bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of CO2 absorption capabilities of amino acid solutions using a computational scheme
Authors: Razavi Razieh , Bemani Amin , Baghban Alireza , Mohammadi Amir H.
Published: May 2020

In this communication, modeling of carbon dioxide absorption by various amino acid solutions is presented as a function of operational parameters using the Least‐Squares Support Vector Machine (LSSVM) algorithm integrated with three different evolutionary algorithms, namely Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Hybrid GA and PSO (HGAPSO). A databank containing 255 data of carbon dioxide absorption by amino acids of potassium taurate, potassium glycinate, potassium prolinate, and potassium lysinate at different temperatures, partial pressures, and concentrations was prepared from different sources to train and test the proposed algorithms. The models were applied to estimate carbon dioxide absorption by amino acid solutions in terms of temperature, molar concentration, equilibrium partial pressure, molecular weight, number of hydrogen bond donor, number of hydrogen bond acceptor, and number of rotatable bond. The R2 values of LSSVM optimized by HGAPSO, PSO, and GA are 0.9944, 0.9915, and 0.9891, respectively, and the various errors were determined close to zero. On the other hand, the visual comparison of models outputs and actual carbon dioxide adsorption data was used to clarify performances of the models. By comparison analysis, it was found that the LSSVM‐HGAPSO is the most accurate model for estimation of carbon dioxide loading. Also, comparison of our proposed models results with previously reported artificial neural network results indicates the impressive estimation capability of LSSVM algorithm. According to sensitivity analysis, it becomes obvious that pressure is the most effective parameter on carbon dioxide absorption.
Evaluating the performance of a sequencing batch reactor for sanitary wastewater treatment using artificial neural network
Authors: Yazdani Hamid , Khoshhal Abbas , Mousavi Nayereh S.
Published: May 2020

In this work, the performance of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was studied for treating sanitary wastewater of Yazd power plant, Iran. For this purpose, at the first, a pilot system was designed, installed, and started up. Then the effects of retention time, pH, temperature, influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration, and air flow rate were investigated on the effluent concentration of COD. In SBR reactor used in the Yazd power plant, the microalga was not used for the wastewater treatment. In this case, the COD effluent output was, at the best conditions, approximately 92 mg/L. In the studied SBR system, we used the Chlorella vulgaris microalgae and microorganisms, simultaneously. In this case, the COD level reached 34 mg/L. An artificial neural network (ANN) was developed by applying Levenberg‐Marquardt training algorithm to predict the effluent concentration of COD. The optimum conditions were obtained at pH = 8, temperature of 30°C, influent COD concentration of 600 mg/L, and air flow rate of 50 L/min. ANN predicted results were in good agreement with the experimental data with a validation coefficient of determination (R2) and validation mean square error of 0.962 and 0.0015, respectively.
Expanding the evolutionary explanations for sex differences in the human skeleton
Authors: Dunsworth Holly M.
Published: May 2020

While the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction differ between the sexes, the effects of hormones on skeletal growth do not. Human bone growth depends on estrogen. Greater estrogen produced by ovaries causes bones in female bodies to fuse before males' resulting in sex differences in adult height and mass. Female pelves expand more than males' due to estrogen and relaxin produced and employed by the tissues of the pelvic region and potentially also due to greater internal space occupied by female gonads and genitals. Evolutionary explanations for skeletal sex differences (aka sexual dimorphism) that focus too narrowly on big competitive men and broad birthing women must account for the adaptive biology of skeletal growth and its dependence on the developmental physiology of reproduction. In this case, dichotomizing evolution into proximate‐ultimate categories may be impeding the progress of human evolutionary science, as well as enabling the popular misunderstanding and abuse of it.
World Fish Migration Day Connects Fish, Rivers, and People – From a One-Day Event to a Broader Social Movement
Authors: Twardek William M , Wanningen Herman , Fernández Garrido Pao , Brink Kerry , Royte Josh , Berkhuysen Arjan , Geenen Bart , Cooke Steven J
Published: May 2020

Widespread declines in migratory fish highlight the need for increased global efforts to raise awareness of their value and abate threats they face. World Fish Migration Day (WFMD), coordinated by the World Fish Migration Foundation, is a biennial global celebration of open rivers and migratory fish achieved through locally organized events with the common theme of connecting fish, rivers, and people. Since 2014, over 1,200 events have been organized in 80 different countries across all inhabited continents. Here we provide an overview of the WFMD social movement, highlighting its ability to raise awareness surrounding the plight of migratory fish. We provide pertinent case studies to illustrate the creative events held throughout the world intended to build the public and political will to enable protection and restoration of migratory fish populations. From a coordination perspective, there are several key principles that underlay the success of WFMD, including taking an optimistic approach, identifying change-makers in the community, and carefully timing the growth of the movement. By reflecting on the approach and growth of WFMD, we feel this perspective piece will prove useful to other groups and organizations considering using the power of social movements to achieve common goals related to environmental conservation.
Endoscopic skull base and transoral surgery during COVID‐19 pandemic: Minimizing droplet spread with negative‐pressure otolaryngology viral isolation drape
Authors: David Abel P. , Jiam Nicole T. , Reither Joshua M. , Gurrola Jose G. , Aghi Manish K. , El‐Sayed Ivan H.
Published: May 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic has raised concern of transmission of infectious organisms through aerosols formation in endonasal and transoral surgery.

Methods

Retrospective review. We introduce the negative‐pressure otolaryngology viral isolation drape (NOVID) system to reduce the risk of aerosol. NOVID consists of a plastic drape suspended above the patient's head and surgical field with a smoke evacuator suction placed inside the chamber.

Results

Four patients underwent endonasal (4) and endo‐oral surgery (1). Fluorescein was applied to the surgical field. Black light examination of fluorescein‐treated operative fields revealed minimal contamination distant to the surgical field. In two prolonged cases with high‐speed drilling, droplets were identified under the barrier and on the tip of the smoke evacuator. Instruments and cottonoids appeared to be a greater contributor to field contamination.

Conclusions

Negative‐pressure aspiration of air under a chamber barrier, which appears to successfully keep aerosol and droplet contamination to a minimum.
Thin film flow of the water‐based carbon nanotubes hybrid nanofluid under the magnetic effects
Authors: Gul Taza , Bilal Muhammad , Shuaib Muhammad , Mukhtar Safyan , Thounthong Phatiphat
Published: May 2020

In this article, the effects of magnetic field versus the thin liquid film water‐based ferrum oxide (Fe3O4) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanofluids have been studied through stretching cylinder. The iron oxide and CNTs (single‐wall [SWCNTs] or multi‐wall [MWCNTs]) have been used as nanoparticles in carrier fluid water (H2O). To the flow field, magnetic effects are applied vertically. The modeled system of partial differential equations are transformed to nonlinear ordinary differential equations by selecting variables. The analytic solution has been obtained through homotopy analysis method. The obtained results are further compared with the numerical ND‐solve method. The embedded constraints impacts are focused on pressure distribution, velocity profile, heat transfer, Nusselt number, and Skin friction through graphical illustration and tables. The dispersion of Fe3O4 and CNTs in base fluid significantly enhanced the mechanism of heat transfer. Moreover, from the results, it has been observed that the MWCNTs have a greater impact on heat transfer, velocity, and pressure profile.
JAK1/STAT3 regulatory effect of β‐caryophyllene on MG‐63 osteosarcoma cells via ROS‐induced apoptotic mitochondrial pathway by DNA fragmentation
Authors: Annamalai Vijayalakshmi , Kotakonda Muddukrishnaiah , Periyannan Velu
Published: May 2020

Currently, available treatment for osteosarcoma is combinational chemotherapy of doxorubicin, cisplatin, and methotrexate before and after surgery with overall 5‐year survival rate of less than 40%. The present study was aimed to assess the anticancer effects of a phytochemical named β‐caryophyllene (BCP) in treating osteosarcoma. We assessed the effect of (BCP) on oxidative stress, proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation in human bone cancer cells MG‐63. Our results showed that BCP induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation at 20 µM concentration in MG‐63 cells. The same dose was also shown to exhibit proapoptotic and antiproliferative effects in bone cancer cells MG‐63. We demonstrated that the treatment of MG‐63 cells with BCP prompted mitochondrial apoptosis via upregulation of Bax and caspase‐3 and downregulation of Bcl‐2 as well as prompted mitochondrial membrane potential. Our results also showed stimulation of Janus kinase 1/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK1/STAT3) signaling pathway in bone cancer MG‐63 cells upon BCP treatment along with the induction of proinflammatory genes at the messenger RNA level. Overall results suggest that the treatment of MG‐63 cells with BCP promotes apoptosis and inflammation via ROS and JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Methane production enhanced by reduced graphene oxide in an anaerobic consortium supplied with particulate and soluble substrates
Authors: Bueno‐López J Iván , Díaz‐Hinojosa Alejandra , Rangel‐Mendez J Rene , Alatriste‐Mondragón Felipe , Pérez‐Rodríguez Fátima , Hernández‐Montoya Virginia , Cervantes Francisco J
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Graphene materials have extensively been applied in several industries due to their enhanced properties. Predictably, these materials also end up in wastewaters generated from industrial sectors, and their effects on biological treatment systems are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to assess the acute effects of graphene oxide (GO) with three different degrees of reduction [reduced GO (rGO) produced with reduction times of 1, 2, and 4 h] on the methane production of an anaerobic consortium.

RESULTS

Synthesized rGO materials had a stimulatory effect increasing the maximum methanogenic activity (MMA) up to 14% and 114% when glucose and starch were provided as substrates, respectively, as compared to the MMA achieved in controls incubated in the absence of rGO. Reduction of GO promoted physical–chemical changes in its structure, such as the removal of epoxy groups, which prevented grapping of starch granules by the produced rGO sheets and triggered a better interaction between the latter and microorganisms. Furthermore, this work showed that rGO stimulated starch disintegration into its components, thus accelerating its hydrolysis, which was ultimately reflected in a higher MMA when this particulate polymer was used as substrate.

CONCLUSION

This study reports for the first time the acute effects of rGO on the methanogenic activity of an anaerobic consortium supplied with both soluble and particulate substrates. This information is relevant to elucidate the effects of this graphene material in anaerobic microorganisms and to improve the performance of anaerobic systems during the treatment of industrial wastewaters. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioconversion of high‐concentration chelated Cd to nano‐CdS photocatalyst by sulfate‐reducing bacteria
Authors: Liu Yali , Wang Jie , Li Panyu , Xie Yi , Xie Hongyang , Xie Tonghui , Zhang Yongkui
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Chelated heavy metals have received wide attention due to their adverse effects and difficulty in removal. Sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) inducing heavy metals to produce metal sulfide precipitation is an attractive bioremediation technology. It not only reduces heavy metal pollution but also transforms metal contaminants into value‐added products.

RESULTS

The stable ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)‐Cd was effectively removed and converted to CdS nanoparticles by SRB. The SRB could resist high concentrations of EDTA‐Cd up to 2.5 mmol L−1, while no growth was observed at 1.0 mmol L−1 of free cadmium ions. The bio‐removal efficiencies of EDTA‐Cd at initial concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mmol L−1 were 100%, 100%, 95.89%, 67.63% and 26.66%, respectively. Meanwhile, the reduction efficiencies of sulfate by SRB were 45.6% to 24.9%. The products were cadmium sulfide nanoparticles with a mean particle size of 40–80 nm, which were confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Furthermore, the cadmium sulfide product exhibited a good photocatalytic performance, and the removal efficiency of rhodamine B (RhB) reached 97% within 2 h.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that EDTA‐Cd could be effectively removed by SRB and recovered in the form of high‐value cadmium sulfide photocatalyst. The proposed strategy may provide a new solution for the recycling of chelated heavy metal ions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of postoperative bile leakage on long‐term outcome in patients following liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yamamoto Masateru , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Kuroda Shintaro , Hamaoka Michinori , Honmyo Naruhiko , Yamaguchi Megumi , Takei Daisuke , Ohdan Hideki
Published: May 2020

Background/Purpose

The incidence of bile leakage after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a cause for concern. There are limited reports on the impacts of postoperative bile leakage on long‐term clinical outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effects of postoperative bile leakage on recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Methods

A total of 1,178 patients who underwent curative liver resection for HCC between 1986 and 2012 were included in the present study. Postoperative bile leakage was defined using the International Study Group of Liver Surgery definition, and the primary end points of the study were OS and RFS at 5 years.

Results

Forty‐three (3.7%) patients had bile leakage following liver resection. The median follow‐up was 5 years. A follow‐up analysis revealed that patients with bile leakage had poor 5‐year rates of OS (41.0% vs 56.4%, P = .013) and RFS (14.6% vs 28.7%, P < .001). Additionally, bile leakage was an independent factor for both OS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.559, P = .022] and RFS (HR 1.517, P = .024). Furthermore, bile leakage was the only factor affecting prognosis among postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Postoperative bile leakage worsens long‐term clinical outcomes following liver resection in HCC patients.
Pneumatical‐Mechanical Tactile Stimulation Device for Somatotopic Mapping of Body Surface During fMRI
Authors: Jia Shikui , Wang Luyao , Wang Heng , Lv Xiaoyu , Wu Jinglong , Yan Tianyi , Li Chunlin , Hu Baomin
Published: May 2020

Background

There is a need for devices that allow reproducible stimulation of skin areas of humans for investigating somatosensory mapping of the whole‐body surface. However, their design is not simple, due to the magnetic field of MRI scanners.

Purpose

To accurately characterize the mapping of somatosensory presentation of the whole‐body surface of subjects during functional (f)MRI scans.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A water phantom and six healthy participants (age 23–27 years; two males) were recruited for the fMRI experiment.

Field Strength/Sequence

T1‐weighted magnetization‐prepared rapid acquisition gradient‐echo, T2*‐weighted gradient echo sequence at 3T.

Assessment

The stimulation device for somatotopic mapping was composed of three units: an air‐generating unit, a control unit, and an execution unit. The fMRI in response to tactile stimulation was measured to characterize somatotopic mapping of the right‐side body consisting of hand, arm, and leg in six healthy subjects.

Statistical Tests

Pared‐samples t‐test for the conditions in SII.

Results

The pneumatical‐mechanical tactile stimulation offered a wide range of stimulation intensities (0–400 g) in each channel. The predetermined physical pressure was successfully reached within ~5 msec and returned to baseline within 5 msec after the end of stimulation. With this tactile device, the digressive rate of the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) (271.44 without the device, 269.68 with the device) was 0.65% in the magnetic field environment. For the fMRI experiment, the primary somatosensory activation contralateral to the stimulation site was detected in response to spatial task and attentive task.

Data Conclusion

This stimulation device characterized the mapping of somatosensory representation of the whole‐body surface in individual participants during fMRI scans.

Level of Evidence

2.

Technical Efficacy Stage

1. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1093–1101.
Baseline testosterone moderates the effect of money exposure on charitable giving intent
Authors: Dinsmore John B. , Stenstrom Eric P. , Kunstman Jonathan W.
Published: May 2020

Prior research has conflicting evidence of the effects of money exposure on prosocial behavior, begging the question of potential moderators of the effect. The current research examines the role of baseline testosterone, a correlate of both status and status‐seeking behaviors, in moderating the effect of money exposure on charitable giving intent. An experiment involving 92 male students (Mage = 20.46, standard deviation = 2.28) found baseline testosterone levels moderating the effect of money exposure (b = −.02, t = 3.46, p < .001, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.057, −0.002]), with low‐T males exposed to money showing significantly higher charitable donation intent (vs. control; b = 1.21, t = 2.24, p = .028, 95% CI [0.135, 2.293]) and high‐testosterone males exhibiting significantly lower (b = −1.46, t = 2.68, p = .009, 95% CI [−2.545, −0.378]). These findings show instances where money exposure can enhance, rather than inhibit, prosocial intentions that have broad implications for the study and practice of marketing.
Orthonormal Bernstein polynomials for solving nonlinear variable‐order time fractional fourth‐order diffusion‐wave equation with nonsingular fractional derivative
Authors: Heydari M. H. , Avazzadeh Z.
Published: May 2020

This article defines a novel version of nonlinear fourth‐order diffusion‐wave equation, which involves variable‐fractional differentiations with nonsingular kernel. This newly defined equation entails a highly accurate method for its numerical solution. The proposed scheme is based upon the orthonormal Bernstein polynomials and their operational matrices of variable‐order fractional differentiation together with the collocation method. In this paper, the formulation for obtaining these operational matrices are provided in details. The method converts the original problem to a system of algebraic equations that can be promptly solved using a software program. To clarify the validity and the high precision of the devised method, numerous illustrative examples with various boundary conditions are examined.
Novel Strategies to Prevent Total Parenteral Nutrition‐Induced Gut and Liver Inflammation, and Adverse Metabolic Outcomes
Authors: Lucchinetti Eliana , Lou Phing‐How , Wawrzyniak Paulina , Wawrzyniak Marcin , Scharl Michael , Holtzhauer Gregory A. , Krämer Stefanie D. , Hersberger Martin , Rogler Gerhard , Zaugg Michael
Published: May 2020

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a life‐saving therapy administered to millions of patients. However, it is associated with significant adverse effects, namely liver injury, risk of infections, and metabolic derangements. In this review, the underlying causes of TPN‐associated adverse effects, specifically gut atrophy, dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome, leakage of the epithelial barrier with bacterial invasion, and inflammation are first described. The role of the bile acid receptors farnesoid X receptor and Takeda G protein‐coupled receptor, of pleiotropic hormones, and growth factors is highlighted, and the mechanisms of insulin resistance, namely the lack of insulinotropic and insulinomimetic signaling of gut‐originating incretins as well as the potentially toxicity of phytosterols and pro‐inflammatory fatty acids mainly released from soybean oil‐based lipid emulsions, are discussed. Finally, novel approaches in the design of next generation lipid delivery systems are proposed. Propositions include modifying the physicochemical properties of lipid emulsions, the use of lipid emulsions generated from sustainable oils with favorable ratios of anti‐inflammatory n‐3 to pro‐inflammatory n‐6 fatty acids, beneficial adjuncts to TPN, and concomitant pharmacotherapies to mitigate TPN‐associated adverse effects.
A radiomics method to classify microcalcification clusters in digital breast tomosynthesis
Authors: Peng Yunsong , Wu Shandong , Yuan Gang , Wu Zhongyi , Du Qiang , Sun Haotian , Yang Xiaodong , Chen Qian , Zheng Jian
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is becoming increasingly used in clinical practice. In DBT, the microcalcification clusters may span across multiple slices, which makes it difficult for radiologists to directly assess these distributed clusters for diagnosis. We investigated a radiomics method to classify microcalcification clusters in DBT based on a semiautomatic segmentation process.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study on a cohort of 275 patients (including 79 benign and 196 malignant cases) with a total of 550 DBT volumes. Our method consisted of three steps. The initial step was to semiautomatically segment the microcalcification clusters. Then, radiomics features were extracted from the initially segmented microcalcification clusters. Finally, the benign and malignant microcalcification clusters were differentiated by the random forest (RF) classifier using selected subset features. The radiomics models were evaluated both on view‐based and case‐based modes with features selected from different domains. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the classification performance.

Results

Twenty‐six key features were selected from a total of 170 radiomics features and these features show promising classification performance. The highest AUC was 0.834 for view‐based mode and 0.868 for case‐based mode when using features selected from the 3D‐domain. The 2D‐domain radiomics features showed a statistically similar performance to the 3D features (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Radiomics models can provide encouraging performance in classification between malignant and benign microcalcification clusters which are semiautomatically segmented in DBT.
Effect of a novel treatment fiber on mechanical properties, thermal stability and crystallization behaviors of epoxy soybean oil toughened jute fiber/polypropylene composites
Authors: He Yong , Zhou Ying , Wu Hongming , Chen Can , He Weidi , Xu Dinghong , Gao Chengtao , Chen Xiaolang , Wei Fujian , Guo Jianbing
Published: May 2020

In this work, a novel fiber treatment method is introduced in the preparation of epoxy soybean oil (ESO) toughened jute fiber/polypropylene (PP) matrix composites. The jute fibers are pre‐treated by r‐valerolactone (GVL), and the ESO/jute fiber/PP composites are fabricated by melt blending. The microstructure of the treated fiber, the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and crystallization behaviors of the composites are investigated and discussed in detail. The results show that the surface of GVL treated fiber becomes rough and the aspect ratio increases. It is found by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that the interface between the fiber and matrix debones seriously without the addition of ESO. With increasing the content of ESO, the toughness and thermal stability of the composites are gradually improved. The tensile strength of the composites containing 5% ESO reaches 42.2 MPa. In addition, the impact strength and elongation at break are higher than pure PP and PP/jute composites. Moreover, GVL treated fibers can improve the thermal stability of PP/jute fiber composites. In addition, the crystallinity of PP in the PP composites increases first and then decreases, while the crystallization temperature of the composites decreases. At the same time, the complex viscosity of the composites also increases.
Validation of the Early Childhood Teacher Experiences Scale in Head Start
Authors: Lawrence Roxanne C. , Bulotsky‐Shearer Rebecca J. , Bichay‐Awadalla Krystal , Futterer Jenna N. , Bailey Jhonelle
Published: May 2020

To address gaps in the availability of validated measures that assess early childhood teachers' workplace experiences, the current study examined the validity of the Early Childhood Teacher Experiences Scale (ECTES) for use in a diverse Head Start program. Mean differences in the ECTES dimensions of self‐efficacy, job stress, and school support were examined across teachers' demographic characteristics and observed teacher–child interaction quality. Multilevel models examined associations between ECTES dimension scores and children's social‐emotional and academic skills (N = 161 preschool teachers and N = 3,152 children). Findings support the reliability and validity of the three‐factor structure of the ECTES in the diverse Head Start teacher sample. Higher teacher‐reported self‐efficacy and school support were associated with higher observed classroom emotional support, instructional support, and classroom organization. Higher teacher‐reported self‐efficacy was associated with fewer years of teaching experience. With respect to child outcomes, higher teacher self‐efficacy and school support were associated with lower behavior problems and higher social‐emotional skills but were not associated with academic skills. Implications of the findings, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Facilitators of and barriers to school psychologists' social–emotional/behavioral practices
Authors: Ginns Diana S. , Moulton Sara E. , Castillo Jose M. , Jenkins Andrew S. , Hodnett Jennifer M.
Published: May 2020

Using data from a national survey of school psychologists we investigated (a) the extent to which school psychologists supported students' social–emotional and behavioral well‐being using data and evidence‐based practices programming, (b) how facilitators and barriers impacted school psychologists' service delivery in these areas, and (c) how participants' demographic characteristics predicted facilitators to these practices. The survey was administered to randomly selected National Association of School Psychologists' members. One hundred ninety‐nine full‐time, school‐based school psychologists (24% response rate) completed the survey. Results indicated more practitioners reported using data to design, implement, and evaluate evidence‐based strategies for social–emotional and behavioral supports (M = 3.32, SD = 0.90) than reported using evidence‐based strategies themselves in these same areas (M = 3.10, SD = 1.05). School psychologists who reported more facilitators were more likely to use data and engage in evidence‐based practices related to social–emotional and behavioral supports for students. Results also indicated certain barriers impeded school psychologists' practices in these areas. Few demographic characteristics predicted the presence of facilitators or barriers. Findings from the current study extend the extant literature by providing empirical data on facilitators of and barriers to services related to school psychologists' use of data and evidence‐based practices in these areas.
Standardized Outcome Measures in Stroke Rehabilitation and Falls After Discharge: A Cohort Study
Authors: Campo Marc , Toglia Joan , Batistick‐Aufox Holly , O'Dell Michael W.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Individuals with stroke discharged from inpatient rehabilitation units (IRUs) are at increased risk for falls. In IRUs, standardized outcome measures (SOMs) have been used to predict falls, but the results have been mixed.

Objective

To examine the relationship between SOMs and the risk of falls in individuals with stroke within 6 months of discharge from an IRU.

Design

Prospective cohort study with 6‐month follow‐up.

Setting

IRU that was part of a large, urban academic medical center.

Participants

Individuals with stroke who underwent rehabilitation.

Main Outcome Measures

Self‐reported falls within 6 months of discharge.

Results

The study included 105 participants who were discharged to their homes after inpatient rehabilitation and who responded to a 6‐month follow‐up (57% response rate) phone call. Twenty‐nine participants (28%) reported falling. Significant odds ratios (ORs), adjusted for age, sex, and stroke severity, were found for the following measures: Berg Balance Scale (OR 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92‐0.99), Activity Measure for Post‐Acute Care basic mobility (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81‐0.97), Motricity Index (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94‐0.98), Functional Independence Measure mobility subscale (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80‐0.98), and Trunk Control Test (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95‐0.99). Areas under the curve ranged from .64 to .71. In samples of 82 to 90 patients who could complete the tests, gait speed, the Functional Reach Test, the 6‐minute Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go did not result in significant ORs.

Conclusions

At discharge, SOMs were associated with the odds of falls within 6 months. The multifactorial nature of falls will continue to make prediction challenging but SOMs can be helpful. Lower extremity strength deserves more attention as a risk factor.
Conceptualizing the Gig Economy and Its Regulatory Problems
Authors: Koutsimpogiorgos Nikos , van Slageren Jaap , Herrmann Andrea M. , Frenken Koen
Published: May 2020

The advent of online platforms has been considered to be one of the most significant economic changes of the last decade, with their emergence reflecting a longer trend of increasing contingent work, labor market flexibility, and outsourcing work to independent contractors. In this article, we conceptualize the so‐called gig economy along four dimensions, namely, online intermediation, independent contractors, paid tasks, and personal services. Using this framework, it is possible to derive both a narrow definition of the gig economy, as ex ante specified, paid tasks carried out by independent contractors mediated by online platforms, and broader definitions that include offline alongside online intermediation, employees alongside independent contractors, unpaid tasks alongside paid tasks, and asset sharing alongside performing gigs. The four dimensions also span four key regulatory questions: How should online platforms be classified and regulated; how should gig workers be classified and regulated; what should count as paid and unpaid work; and should we treat earnings from performing gigs differently than earnings from sharing assets? We conclude that the positions taken on these regulatory issues are essentially contingent upon political choices and will determine how the gig economy evolves in the future.
How Online Content Providers Moderate User‐Generated Content to Prevent Harmful Online Communication: An Analysis of Policies and Their Implementation
Authors: Einwiller Sabine A. , Kim Sora
Published: May 2020

This article reports two studies conducted in the United States, Germany, South Korea, and China to examine how online content providers (OCPs) exercise their responsibility in dealing with harmful online communication (HOC) by moderating user‐generated content. The first study employed content analysis of 547 HOC policy documents. In the second study, 41 representatives of OCPs were interviewed regarding the implementation of these policies. We show that HOC policies are most often communicated through user‐unfriendly terms of service. Only Korean OCPs present their policies very vividly. Few organizations, mainly United States and German, encourage counter‐speech. The most common organizational actions against HOC mentioned in the policies are deleting posts or blocking accounts. The interviews reveal, however, that organizations—apart from those from China—are cautious in implementing such reactive actions. They fear accusations of censorship and acknowledge the tension between free speech and their content moderation practice. What emerged as the “gold standard” for identifying HOC was manual inspection. However, organizations operating large platforms widely apply machine‐learning technology or artificial intelligence. In sum, our research suggests that OCPs are not proactive enough in their communication for HOC prevention and often focus more on avoiding legal ramifications than on educating users when handling HOC.
Peptide conjugated morpholinos for management of the huanglongbing pathosystem
Authors: Sandoval‐Mojica Andrés F , Altman Sidney , Hunter Wayne B , Pelz‐Stelinski Kirsten S
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas) is the causal agent of the devastating citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB) and is transmitted by the insect vector Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae). A potential approach for treating CLas infection is the use of synthetic nucleic acid‐like oligomers to silence bacterial gene expression. Peptide conjugated morpholinos (PPMOs) targeting essential genes in CLas and the psyllid vector's endosymbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia (‐Diaphorina, wDi), were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo assays.

RESULTS

Expression of the wDi gyrA gene was significantly reduced following incubation of wDi cells with PPMOs. In addition, the viability of isolated wDi cells was greatly reduced when treated with PPMOs as compared to untreated cells. Feeding D. citri adults with a complementary PPMO (CLgyrA‐14) showed significantly reduced (70% lower) expression of the CLas gyrA gene. CLas relative density was significantly lower in the psyllids fed with CLgyrA‐14, when compared to untreated insects. Psyllids that were treated with CLgyrA‐14 were less successful in transmitting the pathogen into uninfected plants, compared to untreated insects.

CONCLUSION

The expression of essential genes in the D. citri symbiont, wDi and the HLB pathogen were suppressed in response to PPMO treatments. This study demonstrates the potential of PPMOs as a novel strategy for management of bacterial pathogens of fruit trees, such as HLB. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of RNAi‐mediated silencing of two Knickkopf family genes (LmKnk2 and LmKnk3) on cuticle formation and insecticide susceptibility in Locusta migratoria
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhao Xiaoming , Liu Xiaojian , Zhang Xueyao , Yu Rongrong , Ma Enbo , Moussian Bernard , Zhu KunYan , Zhang Jianzhen
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Knickkopf (Knk) proteins play crucial roles in the formation of insect cuticle. Recent studies in the holometabolous insect red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) have shown that three Knk genes encoding TcKnk, TcKnk2 and TcKnk3 play different but essential roles at different developmental stages and in different tissues. However, the functions of Knk genes had not been fully explored in hemimetabolous insects such as the migratory locust Locusta migratoria.

RESULTS

We identified three transcripts of LmKnk‐like genes LmKnk2 and LmKnk3 with the full‐length cDNA sequences, which were named as LmKnk2, LmKnk3‐FL and LmKnk3‐5′. These three transcripts were highly expressed before molting and mainly expressed in the integument. Among these genes, silencing only LmKnk3‐5′ by RNA interference (RNAi) caused molting defects and high mortality of the locusts. Injection of dsLmKnk3‐5′ dramatically decreased chitin content, but did not affect cuticle laminar ultra‐structures in the integument. After the knockdown of LmKnk3‐5′ transcript, lipid deposition on the cuticle surface was impeded, and locusts exhibited increased susceptibility to each of four insecticides in three different classes. However, no visible phenotypic changes were observed after LmKnk2 or LmKnk3‐FL was silenced by RNAi.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that LmKnk3‐5′ is essential for cuticle formation in L. migratoria. This contrasts the findings that the cognate protein in T. castaneum TcKnk3‐5′ is dispensable for cuticle formation and survival. Hence, we provide some evidence that the function of Knk‐type proteins may be species‐specific. We therefore think that LmKnk3‐5′ may be a good target for the application of RNAi‐based technologies for species‐specific insect pest management. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Operational and structural A‐stage improvements for high‐rate carbon removal
Authors: Wett Bernhard , Aichinger Peter , Hell Martin , Andersen Martin , Wellym Lie , Fukuzaki Yasuhiro , Cao Ye Shi , Tao Guihe , Jimenez Jose , Takacs Imre , Bott Charles , Murthy Sudhir
Published: May 2020

Biosorption of organics is investigated at two sites in order to optimize operation and infrastructure for carbon removal and redirection in upstream, high‐rate processes. Sufficient process temperature and stable mixed liquor solids concentration were established as the key impact parameters for the process performance. Improved COD removal was achieved by either substantially enhanced aeration (elevated metabolic state) or by enhanced flocculation capability (dosed chemicals). Separation and thickening of organics are typically operated as continuous‐flow processes. The optimization of performance parameters led to a new A‐stage process named alternating activated adsorption. The AAA process is presented as a novel configuration linking biosorption and thickening capabilities in an alternating scheme without mechanical equipment. The performance data from its first trial indicate benefits from process dynamics including high organics capture rates and thickening capabilities reaching solid concentrations higher than 40 g(TSS)/L. COD removal could be increased further by adding biologically generated polymer, that is waste sludge from B‐stage. © 2020 Water Environment Federation

Practitioners Points

Enhanced preliminary treatment helps to increase capacity and energy efficiency.

Low RAS rates, SRT control, aeration, high temperatures, and metal dosing are key performance parameters for removal rates and energy efficiency.

The Triple‐A process offers new possibilities for A‐stage in terms of performance increase and flexibility showing similar or better results compared with conventional A‐stage.

Adding B‐sludge improved COD and nutrient removal rates.

High preliminary removal rates of COD and N foster sidestream processes.
Designing and deploying insurance recommender systems using machine learning
Authors: Qazi Maleeha , Tollas Kaya , Kanchinadam Teja , Bockhorst Joseph , Fung Glenn
Published: May 2020

Recommender systems have become extremely important to various types of industries where customer interaction and feedback is paramount to the success of the business. For companies that face changes that arise with ever‐growing markets, providing product recommendations to new and existing customers is a challenge. Our goal is to give our customers personalized recommendations based on what other similar people with similar portfolios have, in order to make sure they are adequately covered for their needs. Our system uses customer characteristics in addition to customer portfolio data. Since the number of possible recommendable products is relatively small, compared to other recommender domains, and missing data is relatively frequent, we chose to use Bayesian Networks for modeling our systems. We also present a deep‐learning‐based approach to provide recommendations to prospects (potential customers) where only external marketing data is available at the time of prediction.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Industry Specific Applications

Algorithmic Development > Structure Discovery

Algorithmic Development > Bayesian Models

Technologies > Machine Learning
Self‐healing biomaterials: The next generation is nano
Authors: Menikheim Sydney D. , Lavik Erin B.
Published: May 2020

The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimates that there are over 1 million total hip and total knee replacements each year in the U.S. alone. Twenty five percent of those implants will experience aseptic loosening, and bone cement failure is an important part of this. Bone cements are based on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) systems that are strong but brittle polymers. PMMA‐based materials are also essential to modern dental fillings, and likewise, the failure rates are high with lifetimes of 3–10 years. These brittle polymers are an obvious target for self‐healing systems which could reduce revision surgeries and visits to dentist. Self‐healing polymers have been described in the literature since 1996 and examples from Roman times are known, but their application in medicine has been challenging. This review looks at the development of self‐healing biomaterials for these applications and the challenges that lie between development and the clinic. Many of the most promising formulations involve introducing nanoscale components which offer substantial potential benefits over their microscale counterparts especially in composite systems. There is substantial promise for translation, but issues with toxicity, robustness, and reproducibility of these materials in the complex environment of the body must be addressed.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Hawking radiation of extended objects
Authors: Johnson George , March-Russell John
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We compute the effects on the temperature and precise spectrum of Hawking radiation from a Schwarzschild black hole when the emitted object is taken to be spatially extended. We find that in the low-momentum regime, the power emitted is exponentially suppressed for sufficiently large radiated objects, or sufficiently small black holes, though the temperature of emission is unchanged. We numerically determine the magnitude of this suppression as a function of the size and mass of the object and the black hole, and discuss the implications for various extended objects in nature.
Correlation functions in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 Supersymmetric vector matter Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Inbasekar Karthik , Jain Sachin , Malvimat Vinay , Mehta Abhishek , Nayak Pranjal , Sharma Tarun
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Correlation functions of the higher-spin current operators in large N Chern-Simons theories are important to understand approximate higher-spin symmetries in these theories. Moreover, they also provide stronger checks for conjectured dualities in these theories. In this paper, we compute the two, three and four-point functions of the operators in the spin zero multiplet of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 Supersymmetric vector matter Chern-Simons theory at large N to all orders of ’t Hooft coupling. While the two- and three-point functions are computed by solving the Schwinger-Dyson equation, this method becomes intractable for the computation of the four-point functions. Thereby, we use bootstrap method to evaluate four-point function of scalar operator

$$ {J}_0^f=\overline{\psi}\psi $$

J
0
f

=

ψ
¯

ψ

and

$$ {J}_0^b=\overline{\phi}\phi . $$

J
0
b

=

ϕ
¯

ϕ
.

Interestingly, because

$$ \left\langle {J}_0^f{J}_0^f{J}_0^b\right\rangle $$

J
0
f

J
0
f

J
0
b

is a contact term, the four point function of

$$ {J}_0^f $$

J
0
f

operator resembles the corresponding correlation function in the free theory, up to overall coupling constant dependent factors and up to some ‘bulk AdS’ contact terms. On the other hand the

$$ {J}_0^b $$

J
0
b

four-point function receives an additional contribution compared to the free theory expression due to the

$$ {J}_0^f $$

J
0
f

exchange. We find that the double discontinuity of this single trace operator

$$ {J}_0^f $$

J
0
f

vanishes and hence it only contributes to AdS-contact term.
Environmental flexibility in Oulastrea crispata in a highly urbanised environment: a microbial perspective
Authors: Röthig Till , Bravo Henrique , Corley Alison , Prigge Tracey-Leigh , Chung Arthur , Yu Vriko , McIlroy Shelby E. , Bulling Mark , Sweet Michael , Baker David M.
Published: May 2020

Increasing temperatures on a global scale and locally deteriorating water quality affect coral distribution and health. Mechanisms that convey environmental robustness are poorly understood and have been attributed to the coral host, algal symbionts, and prokaryotic associates. Flexibility of the host’s (bacterial) microbiome has been suggested to contribute to environmental robustness, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We therefore utilised the vastly contrasting water quality gradient present along Hong Kong’s highly urbanised coastline to explore whether flexibility in the microbiome of Oulastrea crispata relates to spatial variations in temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, total nitrogen, phosphorus, turbidity, and chlorophyll a. We identified differences in the coral microbiomes between sites, but the measured environmental variables only explained ~ 23% of the variation suggesting other factors are contributing substantially. The observed structural complexity of the microbiome (based on alpha diversity indices) appears to be relatively conserved across the environmental gradient even at sites where no other hard coral can survive. Therefore, we conclude that, at least in O. crispata, flexibility in the microbiome does not appear to underpin the robustness of this broadly distributed coral.