bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of topsoil stoniness using soil type information and airborne gamma-ray data
Authors: Karjalainen Ville , Tokola Timo , Malinen Jukka
Published: June 2021

The stoniness of topsoil can have a significant impact on the cost-effectiveness and quality of work in mechanized forest operations. The operations and their models should be selected on a stand-specific basis, while the physical properties of the soil, including stoniness, to achieve maximum efficiency and to minimize the damage caused by heavy forest machinery. The aim of this study was to examine whether the stoniness of the topsoil can be predicted using the gamma-ray values available from geophysical data collected at low altitude and using soil type information. Stoniness was measured at several sites with various soil types, which were then divided into stoniness index classes (SICs) for further analysis by ordinal regression analysis using gamma-ray and soil type data. The predictions associated with SIC classification were 52% accurate and 79% acceptable (±1 class from the correct class), with kappa values of 0.55 and 0.72, respectively. The SIC prediction results were promising and showed the potential of gamma-ray and soil type data for estimating topsoil stoniness.
PANDA: Predicting the change in proteins binding affinity upon mutations by finding a signal in primary structures
Authors: Abbasi Wajid Arshad , Abbas Syed Ali , Andleeb Saiqa
Published: June 2021

Accurately determining a change in protein binding affinity upon mutations is important to find novel therapeutics and to assist mutagenesis studies. Determination of change in binding affinity upon mutations requires sophisticated, expensive, and time-consuming wet-lab experiments that can be supported with computational methods. Most of the available computational prediction techniques depend upon protein structures that bound their applicability to only protein complexes with recognized 3D structures. In this work, we explore the sequence-based prediction of change in protein binding affinity upon mutation and question the effectiveness of [Formula: see text]-fold cross-validation (CV) across mutations adopted in previous studies to assess the generalization ability of such predictors with no known mutation during training. We have used protein sequence information instead of protein structures along with machine learning techniques to accurately predict the change in protein binding affinity upon mutation. Our proposed sequence-based novel change in protein binding affinity predictor called PANDA performs comparably to the existing methods gauged through an appropriate CV scheme and an external independent test dataset. On an external test dataset, our proposed method gives a maximum Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.52 in comparison to the state-of-the-art existing protein structure-based method called MutaBind which gives a maximum Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.59. Our proposed protein sequence-based method, to predict a change in binding affinity upon mutations, has wide applicability and comparable performance in comparison to existing protein structure-based methods. We made PANDA easily accessible through a cloud-based webserver and python code available at https://sites.google.com/view/wajidarshad/software and https://github.com/wajidarshad/panda , respectively.
Mycotoxin Production inFusariumAccording to Contemporary Species Concepts
Authors: Munkvold Gary P. , Proctor Robert H. , Moretti Antonio
Published: June 2021

Fusarium is one of the most important genera of plant-pathogenic fungi in the world and arguably the world's most important mycotoxin-producing genus. Fusarium species produce a staggering array of toxic metabolites that contribute to plant disease and mycotoxicoses in humans and other animals. A thorough understanding of the mycotoxin potential of individual species is crucial for assessing the toxicological risks associated with Fusarium diseases. There are thousands of reports of mycotoxin production by various species, and there have been numerous attempts to summarize them. These efforts have been complicated by competing classification systems based on morphology, sexual compatibility, and phylogenetic relationships. The current depth of knowledge of Fusarium genomes and mycotoxin biosynthetic pathways provides insights into how mycotoxin production is distributedamong species and multispecies lineages (species complexes) in the genus as well as opportunities to clarify and predict mycotoxin risks connected with known and newly described species. Here, we summarize mycotoxin production in the genus Fusarium and how mycotoxin risk aligns with current phylogenetic species concepts.
Electro-oxidation of Formaldehyde at Sol-Gel Derived Metal Dispersed Carbon Composites
Authors: Pamidi Prasad V.
Published: June 2021

A Summary Report to The Electrochemical Society for the 1997 Colin Garfield Fink Summer Research Fellowship.
Interferon γ neutralization reduces blood pressure, uterine artery resistance index, and placental oxidative stress in placental ischemic rats
Authors: Travis Olivia K. , Tardo Geilda A. , Giachelli Chelsea , Siddiq Shani , Nguyen Henry T. , Crosby Madison T. , Johnson Tyler D. , Brown Andrea K. , Booz George W. , Smith Alex N. , Williams Jan Michael , Cornelius Denise C.
Published: June 2021

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by maternal hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction, and increased cytolytic natural killer cells (cNKs), which secrete interferon γ (IFNγ). However, the precise role of IFNγ in contributing to PE pathophysiology remains unclear. Using the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of placental ischemia, we tested the hypothesis that neutralization of IFNγ in RUPPs will decrease placental reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improve vascular function resulting in decreased MAP and improved fetal growth. On gestation day ( GD) 14, the RUPP procedure was performed and on GDs 15 and 18, a subset of normal pregnant rats (NP) and RUPP rats were injected with 10 μg/kg of an anti-rat IFNγ monoclonal antibody. On GD 18, uterine artery resistance index (UARI) was measured via Doppler ultrasound and on GD 19, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured, animals were euthanized, and blood and tissues were collected for analysis. Increased MAP was observed in RUPP rats compared with NP and was reduced in RUPP + anti-IFNγ. Placental ROS was also increased in RUPP rats compared with NP rats and was normalized in RUPP + anti-IFNγ. Fetal and placental weights were reduced in RUPP rats, but were not improved following anti-IFNγ treatment. However, UARI was elevated in RUPP compared with NP rats and was reduced in RUPP + anti-IFNγ. In conclusion, we observed that IFNγ neutralization reduced MAP, UARI, and placental ROS in RUPP recipients. These data suggest that IFNγ is a potential mechanism by which cNKs contribute to PE pathophysiology and may represent a therapeutic target to improve maternal outcomes in PE.
Effect of Technological Process on True Retention Rate of Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids, Lipid Oxidation and Physical Properties of Canned Smoked Sprat (Sprattus sprattus)
Authors: Domiszewski Zdzisław , Mierzejewska Sylwia
Published: June 2021

In connection with the severe deficiencies of EPA and DHA in the human diet, the industry should provide inexpensive fish products that are characterized by the appropriate lipid quality. The influence of the technological process on true retention rate of EPA and DHA, indicators of lipid oxidation and physical properties, of canned smoked sprat in oil was investigated. It was assumed that the double dose of heat during the technological process (smoking/sterilization) can significantly affect the quality of lipids. The study was carried out on fresh fish and after frozen storage. After smoking, the percentage of EPA and DHA in lipids did not change significantly, while the content of these acids per wet weight (g/100 g) increased by about 20%. During smoking, a faster increase in oxidation products was observed in frozen fish (increase by 22%-36%) than in fresh fish (increase by 31%-54%). Sterilization caused EPA and DHA to be “regrouped” from the fish to the oil rather than their physical losses. After sterilization, the fish retained 70%-77% EPA and DHA content (the rest passed into the oil). EPA and DHA losses were 8.5% higher in canned products obtained from frozen fish compared to fresh fish. True retention should be used to assess changes in EPA and DHA content in fish after sterilization (and not the expression of EPA and DHA content in % or g/100 g). A better indicator of changes in the physical parameters of canned fish after sterilization is the analysis of the proportion of the water layer rather than mass measurement. Despite the double dose of heat that occurred during the canned sprat production process, the peroxide value in fish and in oil did not exceed 10 (mEqO2/kg of lipid) and p-anisidine value did not exceed 20. This means that these lipids were characterized by good quality.
Prognostic Value of the Red Cell Distribution Width in Patients with Sepsis-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Huabin , Huang Junbin , Liao Wenhua , Xu Jiannan , He Zhongyuan , Liu Yong , He Zhijie , Chen Chun
Published: June 2021

Objective. The prognostic value of the red cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is still elusive. This study is aimed at determining whether RDW is a prognostic indicator of sepsis-induced ARDS. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 1161 patients with sepsis-induced ARDS. The datasets were acquired from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. The locally weighted scatter-plot smoothing technique, Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier estimator, and subgroup analysis were carried out to evaluate the association between RDW and 90-day mortality. Results. The RDW and mortality had a roughly linear increasing relationship. The Cox regression model results were as follows: for level 2 (

14.5
%
<
RDW
<
16.2
%

), hazard

ratio
 

HR

=
1.35

, 95% confidence

interval
 

CI

=
1.03
–
1.77

, and for level 3 (

RDW
≥
16.2
%

),

HR
=
2.07

, 95%

CI
=
1.59
–
2.69

. The following results were obtained when RDW was treated as a continuous variable:

HR
=
1.11

,

95
%
CI
=
1.06
–
1.15

. The

P

values of the interaction between the RDW and covariates were greater than 0.05. Conclusion. RDW is a new independent prognostic marker for patients with sepsis-induced ARDS.
Adaptive Reinforcement Learning-Enhanced Motion/Force Control Strategy for Multirobot Systems
Authors: Dao Phuong Nam , Do Duy Khanh , Nguyen Dinh Khue
Published: June 2021

This paper presents an adaptive reinforcement learning- (ARL-) based motion/force tracking control scheme consisting of the optimal motion dynamic control law and force control scheme for multimanipulator systems. Specifically, a new additional term and appropriate state vector are employed in designing the ARL technique for time-varying dynamical systems with online actor/critic algorithm to be established by minimizing the squared Bellman error. Additionally, the force control law is designed after obtaining the computation of constraint force coefficient by the Moore–Penrose pseudo-inverse matrix. The tracking effectiveness of the ARL-based optimal control is verified in the closed-loop system by theoretical analysis. Finally, simulation studies are conducted on a system of three manipulators to validate the physical realization of the proposed optimal tracking control design.
A Frequency Domain Direct Localization Method Based on Distributed Antenna Sensing
Authors: Zhao Gaofeng , Zheng Hao , Li Yingying , Zhu Kehui , Li Jianfeng
Published: June 2021

Traditional two‐step passive localization methods need to extract the parameters like the direction of arrival (DOA), time of arrival (TOA), and time difference of arrival (TDOA) from the original data to determine the source position, which causes the poor positioning accuracy due to error accumulation. In this paper, a direct position determination (DPD) method is proposed to improve the positioning accuracy and robustness, which is based on a correlation algorithm. Firstly, the cost function directly related to the location of the source can be established by synthesizing the data received by multiantenna in the frequency domain. Then, the position of the source is estimated by the correlation DPD method to search the monitoring area. Compared to the improved TDOA algorithm and Least Squares DPD algorithm, the proposed method shows better localization accuracy of different SNRs. Finally, based on real measured data, it can be seen that the results of the proposed algorithm are better than the improved TDOA algorithm.
The Prevalence of High Carcinogenic Risk of HPV Genotypes among HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative MSM from Russia
Authors: Beliakov Ilia , Senina Maria , Tyulenev Yuriy , Novoselova Elena , Surovtsev Viktor , Guschin Alexander
Published: June 2021

Objective. Men who have sex with men (MSM) have a high risk of lifelong anal cancer caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anal canal HR HPV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) with and without HIV infection in Moscow (Russia). We evaluated associations of some HIV coinfections (HSV and CMV) and HPV distribution among MSM with and without HIV infection. Methods. Two groups of HIV-positive (n = 60) and HIV-negative (n = 60) MSM were evaluated in the study. Fourteen high-risk (HR) HPV types, HSV1/2, and CMV were investigated in men anal swabs. Results. HR HPVs were found with nearly the same frequency of 66.7% in both groups: HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM. HIV-positive status was statistically associated with the presence of several (more than two) HPV types (

p
=
0.044

). The most prevalent HR HPV genotypes were HPV18, HPV16, HPV56, and HPV33 for HIV-positive MSM and HPV56, HPV51, HPV66, and HPV16 for HIV-negatives. We found a statistically significant association of five HR HPV types with HIV status of MSM: HPV16 (

p
=
0.028

), HPV18 (

p
=
0.00006

), HPV58 (

p
=
0.003

), HPV33 (

p
=
0.019

), and HPV39 (

p
=
0.026

). The frequency of HSV1 (1.7%) and HSV2 (10%) infections and CMV (3.3%) infection was evaluated in the group of HIV-positive MSM. The frequency of HSV1 (5%) and HSV2 (6.7%) infections and CMV (0%) infection was evaluated, as well, in the group of HIV-negative MSM. Conclusion. Multiple HPV genotypes were detected significantly more often than single HPV genotype in the group of HIV-positive MSM. According to our data, 25% of HIV-positive MSM have HPV39; this is the only one of the five types of HR HPV (16, 18, 58, 33, and 39) associated with this group of MSM that has not yet been included in the HPV vaccines available on the market.
Coordinated Control of Distributed Traffic Signal Based on Multiagent Cooperative Game
Authors: Zhang Zhenghua , Qian Jin , Fang Chongxin , Liu Guoshu , Su Quan
Published: June 2021

In the adaptive traffic signal control (ATSC), reinforcement learning (RL) is a frontier research hotspot, combined with deep neural networks to further enhance its learning ability. The distributed multiagent RL (MARL) can avoid this kind of problem by observing some areas of each local RL in the complex plane traffic area. However, due to the limited communication capabilities between each agent, the environment becomes partially visible. This paper proposes multiagent reinforcement learning based on cooperative game (CG‐MARL) to design the intersection as an agent structure. The method considers not only the communication and coordination between agents but also the game between agents. Each agent observes its own area to learn the RL strategy and value function, then concentrates the Q function from different agents through a hybrid network, and finally forms its own final Q function in the entire large‐scale transportation network. The results show that the proposed method is superior to the traditional control method.
Grandparental Childcare and Second Birth in China: Evidence from a Dynamic Model and Empirical Study
Authors: Wang Ye , Zhao Xindong
Published: June 2021

The availability of nonparental childcare may be an important factor that influences reproductive decisions. While there is still a shortage of formal childcare service in China, grandparents are one primary source of childcare for their grandchildren. However, impact evaluations regarding the contribution of grandparenting on fertility level in China are still limited; the established evaluation results are not conclusive, especially for the birth of the second child. In this paper, we provide a theoretical justification and an empirical study of the influence of grandparental childcare on the second birth. By introducing a dynamic general equilibrium (DGE) model, this study proves that intergenerational childcare plays a critical role in both boosting the fertility level and maintaining its positive tendency. Drawing on the nationally representative data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey in 2016, we estimate the treatment effects of grandparental childcare for the first child on the second birth with the Propensity Score Matching method. After controlling the self‐selection bias, the results show that intergenerational childcare can positively affect the second birth. Sensitivity analysis results show the relative robustness of our empirical estimates to potential hidden bias attributed to unobserved variables. We also draw policy implications from the analysis, calling for government policies not only to promote sustainable and healthy development of the childcare industry but also to support family life, especially grandparental childcare.
Segmentation of Online Freehand Sketching Based on Speed Feature
Authors: Wang Guanfeng , Wang Shouxia , Kang Jingjing , Wang Shuxia
Published: June 2021

We present a novel method to extract speed feature points for segmenting hand-drawn strokes into geometric primitives. The method consists of three steps. Firstly, the input strokes are classified into uniform and nonuniform speed strokes, representing a stroke drawn at relatively constant or uneven speeds, respectively. Then, a sharpening filter is used to enhance the peak features of the uniform speed strokes. Finally, a three-threshold technique that uses the average speed of the pen and its upper and lower deviations is used to extract speed feature points of strokes. We integrate the proposed method into our freehand sketch recognition (FSR) system to improve its robustness to support multiprimitive strokes. Through a user study with 8 participants, we demonstrate that the proposed method achieves higher segmentation efficiency in finding speed feature points than the existing method based on a single speed threshold.
Bridge Extraction Algorithm Based on Deep Learning and High-Resolution Satellite Image
Authors: Yang Wenbing , Gao Xiaoqi , Zhang Chunlei , Tong Feng , Chen Guantian , Xiao Zhijian
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a novel method of extracting roads and bridges from high-resolution remote sensing images based on deep learning. Edge detection is performed on the images in the road area along with the road skeleton line, and the result of the detected binary edge is vectorized. The interference of protective belts on both sides of the road, road vehicles, road green belts, traffic signs, etc. and the shadow interference of the bridge itself are eliminated to determine the parallel sides of the road. The bridge features on the road are used to locate the detected bridge and obtain information such as the location, length, width, and direction of the bridge, verifying the experimental results of the Shaoguan Le point images. In addition, in order to learn higher-level road feature information, the algorithm in this paper introduces the hollow convolution and multicore pooling modules. Secondly, the residual refinement network further refines the output of the prediction network to improve the ambiguity of the prediction network results. In addition, in view of the small proportion of road pixels in remote sensing images, the network also integrates binary cross entropy, structural similarity, and intersection ratio loss function to reduce road information loss. The applicability of the proposed study was tested, and the results show that the algorithm is very effective for the extraction of road and bridge targets.
Patient-Derived Xenograft Engraftment and Breast Cancer Outcomes in a Prospective Neoadjuvant Study (BEAUTY)
Authors: Boughey Judy C. , Suman Vera J. , Yu Jia , Santo Katelyn , Sinnwell Jason P. , Carter Jodi M. , Kalari Krishna R. , Tang Xiaojia , McLaughlin Sarah A. , Moreno-Aspitia Alvaro , Northfelt Donald W. , Gray Richard J. , Hunt Katie N. , Conners Amy Lynn , Ingle James N. , Moyer Ann , Weinshilboum Richard , Copland John A. , Wang Liewei , Goetz Matthew P.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) are a research tool for studying cancer biology and drug response phenotypes. While engraftment rates are higher for tumors with more aggressive characteristics, it is uncertain whether engraftment is prognostic for cancer recurrence.

Patients and Methods:

In a prospective study of patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with taxane ± trastuzumab followed by anthracycline-based chemotherapy, we report the association between breast cancer events and PDX engraftment using tumors derived from treatment naïve (pre-NAC biopsies from 113 patients) and treatment resistant (post-NAC at surgery from 34 patients). Gray test was used to assess whether the cumulative incidence of a breast cancer event differs with respect to either pre-NAC PDX engraftment or post-NAC PDX engraftment.

Results:

With a median follow-up of 5.7 years, the cumulative incidence of breast cancer relapse did not differ significantly according to pre-NAC PDX engraftment (5-year rate: 13.6% vs. 13.4%; P = 0.89). However, the incidence of a breast event was greater for patients with post-NAC PDX engraftment (5-year rate: 50.0% vs. 19.6%), but this did not achieve significance (P = 0.11).

Conclusions:

In treatment-naïve breast cancer receiving standard NAC, PDX engraftment was not prognostic for breast cancer recurrence. Further study is needed to establish whether PDX engraftment in the treatment-resistant setting is prognostic for cancer recurrence.
A Role for SMARCB1 in Synovial Sarcomagenesis Reveals That SS18–SSX Induces Canonical BAF Destruction
Authors: Li Jinxiu , Mulvihill Timothy S. , Li Li , Barrott Jared J. , Nelson Mary L. , Wagner Lena , Lock Ian C. , Pozner Amir , Lambert Sydney Lynn , Ozenberger Benjamin B. , Ward Michael B. , Grossmann Allie H. , Liu Ting , Banito Ana , Cairns Bradley R. , Jones Kevin B.
Published: June 2021

Reduced protein levels of SMARCB1 (also known as BAF47, INI1, SNF5) have long been observed in synovial sarcoma. Here, we show that combined Smarcb1 genetic loss with SS18–SSX expression in mice synergized to produce aggressive tumors with histomorphology, transcriptomes, and genome-wide BAF-family complex distributions distinct from SS18–SSX alone, indicating a defining role for SMARCB1 in synovial sarcoma. Smarcb1 silencing alone in mesenchyme modeled epithelioid sarcomagenesis. In mouse and human synovial sarcoma cells, SMARCB1 was identified within PBAF and canonical BAF (CBAF) complexes, coincorporated with SS18–SSX in the latter. Recombinant expression of CBAF components in human cells reconstituted CBAF subcomplexes that contained equal levels of SMARCB1 regardless of SS18 or SS18–SSX inclusion. In vivo, SS18–SSX expression led to whole-complex CBAF degradation, rendering increases in the relative prevalence of other BAF-family subtypes, PBAF and GBAF complexes, over time. Thus, SS18–SSX alters BAF subtypes levels/balance and genome distribution, driving synovial sarcomagenesis.

Significance:

The protein level of BAF component SMARCB1 is reduced in synovial sarcoma but plays a defining role, incorporating into PBAF and SS18–SSX-containing canonical BAF complexes. Reduced levels of SMARCB1 derive from whole-complex degradation of canonical BAF driven by SS18–SSX, with relative increases in the abundance of other BAF-family subtypes.

See related commentary by Maxwell and Hargreaves, p. 2375

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2355
Peripapillary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Metastasis: A Novel Approach to Treatment
Authors: Ip Colin S. , Raizen Yuval , Goldfarb David , Kegley Eric , Munoz Jose , Schefler Amy C.
Published: June 2021

Peripapillary and circumpapillary retinal intraocular metastases are rare and present a treatment challenge for ophthalmologists because of the high risk of iatrogenic injury to the optic nerve. There are no clear guidelines on the management of these lesions, and many clinicians will initially observe for improvement of the metastases with systemic chemotherapy before considering local therapy with external beam radiation. Radiation to the optic disc carries a significant risk of injuring the optic nerve, leading to worsening of vision. Alternative treatment approaches are needed. We present a patient with large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with metastasis to the peripapillary retina who was treated with intravitreal topotecan and with intravitreal aflibercept. Serial fundus photos, ultrasound, and optical coherence tomography demonstrated a reduction in size of the lesion and a decrease in subretinal fluid with intravitreal topotecan and aflibercept. In addition, visual acuity was stabilized during treatment. Intravitreal chemotherapy for intraocular metastases in vision-sensitive areas such as the peripapillary retina may be a viable alternative for patients who seek to preserve their vision and maintain their quality of life.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Alzheimer’s Biomarkers and Neurofilament Light Profile of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus in China: A PUMCH Cohort Study
Authors: Mao Chenhui , Sha Longze , Liu Caiyan , Chu Shanshan , Li Jie , Huang Xinying , Lei Dan , Wang Jie , Dong Liling , Xu Qi , Peng Bin , Cui Li-Ying , Gao Jing
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is one of the potentially reversible dementias. Early and accurate diagnosis is important for patients’ prognosis. Emerging evidence shows fluid biomarkers are useful in diagnosis and pathophysiological research of iNPH. Methods: Probable iNPH and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients were recruited. Clinical diagnosis was performed according to international guidelines. CSF collection complied with a standard protocol. Commercial accessible ELISA kits were introduced for measurement of CSF t-tau, p-tau181, Aβ42, and NfL. Results: Twenty-seven iNPH, 27 AD, and 18 controls were included. The profiles of CSF t-tau, p-tau181, and t-tau/Aβ42 in the iNPH and AD were significantly different (p < 0.0001). The profiles of CSF t-tau, p-tau181, and t-tau/Aβ42 in the iNPH and control were not different (p > 0.05). Level of CSF Aβ42 in iNPH was significantly lower than control (p < 0.0001) and also significantly higher than AD (p < 0.05). NfL level in iNPH and AD was increased, but its level in iNPH was significantly lower than that in AD (p = 0.005). NfL and t-tau level in the iNPH group was significantly correlated (coefficient = 0.649, p = 0.005), but not in AD (coefficient = 0.298, p = 0.157). Conclusion: Alzheimer’s CSF biomarker profile of iNPH subjects showed moderately decreased Aβ42 and normal t-tau, p-tau181, and t-tau/Aβ42, which was distinguishable from AD. The different profiles and correlation of t-tau and NfL suggested different pathophysiology of AD and iNPH. t-tau was relatively an AD-specific neurodegenerative biomarker compared to NfL.
Perceived Versus Objective Change in Walking Ability in Peripheral Artery Disease: Results from 3 Randomized Clinical Trials of Exercise Therapy
Authors: McDermott Mary M. , Tian Lu , Criqui Michael H. , Ferrucci Luigi , Greenland Philip , Guralnik Jack M. , Kibbe Melina R. , Li Lingyu , Sufit Robert , Zhao Lihui , Polonsky Tamar S.
Published: June 2021

Background

In people with lower‐extremity peripheral artery disease, the effects of exercise on patient‐reported outcomes remain unclear.

Methods and Results

Four hundred four people with peripheral artery disease in 3 clinical trials were randomized to exercise (N=205) or a control group (N=199) and completed the 6‐minute walk and the Walking Impairment Questionnaire distance score (score 0–100, 100=best) at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up. Compared with the control group, exercise improved 6‐minute walk distance by +39.8 m (95% CI, 26.8–52.8,
P
<0.001) and the Walking Impairment Questionnaire distance score by +7.3 (95% CI, 2.4–12.1,
P
=0.003). In all, 2828 individual Walking Impairment Questionnaire distance score questions were completed at baseline and follow‐up. Among participants who perceived no change in ability to walk 1 or more distances between baseline and follow‐up, 6‐minute walk improved in the exercise group and declined in the control group (+26.8 versus −6.5 m,
P
<0.001). Among participants who perceived that their walking ability worsened for 1 or more distances between baseline and follow‐up, the 6‐minute walk improved in the exercise group and declined in the control group (+18.4 versus –27.3 m,
P
<0.001). Among participants who reported worsening calf symptoms at follow‐up, the exercise group improved and the control group declined (+28.9 versus −12.5 m,
P
<0.01).

Conclusions

In 3 randomized trials, exercise significantly improved the 6‐minute walk distance in people with peripheral artery disease, but many participants randomized to exercise reported no change or decline in walking ability. These findings suggest a significant discrepancy in objectively measured walking improvement relative to perceived walking improvement in people with peripheral artery disease.

Registration Information

clinicaltrials.gov. Identifiers: NCT 00106327, NCT 01408901.
Objective Assessment of Daytime Napping and Incident Heart Failure in 1140 Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: A Prospective, Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Li Peng , Gaba Arlen , Wong Patricia M. , Cui Longchang , Yu Lei , Bennett David A. , Buchman Aron S. , Gao Lei , Hu Kun
Published: June 2021

Background

Disrupted nighttime sleep has been associated with heart failure (HF). However, the relationship between daytime napping, an important aspect of sleep behavior commonly seen in older adults, and HF remains unclear. We sought to investigate the association of objectively assessed daytime napping and risk of incident HF during follow‐up.

Methods and Results

We studied 1140 older adults (age, 80.7±7.4 [SD] years; female sex, 867 [76.1%]) in the Rush Memory and Aging Project who had no HF at baseline and were followed annually for up to 14 years. Motor activity (ie, actigraphy) was recorded for ≈10 days at baseline. We assessed daytime napping episodes between 9
am
and 7
pm
objectively from actigraphy using a previously published algorithm for sleep detection. Cox proportional hazards models examined associations of daily napping duration and frequency with incident HF. Eighty‐six participants developed incident HF, and the mean onset time was 5.7 years (SD, 3.4; range, 1–14). Participants who napped longer than 44.4 minutes (ie, the median daily napping duration) showed a 1.73‐fold higher risk of developing incident HF than participants who napped <44.4 minutes. Consistently, participants who napped >1.7 times/day (ie, the median daily napping frequency) showed a 2.20‐fold increase compared with participants who napped <1.7 times/day. These associations persisted after adjustment for covariates, including nighttime sleep, comorbidities, and cardiovascular disease/risk factors.

Conclusions

Longer and more frequent objective napping predicted elevated future risk of developing incident HF. Future studies are needed to establish underlying mechanisms.
Patterns of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Years Before Pregnancy in Nulliparous Women With and Without Preterm Birth and Small‐for‐Gestational‐Age Delivery
Authors: Retnakaran Ravi , Shah Baiju R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Women with either preterm or small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) delivery have an elevated lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease that has been attributed to the accrual of vascular risk factors over time. We sought to determine whether an adverse cardiovascular risk factor profile develops in the years before pregnancies complicated by preterm delivery or SGA.

Methods and Results

Using administrative databases, we identified all 156 278 nulliparous women in Ontario, Canada, who had singleton pregnancies between January 2011 and December 2018 and ≥2 measurements of the following analytes between January 2008 and the start of pregnancy: glycosylated hemoglobin, glucose, lipids, and alanine aminotransferase. There were 11 078 women with preterm delivery and 19 367 with SGA. The 2 most recent pregravid tests were performed at median 0.6 (interquartile range, 0.3–1.4) and 1.9 (interquartile range, 1.1–3.3) years before pregnancy, respectively. Women with preterm delivery had higher pregravid glycosylated hemoglobin, glucose, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and alanine aminotransferase, and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, than those without preterm delivery. In contrast, women with SGA had lower pregravid fasting glucose, random glucose, and triglycerides than those without SGA. In the years before pregnancy, women with preterm delivery had higher annual increases than their peers in glycosylated hemoglobin (0.7‐times higher), triglycerides (7.9‐times higher), and alanine aminotransferase (2.2‐times higher). During this time, fasting glucose increased in women who developed preterm delivery but decreased in their peers.

Conclusions

An adverse cardiovascular risk factor profile evolves over time in the years before pregnancy complicated by preterm delivery, but does not necessarily precede SGA.
Shifting Interactions and Countershifting Opacity: A Note on Opacity in Harmonic Serialism
Authors: Rasin Ezer
Published: June 2021

This squib proposes to extend the traditional taxonomy of pairwise process interactions (which contains “feeding,” “bleeding,” “counterfeeding,” and “counterbleeding”) to include the classes “shifting” and “countershifting.” A process “shifts” another if it does not feed or bleed it but rather causes it to apply in a different way. “Countershifting” is the opaque counterfactual inverse of shifting, and it fills a terminological gap identified by Kiparsky (2015). The class of countershifting interactions is claimed to be theoretically significant: Harmonic Serialism is able to apply the opaque process in countershifting interactions but generally not in counterfeeding or counterbleeding.
Examining the Impact of STEAM Education Reform on Teachers’ Perceptions about STEAM in Uzbekistan
Authors: Lee Yumi
Published: June 2021

In an effort to reform education, Uzbekistan has adopted STEAM education as a basic principle of educational reform. However, as these efforts are largely being made from a top-down manner, knowledge about STEAM education in schools and informal settings is not yet well known. This paper introduces Uzbekistan’s general education status and shares findings from surveys and interviews with in- and pre-service teachers, and professors about STEAM education. In addition, newspaper articles and government documents about STEAM education were analyzed to understanding how education reforms are being established. STEAM education is explored as a potential tool for helping to improve science teaching and learning in the Uzbekistan education system. Using survey responses and interviews, this paper shares how teachers think of STEAM education and makes suggestions for how the government can more effectively achieve reform goals related to STEAM education.
Preparation of Novel Ag–Si–TiO2 Composite and Research on Its Photocatalytic Degradation of Formaldehyde
Authors: Wu Yongjun , Xie Nina , Yu Lu
Published: June 2021

A novel Ag–Si–TiO2 composite was prepared via sol–gel method for removing residual formaldehyde in shiitake mushroom. The structure of Ag–Si–TiO2 composite was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron
microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and N2 adsorption-desorption tests showed that Ag and Si co-doped decreased the band gap, the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific
surface area of the samples increased and the recombination probability of electron-hole pairs (e--h+) reduced. Effect on removal rate of formaldehyde with different Ag-Si co-doped content, formaldehyde concentration and solution pH were investigated, and
the results showed that 6.0 wt%Ag-3.0 wt%Si-TiO2 samples had an optimum catalytic performance, and the degradation efficiency reached 96.6% after 40 W 365 nm UV lamp irradiation for 360 min. The kinetics of formaldehyde degradation by Ag–Si–TiO2 composite
photocatalyst could be described by Langmuir-Hinshelwood first-order kinetic model.
Genipin-Cross-Linked Layer-by-Layer Chitosan/Hydroxyapatite Composite Rod for Bone Fracture Fixation
Authors: Wang Xing-Ming , Zhi Wei , Liu Liu , Pu Xi-Ming
Published: June 2021

The synthesis and optimization of chitosan-based inorganic/organic composites have gained growing interest in the last years. In the current study, genipin crosslinked hydroxyapatite/Chitosan (HA/CHI) composite rods (GCHR), which had been prepared and reported in our prevenient studies,
were further evaluated via their formation of layer-by-layer structure, cross-linking degree and so on. The cross-linking degree in the range of 28.73∼43.32% was moderate for the in situ periodic precipitation and the formation of homogeneous HA/CHI/Genipin composite rods. In this
range the composite rods could obtain a complex structure combined with layer-by-layer structure and radial spokes structure. Benifiting from the special structure, the rods can obtain superior mechanical properties and become fresh device for internal fixation of fracture. Mouse bone marrow
mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs) were co-cultured with extract of the GCHR100 rods to evaluate the cytocompatibility of the composite. The results showed that the leachate of the GCHR100 rods significantly up-regulated osteogenesis-related genes like ALP, Runx2 and OCN after 7 days compared
with control (P< 0.05).
Effect of Overheating and Incorrect Material Selection on Power Plant Superheater Tube
Authors: Mahmoud Essam R. I. , Tirth Vineet , Algahtani Ali , Aljabri A. , Khan Sohaib Z.
Published: June 2021

The present investigation portrays the tube failure in the superheater used in the power plants. The failure occurred after only three months of operation, by longitudinal fish-mouth rupture. The operating pressure of the object boiler is 192 bar while the temperature of its superheater
steam is 540 °C. The failed tubes were fabricated from standard Si killed carbon steel. Many longitudinal parallel fine crack-like grooves were detected at the outer surface of the rupture area. Metallurgical examinations revealed that the failed tube remained subjected to overheating
for the short-term. According to the analysis of the failed tubes, the temperature reached over 600 °C by insufficient coolant flow or unpredicted operating conditions. The carbon steel emerged as an underperforming material for the applications in superheater tubes, and it is highly recommended
to replace the carbon steel by a high-grade Cr-Mo steel.
Preparation of Targeted Drug-Loaded Nanobubbles and Its Effect in Improvement of Renal Function in Patients with Hyperuricemia
Authors: Xia Han , Zhang Yujing , Guo Gengxin , Liu Aixiang , Liu Jing
Published: June 2021

The effects of targeted drug-loaded nanobubble (DLNB) on the treatment of patients with hyperuricemia (HUA) and the improvement of renal function were explored by constructing targeted DLNB. G250 targeted allopurinol-loaded NB (ANBs) was prepared by filming-rehydration method and its
physicochemical properties were investigated. A total of 80 patients with HUA admitted to the hospital from July 2017 to July 2019 were selected and divided into control group and experimental group, with 40 patients in each group, treated for 4 weeks. Blood UA (UA), total cholesterol (TC),
triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood creatinine (Cr) and other related indicators were compared before and after treatment. Targeted ANBs was successfully
constructed and its targeting in vitro was guaranteed. The effective rate of control group was 65.00%, and that of experimental group was 77.50%, with evident difference (P < 0.05). In contrast to control group, UA, TC, TG, HDL, and LDL were notably decreased in the experimental
group after treatment, and the difference was evident (P < 0.05). ALT, AST, BU, and Cr also showed notable improvement (P < 0.05). Targeted ANBs had good therapeutic effect on patients with HUA, and it also played a certain role in improving liver function and kidney function
in HUA patients.
Influence of Dust on the Initiation of Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth Events
Authors: Liu Yonggang , Liu Peng , Li Dawei , Peng Yiran , Hu Yongyun
Published: June 2021

It has been demonstrated previously that atmospheric dust loading during the Precambrian could have been an order of magnitude higher than in the present day and could have cooled the global climate by more than 10 °C. Here, using the fully coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation model CESM1.2.2, we determine whether such dust loading could have facilitated the formation of Neoproterozoic snowball Earth events. Our results indicate global dust emission decreases as atmospheric CO2concentration (pCO2) decreases due to increasing snow coverage, but atmospheric dust loading does not change or even increases due to decreasing precipitation and strengthening June-July-August (JJA) Hadley circulation. The latter lifts more dust particles to high altitude and thus increases the lifetime of these particles. As the climate becomes colder and the surface albedo higher, the cooling effect of dust becomes weaker; when the global mean surface temperature is approximately -13 °C, dust has negligible cooling effect. The thresholdpCO2at which Earth enters a snowball state is between 280 to 140 ppmv when there is no dust, and is similar when there is relatively light dust loading (~4.4 times present-day value). However, the thresholdpCO2decreases dramatically to between 70 to 35 ppmv when there is heavy dust loading (~33 times present-day value), due to the decrease in planetary albedo which increases the energy input into the climate system. Therefore, dust makes it more difficult for Earth to enter a snowball state.
How Different Are They? Comparing Teacher Preparation Offered by Traditional, Alternative, and Residency Pathways
Authors: Matsko Kavita Kapadia , Ronfeldt Matthew , Nolan Hillary Greene
Published: June 2021

Nontraditional teacher preparation pathways were designed to offer different forms of preparation meant to attract different populations of teachers; however, prior literature suggests they may not provide as much of an alternative as initially intended. Drawing on surveys of nearly 800 preservice student teachers and their mentor teachers, we offer a descriptive overview comparing traditional, alternative, and residency pathways preparing teachers in Chicago Public Schools. Our study provides evidence that nontraditional forms of teacher preparation in Chicago do indeed provide unique routes of entry into the profession. We find substantive differences in the kinds of preparation that these pathways offer, including features of preparation such as program and student teaching duration and methods course load, which are often assumed to differ. We also find differences in features not historically studied including mentor characteristics and experiences, types of mentoring provided, and supports received by mentors.
Development, fabrication and evaluation of passive interface gloves
Authors: Mehmood Adnan , He Han , Chen Xiaochen , Khan Zahangir , Ihalainen Tiina , Virkki Johanna
Published: June 2021

Previously, glove-integrated communication based on gestures, hand movement and finger touch had a complex operating system and an active power source was needed. This paper introduces batteryless and maintenance-free interface gloves. Our solution is based on passive ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, comprising four electro-textile antenna parts and three RFID microchips (each with a unique ID). The three RFID microchips have unique IDs, which can be activated by the gentle touch of the human finger and used to control the surrounding technology. The aim is to evaluate the reliability of different conductive materials and microchip attachment methods. The antennas are fabricated from two different materials: a stretchable and a non-stretchable commercial electro-textile. Further, two types of microchip attachment methods are used with both antenna materials: a conductive silver epoxy and embroidery with conductive multifilament silver-plated thread. The developed interface gloves are tested by six users in a home and in an office environment, where they achieve 93–100% success rates. Especially those glove interfaces with the antennas fabricated from the non-stretchable electro-textile and the antenna-microchip interconnections embroidered with conductive thread showed good read ranges (80–110 cm). The gloves also show practical functionality, when tested with a mobile reader in practical identification and access control application. These results are very encouraging, especially when considering that the interface glove, being maintenance-free and cost-effective, promises versatile and interesting applications for customizing user-friendly augmentative and alternative communication solutions, easy controlling of ambient assisted-living applications, and providing simple identification and access control for increased safety and comfort.
Linkages Between Agriculture and Nutrition in Bihar
Authors: Pandey Aviral
Published: June 2021

Despite high growth, nutritional deficiencies remain a critical problem, affecting infants, children, men and women in Bihar. Although, there is an improvement in the situation of malnutrition in the state, the agenda remains incomplete. Studies show that agriculture plays an important role in the improvement of nutritional levels. Though the state government has initiated schemes related to agricultural development in the region, the prevalence of malnutrition among children, a high infant mortality rate and a high percentage of men and women with low body mass index (BMI) continue to raise serious questions about the connection between agriculture and nutrition in Bihar. Against this background, the present study seeks to identify linkages between agriculture and nutritional status in the state. The findings of this study is based on a correlation analysis and factor analysis, using cross-section data collected from secondary sources. The analysis indicates that diversification in agriculture, an improvement in women’s literacy levels and women’s access to household resources has had a significant impact on the nutritional situation in Bihar.
Book review: Sujata Patel, ed. 2020. Exploring Sociabilities of Contemporary India: New Perspectives
Authors: Sonkar Madhulika
Published: June 2021

Sujata Patel, ed. 2020. Exploring Sociabilities of Contemporary India: New Perspectives. Hyderabad: Orient Blackswan. 328 pp. Notes, index. Rs 945 (hardback)
Book review: Sudha Sitharaman and Anindita Chakrabarti, eds. 2020. Religion and Secularities: Reconfiguring Islam in Contemporary India
Authors: Farah Sumbul
Published: June 2021

Sudha Sitharaman and Anindita Chakrabarti, eds. 2020. Religion and Secularities: Reconfiguring Islam in Contemporary India. Hyderabad: Orient Blackswan. 240 pp. Rs. 795 (hardback).