnosis. Recent discoveries evaluating the genetic causes of VAs have revealed that they are due to mutations in cancer pathways, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/MAPK/MEK pathways. These discoveries have led to improved phenotype–genotype correlation and have expanded medical therapy for this group of unique disorders.
Correlation of clinical and radiological predictors of retinoblastoma with high‐risk histopathological features
Authors: Yaqoob Nausheen , Zia Nida , Hamid Ahmer , Kaleem Bushra , Jamal Saad , Amin Saima , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Jamal Saba
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Retinoblastoma (RB) tumors having high‐risk histopathologic features (HRFs) have an increased risk of metastasis and disease relapse. However, RB has not been studied widely in Pakistan. Therefore, we evaluated the association of clinical, histopathologic, and radiological findings with HRFs in patients with RB who were treated at the Indus Health & Hospital Network in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

We enrolled treatment‐naïve patients with RB who received upfront enucleation from September 2017 to February 2021. We evaluated enucleated eyes with the Intraocular Classification of Retinoblastoma system and classified HRFs as invasion of the anterior chamber, including the iris and ciliary body, or massive invasion of the choroid, sclera, or optic nerve (postlaminar and/or up to the transection line).

Results

Of 117 patients with RB treated at our institution during the study period, 54 received upfront enucleation. Unilateral disease was present in 92.6% of cases. The most frequent disease signs and symptoms included the presence of vitreous seeds (30.6%) and leukocoria (100%), respectively. The most frequent HRFs and radiological findings comprised massive choroidal invasion (15.1%) and anterior chamber enhancement (66.7%), respectively. The majority (62.9%) of patients did not exhibit any HRFs. Female sex, pseudohypopyon, iris neovascularization, buphthalmos, and glaucoma had significant predictive ability for HRF occurrence.

Conclusion

Pseudohypopyon, iris neovascularization, buphthalmos, and glaucoma are important clinical factors that should be taken into consideration before the management of RB. Early recognition of high‐risk histopathological and radiological features is essential for appropriate treatment of RB.
The predictive performance and impact of pediatric early warning systems in hospitalized pediatric oncology patients—A systematic review
Authors: Soeteman Marijn , Lekkerkerker Caroline W. , Kappen Teus H. , Tissing Wim J. , Nieuwenhuis Edward E. , Wösten‐van Asperen Roelie M.
Published: March 2022

Pediatric early warning systems (PEWS) arewidely used to identify clinically deteriorating patients. Hospitalized pediatric oncology patients are particularly prone to clinical deterioration. We assessed the PEWS performance to predict early clinical deterioration and the effect of PEWS implementation on patient outcomes in pediatric oncology patients. PubMED, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases were systematically searched from inception up to March 2020. Quality assessment was performed using the Prediction model study Risk‐Of‐Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) and the Cochrane Risk‐of‐Bias Tool. Nine studies were included. Due to heterogeneity of study designs, outcome measures, and diversity of PEWS, it was not possible to conduct a meta‐analysis. Although the studies reported high sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) of PEWS detecting inpatient deterioration, overall risk of bias of the studies was high. This review highlights limited evidence on the predictive performance of PEWS for clinical deterioration and the effect of PEWS implementation.
A pilot trial of prophylactic defibrotide to prevent serious thrombotic microangiopathy in high‐risk pediatric patients
Authors: Higham Christine S. , Shimano Kristin A. , Melton Alexis , Kharbanda Sandhya , Chu Julia , Dara Jasmeen , Winestone Lena E. , Hermiston Michelle L. , Huang James N. , Dvorak Christopher C.
Published: March 2022

Background

Transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) is an endothelial injury complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) leading to end‐organ damage and high morbidity and mortality. Defibrotide is an anti‐inflammatory and antithrombotic agent that may protect the endothelium during conditioning.

Procedure

We hypothesized that prophylactic use of defibrotide during HSCT conditioning and acute recovery could prevent TA‐TMA. A pilot single‐arm phase II trial (NCT#03384693) evaluated the safety and feasibility of administering prophylactic defibrotide to high‐risk pediatric patients during HSCT and assessed if prophylactic defibrotide prevented TA‐TMA compared to historic controls. Patients received defibrotide 6.25 mg/kg IV q6h the day prior to the start of conditioning through day +21. Patients were prospectively monitored for TA‐TMA from admission through week 24 post transplant. Potential biomarkers of endothelial injury (suppression of tumorigenicity 2 [ST2], angiopoietin‐2 [ANG‐2], plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 [PAI‐1], and free hemoglobin) were analyzed.

Results

Twenty‐five patients were enrolled, 14 undergoing tandem autologous HSCT for neuroblastoma and 11 undergoing allogeneic HSCT. Defibrotide was discontinued early due to possibly related clinically significant bleeding in 12% (3/25) of patients; no other severe adverse events occurred due to the study intervention. The other 22 patients missed a median of 0.7% of doses (0%–5.2%). One patient developed nonsevere TA‐TMA 12 days post HSCT. This observed TA‐TMA incidence of 4% was below the historic rate of 18%–40% in a similar population of allogeneic and autologous patients.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that defibrotide prophylaxis is feasible in pediatric patients undergoing HSCT at high risk for TA‐TMA and preliminary data indicating that defibrotide may reduce the risk of TA‐TMA.
Clinical group and modified TNM stage for rhabdomyosarcoma: A review from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Crane Jacquelyn N. , Xue Wei , Qumseya Amira , Gao Zhengya , Arndt Carola A. S. , Donaldson Sarah S. , Harrison Douglas J. , Hawkins Douglas S. , Linardic Corinne M. , Mascarenhas Leo , Meyer William H. , Rodeberg David A. , Rudzinski Erin R. , Shulkin Barry L. , Walterhouse David O. , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Weiss Aaron R.
Published: March 2022

The Children's Oncology Group (COG) uses Clinical Group (CG) and modified Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage to classify rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). CG is based on surgicopathologic findings and is determined after the completion of initial surgical procedure(s) but prior to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The modified TNM stage is based on clinical and radiographic findings and is assigned prior to any treatment. These systems have evolved over several decades. We review the history, evolution, and rationale behind the current CG and modified TNM classification systems used by COG for RMS. Data from the seven most recently completed and reported frontline COG trials (D9602, D9802, D9803, ARST0331, ARST0431, ARST0531, ARST08P1) were analyzed, and confirm that CG and modified TNM stage remain relevant and useful for predicting prognosis in RMS. We propose updates based on recent data and discuss factors warranting future study to further optimize these classification systems.
Application of a triple‐helical peptide inhibitor of MMP‐2/MMP‐9 to examine T‐cell activation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Onwuha‐Ekpete Lillian , Fields Gregg B.
Published: March 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease whereby pathology includes multifocal perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration into the central nervous system, oligodendrocyte loss and demyelination, and variable axonal loss. Little is known about the causative agent in MS, but the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteolytic enzymes has been implicated in disease progression and resolution. Recent studies revealed that MMP‐2 and/or MMP‐9 are required for an effective T‐cell‐mediated immune response to antigenic stimulation. In the present studies, we used an MMP‐2/MMP‐9 selective triple‐helical peptide inhibitor (THPI) to examine the role of these enzymes in antigen specific T‐cell responses. We found that treatment of murine CD4+ T‐cells with the THPI, followed by CD3/CD28 stimulation of the T‐cell receptor (TCR), resulted in reduced cell proliferation and production of interleukin 2 (IL‐2), interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), and tumor‐necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). Application of the THPI in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely accepted animal model of MS, reduced clinical severity of the disease and weight loss. Splenocytes isolated from THPI‐treated EAE animals had reduced proliferation compared with untreated animals. In an in vitro recall experiment, splenocytes isolated from EAE mice were treated with the THPI, followed by CD3/CD28 stimulation of the TCR. Treated splenocytes had reduced production of IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐10, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α compared with untreated splenocytes isolated from EAE mice. Overall, the MMP‐2/MMP‐9‐targeting THPI modulates T‐cell response to antigenic stimulation, including proliferation and immune cell production of specific cytokines, providing insight as to why the THPI is effective in reducing the clinical severity of EAE.
The mysterious blue emission around 440 nm in carbonyl‐based aliphatic clusteroluminogens
Authors: Zhang Zhiming , Zhang Ziteng , Zhang Haoke , Sun Jing Zhi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2022

Nonconjugated and nonaromatic heteroatoms‐based structures are discovered with visible emission at clustering state, namely clusteroluminogens (CLgens). Such kind of luminescence is termed clusteroluminescence (CL) which could not be explained by the traditional molecular photophysical theories constructed upon through‐bond conjugation, so investigation on CL has great theoretical significance. In this perspective, we summarize a general feature for C═O bond‐based CLgens that a magic blue emission around 440 nm widely exists in different systems such as natural protein, polyamide, polyester, and polyketone. Comprehensive analysis of the reported works suggests that the (n, π*) transition of carbonyl group most likely generates the 440 nm CL. This perspective aims to draw researchers' attention to the common features and general photophysical theories of CL, and shine new light on aggregate photophysics.
Association between experiences of advanced cancer patients at the end of life and depression in their bereaved caregivers
Authors: Hatano Yutaka , Morita Tatsuya , Mori Masanori , Aoyama Maho , Yoshida Saran , Amano Koji , Terabayashi Toru , Oya Kiyofumi , Tsukuura Hiroaki , Hiratsuka Yusuke , Maeda Isseki , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Tsuneto Satoru , Shima Yasuo , Masukawa Kento , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: March 2022

Objective

Research on the association between circumstances of death in advanced cancer patients and depression in their bereaved caregivers is limited.

Methods

A longitudinal study was performed on patients admitted to 21 inpatient hospices/palliative care units (PCUs) in Japan. Patient symptoms were assessed at admission and in the last 3 days of life. Data on distressing events (unexpected death, bleeding) and received treatments (morphine prescriptions, continuous deep sedation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation) were also obtained. Bereaved caregiver depression was assessed 6 months or more after patient death via mail survey using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore variables predicting bereaved caregiver depression.

Results

Of 1324 deceased patient–bereaved caregiver dyads, data were finally analyzed for 711 dyads. The proportion of probable depression (PHQ‐9 scores ≥10) in bereaved caregivers was 13.6% (91/671; 95% confidence interval: 11.0–16.2). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that patient hyperactive delirium at PCU admission was significantly associated with the development of bereaved caregiver depression (odds ratio: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2–3.8). Bereaved caregiver perceived low social support (OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 2.2–10.0) and low preparedness for death (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.6–7.8) were also significantly associated with the development of depression. Other patient and bereaved caregiver variables had no association with depression.

Conclusions

Hyperactive delirium in terminally ill cancer patients was associated with bereaved caregiver depression. The development of effective strategies to reduce delirium‐related agitation and to provide educational interventions for caregivers may be needed.
Association between self‐perceived activity performance and upper limb functioning in subacute stroke
Authors: Tomita Yosuke , Hasegawa Satoshi , Chida Daiki , Asakura Tomoyuki , Usuda Shigeru
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

This study aimed to investigate to what extent upper limb (UL) motor impairment, trunk compensation, and activity performance are related to self‐perception of UL activity performance in subacute stroke.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study. Twenty‐four adults with subacute stroke (age: 65.4 ± 10.8 years) underwent clinical and kinematic assessments at baseline (33.9 ± 5.2 days after stroke onset) and 4 weeks after the baseline. The clinical assessment included the UL Fugl‐Meyer motor assessment (FMA), Simple Test for Evaluating hand Function (STEF), and the performance and satisfaction scores of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The kinematic measurement was performed using a motion capture system during a standardized reach‐to‐grasp task. Endpoint performance variables and trunk displacement were calculated as kinematic outcomes. An inpatient rehabilitation program of 3 h/day was provided every day for 4 weeks between the two measurement points. The relationships between COPM scores and clinical/kinematic outcomes were examined by multiple regression analysis. Significance levels of p < 0.05 were used.

Results

The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that the changes in STEF (β = 0.520, p = 0.005) and trunk compensation (β = −0.398, p = 0.024) were moderately related to the change in the COPM satisfaction (R2adj = 0.426, p = 0.001), while the change in UL FMA was not.

Discussion

The changes in activity performance and trunk compensation were related to improved self‐perception of UL activity performance. Therapeutic management for activity performance and trunk compensation may be important for improving self‐perception of UL activity performance after stroke.
A mathematical and dosimetric approach to validate auto‐contouring by Varian Smart segmentation for prostate cancer patients
Authors: Mandal Sudipta , Kale Shrikant N. , Kinhikar Rajesh A.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to quantify the discrepancies in geometrical and dosimetric impacts (in volumetric modulated arc therapy) between manually segmented (MS) contours and smart segmentation (SS) auto‐contours (by Varian Eclipse Treatment Planning System SS v13.5) for prostate cancer patients.

Methods

The automated segmentation was carried out by Eclipse Treatment Planning System (Varian, version 13.5) Smart Segmentation (SS) workspace of 10 prostate cancer patients for four regions of interest; such as, bladder, rectum, femoral head left, and femoral head right. The geometric and dosimetric deviation between SS and MS contours have been quantified in the form of different parameters. The organ‐wise correlation between different validation parameters was addressed.

Results

The organ‐wise correlation analysis showed the good and consistent correlation between different geometric validation parameters for the bladder. The hypothesis test for checking compliance of different parameters with AAPM 132 tolerance was addressed and validated between MS and SS bladder with p‐value = 0.01 and 0.05. There was no significant dosimetric difference between the dose–volume histogram (DVH) estimated for the SS bladder and standard DVH constraints protocol (as per the TMH PRIME trial) with p‐value = 0.01 and 0.05. The difference between DVH estimated for MS and SS bladder was also not significant, with p‐value = 0.05.

Conclusion

This study shows that “well correlated validation parameters infer correctly about the matching or coincidence between auto and manually segmented contours,” and the bladder contouring by Smart Segmentation and plan optimization can achieve acceptable DVH constraints.
Hyperspectral plant sensing for differentiating glyphosate‐resistant and glyphosate‐susceptible johnsongrass through machine learning algorithms
Authors: Huang Yanbo , Zhao Xiaohu , Pan Zeng , Reddy Krishna N. , Zhang Jingcheng
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is one of the weeds that evolves resistance to glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl)‐glycine], the most widely used herbicide, and the weed may cause agronomic troublesome in the southern USA. This paper reports a study on developing a hyperspectral plant sensing approach to explore the spectral features of glyphosate‐resistant (GR) and glyphosate‐sensitive (GS) plants to evaluate this approach using machine learning algorithms to differentiate between GR and GS plants.

RESULTS

On average, GR plants have higher spectral reflectance compared with GS plants. The sensitive spectral bands were optimally selected using the successive projections algorithm respectively wrapped with the machine learning algorithms of k‐nearest neighbors (KNN), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) with Fisher linear discriminant analysis (FLDA) to classify between GS and GS plants. At 3 weeks after transplanting (WAT) KNN and SVM could not acceptably classify the GR and GS plants but they improved significantly with the stages to have their overall accuracies reaching 73% and 77%, respectively, at 5 WAT. RF and FLDA had a better ability to classify the plants at 3 WAT but RF was low in accuracy at 2 WAT while FLDA dropped accuracy to 50% at 4 WAT from 57% at 3 WAT and raised it to 73% at 5 WAT.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous studies were conducted developing the hyperspectral imaging approach to differentiate GR Palmer amaranth from GS Palmer amaranth and GR Italian ryegrass from GS Italian ryegrass with classification accuracies of 90% and 80%, respectively. This study demonstrated that the hyperspectral plant sensing approach could be developed to differentiate GR johnsongrass from glyphosate‐sensitive GS johnsongrass with the highest classification accuracy of 77%. The comparison with our previous studies indicated that the similar hyperspectral approach could be used and transferred from classification across different GR and GS weed biotypes, such as Palmer amaranth, Italian ryegrass and johnsongrass, so it is highly possible for classification of more other GR and GS weed biotypes as well. On the basis of classic pattern recognition approaches the process of plant classification can be enhanced by modeling using machine learning algorithms. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
The daytime trapped lee wave pattern and evolution induced by two small‐scale mountains of different heights
Authors: Xue Haile , Giorgetta Marco A. , Guo Jianping
Published: March 2022

Two large‐eddy simulations are carried out to investigate the vertical structure and daytime evolution of trapped lee waves (TLWs) triggered by mountains of two heights (500 and 1500 m, denoted as HM500 and HM1500, respectively) based on a typical subtropical winter troposphere, in which a steady upper‐level jet and a clear diurnal evolution of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) are present. Multimode TLWs co‐exist at three altitudes with dominant wavelengths increasing with altitude in HM500, while a single‐mode TLW dominates throughout most of the troposphere in HM1500. The wave amplitudes for both experiments increase from midday, reaching peaks in the afternoon, likely related to the reduction of the wave absorption by the ABL. Whereas the growth of the dominant wavelength of TLWs with time is mainly limited to layers near the ABL top for HM500; the dominant wavelength in HM1500 stays steady with time. The TLW pattern and evolution can be largely explained by linear theory. In HM500, the multimode pattern is due to the perturbation source at a low altitude where high wavenumbers are supported, and the wavelength lengthening near the ABL top can be explained by the decreasing Scorer parameter in the afternoon. In HM1500, the large‐amplitude single‐mode TLW is due to the enhanced and elevated perturbation source of the higher mountain where the Scorer parameter is smaller and affected less by the ABL. The continual amplification of the dominant TLW in HM1500 may be caused by the instability from the wave‐induced momentum deficit at the upper ABL, which further facilitates the wave propagation. Our findings are beneficial for improving our process‐scale understanding of the vertical structure and diurnal evolution of TLWs constrained by the upper‐level jet and ABL evolution, and have implications for improving orographic gravity‐wave parameterization especially when the model resolution approaches around 10 km.
Crosstalk between RNA viruses and DNA sensors: Role of the cGAS‐STING signalling pathway
Authors: Fan Yiyun Michelle , Zhang Yizhuo Lyanne , Luo Honglin , Mohamud Yasir
Published: March 2022

Despite only comprising half of all known viral species, RNA viruses are disproportionately responsible for many of the worst epidemics in human history, including outbreaks of influenza, poliomyelitis, Ebola, and most recently, the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. The propensity for RNA viruses to replicate in cytosolic compartments has led to an evolutionary arms race and the emergence of cytosolic sensors to recognise and initiate the host innate immune response. Although significant progress has been made in identifying and characterising cytosolic RNA sensors as anti‐viral innate immune factors, the potential role for cytosolic DNA sensors in RNA viral infection is only recently being appreciated. Among these, the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)‐stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has attracted increasing attention. The cGAS‐STING signalling pathway has emerged as a key innate immune signalling axis that is implicated in diverse human diseases from infectious diseases to neurodegeneration and cancer. Here we review the existing literature on RNA viruses and their reciprocal interactions with the cGAS‐STING pathway and share insights into RNA virus diversity by touching on the similarities and differences of RNA viral strategies.
Hijacking of unmanned surface vehicles: A demonstration of attacks and countermeasures in the field
Authors: Solnør Petter , Volden Øystein , Gryte Kristoffer , Petrovic Slobodan , Fossen Thor I.
Published: March 2022

Driven by advances in information and communication technologies, an increasing number of industries embrace unmanned and autonomous vehicles for services, such as public transportation, shipping, mapping, and remote surveillance. Unfortunately, these vehicles are vulnerable to passive and active cyber‐physical attacks that can be used for industrial espionage and hijacking attempts. Since attackers can use hijacked vehicles as weapons in terrorist attacks, ensuring the secure operation of such vehicles is critical to prevent the attacks from causing dire financial consequences, or worse, the loss of human lives. This study is motivated by the observation that most cybersecurity studies provide superficial, high‐level descriptions of vulnerabilities and attacks, and the true impact of the described attacks remains unclear. To address this problem, we demonstrate advanced manipulation attacks against an underactuated Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) which results in successful hijackings. Using state‐of‐the‐art cryptography, we also show how the signal transmission can be secured to avoid hijacking attempts actively steering the vehicle off course. Through field experiments, we demonstrate how the attacks affect the closed‐loop guidance, navigation, and control system and how the proposed countermeasures prevent these attacks from being successful. Our study is unique in that we provide a complete description of the attacked USV and give a detailed analysis of how spoofed navigation estimates affect the closed‐loop behavior of the underactuated USV.
Testing a global null hypothesis using ensemble machine learning methods
Authors: Han Sunwoo , Fong Youyi , Huang Ying
Published: March 2022

Testing a global null hypothesis that there are no significant predictors for a binary outcome of interest among a large set of biomarker measurements is an important task in biomedical studies. We seek to improve the power of such testing methods by leveraging ensemble machine learning methods. Ensemble machine learning methods such as random forest, bagging, and adaptive boosting model the relationship between the outcome and the predictor nonparametrically, while stacking combines the strength of multiple learners. We demonstrate the power of the proposed testing methods through Monte Carlo studies and show the use of the methods by applying them to the immunologic biomarkers dataset from the RV144 HIV vaccine efficacy trial.
A mixture distribution approach for assessing genetic impact from twin study
Authors: Hu Zonghui , Li Pengfei , Follmann Dean , Qin Jing
Published: March 2022

It is challenging to evaluate the genetic impacts on a biologic feature and separate them from environmental impacts. This is usually achieved through twin studies by assessing the collective genetic impact defined by the differential correlation in monozygotic twins vs dizygotic twins. Since the underlying order in a twin, determined by latent genetic factors, is unknown, the observed twin data are unordered. Conventional methods for correlation are not appropriate. To handle the missing order, we model twin data by a mixture bivariate distribution and estimate under two likelihood functions: the likelihood over the monozygotic and dizygotic twins separately, and the likelihood over the two twin types combined. Both likelihood estimators are consistent. More importantly, the combined likelihood overcomes the drawback of mixture distribution estimation, namely, the slow convergence. It yields correlation coefficient estimator of root‐nconsistency and allows effective statistical inference on the collective genetic impact. The method is demonstrated by a twin study on immune traits.
Carbon dots for ultrastable solid‐state batteries
Authors: Xu Laiqiang , Tu Hanyu , Zhu Fangjun , Xiang Yinger , Luo Zheng , Fang Susu , Deng Wentao , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Ji Xiaobo
Published: March 2022

Among the solid electrolytes for solid‐state Li batteries, polymer electrolytes are actively explored on the basis of the good interfacial contact and easy making, while it is still constrained by slow ionic transport and low lithium ion transference number. Herein, functional carbon dots‐based Li+ conductor (CD‐Li) is designed to improve the dynamics and selectivity of Li+ transport in polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolyte. High ionic conductivity (1.0 × 10−4 S/cm, 25 °C) and Li+ transference number (0.60) were successfully achieved within the CD‐Li‐based PEO composite electrolyte, which could be attributed to the enhanced chain movement and the limited motion of anion. Moreover, the characteristics of big volume of individual anions of CD‐Li can provide more free Li+. As well, benefiting from the existence of F atom in the CD‐Li, in‐situ constructed LiF‐containing interfacial layer is in favor of maintaining the interface stability and facilitating the rapid transmission of Li ions. The composite electrolyte with CD‐Li can address the ionic conductivity issues accompanied with strengthening the interfacial stability. The distinctive composite electrolyte realizes the stable cycle performance for Li/LiFePO4 and Li/LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 batteries. The exploration of multifunctional carbon dot fillers provides new ideas for the efficient development of composite electrolytes.
Towards using coupling measures to guide black‐box integration testing in component‐based systems
Authors: Hellhake Dominik , Bogner Justus , Schmid Tobias , Wagner Stefan
Published: March 2022

In component‐based software development, integration testing is a crucial step in verifying the composite behaviour of a system. However, very few formally or empirically validated approaches are available for systematically testing if components have been successfully integrated. In practice, integration testing of component‐based systems is usually performed in a time‐ and resource‐limited context, which further increases the demand for effective test selection strategies. In this work, we therefore analyse the relationship between different component and interface coupling measures found in literature and the distribution of failures found during integration testing of an automotive system. By investigating the correlation for each measure at two architectural levels, we discuss its usefulness to guide integration testing at the software component level as well as for the hardware component level where coupling is measured among multiple electronic control units (ECUs) of a vehicle. Our results indicate that there is a positive correlation between coupling measures and failure‐proneness at both architectural level for all tested measures. However, at the hardware component level, all measures achieved a significantly higher correlation when compared to the software‐level correlation. Consequently, we conclude that prioritizing testing of highly coupled components and interfaces is a valid approach for systematic integration testing, as coupling proved to be a valid indicator for failure‐proneness.
Comparative analysis of striatal [18F]FDOPA uptake in a partial lesion model of Parkinson's disease in rats: Ratio method versus graphical model
Authors: Avendaño‐Estrada Arturo , Verdugo‐Díaz Leticia , Ávila‐Rodríguez Miguel A.
Published: March 2022

Animal models of Parkinson's disease are useful to evaluate new treatments and to elucidate the etiology of the disease. Hence, it is necessary to have methods that allow quantification of their effectiveness. [18F]FDOPA‐PET (FDOPA‐PET) imaging is outstanding for this purpose because of its capacity to measure changes in the dopaminergic pathway noninvasively and in vivo. Nevertheless, PET acquisition and quantification is time‐consuming making it necessary to find faster ways to quantify FDOPA‐PET data. This study evaluated Male Wistar rats by FDOPA, before and after being partially injured with 6‐OHDA unilaterally. MicroPET scans with a duration of 120 min were acquired and Patlak reference plots were created to estimate the influx constant Kc in the striatum using the full dynamic scan data. Additionally, simple striatal‐to‐cerebral ratios (SCR) of short static acquisitions were computed and compared with the Kc values. Good correlation (r > 0.70) was obtained between Kc and SCR, acquired between 80–120 min after FDOPA administration with frames of 10 or 20 min and both methods were able to separate the FDOPA‐uptake of healthy controls from that of the PD model (SCR −28%, Kc −71%). The present study concludes that Kc and SCR can be trustfully used to discriminate partially lesioned rats from healthy controls.
Cost‐effectiveness of aducanumab to prevent Alzheimer's disease progression at current list price
Authors: Sinha Pranay , Barocas Joshua A.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

An estimated 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aducanumab was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration despite the lack of clinical effectiveness data.

Methods

We developed a Markov state transition model of AD to estimate the cost effectiveness of aducanumab compared to standard of care (SOC) over a 5‐year time horizon for a cohort of persons aged 65 with mild AD. Outcomes included quality adjusted life years (QALYs), discounted costs, and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs). We performed sensitivity analyses to address uncertainty.

Results

Over 5 years, the incremental cost of aducanumab compared to SOC was $179,890. Aducanumab resulted in 0.47 QALYs gained compared to SOC. The ICER for aducanumab compared to SOC was $383,080/QALY. In threshold analysis, aducanumab became cost‐effective at $22,820/year.

Discussion

Aducanumab is not cost‐effective at the estimated price of $56,000 even under ideal circumstances in which it completely halts AD progression.
An Asset‐based Practice for Teaching Bilingual Readers
Authors: Zoeller Emily , Briceño Allison
Published: March 2022

When working with bilingual readers, teaching for equity means building on students’ linguistic strengths. To do so, we must provide intentionally designed holistic literacy instruction that encourages students to use their full literacy and linguistic repertoire. This article describes an asset‐oriented approach called Transliteracy to help teachers leverage and develop students’ cross‐linguistic knowledge. We provide an Observation Framework for foundational skills and a Prompting Model to support teachers in implementing Transliteracy, even in English‐only settings. Transliteracy offers a model by which we teach from what students already know, and celebrate, rather than ignore, bilingualism as a path to more equitable literacy instruction.
Moisture‐dependent anisotropy calculations using the van Genuchten–Mualem model
Authors: Mayenna Amena , Khaleel Raziuddin
Published: March 2022

Variable, moisture‐dependent anisotropy in unsaturated media is an effective, large‐scale (macroscopic) flow property that results from media heterogeneities at a smaller scale. This technical note documents the variable moisture‐dependent anisotropy calculations using a script for the power‐averaging tensorial connectivity–tortuosity model.  The accuracy of the R script calculations was cross‐checked against results using other software.  The testing and comparison of the script calculations with other software produced near‐identical results for both the sand‐dominated and gravel‐dominated sediment samples.  The R script, Excel spreadsheets, and all the input data are available as electronic files.
Transnational Families, Intimate Relations, Generations
Authors: Christou Anastasia , Kofman Eleonore
Published: March 2022

Chapter10.1007/978-3-030-91971-9_3examined the gendered nature of a migrant division of labour. In this chapter we turn to family migration, traditionally associated with women as dependents and followers of men. The term is used to categorise the international movement of people who migrate due to new or established family ties. People moving for family reasons constitute the largest group of migrants entering OECD countries, ahead of labour and humanitarian migration (OECD, 2019). To move for family reasons may encompass an array of different kinds of migration trajectories, from the adoption of a foreign child to family members accompanying migrant workers or refugees, as well as people forming new family units with host country residents or family reunification (when family members reunite with those who migrated previously).
„Essener Transitionsmodell“ bei neuromuskulären Erkrankungen
Authors: Fleischer Michael , Coskun Bayram , Stolte Benjamin , Della-Marina Adela , Kölbel Heike , Lax Hildegard , Nonnemacher Michael , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Schara-Schmidt Ulrike , Hagenacker Tim
Published: March 2022

Hintergrund

Durch die Optimierung medizinischer Versorgungsstrukturen und die gravierenden Fortschritte bei der Entwicklung neuer Therapieverfahren wird ein Anstieg der Lebenserwartung bei Patienten mit neuromuskulären Erkrankungen beobachtet. Dies führt zu einer Erweiterung des phänotypischen Spektrums, wodurch neue bzw. bislang wenig relevante Krankheitsmanifestationen in unterschiedlichen Organsystemen an Bedeutung gewinnen. Die Betreuung jugendlicher und junger Erwachsener mit neuromuskulären Erkrankungen verlangt daher eine zunehmend enge interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit.

Fragestellung

Wie kann der Transitionsprozess von der Pädiatrie in die Erwachsenenmedizin so strukturiert werden, dass die einzelnen Fachdisziplinen effizient in den komplexen Behandlungs- und Versorgungsprozess eingebunden und die Lebensqualität der Patienten verbessert werden?

Material und Methode

An der Universitätsmedizin Essen wurde ein strukturierter Transitionsprozess etabliert. Exemplarisch wurde anhand des Morbus Pompe („late onset M. Pompe“ [LOPD]), der Duchenne-Muskeldystrophie (DMD) und der juvenilen Myasthenia gravis (jMG) ein entsprechendes Versorgungskonzept entwickelt. Dies umfasst vier Elemente: 1) Mit der Einführung klinikübergreifender SOPs („standard operating procedure“) werden die logistischen Abläufe sowie die diagnostischen und therapeutischen Maßnahmen einheitlich abgestimmt und der Transitionsprozess verbindlich festgelegt. 2) Um einen nahtlosen Übergang zu gewährleisten, werden junge Patienten vor Erreichen des 17. Geburtstages mit ihren Eltern im Zuge gemeinsamer Transitionssprechstunden betreut. Dies schafft die Möglichkeit des gegenseitigen Kennenlernens und der Bildung eines nachhaltigen Vertrauensverhältnisses. 3) Ein quartalsweise stattfindendes „Transitionsboard“ bringt die beteiligten Fachdisziplinen aus Kinder- und Erwachsenenmedizin für einen fallbezogenen interdisziplinären Austausch und eine stetige Optimierung des Transitionsprozesses regelmäßig zusammen. 4) Als gemeinsame Informationsplattform und Datengrundlage wurde eine klinikübergreifende „Transitionsdatenbank“, in der medizinische Befunde und Verlaufsparameter erfasst werden, implementiert.

Schlussfolgerung

Mit dem Essener Transitionsmodell soll die Versorgungslücke junger Patienten mit neuromuskulären Erkrankungen während der kritischen Übergangsphase von der Kinder- zur Erwachsenenmedizin geschlossen und die Grundlage für eine erfolgreiche Weiterbehandlung im Erwachsenenalter geschaffen werden.
Intraoperative analysis of patellofemoral joint morphology before and after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kebbach Maeruan , Mick Enrico , Kirschner Stephan , Luetzner Joerg , Bader Rainer
Published: March 2022

Background

Patellofemoral problems after total knee arthroplast (TKA) are frequent and often associated with a change in the geometry of the trochlear groove.

Objective

The present study aimed to analyze the feasibility of intraoperative examination of the patellofemoral joint geometry before and after the implantation of bicondylar total knee replacements without exposing the patient to radiation.

Material and methods

The patellofemoral joint morphology geometries of 33 patients before and after implantation of a bicondylar total knee replacement was intraoperatively analyzed using a digital scanning method. Femoral surface geometries were extracted from intraoperatively recorded tactile scanning data using an in-house algorithm. The geometries were then characterized by sulcus height, medial femoral condyle height and lateral femoral condyle height.

Results

Our preliminary results show that these key geometric parameters are only partially restored after TKA leading to a distinctly different shaped profile of the anterior distal femur. Maximum and minimum mean differences in sulcus height, medial femoral condyle height, and lateral femoral condyle height before and after surgery were 2.00 mm/−3.06 mm, 2.51 mm/−6.25 mm and 2.74 mm/−3.58 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

A new method for intraoperative analysis of the patellofemoral joint morphology before and after TKA without radiation exposure was developed and utilized. Even with the use of modern total knee designs, the patellofemoral articulation is considerably changed postoperatively as quantified by the key parameters of sulcus height, medial femoral condyle height, and lateral femoral condyle height. This may result in altered knee biomechanics and might explain persistent patellofemoral disorders, which are often reported by patients after TKA.
Weak essentially undecidable theories of concatenation
Authors: Murwanashyaka Juvenal
Published: March 2022

In the language $$\lbrace 0, 1, \circ , \preceq \rbrace $$

{
0
,
1
,
∘
,
⪯
}

, where 0 and 1 are constant symbols, $$\circ $$
∘
is a binary function symbol and $$\preceq $$
⪯
is a binary relation symbol, we formulate two theories, $$ \textsf {WD} $$
WD
and $$ {\textsf {D}}$$
D
, that are mutually interpretable with the theory of arithmetic $$ {\textsf {R}} $$
R
and Robinson arithmetic $${\textsf {Q}} $$
Q
, respectively. The intended model of $$ \textsf {WD} $$
WD
and $$ {\textsf {D}}$$
D
is the free semigroup generated by $$\lbrace {\varvec{0}}, {\varvec{1}} \rbrace $$

{

0

,

1

}

under string concatenation extended with the prefix relation. The theories $$ \textsf {WD} $$
WD
and $$ {\textsf {D}}$$
D
are purely universally axiomatised, in contrast to $$ {\textsf {Q}} $$
Q
which has the $$\varPi _2$$

Π
2

-axiom $$\forall x \; [ \ x = 0 \vee \exists y \; [ \ x = Sy \ ] \ ] $$

∀
x

[

x
=
0
∨
∃
y

[

x
=
S
y

]

]

.
Quality of life, quality of business, and destinations of recent graduates: fields of study matter
Authors: Grimes Arthur , Badenhorst Shaan , Maré David C. , Poot Jacques , Sin Isabelle
Published: March 2022

One of the main challenges facing non-metropolitan regions is the attraction and retention of highly-educated young people. A loss of the brightest can lead to reduced business creation, innovation, growth and community well-being in such regions. We use rich longitudinal microdata from New Zealand to analyse the determinants and geography of the choice of destination of recent university and polytechnic graduates 2 years and 4 years after graduation. Rather than considering a range of location-specific consumption and production amenities, we assume spatial equilibrium and calculate, following Chen and Rosenthal (J Urban Econ 64:519–537, 2008), ‘quality of life’ and ‘quality of business’ indicators for urban areas that encompass all amenities that are utility and/or productivity enhancing (or reducing, in the case of disamenities). Specifically, we test whether students locate in places that are regarded as good to live or good to do business; and how this differs by field of study. Our estimates are conditional on students’ prior school (home) location and the location of their higher education institution. We find that graduates are attracted to locate in urban places that have high quality production amenities. High quality consumption amenities have heterogeneous effects on the location choice of students. Creative arts and commerce graduates are relatively more likely to locate in places that are attractive to business, consistent with a symbiosis between bohemians and business. Decision makers can leverage their existing local strengths, in terms of production and/or consumption amenities, to act as drawcards for, or to retain, recent graduates in specific fields.