bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcortical Volumes as Early Predictors of Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Fleischer Vinzenz , Ciolac Dumitru , Gonzalez‐Escamilla Gabriel , Grothe Matthias , Strauss Sebastian , Molina Galindo Lara S. , Radetz Angela , Salmen Anke , Lukas Carsten , Klotz Luisa , Meuth Sven G. , Bayas Antonios , Paul Friedemann , Hartung Hans‐Peter , Heesen Christoph , Stangel Martin , Wildemann Brigitte , Then Bergh Florian , Tackenberg Björn , Kümpfel Tania , Zettl Uwe K. , Knop Matthias , Tumani Hayrettin , Wiendl Heinz , Gold Ralf , Bittner Stefan , Zipp Frauke , Groppa Sergiu , Muthuraman Muthuraman ,   the German Competence Network Multiple Sclerosis (KKNMS)
Published: December 2021

Objective

Fatigue is a frequent and severe symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS), but its pathophysiological origin remains incompletely understood. We aimed to examine the predictive value of subcortical gray matter volumes for fatigue severity at disease onset and after 4 years by applying structural equation modeling (SEM).

Methods

This multicenter cohort study included 601 treatment‐naive patients with MS after the first demyelinating event. All patients underwent a standardized 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. A subgroup of 230 patients with available clinical follow‐up data after 4 years was also analyzed. Associations of subcortical volumes (included into SEM) with MS‐related fatigue were studied regarding their predictive value. In addition, subcortical regions that have a central role in the brain network (hubs) were determined through structural covariance network (SCN) analysis.

Results

Predictive causal modeling identified volumes of the caudate (s [standardized path coefficient] = 0.763, p = 0.003 [left]; s = 0.755, p = 0.006 [right]), putamen (s = 0.614, p = 0.002 [left]; s = 0.606, p = 0.003 [right]) and pallidum (s = 0.606, p = 0.012 [left]; s = 0.606, p = 0.012 [right]) as prognostic factors for fatigue severity in the cross‐sectional cohort. Moreover, the volume of the pons was additionally predictive for fatigue severity in the longitudinal cohort (s = 0.605, p = 0.013). In the SCN analysis, network hubs in patients with fatigue worsening were detected in the putamen (p = 0.008 [left]; p = 0.007 [right]) and pons (p = 0.0001).

Interpretation

We unveiled predictive associations of specific subcortical gray matter volumes with fatigue in an early and initially untreated MS cohort. The colocalization of these subcortical structures with network hubs suggests an early role of these brain regions in terms of fatigue evolution. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:192–202
Analysis of synchronization of multiple identical metronomes on a cart via describing function approach
Authors: Xin Xin , Liu Yannian , Hara Shinji , Muraoka Yoshinori
Published: December 2021

Based on the describing function (DF) approach, we study how to obtain analytically the synchronization ofnidentical metronomes on a cart in this paper. To start with, by using the fact that the torque of each metronome is a discontinuous function of its angle and angular velocity, we obtain the formulae of its DF. Next, we present a unified DF solution of the two types of synchronization for which the amplitude of the first harmonic of the angle of each metronome is identical. One type is called the out‐of‐phase synchronization for which all metronomes do not have an identical phase, and the other type is called the in‐phase synchronization for which all metronomes have an identical phase. We reveal some properties of these two types of synchronization. We validate thefilter hypothesisand show that it is indeed critical for guaranteeing the success of using the DF approach to analyze the synchronization modes of the metronomes on a cart. Finally, we report in detail our numerical simulations for two and three identical metronomes using the physical parameters of the metronomes in the literature to validate the obtained analytical results and show certain robustness regarding small parameter differences of the synchronization prediction.
Features that best define the heterogeneity and homogeneity of autism in preschool‐age children: A multisite case–control analysis replicated across two independent samples
Authors: Wiggins Lisa D. , Tian Lin H. , Rubenstein Eric , Schieve Laura , Daniels Julie , Pazol Karen , DiGuiseppi Carolyn , Barger Brian , Moody Eric , Rosenberg Steven , Bradley Chyrise , Hsu Melanie , Robinson Rosenberg Cordelia , Christensen Deborah , Crume Tessa , Pandey Juhi , Levy Susan E.
Published: December 2021

The heterogeneous nature of children with symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) makes it difficult to identify risk factors and effective treatment options. We sought to identify behavioral and developmental features that best define the heterogeneity and homogeneity in 2–5‐year‐old children classified with ASD and subthreshold ASD characteristics. Children were enrolled in a multisite case–control study of ASD. Detailed behavioral and developmental data were gathered by maternal telephone interview, parent‐administered questionnaires, child cognitive evaluation, and ASD diagnostic measures. Participants with a positive ASD screen score or prior ASD diagnosis were referred for comprehensive evaluation. Children in the ASD group met study criteria based on this evaluation; children who did not meet study criteria were categorized as having subthreshold ASD characteristics. There were 1480 children classified as ASD (81.6% boys) and 594 children classified as having subthreshold ASD characteristics (70.2% boys) in the sample. Factors associated with dysregulation (e.g., aggression, anxiety/depression, sleep problems) followed by developmental abilities (e.g., expressive and receptive language skills) most contributed to heterogeneity in both groups of children. Atypical sensory response contributed to homogeneity in children classified as ASD but not those with subthreshold characteristics. These findings suggest that dysregulation and developmental abilities are clinical features that can impact functioning in children with ASD and other DD, and that documenting these features in pediatric records may help meet the needs of the individual child. Sensory dysfunction could be considered a core feature of ASD and thus used to inform more targeted screening, evaluation, treatment, and research efforts.

Lay summary

The diverse nature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) makes it difficult to find risk factors and treatment options. We identified the most dissimilar and most similar symptom(s) in children classified as ASD and as having subthreshold ASD characteristics. Factors associated with dysregulation and developmental abilities contributed to diversity in both groups of children. Sensory dysfunction was the most common symptom in children with ASD but not those with subthreshold characteristics. Findings can inform clinical practice and research.
Enhancement of triterpene production via in situ extractive fermentation of Sanghuangporus vaninii YC‐1
Authors: Xia Yongjun , Yang Caiyun , Liu Xiaofeng , Wang Guangqiang , Xiong Zhiqiang , Song Xin , Yang Yijin , Zhang Hui , Ai Lianzhong
Published: December 2021

There have been many studies on the activities and polysaccharide production of Sanghuangporus vaninii. However, few studies have looked at triterpene production from S. vaninii using liquid‐state fermentation. A method for enhancing the production of triterpenes by in situ extractive fermentation (ISEF) was studied. Eight solvents were investigated as extractants for triterpene production in the ISEF system. The results showed that using vegetable oil as an extractant significantly increased the yield of total triterpenes and biomass of S. vaninii YC‐1, reaching 18.98 ± 0.71 and 44.67 ± 2.21 g/L, respectively. In 5 L fermenter experiments, the added vegetable oil improved the dissolved oxygen condition of the fermentation broth and promoted the growth of S. vaninii YC‐1. Furthermore, adding vegetable oil increased the expression of fatty acid synthesis‐related genes such as FAD2 and SCD, thereby increasing the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in the cell membrane of S. vaninii YC‐1. Therefore, the cell membrane permeability of S. vaninii YC‐1 increased by 19%. Our results indicated that vegetable oil increased the permeability of S. vaninii YC‐1 cell membranes to promote the production of total triterpenes. The use of vegetable oil as an extractant was thus effective in increasing the yield of triterpenes in the ISEF system.
Investigation of the risk factors of anorectal malformations
Authors: Wu Fang , Wang Zhili , Bi Yang , Guo Zhenhua , Wang Yi
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To investigate the factors that influence the occurrence of anorectal malformations (ARMs).

Methods

From December 2018 to December 2019, 136 children treated for ARMs at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were included in the case group. The control group consisted of children with intussusception or perianal abscesses. A uniform questionnaire was filled by the parents of the enrolled children.

Results

The birth weight of the cases was significantly lower than that of the controls (p < .01), and children with ARMs were more likely to be complicated with single umbilical artery (SUA) (p < .001). Maternal upper respiratory tract infection (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj], 2.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29–4.63) and urogenital infection (ORadj, 2.67; 95% CI 1.11–6.38) during the first trimester of pregnancy, anemia during pregnancy (ORadj, 5.69; 95% CI, 1.01–32.07), and exposure to hazardous substances 6 months before pregnancy and during the first trimester of pregnancy (ORadj, 13.82; 95% CI, 3.86–49.35) are associated with increased risk of ARMs. Folic acid supplements (ORadj, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.14–0.65) and multivitamin (ORadj, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.15–0.79) had a protective effect on ARMs. Paternal drug use (ORadj, 9.17; 95% CI, 2.19–38.49) 6 months before their wives' conception increased the risk of ARMs.

Conclusion

Maternal infection, anemia during pregnancy, and maternal hazardous substances exposure are possible risk factors for ARMs. Folic acid supplements and multivitamin can reduce the occurrence of ARMs. Meanwhile, paternal drug use may also be a risk factor for ARMs.
Restricted survival benefit with right‐censored data
Authors: Zhang Shixiao , LeBlanc Michael L. , Zhao Ying‐Qi
Published: December 2021

The hazard ratio is widely used to quantify treatment effects. However, it may be difficult to interpret for patients and practitioners, especially when the hazard ratio is not constant over time. Alternative measures of the treatment effects have been proposed such as the difference of the restricted mean survival times, the difference in survival proportions at some fixed follow‐up time, or the net chance of a longer survival. In this paper, we propose the restricted survival benefit (RSB), a quantity that can incorporate multiple useful measurements of treatment effects. Hence, it provides a framework for a comprehensive assessment of the treatment effects. We provide estimation and inference procedures for the RSB that accommodate censored survival outcomes, using methods of the inverse‐probability‐censoring‐weighted ‐statistic and the jackknife empirical likelihood. We conduct extensive simulation studies to examine the numerical performance of the proposed method, and we analyze data from a randomized Phase III clinical trial (SWOG S0777) using the proposed method.
A resource‐based view of green innovation as a strategic firm resource: Present status and future directions
Authors: Khanra Sayantan , Kaur Puneet , Joseph Rojers P , Malik Ashish , Dhir Amandeep
Published: December 2021

Green innovation could become a valuable firm resource for establishing competitive advantage while simultaneously contributing towards sustainable development; in other words, green innovation has the potential to address the dilemma between consuming available resources and preserving them for the future. However, there is a dearth of studies systematically examining the present structure and future scope of research on green innovation as a firm resource. Seeking to explain the sustainable development dilemma of green innovations through the theoretical perspective of the resource‐based view of the firm, we address this gap with a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 951 relevant articles. The key contributors to the extant literature are recognised with bibliographic coupling, citation analysis and co‐authorship analysis. A co‐citation analysis identifies four major thematic areas of research: green supply chain management, green product design, corporate environmental responsibilities and social sustainability. Further, a dynamic co‐citation analysis tracks the progression of these thematic areas. Content analysis of the thematic areas provides insights into the status of the research domain. This study also contributes to the extant literature by identifying prestigious articles on green innovation as a firm resource, analysing the co‐occurrence of keywords and suggesting future research agendas.
New perspective to guide rice breeding: Evaluating the eating quality of japonica rice
Authors: Li Sixuan , Ren Xin , Zhang Min , Asimi Sailimuhan , Lv Qixin , Wang Zhenhua , Liang Shan , Wang Ziyuan , Meng Lingqi
Published: December 2021

Background and objectives

Eating quality is an important quality index of rice, which also determines production and sales. However, previous rice breeding mainly took yield as the gold index, and almost no comprehensive consideration of its eating quality. In this study, to further select new high‐quality japonica rice variety, the eating quality differences in the physicochemical, texture, pasting properties, and volatile compounds between five newly bred varieties (JR5, JR6, JR8, JR9, and JR10) and one commercial variety (Kenyu38) were analyzed.

Findings

Correlation analysis results indicated that the taste value was negatively correlated with protein (r = −.953, p < .01), amylose content (r = −.915, p < .05), and setback value (r = −.902, p < .05). JR5 had a better appearance and taste quality with significantly lower protein content, amylose content, pasting temperature, and setback value. Moreover, the electronic nose could clearly distinguish JR5 from other rice samples. Aroma analysis showed that JR5 had the significantly higher content of 1‐octene‐3‐ol and hexanal, which were important odor‐active volatile compound in cooked rice.

Conclusions

JR5 had better eating quality than Kenyu38 and could be used as an excellent variety for further popularization.

Significance and novelty

This study provides a new perspective for the selection of high‐quality rice varieties.
Enhanced Electrochemical and Structural Stability of Ni‐rich Cathode Material by Lithium Metaborate Coating for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Zaowen , Zhang Bao , Cheng Lei , Liu Zihang , Liu Yun , Su Shilin , Ming Lei , Zhang Jiafeng , Ou Xing
Published: December 2021

A facile mechanical mixing‐calcination method was employed to coat lithium metaborate onto LiNi0.88Co0.06Mn0.03Al0.03O2 cathode. Physical characterizations revealed that the coating layer was uniformly spread on the surface of the material particles, and did not alter the structure and morphology. Electrochemical measurements indicated that the surface‐modified cathode showed significantly improved cycling stability, both under room‐temperature and high‐temperature (50 °C). The coated sample delivered an initial discharge capacity of 211.0 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, and a capacity retention of 87.5 % after 300 cycles at 1 C rate under room‐temperature. Meanwhile, it could maintain 97.2 % of initial capacity after 120 cycles at 1 C under 50 °C, which was much higher than the value of the pristine sample (only 37.2 %). The lithium‐ion diffusion kinetics was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The coated material exhibits lower surface resistance and charge‐transfer resistance, as well as faster lithium‐ion diffusion than the pristine one. The materials were also characterized after cycling. The surface‐modified sample possessed more stable surficial and structural stability.
Bonded Glass Tubes as Translucent Jacket of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston – Design, Engineering and Testing
Authors: Hilcken Jonas , Schmitt Felix
Published: December 2021

The “Nancy and Rich Kinder Building” is one of three new buildings being constructed as part of the redevelopment of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston Campus. From the outside, the building is almost completely wrapped in translucent hot‐bent semicircular tubes made of laminated glass (“Cool Jacket”). The glass tubes not only serve as a design element, they also regulate the incidence of daylight and reduce the energy entry into the building. An almost invisible fixing was realized by the use of special structural glazing profiles on the inside of the glass tubes. Both the glass tubes, which are exposed to high thermal stresses, and the adhesive joints, which have to withstand high wind loads, required detailed finite element calculations as well as experimental investigations. The article describes and evaluates the calculations and experiments as well as the design and installation.
Investigations on the viscoelastic material behaviour and linearity limits of PVB
Authors: Schuster Miriam , Thiele Kerstin , Schneider Jens
Published: December 2021

The consideration of the shear bond via the intermediate layer in the design of laminated glass is of great interest, as this can lead to a considerable reduction of the maximum stresses in the glass, depending on the load and static system. Polyvinyl butyral based interlayers show a typical polymeric thermo‐viscoelastic material behaviour, which means that the shear coupling depends on the load (duration and magnitude) and the prevailing temperature. With small distortions below the linearity limit, the time‐dependent material behaviour of the intermediate layer can be mapped using the Prony‐Series. However, the linear viscoelastic range is exceeded at latest in the post‐fracture behaviour and hence the Prony‐Series can no longer be used straightforwardly. This article shows the experimentally determined limits of the linear viscoelastic range using the example of PVB. In addition, the Prony parameters for the linear viscoelastic range are determined.
Development of Novel Connection Joints for Glass‐Plastic‐Composite Panels
Authors: D'Ettore Erica , Hänig Julian , Weller Bernhard
Published: December 2021

All‐glass systems such as mobile glass partition walls and all‐glass doors set high requirements for transparency, lightness and durability. The interconnection between the panels is conventionally performed by eye‐catching fittings and clamping details. Hence, innovative glass‐plastic‐composite panels, consisting of a systematic combination of a polymer Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) interlayer core and cover layers of thin glass, are currently under development. The units show high‐performance load‐bearing behaviour and exhibit full transparency at low panel self‐weight. Additionally, the novel composite allows for the implementation of a direct connection with the supporting structure into the PMMA interlayer core. These novel construction types will allow for small as well as unobtrusive connection details, which lead to the desired maximum transparency of all‐glass systems. Different connection joints such as fastened and bonded types were developed and tested with a focus on applications in all‐glass systems for the building industry. In this paper, the development process, and experimental results for different connection joints with glass and stainless‐steel substrates, tested under tensile and shear loading, are presented and evaluated in detail. For bonded joints, three transparent structural adhesives are included in the experimental program: UV acrylate, 2‐C epoxy resin and 2‐C polyurethane. Furthermore, the investigations consider detachable fastened connections. The results from form the basis for further investigations and an advanced design of connection details for the edge of glass‐plastic‐composites. A short outlook on the upcoming design of an ultra‐lightweight segmented glass arch adopting novel glass‐plastic‐composite panels and associated connections for the demonstration of the development in all‐glass applications completes the paper.
Layered Laminated Glass Elements with High Load‐Bearing Capacities
Authors: Bunea Octavian , Hänig Julian , Saukko Timo , Stelzer Ingo , Weller Bernhard
Published: December 2021

In contemporary structural glass applications, laminated glass plays a key role, as it enhances elements beyond the dimensional limits of monolithic glass and ensures the required redundancy. As the size and expectations of glass as primary load‐bearing element increase, so do laminated glass layer sizes, and along with them, the manufacturing and production possibilities. However, the design and application of layered laminated glass as primary load‐bearing element such as transparent columns or masonry structures is still in its early phases compared to other structural glass elements. As a result, the Institute of Building Construction at the Technische Universität Dresden, in cooperation with Finnglass and Kuraray, investigated horizontal and vertical layered laminated glass elements under compression tests. As the interlayer of laminated glass highly affects the load‐bearing behaviour and can cause early glass breakage due to induced tensile stresses, different interlayers (Standard‐PVB, SentryGlas® and PVB without plasticizer) were examined in two specimen scales. This paper presents the main insights and assesses the failure modes within the experiments of layered laminated glass under uniaxial compression. Based on the examinations, constructive recommendations of layered laminated glass elements are derived.
Twisted Tower – A Feasibility Study for Cold‐Bent Insulating Glass Units with an Elastic Edge Seal
Authors: Scherer Thomas , Scherer Christian , Wittwer Wolfgang
Published: December 2021

This paper describes a case study of cold bent insulating glass units (IGUs) for use in facades or roofs using the example of a demonstrator called the “Twisted Tower”. Modern designs often try to combine a curved shape with transparency. Cold bending IGUs is a cost efficient method to achieve both. In such applications the bending angles are often limited by the allowable deformations of the primary seal which ensures the gas tightness of the IGU. This investigation shows IGUs with much more acute bending angles than in standard applications were achieved using a flexible yet durable thermoplastic spacer ensuring superior gas tightness. This work investigates the geometry, the deformations and fixing options for the bent IGU form. The results demonstrate the advantages of using such spacer systems for these applications.
Surface visual stimulation by spatial addition. Case‐studies of layered glass facades
Authors: Brzezicki Marcin
Published: December 2021

Transparency is no longer limited to specific functions (e.g. illumination of the interior) but has become a tool of formal expression itself. Apart from the standard understanding of transparency as the use of light‐permeable materials in facade design, one can find other innovative and creative interpretations. Usually, technical solutions have priority over aesthetic considerations in many situations many purely formal trends find their origin in technology and design decisions that are governed by rational issues. The impression of depth was initially created as a by‐product of double facades, however, also other innovative techniques are used to enrich the spatial depth of the facade, multiply the observed plans and to achieve the picturesque effects of blur, stratification or movement. Elements of artificial or authentic space stratification are present in almost every analyzed case‐study, providing important insights for the formulation of formal, architectural trends. The presented paper describes and provides a simplified typology of the most recent and distinct trends regarding the introduction of the spatial depth into the facade. Many pre‐existing techniques (meaning existing before the year 2000) are still used, but new techniques also appear. The presented research indicates that the depth of the facade is what stimulates architects to search for new ways of utilizing light‐transmitting materials. Pane superposition could be one of the ways to achieve this.
N26 – Daylighting design made from thin glass
Authors: Neugebauer Jürgen
Published: December 2021

For an existing building from 19th century an architectural concept for revivalism and reorganization into a modern office building was made. For this purpose, a daylight system was implemented that roofs the inner courtyard and at the same time makes it the central place of representation and communication. In addition to the spatial function, the inner courtyard serves as a thermal buffer room and additional value can be achieved by using thin glass and its material properties. The free‐form geometry benefits from the increased stiffness due to the curved shape, which is regulated by the radii of curvature depending on the material thickness. The curvature has a direct influence on the reflection behaviour, which influences the light transport of natural light into the interior of the room and thus enables a reduction in electrical lighting for the office space.
Energy efficient resource controller for Apache Storm
Authors: HoseinyFarahabady MohammadReza , Taheri Javid , Zomaya Albert Y. , Tari Zahir
Published: December 2021

Apache Storm is a distributed processing engine that can reliably process unbounded streams of data for real‐time applications. While recent research activities mostly focused on devising a resource allocation and task scheduling algorithm to satisfy high performance or low latency requirements of Storm applications across a distributed and multi‐core system, finding a solution that can optimize the energy consumption of running applications remains an important research question to be further explored. In this article, we present a controlling strategy for CPU throttling that continuously optimize the level of consumed energy of a Storm platform by adjusting the voltage and frequency of the CPU cores while running the assigned tasks under latency constraints defined by the end‐users. The experimental results running over a Storm cluster with 4 physical nodes (total 24 cores) validates the effectiveness of proposed solution when running multiple compute‐intensive operations. In particular, the proposed controller can keep the latency of analytic tasks, in terms of 99th latency percentile, within the quality of service requirement specified by the end‐user while reducing the total energy consumption by 18% on average across the entire Storm platform.
The Extended Hadamard Transform: Sensitivity‐Enhanced NMR Experiments Among Labile and Non‐Labile 1Hs of SARS‐CoV‐2‐derived RNAs
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Novakovic Mihajlo , Jayanthi Sundaresan , Lupulescu Adonis , Kupče Ēriks , Grün J. Tassilo , Mertinkus Klara , Oxenfarth Andreas , Schwalbe Harald , Frydman Lucio
Published: December 2021

Hadamard encoded saturation transfer can significantly improve the efficiency of NOE‐based NMR correlations from labile protons in proteins, glycans and RNAs, increasing the sensitivity of cross‐peaks by an order of magnitude and shortening experimental times by ≥100‐fold. These schemes, however, fail when tackling correlations within a pool of labile protons – for instance imino‐imino correlations in RNAs or amide‐amide correlations in proteins. Here we analyze the origin of the artifacts appearing in these experiments and propose a way to obtain artifact‐free correlations both within the labile pool as well as between labile and non‐labile 1Hs, while still enjoying the gains arising from Hadamard encoding and solvent repolarizations. The principles required for implementing what we define as the extended Hadamard scheme are derived, and its clean, artifact‐free, sensitivity‐enhancing performance is demonstrated on RNA fragments derived from the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome. Sensitivity gains per unit time approaching an order of magnitude are then achieved in both imino‐imino and imino‐amino/aromatic protons 2D correlations; similar artifact‐free sensitivity gains can be observed when carrying out extended Hadamard encodings of 3D NOESY/HSQC‐type experiments. The resulting spectra reveal significantly more correlations than their conventionally acquired counterparts, which can support the spectral assignment and secondary structure determination of structured RNA elements.
Comparison of oral human papilloma virus detection methods among Hispanic adults
Authors: Castañeda‐Avila Maira A. , Pérez Cynthia M. , Vivaldi‐Oliver José A. , Díaz‐Toro Elba C. , Ortiz Ana Patricia
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Oral human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is associated with nearly three‐quarters of all oropharyngeal cancers in the United States. Research also suggests its association with periodontal disease. There are limited studies evaluating differences in HPV detection methods; however, oral rinse is considered the most sensitive detection method. We compared HPV detection by self‐collected oral rinse versus self‐collected cytobrush and assessed whether the strength of association between periodontitis and HPV is modified by the collection method.

Materials and Methods

Data from a cross‐sectional study of Hispanic adults in Puerto Rico (n = 346) who provided oral rinse and cytobrush samples for oral HPV detection and were clinically evaluated for periodontitis. The agreement between the oral mouthwash and cytobrush methods was assessed using the Kappa (κ) statistic. Logistic regression models were used to determine if the association between HPV infection and other risk factors varied by oral sample collection method.

Results

HPV prevalence was slightly higher using cytobrush than oral rinse (5.8% vs. 4.3%). The sensitivity of cytobrush to detect oral HPV was 64.7%, and the specificity was 97.4%. We observed a κ of 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45–0.78), indicative of fair to good agreement between the two collection methods. The association between oral HPV infection and periodontitis severity was stronger when using the oral rinse collection method (odds ratio [OR] = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.06–9.84); the association was not statistically significant for cytobrush (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 0.68–5.65).

Conclusions

These findings support the significance of choosing the most suitable collection method in oral HPV‐related studies. Selecting the most appropriate collection method is an essential criterion in oral HPV‐related studies.
A hierarchical key management and authentication method for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Alimoradi Pourya , Barati Ali , Barati Hamid
Published: December 2021

In wireless sensor networks, sensor nodes are typically distributed in harsh environments for continuous monitoring and data collection. All sensor nodes send the collected data directly or through other sensor nodes to the base station. Due to the nature and range of applications of these networks, maintaining security has always been one of the most critical challenges in wireless sensor networks. Key management is one of the methods used to maintain security in wireless sensor networks. In this paper, a hierarchical key management method for wireless sensor networks is presented. In the proposed method, first, the network is zoned, then the connection between the network nodes is established through two keys within the zone and between zones. The zone key is the shared key between the zone members and the zone manager. For intra‐zone communication, a lightweight authentication operation is performed between zone members and the zone manager. If the authentication operation is successful, the key generation process is performed within the zone. The inter‐zone key is shared between both of the manager nodes and is used for inter‐zone communication. The performance of the proposed method is compared with the Zhang et al. (2016); the EDAK (Athmani et al., 2019), DKMS (Yousefpoor & Barati, 2020), SSEKMS (Kumar et al., 2021), and ADPK (Ahlawat & Dave, 2021) methods show the proposed method's better performance.
Predicting disease progression in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Anderl‐Straub Sarah , Lausser Ludwig , Lombardi Jolina , Uttner Ingo , Fassbender Klaus , Fliessbach Klaus , Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen , Jahn Holger , Kornhuber Johannes , Obrig Hellmuth , Schneider Anja , Semler Elisa , Synofzik Matthis , Danek Adrian , Prudlo Johannes , Kassubek Jan , Landwehrmeyer Bernhard , Lauer Martin , Volk Alexander E. , Wiltfang Jens , Diehl‐Schmid Janine , Ludolph Albert C. , Schroeter Matthias L. , Kestler Hans A. , Otto Markus ,   FTLD consortium
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease. Reliable predictors of disease progression have not been sufficiently identified. We investigated multivariate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarker profiles for their predictive value of individual decline.

Methods

One hundred five bvFTD patients were recruited from the German frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) consortium study. After defining two groups (“fast progressors” vs. “slow progressors”), we investigated the predictive value of MR brain volumes for disease progression rates performing exhaustive screenings with multivariate classification models.

Results

We identified areas that predict disease progression rate within 1 year. Prediction measures revealed an overall accuracy of 80% across our 50 top classification models. Especially the pallidum, middle temporal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, cingulate gyrus, middle orbitofrontal gyrus, and insula occurred in these models.

Discussion

Based on the revealed marker combinations an individual prognosis seems to be feasible. This might be used in clinical studies on an individualized progression model.
Deep learning improves utility of tau PET in the study of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zou James , Park David , Johnson Aubrey , Feng Xinyang , Pardo Michelle , France Jeanelle , Tomljanovic Zeljko , Brickman Adam M. , Devanand Devangere P. , Luchsinger José A. , Kreisl William C. , Provenzano Frank A. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging targeting neurofibrillary tau tangles is increasingly used in the study of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its utility may be limited by conventional quantitative or qualitative evaluation techniques in earlier disease states. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are effective in learning spatial patterns for image classification.

Methods

18F‐MK6240 (n = 320) and AV‐1451 (n = 446) PET images were pooled from multiple studies. We performed iterations with differing permutations of radioligands, heuristics, and architectures. Performance was compared to a standard region of interest (ROI)‐based approach on prediction of memory impairment. We visualized attention of the network to illustrate decision making.

Results

Overall, models had high accuracy (> 80%) with good average sensitivity and specificity (75% and 82%, respectively), and had comparable or higher accuracy to the ROI standard. Visualizations of model attention highlight known characteristics of tau radioligand binding.

Discussion

CNNs could improve tau PET's role in early disease and extend the utility of tau PET across generations of radioligands.
Cognitive impairment in racially/ethnically diverse older adults: Accounting for sources of diagnostic bias
Authors: Mungas Dan , Shaw Crystal , Hayes‐Larson Eleanor , DeCarli Charles , Farias Sarah Tomaszewski , Olichney John , Saucedo Hector Hernandez , Gilsanz Paola , Glymour M Maria , Whitmer Rachel A , Mayeda Elizabeth Rose
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences (KHANDLE) study enrolled Asian, Black, Latino, and White adults ages 65+ without prior dementia diagnosis (N = 1709). We evaluated the prevalence of cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment or dementia) accounting for potential biases.

Methods

A random subgroup (N = 541) received clinical evaluation and others were evaluated if they failed a cognitive screen. Diagnoses were made under two conditions: (1) demographics‐blind, based on clinical exam and demographically adjusted neuropsychological test scores; and (2) all available information (clinical exam, demographics, and adjusted and unadjusted test scores).

Results

Cognitive impairment prevalence was 28% for blinded‐adjusted diagnosis and 25% using all available information. Black participants had higher impairment rates than White (both conditions) and Latino (blinded‐adjusted diagnosis) participants. Incomplete assessments negatively biased prevalence estimates for White participants.

Discussion

Racial/ethnic disparities in cognitive impairment were amplified by attrition bias in White participants but were unaffected by type of test norms and diagnosticians’ knowledge of demographics.
White matter changes in empirically derived incident MCI subtypes in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging
Authors: Machulda Mary M. , Lundt Emily S. , Mester Carly T. , Albertson Sabrina M. , Raghavan Sheelakumari , Reid Robert I. , Schwarz Christopher G. , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Jack Clifford R. , Knopman David S. , Mielke Michelle M. , Kremers Walter K. , Petersen Ronald C. , Bondi Mark W. , Vemuri Prashanthi
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The aim of this study was to examine white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and fractional anisotropy (FA) in empirically derived incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes.

Methods

We evaluated 188 participants with incident MCI in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (MCSA) identified as having one of four cluster‐derived subtypes: subtle cognitive impairment, amnestic, dysnomic, and dysexecutive. We used linear regression models to evaluate whole brain and regional WMH volumes. We examined fractional anisotropy (FA) on a subset of 63 participants with diffusion tensor imaging.

Results

Amnestic and dysexecutive subtypes had higher WMH volumes in differing patterns than cognitively unimpaired; the dysexecutive subtype had higher WMH than subtle cognitive impairment. There was widespread WM degeneration in long association and commissural fibers in the amnestic, dysnomic, and dysexecutive subtypes, and corpus callosum FA accounted for significant variability in global cognition.

Discussion

White matter changes likely contribute to cognitive symptoms in incident MCI.
Patient perceptions of the relationship between food insecurity and eating disorder treatment: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Frayn Mallory , Trainor Claire , Lin Mandy , Pitts Alexandra , Drexler Sarah A. , Patarinski Anna Gabrielle G. , Juarascio Adrienne
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Independently, food insecurity (FI) and binge‐spectrum eating disorders (B‐ED) are widespread problems; moreover, FI is associated with elevated binge‐eating symptoms. However, extant research has not explored how FI may contribute to the development of B‐ED symptoms, nor potential impacts of FI on eating disorder treatment.

Method

This study aimed to qualitatively examine (1) mechanisms by which FI impacts B‐ED development and maintenance, (2) effects of past and/or present FI on ED treatment, and (3) participant recommendations for addressing FI in future B‐ED treatment. Fourteen individuals who completed B‐ED treatment and endorsed FI completed a 30‐min interview about their experiences.

Results

Participants reported that FI contributed to binge eating by maintaining dietary restraint‐binge‐eating cycle and by leading them to use food as a coping mechanism or for emotional comfort, both in past and present situations. Present FI interfered with treatment, particularly with adhering to treatment recommendations and food purchasing choices, however, participants did not report any impact of past FI on B‐ED treatment. Participants reported that rarely was FI addressed as part of treatment; most participants suggested that future treatments work to (1) assess and problem solve present FI to minimize interference and (2) assess and understand the influence of past FI on current symptoms to validate the function of behavior.

Discussion

These findings provide qualitative support that FI may reinforce B‐ED symptoms and present FI may interfere with treatment. This study emphasizes the need for assessment and consideration of FI as a factor when treating individuals with B‐EDs.
An integrated field data and remote sensing approach for impact assessment of human activities on epifauna macrobenthos biodiversity along the western coast of Aqaba Gulf
Authors: El‐Naggar Hussein A. , Salem El‐Sayed S. , El‐Kafrawy Sameh B. , Bashar Mansour A. , Shaban Walaa M. , El‐Gayar Ensaf E. , Ahmed Hamdy O. , Ashour Mohamed , Abou‐Mahmoud Mohamed E.
Published: December 2021

The Egyptian coast of Gulf of Aqaba, north of the Red Sea, suffers from severe destruction and deterioration in habitat and biodiversity due to anthropogenic activities and flooding. The present work aims to evaluate the impacts of different human activities and flooding on the biodiversity of macrobenthic invertebrates along the Egyptian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. From January 2019 to December 2019, many field trips (12 trips) were conducted to survey macrobenthic invertebrate communities and monitor water quality at nine sites within three sectors along the study area. Each site was divided into four ecological zones and one of five categories, according to the main activities at each site. Furthermore, satellite data were used to monitor the progress of land use and turbidity in the study area. Therefore, the current study assesses the relationship between these factors and water quality and macrobenthic invertebrate distributions, similarity, diversity, dominance and abundance. The results revealed that 53 macrobenthic invertebrate species belonging to three phyla (Mollusca, Echinodermata and Annelida) and one subphylum (Crustacea) were recorded. The echinoderm Echinometra mathaei was the major eudominant species. The northern part of the Gulf was higher in abundance and diversity with low land use and lowest water turbidity, while the south part showed contrary findings. All statistical analysis confirmed that the dissolved oxygen concentration was considered the only limiting factor for the abundance and diversity of macrobenthic invertebrates. Also, the variation in activities at investigated sites affected the dominance state of species in each site. Moreover, GPS data confirmed that the tourism activity had the largest influence on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, followed by fishing and desalination practices. Otherwise, flooding has significant influence on marine habitats and creates a habitat in which other certain species can survive. In the absence of awareness, intervention and disregard for the effective coastal zone management concept, especially for the unique marine ecosystems such as the Gulf of Aqaba, the degradation of biodiversity will continue until extinction, and human life is rendered unsustainable.
Effect of sacubitril/valsartan on investigator‐reported ventricular arrhythmias in PARADIGM‐HF
Authors: Curtain James P. , Jackson Alice M. , Shen Li , Jhund Pardeep S. , Docherty Kieran F. , Petrie Mark C. , Castagno Davide , Desai Akshay S. , Rohde Luis E. , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Rouleau Jean‐Lucien , Zile Michael R. , Solomon Scott D. , Swedberg Karl , Packer Milton , McMurray John J.V.
Published: December 2021

Aims

Sudden death is a leading cause of mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In PARADIGM‐HF, sacubitril/valsartan reduced the incidence of sudden death. The purpose of this post hoc study was to analyse the effect of sacubitril/valsartan, compared to enalapril, on the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias.

Methods and results

Adverse event reports related to ventricular arrhythmias were examined in PARADIGM‐HF. The effect of randomized treatment on two arrhythmia outcomes was analysed: ventricular arrhythmias and the composite of a ventricular arrhythmia, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock or resuscitated cardiac arrest. The risk of death related to a ventricular arrhythmia was examined in time‐updated models. The interaction between heart failure aetiology, or baseline ICD/cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator (CRT‐D) use, and the effect of sacubitril/valsartan was analysed. Of the 8399 participants, 333 (4.0%) reported a ventricular arrhythmia and 372 (4.4%) the composite arrhythmia outcome. Ventricular arrhythmias were associated with higher mortality. Compared with enalapril, sacubitril/valsartan reduced the risk of a ventricular arrhythmia (hazard ratio [HR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.95; p = 0.015) and the composite arrhythmia outcome (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65–0.97; p = 0.025). The treatment effect was maintained after adjustment and accounting for the competing risk of death. Baseline ICD/CRT‐D use did not modify the effect of sacubitril/valsartan, but aetiology did: HR in patients with an ischaemic aetiology 0.93 (95% CI 0.71–1.21) versus 0.53 (95% CI 0.37–0.78) in those without an ischaemic aetiology (p for interaction = 0.020).

Conclusions

Sacubitril/valsartan reduced the incidence of investigator‐reported ventricular arrhythmias in patients with HFrEF. This effect may have been greater in patients with a non‐ischaemic aetiology.
Water‐Involved C−S Bond Formation for the Synthesis of β‐Keto Dithiocarbamates from Thiuram Disulfides
Authors: Yang Cheng‐Li , Jiang Xin‐Yi , Wu Yue‐Xiao , Hao Er‐Jun , Dong Zhi‐Bing
Published: December 2021

A highly efficient and convenient method for the water‐involved synthesis of β‐keto dithiocarbamates has been developed. In the presence of minimal water, the desired products were obtained in good to excellent yields by using thiuram disulfide reagents and substituted α‐haloacetophenones as starting materials. This protocol features high atom economy, mild conditions, good functional tolerance and good to excellent yields, showing potential value for the preparation of some biologically and pharmaceutically active compounds.
Factors not considered in the study of drug‐resistant epilepsy: Psychiatric comorbidities, age, and gender
Authors: Medel‐Matus Jesús Servando , Orozco‐Suárez Sandra , Escalante Ruby G.
Published: December 2021

In basic research and clinical practice, the control of seizures has been the most important goal, but it should not be the only one. There are factors that remain poorly understood in the study of refractory epilepsy such as the age and gender of patients and the presence of psychiatric comorbidities. It is known that in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE), the comorbidities contribute to the deterioration of the quality of life, increase the severity, and worsen the prognosis of epilepsy. Some studies have demonstrated that patients diagnosed with a co‐occurrence of epilepsy and psychiatric disorders are more likely to present refractory seizures and the probability of seizure remission after pharmacotherapy is reduced. The evidence of this association suggests the presence of shared pathogenic mechanisms that may include endocrine disorders, neuroinflammatory processes, disturbances of neurotransmitters, and mechanisms triggered by stress. Additionally, significant demographic, clinical, and electrographic differences have been observed between women and men with epilepsy. Epilepsy affects the female gender in a greater proportion, although there are no studies that report whether refractoriness affects more females. The reasons behind these sex differences are unclear; however, it is likely that sex hormones and sex brain differences related to chromosomal genes play an important role. On the other hand, it has been shown in industrialized countries that prevalence of DRE is higher in the elderly when compared to youngsters. Conversely, this phenomenon is not observed in developing regions, where more cases are found in children and young adults. The correct identification and management of these factors is crucial in order to improve the quality of life of the patients.