bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hawaiian Island endemic and indigenous plant species have higher mycorrhizal incidence than the global average
Authors: Koko Jerry H. , Swift Sean O. I. , Hynson Nicole A.
Published: September 2021

Premise

Prior efforts have shown that continents harbor a greater proportion of mycorrhizal hosts than on islands. However, in the Hawaiian Islands, estimates of the proportion of mycorrhizal plant species are higher than on continents (>90%), but there are few studies to support this claim. Concurrently, Hawaii's flora faces some of the greatest global risks of extinction, and significant efforts are aimed at restoring native vegetation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have been shown to improve plant restoration success, but little work has been done in Hawaii to understand the extent of mycorrhizal associations among native plant populations.

Methods

We surveyed 35 native Hawaiian plant species in the wild, focusing on plant species that are reared for reintroduction. Roots from wild individuals were collected from 10 sites on Oahu to determine degree of mycorrhizal fungal colonization and how this varies across host populations.

Results

Of the species surveyed, 97% had evidence of mycorrhizal colonization, including 25 endemic and nine indigenous species from 23 families. The mycorrhizal status of 22 of the species surveyed was unknown before this study. For four species, the degree of colonization by AM fungi differed among sites, and these differences corresponded with variations in precipitation and temperature.

Conclusions

The high incidence of mycorrhizal colonization provides evidence that island flora can actually harbor more mycorrhizal hosts than species on mainlands and that future reintroduction projects should consider the potentially important roles of AM fungi for success of these hosts in the wild.
Improving rigor and reproducibility in nonhuman primate research
Authors: Bliss‐Moreau Eliza , Amara Rama R. , Buffalo Elizabeth A. , Colman Ricki J. , Embers Monica E. , Morrison John H. , Quillen Ellen E. , Sacha Jonah B. , Roberts Charles T. ,   National Primate Research Center Consortium Rigor and Reproducibility Working Group
Published: September 2021

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are a critical component of translational/preclinical biomedical research due to the strong similarities between NHP and human physiology and disease pathology. In some cases, NHPs represent the most appropriate, or even the only, animal model for complex metabolic, neurological, and infectious diseases. The increased demand for and limited availability of these valuable research subjects requires that rigor and reproducibility be a prime consideration to ensure the maximal utility of this scarce resource. Here, we discuss a number of approaches that collectively can contribute to enhanced rigor and reproducibility in NHP research.
Kontrollierbare Zeitverzögerung beim Aufplatzen von oxidationsempfindlichen, mittels PISA synthetisierten Polymersomen
Authors: Sobotta Fabian H. , Kuchenbrod Maren T. , Gruschwitz Franka V. , Festag Grit , Bellstedt Peter , Hoeppener Stephanie , Brendel Johannes C.
Published: September 2021

Reaktive Polymersomen sind ein vielseitiges künstliches Nanotransportsystem, das eine Freisetzung als Reaktion auf einen bestimmten Stimulus ermöglichen kann. Die vorgestellten oxidationsempfindlichen Polymersomen zeigen einen zeitlich verzögerten Freisetzungsmechanismus in einer oxidativen Umgebung, der durch Anpassung der Membrandicke oder partielle Voroxidation variierbar ist. Diese polymeren Vesikel werden mittels PISA hergestellt, wodurch eine direkte, effektive In‐situ‐Einkapselung von Molekülen ermöglicht wird, wie z. B. für Farbstoffe und Enzyme gezeigt wurde. Kinetische Studien ergaben, dass ein kritischer Oxidationsgrad die Destabilisierung der Membran bewirkt, während vorab keine Freisetzung der Ladung erfolgt. Die Einkapselung von Glukoseoxidase verwandelt diese Polymersomen direkt in glukoseempfindliche Vesikel, da kleine Moleküle, wie Zucker, ihre Membran passiv durchdringen können. Dank der einfachen Herstellung bieten die Polymersomen eine vielseitige Plattform für den Einschluss und die Freisetzung von Molekülen nach einer genau einstellbaren Zeitspanne in Gegenwart spezifischer Verbindungen wie H2O2 oder Glukose.
Cathodic Electrodeposition of MOF Films Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Xie Sijie , Monnens Wouter , Wan Kai , Zhang Wei , Guo Wei , Xu MaoWen , Vankelecom Ivo F. J. , Zhang Xuan , Fransaer Jan
Published: September 2021

Metal–organic framework (MOF) films can be made by cathodic electrodeposition, where a Brønsted base is formed electrochemically which deprotonates the MOF linkers that are present in solution as undissociated/partially dissociated weak acids. However, the co‐deposition of metal and the narrow range of possible metal nodes limit the scope of this method. In this work, we propose the use of hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide assisted cathodic deposition or HPACD), to overcome these limitations. Electrochemical measurements indicate that in DMF, hydrogen peroxide is reduced to superoxide anions that deprotonate the carboxylic ligands. This single‐electron reduction happens at much higher potentials than all previous reported methods. This prevents the co‐deposition of metal and extends the range of possible metal nodes. Various pure MOF films (HKUST‐1, MIL‐53(Fe) and MOF‐5) were prepared via this approach. HPACD was also used for the preparation of patterned MOF films and of flexible Cu‐BTC coated paper membranes which reject 99.1 % of Rose Bengal from water with a permeance of 8.4 L m−2 h−1 bar−1.
Mobile Phone Use and Time Trend of Brain Cancer Incidence Rate in Korea
Authors: Choi Kyung‐Hwa , Ha Johyun , Bae Sanghyuk , Lee Ae‐Kyoung , Choi Hyung‐Do , Ahn Young Hwan , Ha Mina , Joo Hyunjoo , Kwon Ho‐Jang , Jung Kyu‐Won
Published: September 2021

This study evaluated the time trends in mobile phone subscriber number by mobile network generation (G) and brain cancer incidence by type in Korea. We obtained data from the Information Technology Statistics of Korea (1984–2017) and Korea Central Cancer Registry (1999–2017). The average annual percent change was estimated using Joinpoint regression analysis. We evaluated 29,721 brain cancer cases with an age‐standardized incidence rate (ASR) of 2.89/100,000 persons. The glioma and glioblastoma annual ASR significantly increased in 2.6% and 3.9% of males and 3.0% and 3.8% of females, respectively. The ASR for frontal lobe involvement was the highest. The ASR of gliomas of unspecified grade annually increased by 7.8%; those for unspecified topology and histology decreased. The incidence of glioma, glioblastoma, frontal, temporal, and high‐grade glioma increased among those aged ≥60 years. No association was observed between the mobile phone subscriber number and brain cancer incidence in Korea. Furthermore, long‐term research is warranted because of the latency period of brain cancer. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Racial disparity in taxane‐induced neutropenia among cancer patients
Authors: Zheng Neil S. , Wang Fei , Agarwal Rajiv , Carroll Robert J. , Wei Wei‐Qi , Berlin Jordan , Shu Xiao‐Ou
Published: September 2021

Background

Large interindividual variations have been reported in chemotherapy‐induced toxicities. Little is known whether racial disparities exist in neutropenia associated with taxanes.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of primary cancer who underwent chemotherapy with taxanes were identified from Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Synthetic Derivative. Multinomial regression models were applied to evaluate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of neutropenia associated with race, with adjustments for demographic variables, baseline neutrophil count, chemotherapy‐related information, prior treatments, and cancer site.

Results

A total of 3492 patients were included in the study. Compared with White patients, grade 2 or higher neutropenia was more frequently recorded among Black patients who received taxanes overall (42.2% vs. 32.7%, p < 0.001) or paclitaxel (43.0% vs. 36.7%, p < 0.001) but not among those who received docetaxel (32.0% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.821). After adjustments for multiple covariates, Black patients who received chemotherapy with any taxanes had significantly higher risk of grade 2 (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.09–2.14) and grade 3 (OR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.36–2.67) neutropenia but comparable risk of grade 4 neutropenia (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 0.79–1.79). Similar association patterns were observed for Black patients who specifically received paclitaxel, but a null association was found for those treated with docetaxel.

Conclusion

Black cancer patients treated with taxanes for any cancer had a higher risk of neutropenia compared with their White counterparts, especially those who received paclitaxel. More research is needed to understand the mechanism(s) underlying this racial disparity in order to enhance the delivery of patient‐centered oncology.
Cre driver mouse lines for thalamocortical circuit mapping
Authors: Sokhadze Guela , Campbell Peter W. , Charalambakis Naomi , Govindaiah Gubbi , Guido William , McGee Aaron W.
Published: September 2021

Subpopulations of neurons and associated neural circuits can be targeted in mice with genetic tools in a highly selective manner for visualization and manipulation. However, there are not well‐defined Cre “driver” lines that target the expression of Cre recombinase to thalamocortical (TC) neurons. Here, we characterize three Cre driver lines for the nuclei of the dorsal thalamus: Oligodendrocyte transcription factor 3 (Olig3)‐Cre, histidine decarboxylase (HDC)‐Cre, and corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH)‐Cre. We examined the postnatal distribution of Cre expression for each of these lines with the Cre‐dependent reporter CAG‐tdTomato (Ai9). Cre‐dependent expression of tdTomato reveals that Olig3‐Cre expresses broadly within the thalamus, including TC neurons and interneurons, while HDC‐Cre and CRH‐Cre each have unique patterns of expression restricted to TC neurons within and across the sensory relay nuclei of the dorsal thalamus. Cre expression is present by the time of natural birth in all three lines, underscoring their utility for developmental studies. To demonstrate the utility of these Cre drivers for studying sensory TC circuitry, we targeted the expression of channelrhodopsin‐2 to thalamus from the CAG‐COP4*H134R/EYFP (Ai32) allele with either HDC‐Cre or CRH‐Cre. Optogenetic activation of TC afferents in primary visual cortex was sufficient to measure frequency‐dependent depression. Thus, these Cre drivers provide selective Cre‐dependent gene expression in thalamus suitable for both anatomical and functional studies.
Thermodynamics of the uniform electron gas: Fermionic path integral Monte Carlo simulations in the restricted grand canonical ensemble
Authors: Filinov Alexey , Levashov Pavel R. , Bonitz Michael
Published: September 2021

The uniform electron gas (UEG) is one of the key models for the understanding of warm dense matter—an exotic, highly compressed state of matter between solid and plasma phases. The difficulty in modelling the UEG arises from the need to simultaneously account for Coulomb correlations, quantum effects, and exchange effects, as well as finite temperature. The most accurate results so far were obtained from quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations with a variety of representations. However, QMC for electrons is hampered by the fermion sign problem. Here, we present results from a novel fermionic propagator path integral Monte Carlo in the restricted grand canonical ensemble. The ab initio simulation results for the spin‐resolved pair distribution functions and static structure factor are reported for two isotherms (T in the units of the Fermi temperature). Furthermore, we combine the results from the linear response theory in the Singwi‐Tosi‐Land‐Sjölander scheme with the QMC data to remove finite‐size errors in the interaction energy. We present a new corrected parametrization for the interaction energy and the exchange–correlation free energy in the thermodynamic limit, and benchmark our results against the restricted path integral Monte Carlo by Brown et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 146405 (2013)] and configuration path integral Monte Carlo/permutation‐blocking path integral Monte Carlo by Dornheim et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 115701 (2016)].
Opportunistic control of fractal‐based MIMO antenna for sub‐6‐GHz 5G applications
Authors: Sree Gorre Naga Jyothi , Nelaturi Suman
Published: September 2021

The proposed research work is on fractal MIMO antenna with microstrip feeding for lower sub‐6 GHz. The design construct's goal is to improve the isolation among the patches and is constructed with a combination of circular strip and rectangular strip slots, and rectangular slots are introduced on the ground plane. The fractal‐shaped MIMO structure composes of FR‐4 material and compact size of 25 × 35 mm2. The current 2 × 1 fractal MIMO radiator resonates at a frequency 3.5 GHz for lower sub‐6‐GHz applications with directional radiation patterns. In this structure, the performance characteristics of design antenna parameters like S‐parameters, surface current distributions, and radiation pattern of the fractal MIMO radiator are investigated. In addition to antenna parameters, MIMO parameters like diversity gain (DG), mean effective gain (MEG), channel capacity loss (CCL), total active reflection coefficient (TARC), and time‐domain analysis parameters are also evaluated. It has been observed that the MIMO parameters of the antenna are in the acceptable range. Fractal‐based prototype MIMO structures are fabricated as well as tested for effective radiation and impedance. The improvised MIMO design that's been installed on a printed circuit board with connector, device housing, compact size, and various types of housing shows better performance compared to the conventionally designed antennas.
Human activities uncouple the cascading effects of hydrological gradients on plant diversity and ecosystem functions in the Lake Dongting wetland
Authors: Fu Hui , Wang Xiaoyan , Ge Dabing , Li Wei , Tan Xiaoyao , Yuan Guixiang , Jeppesen Erik
Published: September 2021

Human activities markedly modify diversity patterns of plant communities and their response to environmental conditions, with subsequent consequences for ecosystem functions. We measured 11 key functional traits of 47 plant species and assessed both taxonomic and functional composition as well as above‐ground biomass (AGB) of plant communities from 127 plots in the Lake Dongting wetland. Using a generalized multilevel path model, we examined the cascading effects of hydrological gradients on plant diversity and ecosystem functions in two distinct habitat types (short grassland with a natural community dominated by Carex spp. and tall grassland with a managed artificial community dominated by Triarrhena lutarioriparia and Phragmites australis). We found significant differences in the response of plant diversity and AGB to hydrological gradients. Species richness, Shannon–Wiener diversity, multiple‐trait functional diversity measures (i.e., functional richness, functional dispersion & Rao's quadratic entropy) and community‐weighted mean (CWM) of shoot height were all significantly higher and functional divergence and CWM of tuber significantly lower in tall grassland. AGB was significantly higher in short grassland, largely driven by variations of functional diversity rather than of taxonomic diversity. Moreover, we found a significant cascading effect of elevation and soil moisture on AGB, directly or indirectly induced by changes in functional diversity in the short grassland, while only direct effects of elevation on AGB were observed in the tall grassland. Therefore, our study provides strong evidence that human‐induced changes in habitat types uncoupled the cascading effects of hydrological gradients on ecosystem functions mediated by either the taxonomic or the functional diversity.
Left ventricular dimensions and cardiovascular outcomes in systolic heart failure: the WARCEF trial
Authors: Ito Kazato , Li Siyuan , Homma Shunichi , Thompson John L.P. , Buchsbaum Richard , Matsumoto Kenji , Anker Stefan D. , Qian Min , Di Tullio Marco R. ,   for the WARCEF Investigators
Published: September 2021

Aims

There is limited information on the association between left ventricular (LV) dimensions and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced LV ejection fraction (HFrEF) receiving recommended HF treatment. We investigated the association between LV dimensions and CV outcomes in HFrEF patients receiving recommended HF treatment.

Methods and results

We investigated the association between LV echocardiographic dimensions and CV outcomes using conventional Cox models in 1138 HFrEF patients in sinus rhythm randomized to warfarin or aspirin treatment in the Warfarin vs. Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction (WARCEF) trial. LV enlargement, whether by diameter [LV end‐diastolic diameter index (LVEDDI) and LV end‐systolic diameter index (LVESDI)] or volume [LV end‐diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) and LV end‐systolic volume index (LVESVI)], was independently associated with all‐cause death [LVEDDI: hazard ratio (HR) per cm/m2 1.53, LVESDI: HR per cm/m2 1.65, LVEDVI: HR per 10 mL/m2 1.07, and LVESVI: HR per 10 mL/m2 1.10; all P values < 0.001], CV death (HR 1.68, 1.79, 1.09, and 1.12, respectively; all P values < 0.001), and HF hospitalization (HR 1.59, 1.79, 1.06, and 1.08, respectively; all P values < 0.001). No association was observed with myocardial infarction or stroke. The associations were independent of LV ejection fraction values, and incremental to them. LV volumes conferred additional predictive value over LV diameters.

Conclusions

Left ventricular enlargement is an independent predictor of CV events in patients with HFrEF and recommended HF treatment. LV dimensions should be considered in the risk assessment.
Phenomapping in patients experiencing worsening renal function during hospitalization for acute heart failure
Authors: Yagi Ryuichiro , Takei Makoto , Kohsaka Shun , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Ikemura Nobuhiro , Shoji Satoshi , Niimi Nozomi , Higuchi Satoshi , Goda Ayumi , Kohno Takashi , Nagatomo Yuji , Nishihata Yosuke , Sujino Yasumori , Saji Mike , Ikegami Yukinori , Nakano Shintaro , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Fukuda Keiichi , Yoshikawa Tsutomu
Published: September 2021

Aims

The impact of worsening renal function (WRF) on the prognosis of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) remains controversial. We aimed to identify phenotypically distinct subgroups among individuals with both AHF and WRF using cluster analysis.

Methods and results

Overall, the data of 483 patients with both AHF and WRF enrolled in the West Tokyo Heart Failure Registry were analysed. Using cluster analysis, we identified three phenotypically distinct subgroups (phenogroups 1, 2, and 3). We assessed the impact of WRF on the prognosis of each phenogroup by comparing the incidence of composite endpoints, including all‐cause death and re‐hospitalization due to heart failure, with those of a propensity score‐matched, non‐WRF control group. Participants in phenogroup 1 (N = 122) were the youngest (69.3 ± 13.7 years), had relatively preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, 70.0 ± 27.7 mL/min/1.73 m2), and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (41.8 ± 13.7%). Conversely, participants in phenogroup 3 (N = 122) were the oldest (81.7 ± 8.5 years), had the worst eGFR (33.0 ± 20.9 mL/min/1.73 m2), and had preserved LVEF (51.7 ± 14.8%). The characteristics of the participants in phenogroup 2 (N = 239) were between those of phenogroups 1 and 3. The propensity score matching analysis showed that WRF was associated with a higher incidence of composite endpoints in phenogroup 1, whereas this association was not observed in phenogroups 2 and 3.

Conclusions

Using cluster analysis, we revealed three phenotypically distinct subgroups of patients with both AHF and WRF. WRF was associated with worse clinical outcomes in the subgroup of younger patients with reduced LVEF and preserved renal function.
Spectroelectrochemistry Using Optically Transparent Electrodes – Ted Kuwana and the Early Years
Authors: Heineman William R. , Winograd Nicholas , Jensen William B.
Published: September 2021

Theodore “Ted” Kuwana and his research group played a central role in the invention and early development of spectroelectrochemistry at optically transparent electrodes (OTEs). The history of the “idea” and the first ten years of research are reviewed. Topics include OTEs and spectroelectrochemical cells for transmission and internal reflection experiments, rapid scan spectrometer development, and applications to kinetics of homogeneous chemical reactions associated with electrode processes and redox active biological compounds such as cytochromes. Relevant work of other contemporary research groups is also presented.
Structural and nutritional portrayal of rye‐supplemented bread using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Ikram Ali , Saeed Farhan , Arshad Muhammad Umair , Afzaal Muhammad , Anjum Faqir Muhammad
Published: September 2021

In the present study, four different variants, namely Gp‐1, Gp‐2, Gp‐3, and Gp‐4, were characterized for their nutritional and fatty acid profile. Later on, the nutritionally superior variant was used for bread preparation. Purposely, composite flour was prepared with different ratios of wheat and rye (100:0; 90:10; 80:20). Furthermore, structural characterization of bread was done using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that the Gp‐2 was more nutritional among the four variants. Furthermore, the spectra of composite flour bread were scanned in the range of 4000–600 cm–1. All the bread samples presented almost similar spectra for major peaks corresponding to wavenumbers in the functional group. The SEM micrographs showed the presence of small and large starch particles with compact structures. Conclusively, rye flour supplementation has a significant impact on the nutritional and structural attributes of the bread.
Immunomodulatory effects of selenium‐enriched peptides from soybean in cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed mice
Authors: Zhang Jian , Gao Siwei , Li He , Cao Mengdi , Li Wenhui , Liu Xinqi
Published: September 2021

In this study, selenium‐enriched soybean peptides (<3 kDa, named Se‐SPep) was isolated and purified from the selenium‐enriched soybean protein (Se‐SPro) hydrolysate by ultrafiltration. The in‐vivo immunomodulatory effects of Se‐SPep were investigated in cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed mice. Se‐SPep treatment could alleviate the atrophy of immune organs and weight loss observed in immunosuppressive mice. Besides, Se‐SPep administration could dramatically improve total protein, albumin, white blood cell, immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG, and IgA levels in blood. Moreover, Se‐SPep strongly stimulated interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate productions by up‐regulating mRNA expressions of IL‐2, IFN‐γ, and inducible NO synthase in spleen tissue. Furthermore, Se‐SPep exhibits more effective immunomodulatory activity compared to Se‐SPro and SPep. In conclusion, Se‐SPep could effectively enhance the immune capacity of immunosuppressive mice. These findings confirm Se‐SPep is an effective immunomodulator with potential application in functional foods or dietary supplements.
The conflict between Public Health and ‘Big Food’: A Counterinsurgency?
Authors: Dale Michael J. , Carroll Suzanne J. , Daniel Mark
Published: September 2021

This commentary characterises as an insurgency those elements of the Food Industry seeking to retain and expand industry profit‐making opportunity with scant regard to the effect on public health and wellbeing. Premised on a conflict in which the battlespace encompasses the drivers of (un)healthful behaviour, our view encourages opponents of Food Industry methods to consider an approach based on analogy of successful Counter‐Insurgency strategies to a health promotion context.
Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor associated arteritis in a patient with castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Nitta Satoshi , Tanaka Takazo , Yanagihashi Ryota , Nonaka Haruna , Suzuki Shuhei , Kimura Tomokazu , Kandori Shuya , Hoshi Akio , Negoro Hiromitsu , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐associated arteritis is a rare adverse event of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, with an incidence of 0.47% among all patients who receive granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor. We herein present a case of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐associated arteritis.

Case presentation

A 72‐year‐old man with castration‐resistant prostate cancer and multiple bone metastases was treated with docetaxel and pegfilgrastim. He developed a high fever on day 12 without other symptoms. His white blood cell count and C‐reactive protein levels were high. Antibiotic therapy was ineffective, and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed thickened subclavian and brachiocephalic artery walls. He was diagnosed with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐associated arteritis.

Conclusion

When patients receiving chemotherapy with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor develop an unexplained fever, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor associated arteritis should be considered.
Applying Systems Engineering framework for architecting a Smart Parking System within a Smart City
Authors: Joshi Nikhil , Mittal Mudit , Jayawant Yatin , Salunkhe Pradip , Hattarge Meena
Published: September 2021

A Smart Parking System is an important feature in any Smart City, as it hopes to address a persistent challenge in urban mobility. Various technology‐based solutions have been developed. However, in such complex societal systems, it is important to consider various stakeholders and interfaces with other systems to choose an architecture that works efficiently for the given context. In this paper, we present the application of the Systems Engineering framework to develop a Smart Parking System architecture to meet the needs of a hypothetical Smart City. The framework shows the application of methods to analyse the context, prioritise needs, define and formally model alternate architectures, choose between the alternatives, and the use of a simulation model to validate requirements derived for the chosen architecture. Such systematic application of Systems Engineering methods can help planners and designers to negotiate complexities and avoid getting locked into sub‐optimal technological solutions.
Why Systems Engineers May Have an Edge When It Comes to Personal Resilience
Authors: Hahn Heidi Ann
Published: September 2021

This paper posits that individual or personal resilience, that is, the ability of a person to adapt to and recover from adversity (Public Health Emergency [PHE], 2020), is key to overcoming personal challenges and that personal resilience is important to organizational and societal resilience as well. Among the examples of personal resilience listed by Spacey (2017) are unaffectedness, tolerance for ambiguity, change agency, and big picture thinking. Arguably, as is discussed in the International Council on Systems Engineering's (INCOSE)Systems Engineering Competency Framework(Presland, Ed., 2018), these are characteristics that should be possessed by systems engineers, hence the assertion that systems engineers may have an edge when it comes to personal resilience. This paper breaks down these characteristics further and relates them to the systems engineering (SE) competencies. It also provides a few suggestions on how to develop personal resilience, specifically by developing oneself in the INCOSE Professional Competencies.
The value of trade‐off studies for student projects
Authors: Kindem Håkon , Haskins Cecilia
Published: September 2021

University student projects serve multiple purposes. They provide a realistic structure for students to apply their theoretical book‐learning to a practical problem and in the course of their work the results increase the knowledge base of the university and related disciplines. However, student projects struggle with a continuous loss of continuity as the students’ interests change or they graduate. This leads to increased project risk, development delays and loss of institutional knowledge. In an attempt to mitigate the loss of design rationale and accumulated competence, the Orbit NTNU project implemented a trade‐off study process tailored to the experience level of students. This paper presents an experience report of a case study with results that suggest that it is possible to implement a single method that provides support for inexperienced students, while experienced students are able to “pick and choose” from the method and further adapt it to their documentation style. Both individual students and students performing trade‐offs as part of a team produced improved documentation while also spending less time when compared to earlier attempts at documenting design rationale. Consequently, the project has built up a useful archive, and onboarding new students has resulted in faster assimilation into the project.
Towards a Software Defined Truck
Authors: Mukherjee Subhojeet , Daily Jeremy
Published: September 2021

Heavy vehicles are part of the US Critical Infrastructure as they provide the means to deliver goods across the globe. To effectively manage the delivery of goods and improve the performance of the logistics operations, heavy vehicles have been increasingly equipped with wireless telematics systems that bridge the on‐board vehicle networks with Internet based systems. The interconnection of these systems creates a complex system comprising both traditional information technology (IT) systems and automotive operational technology (OT) systems. Using a systems approach to the design, testing, and implementation of complex logistic systems requires a testing and verification strategy to encompass many configurations of vehicles. Using existing vehicles for comprehensive testing is cost prohibitive and building representative testbeds for each configuration of the vehicle is labor intensive. However, testing numerous configurations of heavy vehicles remains a necessity for proper systems evaluation and verification. To this end, a software defined truck (SDT) system is proposed to rapidly test numerous vehicle configurations and achieve testing and verification tasks using automated techniques. This approach drastically expands the coverage of the testing and verification of technologies that leverage vehicle networks. The approach sets the requirements of the software defined truck, explains the advantages of using switched packet networking to virtually reconfigure the truck's network topology, and the appropriate use of simulation engines, emulated hardware, and actual hardware. The result is a scalable, sharable resource where organizations can conduct research, testing, and evaluation at significantly lower cost and wider coverage. This is particularly useful for performing cybersecurity testing, compliance testing, or evaluating other software driven solutions that use the vehicle's controller area network (CAN).
OMG RAAML standard for model‐based Fault Tree Analysis
Authors: Berres Axel , Post Kyle , Armonas Andrius , Hecht Myron , Juknevičius Tomas , Banham Dave
Published: September 2021

Fault tree analysis (FTA) is a top‐down method for identifying the discrete primary failure events that lead to system failures (top level events), and the means for determining the probability of the top‐level events if the probabilities of primary discrete failure events are known. Fault tree models document the logical combination of events that support fault tree analysis. This paper presents part of a forthcoming OMG standard “Risk Analysis Modeling Language” (RAAML) that defines a UML library and profile for fault tree modeling that can be used alongside the OMG Model‐Based Systems Engineering language, SysML. This enables fault trees to be co‐modeled with the system models with all the benefits of direct inter‐model linkage, versioning, and change‐impact analysis.
Theoretical analysis on reactions between syn‐methyl Criegee intermediate and amino alcohols
Authors: Takahashi Kaito
Published: September 2021

Due to their strong zwitterionic character, Criegee intermediates can interact strongly with hydrogen bonding molecules in the atmosphere, such as water vapor, alcohols, acids, amines, and thiols. To gain a physical understanding of the reactivity of Criegee intermediates toward these molecules, we theoretically studied the reaction of syn‐CH3CHOO with linear n‐amino alcohol and branched amino alcohols that contain three carbon atoms. We found that the interaction contribution is the determining factor for the increase in reactivity when we elongate the alkyl chain length and when we place a methyl group in the amino group. This finding was rationalized by evaluating the electron‐donating ability of the amino alcohol. Consistent with the increase in reactivity for NH(CH3)C2H4OH and NH2C4H8OH compared to NH2C2H4OH, we found that these two amino alcohols have vertical ionization energies ~0.5 eV smaller than NH2C2H4OH.
Infrared–vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy of the CH stretching vibrations of jet‐cooled aromatic azine molecules and the anharmonic analysis
Authors: Feng Jun‐Ying , Huang Qian‐Rui , Nguyen Ha‐Quyen , Kuo Jer‐Lai , Ebata Takayuki
Published: September 2021

Vibrational spectra of the CH stretching vibration of diazine molecules, pyrimidine and pyrazine, were measured by infrared (IR)–vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectroscopy under the jet‐cooled gas‐phase condition. The observed IR spectra were analyzed by three anharmonic algorithms to account for the Fermi‐resonance (F‐R). The anharmonic analysis of the F‐R pattern was performed with second‐order vibrational perturbation theory (VPT2) with quartic potentials (QPs) at the DFT level of B2PLYP/6–311++G(d,p), followed by vibrational configuration interaction (VCI) method with the same QP. The VPT2 + QP method reasonably reproduced most of the bands in the observed spectra for all the species, especially for pyrimidine, a decent agreement is obtained with respect to the band positions and relative intensities. The analyses of the spectra show that all the observed spectra can be well interpreted by the F‐R between the CH stretching fundamentals and the first overtone and 1 + 1 combination bands involving the in‐plane CH bending vibrations and the contribution of the higher‐order anharmonic coupling to the observed spectra seems to lead to red‐shift of the F‐R patterns. Discrete variable representation based methods with potential energy surfaces at CCSD/aug‐cc‐pVDZ theory with 10 degrees of freedom were also carried out to assess the quality of QP at DFT level.
Associations of low hand grip strength with 1 year mortality of cancer cachexia: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Song Mengmeng , Zhang Qi , Tang Meng , Zhang Xi , Ruan Guotian , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhang Kangping , Ge Yizhong , Yang Ming , Li Qinqin , Li Xiangrui , Liu Xiaoyue , Li Wei , Cong Minghua , Wang Kunhua , Song Chunhua , Shi Hanping
Published: September 2021

Backgrounds

Hand grip strength (HGS) is one of diagnose criteria factors of sarcopenia and is associated with the survival of patients with cancer. However, few studies have addressed the association of HGS and 1 year mortality of patients with cancer cachexia.

Methods

This cohort study included 8466 patients with malignant solid tumour from 40 clinical centres throughout China. Cachexia was diagnosed using the 2011 International cancer cachexia consensus. The hazard ratio (HR) of all cancer cachexia mortality was calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Kaplan–Meier curves were generated to evaluate the association between HGS and the 1 year mortality of patients with cancer cachexia. The interaction analysis was used to explore the combined effect of low HGS and other factors on the overall survival of patients with cancer cachexia.

Results

Among all participants, 1434 (16.9%) patients with cancer were diagnosed with cachexia according to the 2011 International cancer cachexia consensus with a mean (SD) age of 57.75 (12.97) years, among which there were 871 (60.7%) male patients. The HGS optimal cut‐off points of male and female patients were 19.87 and 14.3 kg, respectively. Patients with cancer cachexia had lower HGS than those patients without cachexia (P < 0.05). In the multivariable Cox analysis, low HGS was an independent risk factor of cachexia [HR: 1.491, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.257–1.769] after adjusting other factors. In addition, all of cancer cachexia patients with lower HGS had unfavourable 1 year survival (P < 0.001). In a subset analysis, low HGS was an independent prognosis factor of male patients with cancer cachexia (HR: 1.623, 95% CI: 1.308–2.014, P < 0.001), but not in female patients (HR: 1.947, 95% CI: 0.956–3.963, P = 0.0662), and low HGS was associated with poor 1 year survival of digestive system, respiratory system, and other cancer cachexia patients (all P < 0.05). Low HGS has combined effects with high neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio or low albumin on unfavourable overall survival of patients with cancer cachexia.

Conclusions

Low HGS was associated with poor 1 year survival of patients with cancer cachexia.
Nicotine‐related misperceptions among faculty and students at a Midwestern dental school
Authors: McCracken Barbara A. , VanPutte Cinnamon L. , Hildebolt Charles F.
Published: September 2021

Purpose/objectives

To determine the perceptions about the ill‐effects of nicotine in students and faculty at a Midwestern dental school. This information will help inform the school and improve teaching on this subject during a time when electronic nicotine delivery systems are increasingly popular.

Methods

An online survey of dental students and faculty of a Midwestern dental school was deployed in November, 2020 to determine their level of misperception about the ill effects of nicotine. An online Qualtrics survey was administered to approximately 212 predoctoral students at a dental institution and approximately 100 part‐ and full‐time faculty at the same school.

Results

The response rate for faculty was 55.1% and that for students was 37.5%. The majority of faculty and students “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that nicotine causes cancer, birth defects, cardiovascular disease, oral inflammation, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Conclusions

Dental school faculty and students linked the risks of smoking tobacco to nicotine. Based on the results of this study, we feel our institution's curriculum should consider including information specific to nicotine in addition to tobacco in general.
Hepatic Iron Quantification Using a Free‐Breathing 3D Radial Gradient Echo Technique and Validation With a 2D Biopsy‐Calibrated R2* Relaxometry Method
Authors: Rohani Shawyon Chase , Morin Cara E. , Zhong Xiaodong , Kannengiesser Stephan , Shrestha Utsav , Goode Chris , Holtrop Joseph , Khan Ayaz , Loeffler Ralf B. , Hankins Jane S. , Hillenbrand Claudia M. , Tipirneni‐Sajja Aaryani
Published: September 2021

Background

Hepatic iron content (HIC) is an important parameter for the management of iron overload. Non‐invasive HIC assessment is often performed using biopsy‐calibrated two‐dimensional breath‐hold Cartesian gradient echo (2D BH GRE) R2*‐MRI. However, breath‐holding is not possible in most pediatric patients or those with respiratory problems, and three‐dimensional free‐breathing radial GRE (3D FB rGRE) has emerged as a viable alternative.

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of a 3D FB rGRE and validate its R2* and fat fraction (FF) quantification with 3D breath‐hold Cartesian GRE (3D BH cGRE) and biopsy‐calibrated 2D BH GRE across a wide range of HICs.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Twenty‐nine patients with hepatic iron overload (22 females, median age: 15 [5–25] years).

Field Strength/Sequence

Three‐dimensional radial and 2D and 3D Cartesian multi‐echo GRE at 1.5 T.

Assessment

R2* and FF maps were computed for 3D GREs using a multi‐spectral fat model and 2D GRE R2* maps were calculated using a mono‐exponential model. Mean R2* and FF values were calculated via whole‐liver contouring and T2*‐thresholding by three operators.

Statistical Tests

Inter‐ and intra‐observer reproducibility was assessed using Bland–Altman and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Linear regression and Bland–Altman analysis were performed to compare R2* and FF values among the three acquisitions. One‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests, respectively, were used to test for significant differences between R2* and FF values obtained with different acquisitions. Statistical significance was assumed at P < 0.05.

Results

The mean biases and ICC for inter‐ and intra‐observer reproducibility were close to 0% and >0.99, respectively for both R2* and FF. The 3D FB rGRE R2* and FF values were not significantly different (P > 0.44) and highly correlated (R2 ≥ 0.98) with breath‐hold Cartesian GREs, with mean biases ≤ ±2.5% and slopes 0.90–1.12. In non‐breath‐holding patients, Cartesian GREs showed motion artifacts, whereas 3D FB rGRE exhibited only minimal streaking artifacts.

Data Conclusion

Free‐breathing 3D radial GRE is a viable alternative in non‐breath‐hold patients for accurate HIC estimation.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
FT‐ICR‐MS‐based metabolomics: A deep dive into plant metabolism
Authors: Maia Marisa , Figueiredo Andreia , Cordeiro Carlos , Sousa Silva Marta
Published: September 2021

Metabolomics involves the identification and quantification of metabolites to unravel the chemical footprints behind cellular regulatory processes and to decipher metabolic networks, opening new insights to understand the correlation between genes and metabolites. In plants, it is estimated the existence of hundreds of thousands of metabolites and the majority is still unknown. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐MS) is a powerful analytical technique to tackle such challenges. The resolving power and sensitivity of this ultrahigh mass accuracy mass analyzer is such that a complex mixture, such as plant extracts, can be analyzed and thousands of metabolite signals can be detected simultaneously and distinguished based on the naturally abundant elemental isotopes. In this review, FT‐ICR‐MS‐based plant metabolomics studies are described, emphasizing FT‐ICR‐MS increasing applications in plant science through targeted and untargeted approaches, allowing for a better understanding of plant development, responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and the discovery of new natural nutraceutical compounds. Improved metabolite extraction protocols compatible with FT‐ICR‐MS, metabolite analysis methods and metabolite identification platforms are also explored as well as new in silico approaches. Most recent advances in MS imaging are also discussed.
Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease: 5‐Year Extension Study of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Bjerknes Silje , Toft Mathias , Brandt Reidun , Rygvold Trine Waage , Konglund Ane , Dietrichs Espen , Andersson Stein , Skogseid Inger Marie
Published: September 2021

Background

In Parkinson's disease (PD) long‐term motor outcomes of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) are well documented, while comprehensive reports on non‐motor outcomes are fewer and less consistent.

Objective

To report motor and non‐motor symptoms after 5‐years of STN‐DBS.

Methods

We performed an open 5‐year extension study of a randomized trial that compared intraoperative verification versus mapping of STN using microelectrode recordings. Changes from preoperative to 5‐years of STN‐DBS were evaluated for motor and non‐motor symptoms (MDS‐UPDRS I‐IV), sleep disturbances (PDSS), autonomic symptoms (Scopa‐Aut), quality of life (PDQ‐39) and cognition through a neuropsychological test battery. We evaluated whether any differences between the two randomization groups were still present, and assessed preoperative predictors of physical dependence after 5 years of treatment using logistic regression.

Results

We found lasting improvement of off‐medication motor symptoms (total MDS‐UPDRS III, bradykinetic‐rigid symptoms and tremor), on‐medication tremor, motor fluctuations, and sleep disturbances, but reduced performance across all cognitive domains, except verbal memory. Reduction of verbal fluency and executive function was most pronounced the first year and may thus be more directly related to the surgery than worsening in other domains. The group mapped with multiple microelectrode recordings had more improvement of bradykinetic‐rigid symptoms and of PDQ‐39 bodily discomfort sub‐score, but also more reduction in word fluency. Older age was the most important factor associated with physical dependence after 5 years.

Conclusion

STN‐DBS offers good long‐term effects, including improved sleep, despite disease progression. STN‐DBS surgery may negatively impact verbal fluency and executive function.
Fractional view of heat‐like equations via the Elzaki transform in the settings of the Mittag–Leffler function
Authors: Rashid Saima , Kubra Khadija Tul , Abualnaja Khadijah M.
Published: September 2021

In this article, the Elzaki homotopy perturbation transform method (EHPTM) is profusely employed to discover the approximate solutions of fractional‐order (FO) heat‐like equations. To show this, we first establish the Elzaki transform in the context of the Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivative in the Caputo sense (ABC) and then extend it to heat‐like equations. Our suggested approach has been reinforced by convergence and error analysis. The validity of the novel technique is tested with the aid of some illustrative examples. Comparative analysis has been established for both fractional and integer‐order solutions. EHPTM is considered to be an appropriate and convenient approach for solving FO time‐dependent linear and nonlinear partial differential problems. Plots and tables are being used to reveal the findings. The relatively high validity and reliability of the present approach are also reflected by the comparative solution analysis by means of statistical analysis.
Uncertainty in denoising of MRSI using low‐rank methods
Authors: Clarke William T. , Chiew Mark
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Low‐rank denoising of MRSI data results in an apparent increase in spectral SNR. However, it is not clear if this translates to a lower uncertainty in metabolite concentrations after spectroscopic fitting. Estimation of the true uncertainty after denoising is desirable for downstream analysis in spectroscopy. In this work, the uncertainty reduction from low‐rank denoising methods based on spatiotemporal separability and linear predictability in MRSI are assessed. A new method for estimating metabolite concentration uncertainty after denoising is proposed. Automatic rank threshold selection methods are also assessed in simulated low SNR regimes.

Methods

Assessment of denoising methods is conducted using Monte Carlo simulation of proton MRSI data and by reproducibility of repeated in vivo acquisitions in 5 subjects.

Results

In simulated and in vivo data, spatiotemporal based denoising is shown to reduce the concentration uncertainty, but linear prediction denoising increases uncertainty. Uncertainty estimates provided by fitting algorithms after denoising consistently underestimate actual metabolite uncertainty. However, the proposed uncertainty estimation, based on an analytical expression for entry‐wise variance after denoising, is more accurate. It is also shown automated rank threshold selection using Marchenko‐Pastur distribution can bias the data in low SNR conditions. An alternative soft‐thresholding function is proposed.

Conclusion

Low‐rank denoising methods based on spatiotemporal separability do reduce uncertainty in MRS(I) data. However, thorough assessment is needed as assessment by SNR measured from residual baseline noise is insufficient given the presence of non‐uniform variance. It is also important to select the right rank thresholding method in low SNR cases.