bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chaos numbers based a new representation scheme for evolutionary computation: Applications in evolutionary association rule mining
Authors: Altay Elif Varol , Alatas Bilal
Published: December 2021

In some practical situations, new computational methods are required for appropriately representing systems and their variables with inaccuracies, uncertainties, or variability. The chaos numbers seem to efficiently represent a set or range of values with lower and upper bounds for variables. In this article, a new chaos‐enhanced representation scheme that is based on the notion of chaos numbers is proposed for evolutionary optimization methods. As a first application of chaos‐based new encoding type, it is integrated into the novel hybrid intelligent optimization method proposed that is adapted as numerical association rules miner for the first time. The proposed hybrid method can also be used for complex types of search and optimization problems. The method is designed as a multiobjective rule miner that simultaneously handles different conflicting objectives and finds the accurate and comprehensible rules automatically. Based on the chaotic encoding, the proposed method easily and effectively adjusts the intervals of the attributes and automatically mines the rules without any preprocess. The performance of the proposed method was tested in real quantitative data sets and results were compared with the other association rule mining methods. According to the obtained results, the proposed method seems promising with respect to different metrics.
Selective and Sensitive Fluorescence Turn‐On Detection of Cyanide Ions in Water by Post Metallization of a MOF
Authors: Mahato Debanjan , Fajal Sahel , Samanta Partha , Mandal Writakshi , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: December 2021

Owing to detrimental impact of cyanide ion (CN−) towards the entire living system as well as its availability in drinking water, it has become very important developing potential sensory materials for the selective and sensitive recognition of CN− ions in water. In the domain of sensory materials, luminescent metal‐organic frameworks (LMOFs) have been considered as a promising candidate owing to their unique host‐guest interaction, where MOFs can serve as an ideal scaffold for encapsulating relevant guest molecules rendering specific functionality. In this study, a post‐synthetically modified MOF (viz., CuCl2@MOF‐867) was applied to recognize cyanide (CN−) ions in water via “turn‐on” response. The bipyridyl functionalities in MOF‐867 were used to perform post‐synthetic metalation to infiltrate CuCl2 inside porous architecture of the MOF. Moreover, a CuCl2@MOF‐867 based probe demonstrated highly selective and sensitive aqueous phase recognition of CN− ions even in the presence of other interfering anions such as Br−, NO3−, I−, SO42−, OAc−, SCN−, NO2−, etc. The selective binding of CN− ions to the copper‐metal center has led to the generation of stable Cu(CN)2 species. This phenomenon has further resulted in a fluorescence turn‐on response. The aqueous phase cyanide detection by the rationally modified MOF system exhibited very low limit of detection (0.19 μM), which meets the standardized limit stated by World Health Organization (WHO) that is 1.9 μM.
Effects of strategic flexibility and organizational slack on the relationship between green operational practices adoption and firm performance
Authors: Jiao Jinxia , Liu ChenGuang , Xu Yan , Hao Zirong
Published: November 2021

This study aims to explain why some firms improve their performance through the adoption of green operational practices (GOPs) while others do not. Researchers attribute this phenomenon to that some resources are necessary to capture the benefits of GOPs. Drawing upon relevant literature and the resource‐based view, this study identifies strategic flexibility and organizational slack as two potential resources that enable firms to improve their performance through GOPs adoption. In other words, this study examines the moderating effects of strategic flexibility and organizational slack on the relationship between GOPs adoption and firm performance (including environmental and financial performance). Based on the data from 213 Chinese manufacturing firms, hierarchical regression analysis is used to test the hypotheses. The results show that GOPs adoption positively influences environmental and financial performance. Moreover, we find that strategic flexibility strengthens the relationship between GOPs adoption and environmental performance, but weakens the relationship between GOPs adoption and financial performance. Conversely, organizational slack strengthens the relationship between GOPs adoption and financial performance, but weakens the relationship between GOPs adoption and environmental performance. This study contributes to related literature and its findings provide new insights for managers and the government to manage the relationship between GOPs adoption and firm performance.
T cell landscape and dynamics in immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis before and after daratumumab‐based therapy
Authors: Wang Yujia , Xu Lushuang , Zhao Weijia , Chen Xiaojie , Wen Lei , Duan Wenbing , Yu Xiao‐Juan , De Zhou Fu‐ , Liu Yang , Hao Jie , Huang Xiaojun , Lu Jin , Ge Qing
Published: November 2021

Amyloid light‐chain (AL) is characterized by the presence of small, poorly proliferating plasma cell clones with the production and deposition of light chains into tissues. T cell changes within the tumour microenvironment in AL are poorly understood. By sequencing at a single‐cell level of CD3+ T cells purified from bone marrow (BM) and blood of newly diagnosed AL patients before and after a combination of daratumumab with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (Dara‐BCD), we analysed the transcriptomic features of T cells and found an expansion, activation and type I cytokine upregulation in BM and circulating T cells after the treatment. More prominent changes were shown in CD8+ T cells. In particular, we found the presence of CD8+ BM resident memory T cells (TRM) with high expression of inhibitory molecules in AL patients at diagnosis. After Dara‐BCD, these TRM cells were quickly activated with downregulation of suppressive molecules and upregulation of IFNG expression. These data collectively demonstrate that Dara‐based therapy in patients with AL amyloidosis promotes anti‐tumour T cell responses. The similar transcriptomic features of BM and circulating T cells before and after therapy further provide a less invasive approach for molecular monitoring of T cell response in AL amyloidosis.
Environmental factors influencing spotted hyena and lion population biomass across Africa
Authors: Jones Angharad K. , Blockley Simon P.E. , Schreve Danielle C. , Carbone Chris
Published: November 2021

The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta Erxleben) and the lion (Panthera leo Linnaeus) are two of the most abundant and charismatic large mammalian carnivores in Africa and yet both are experiencing declining populations and significant pressures from environmental change. However, with few exceptions, most studies have focused on influences upon spotted hyena and lion populations within individual sites, rather than synthesizing data from multiple locations. This has impeded the identification of over‐arching trends behind the changing biomass of these large predators. Using partial least squares regression models, influences upon population biomass were therefore investigated, focusing upon prey biomass, temperature, precipitation, and vegetation cover. Additionally, as both species are in competition with one other for food, the influence of competition and evidence of environmental partitioning were assessed. Our results indicate that spotted hyena biomass is more strongly influenced by environmental conditions than lion, with larger hyena populations in areas with warmer winters, cooler summers, less drought, and more semi‐open vegetation cover. Competition was found to have a negligible influence upon spotted hyena and lion populations, and environmental partitioning is suggested, with spotted hyena population biomass greater in areas with more semi‐open vegetation cover. Moreover, spotted hyena is most heavily influenced by the availability of medium‐sized prey biomass, whereas lion is influenced more by large size prey biomass. Given the influences identified upon spotted hyena populations in particular, the results of this study could be used to highlight populations potentially at greatest risk of decline, such as in areas with warming summers and increasingly arid conditions.
One‐year trends from the LANDMARC trial: A 3‐year, pan‐India, prospective, longitudinal study on the management and real‐world outcomes of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Das Ashok K. , Kalra Sanjay , Joshi Shashank , Mithal Ambrish , Kumar K. M. Prasanna , Unnikrishnan Ambika G. , Thacker Hemant , Sethi Bipin , Chowdhury Subhankar , Ghosh Romik , Krishnan Sukanya , Nair Arjun , Mohanasundaram Senthilnathan , Menon Shalini K. , Salvi Vaibhav , Chodankar Deepa , Thaker Saket , Trivedi Chirag , Wangnoo Subhash K. , Zargar Abdul H. , Rais Nadeem
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Longitudinal data on management and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in India are scarce. LANDMARC (CTRI/2017/05/008452), first‐of‐its‐kind, pan‐India, prospective, observational study aimed to evaluate real‐world patterns and management of T2DM over 3 years.

Methods

Adults (≥25 to ≤60 years old at T2DM diagnosis; diabetes duration ≥2 years at enrolment; controlled/uncontrolled on ≥2 anti‐diabetic agents) were enrolled. The first‐year trends for glycaemic control, therapy and diabetic complications, including those from metropolitan and non‐metropolitan cities are reported here.

Results

Of 6236 enrolled participants, 5654 completed 1 year in the study. Although the overall mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) improved by 0.5% (baseline: 8.1%) at 1 year, only 20% of the participants achieved HbA1c <7%. Participants from metropolitan and non‐ metropolitan cities showed similar decrease in glycaemic levels (mean change in HbA1c: −0.5% vs. −0.5%; p = .8613). Among diabetic complications, neuropathy was the predominant complication (815/6236, 13.1% participants). Microvascular complications (neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy) were significantly (p < .0001) higher in non‐metropolitan than metropolitan cities. Hypertension (2623/6236, 78.2%) and dyslipidaemia (1696/6236, 50.6%) continued to be the most commonly reported cardiovascular risks at 1 year. After 1 year, majority of the participants were taking only oral anti‐diabetic drugs (OADs) (baseline: 4642/6236 [74.4%]; 1 year: 4045/6013 [67.3%]), while the proportion of those taking insulin along with OADs increased (baseline: 1498/6236 [24.0%] vs. 1 year: 1844/6013 [30.7%]). Biguanides and sulfonylureas were the most used OADs. The highest increase in use was seen for dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibitors (baseline: 3047/6236 [48.9%]; 1 year: 3529/6013 [58.7%]). Improvement in all glycaemic parameters was significantly (p < .0001) higher in the insulin vs. the insulin‐naïve subgroups; in the insulin‐naïve subgroup, no statistical difference was noted in those who received >3 vs. ≤3 OADs.

Conclusions

First‐year trends of the LANDMARC study offer insights into real‐world disease progression, suggesting the need for controlling risk factors and timely treatment intensification in people with T2DM.
Comparison of the Catalytic Activity of Mono‐ and Multinuclear Ga Complexes in the ROCOP of Epoxides and Cyclic Anhydrides
Authors: Ghosh Swarup , Glöckler Eduard , Wölper Christoph , Linders Jürgen , Janoszka Nicole , Gröschel André H. , Schulz Stephan
Published: November 2021

Tetranuclear Schiff‐base complexes L1–32Ga4(t‐Bu)8 1–3 are highly active and selective (>99 %) catalyst in the alternating ring‐opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of epoxides and anhydrides, yielding polyesters with high molecular weights (Mn) and narrow dispersity (Đ). The thermal properties (Tg) of the resulting polyester range from 18 °C to 124 °C and increase with increasing steric bulk or rigidity along the polymer backbone. Comparative studies using structurally related complexes L4Ga(t‐Bu)2 4, [L5GaR2]2 (R=t‐Bu 5, R=Me 6) and L6Ga(t‐Bu)2 7 proved that the Ga2O2 core of catalyst 1 is the catalytically active species.
Direct Synthesis of Napthalenes by Nickel‐Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization of o‐Vinyl Chlorobenzenes with Internal Alkynes
Authors: Lin Jin , Liang Guanfeng , Wu Chaoyi , Tian Xu
Published: November 2021

An efficient nickel‐catalyzed arylnickelation of alkyne/Heck cyclization of challenging o‐vinyl chlorobenzenes with internal alkynes has been developed. This protocol enables synthesis of a wide variety of substituted naphthalenes in a cascade process from readily available starting materials. Mechanistic studies indicate the radical pathway is not involved in the cascade catalytic system.
Engineering and evaluation of thermostable IsPETase variants for PET degradation
Authors: Brott Stefan , Pfaff Lara , Schuricht Josephine , Schwarz Jan‐Niklas , Böttcher Dominique , Badenhorst Christoffel P. S. , Wei Ren , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: November 2021

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a mass‐produced petroleum‐based synthetic polymer. Enzymatic PET degradation using, for example, Ideonella sakaiensis PETase (IsPETase) can be a more environmentally friendly and energy‐saving alternative to the chemical recycling of PET. However, IsPETase is a mesophilic enzyme with an optimal reaction temperature lower than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PET, where the amorphous polymers can be readily accessed for enzymatic breakdown. In this study, we used error‐prone PCR to generate a mutant library based on a thermostable triple mutant (TM) of IsPETase. The library was screened against the commercially available polyester‐polyurethane Impranil DLN W 50 for more thermostable IsPETase variants, yielding four variants with higher melting points. The most promising IsPETaseTMK95N/F201I variant had a 5.0°C higher melting point than IsPETaseTM. Although this variant showed a slightly lower activity on PET at lower incubation temperatures, its increased thermostability makes it a more active PET hydrolase at higher reaction temperatures up to 60°C. Several other variants were compared and combined with selected previously published IsPETase mutants in terms of thermostability and hydrolytic activity against PET nanoparticles and amorphous PET films. Our findings indicate that thermostability is one of the most important characteristics of an effective PET hydrolase.
CuS Hollow Nanospheres/Cellulose Composite Film as a Recyclable Interfacial Photothermal Evaporator for Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Shang Mengya , Xu Shanhong , Li Jinling , Sun Haojiong , Peng Jin , Wang Shun , Zhang Meng
Published: November 2021

Effective utilization of solar energy for the production of thermal energy is regarded as one of the most sustainable ways to conquer the growing global energy crisis. Photothermal conversion at the water–air interface is considered to be a promising route for steam generation, distillation, and desalination. However, most of the interfacial photothermal evaporators often require optical concentrators and complicated systems with multiple components, leading to poor efficiency and high cost. Herein, an extremely simple and low‐cost interfacial heating film for highly efficient solar steam generation is introduced. The composite film is composed of a viscose cellulose film loaded with CuS hollow nanospheres. The CuS/cellulose composite film, fabricated by a solvothermal method process, serves as an efficient solar absorber (>94%), vapor channel, and thermal insulator (the thermal conductivity is 0.06 W m−1 K−1), leading to an efficiency of 85% under solar irradiation (1.0 kW m−2), which represents a concrete step for solar steam generation to alleviate the global water scarcity.
A Morphometric Assessment of the Condition of White Croakers (Genyonemus Lineatus) and Queenfish (Seriphus Politus) with Access to a Wastewater Outfall and a DDT/Polychlorinated Biphenyl Superfund Site: A Los Angeles Outer Harbor Case Study
Authors: Otim Ochan
Published: November 2021

Sediments and water columns in the Los Angeles Outer Harbor (CA, USA), a major port behind a breakwater, contain DDTs and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a nearby Superfund site, and contaminants brought in by ships, boats, stormwater, a river, and a wastewater outfall. White croaker and queenfish, a bottom feeder and a water column feeder, respectively, are two bioindicators for this marine ecosystem. Their condition as populations of fish is assumed to be robust for this role at all times. The present study tests this benign assumption amid progressively increasing DDT/PCB levels in their tissues. The results, as shown by progressively shrinking gonads, show a less than robust white croaker population particularly. Although the males are generally larger than the females, the length (standard [SL] or total [TL]) and body mass (BM) of 80 white croakers collected over 8 years were found to be similar irrespective of gender (177 mm, 212 mm, and 114 g, respectively). Queenfish (67) did not show such similarity over the same period (female: 152 mm SL, 177 mm TL, 56 g BM; male: 145 mm SL, 172 mm TL, 50 g BM). The site-specific expressions/values capturing the current conditions of these fish populations are SL = 0.835[TL] − 1.68 (r2 = 0.914, n = 68) and SL = 0.891[TL] − 8.88 (r2 = 0.961, n = 50) for white croaker and queenfish, respectively. In the allometric growth equation BM = a[SL]b, a and b are 2.83 and 2.49 × 10−4 (r2 = 0.817) for white croakers, and 6.10 and 2.73 × 10−5 (r2 = 0.825) for queenfish, respectively. The relative coefficients of condition Kn are 0.97 ± 0.07 and 1.01 ± 0.12 for white croakers and queenfish, respectively. Molecular-level studies are needed to establish definitively the links between DDT/PCB bioaccumulation in fish tissues and the robustness of the fish populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:410-425. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Deriving mass-length expression, and coefficients of population robustness fish morphometric measurements.
Mechanistic role of astaxanthin derived from shrimp against certain metabolic disorders
Authors: Yaqoob Zubda , Arshad Muhammad Sajid , Imran Muhammad , Munir Haroon , Qaisrani Tahira Batool , Khalid Waseem , Asghar Zubia , Suleria Hafiz Ansar Rasul
Published: November 2021

Oxidative stress caused by the imbalance between production of oxidants and antioxidants in the body leads to the development of different ailments. The bioactive compounds derived from marine sources are considered to be safe and appropriate to use. Astaxanthin possesses antioxidant activity about 100–500 times higher than other antioxidants such as α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene. It has numerous health benefits and vital pharmacological properties for the treatment of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, heart disease, ischemia, neurological disorders, and potential role in liver enzyme gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase which has significance in medicine as a diagnostic marker. The primary source of astaxanthin among crustaceans is shrimps and the presence of astaxanthin protects shrimps from oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Conclusively, astaxanthin derived from shrimps is very effective against oxidative stress which can lead to certain ailments.
Image denoising for magnetic resonance imaging medical images using improved generalized cross‐validation based on the diffusivity function
Authors: Kollem Sreedhar , Ramalinga Reddy Katta , Srinivasa Rao Duggirala , Rajendra Prasad Chintha , Malathy V. , Ajayan J. , Muchahary Deboraj
Published: November 2021

Various image denoising algorithms have been developed for medical imaging. But some disadvantages have been found, including the block effect, which increases smoothing, and the loss of image detail. Using the statistical properties of observed noisy images, we propose a new diffusivity function‐based partial differential equation method for image denoising. This model incorporates a Quaternion Wavelet Transform for the generation of the various noisy image coefficients, an improved generalized cross‐validation function for generating the optimal threshold value via the soft threshold function, and a new diffusivity function for controlling the diffusion process. The fourth‐order PDE diffusivity function, which is presented in this article, is a novel diffusion coefficient that is more effective at removing noise and preserving edges than previous approaches. Finally, the performance of the proposed method is evaluated using the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, mean square error, structural similarity index, and comparisons to other traditional methods.
Picture‐word order compound protein interaction: Predicting compound‐protein interaction using structural images of compounds
Authors: Qian Ying , Li Xuelian , Wu Jian , Zhou Aimin , Xu Zhijian , Zhang Qian
Published: November 2021

Identifying potential associations between proteins and compounds is significant and challenging in the drug discovery process. Existing deep‐learning‐based methods tend to treat compounds and proteins as sequences or graphs. Inspired by the rapid development of computer vision technology, we argue that more abundant characterizations can be extracted from the images of compounds than from their sequences or graphs. Therefore, we propose an interaction model named picture‐word order compound protein interaction (PWO‐CPI) which learns the representation from structural images of compounds and protein sequences by using convolutional neural network (CNN). The experiments show that PWO‐CPI outperforms state‐of‐the‐art CPI prediction models. We also perform drug–drug interaction (DDI) experiments to validate the strong potential of structural formula images of molecular structures as molecular features. In addition, with the aid of generative adversarial networks, the visualization of image features demonstrates PWO‐CPI can learn compound structural features implicitly and automatically.
Mental health outcomes and experiences of family caregivers of children with disabilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Bolivia
Authors: Urizar Guido G. , Ramírez Ivonne , Caicedo Brianna I. , Mora Cindy
Published: November 2021

This study examined whether certain demographic characteristics, caregiver strain, and coping behaviors were associated with the mental health outcomes of family caregivers of children with disabilities in Bolivia during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A mixed‐methods convergent study design was used with virtual interviews to quantitatively assess caregivers' demographic characteristics, caregiver strain, coping behaviors, and mental health outcomes, as well as qualitatively assess how the pandemic affected their family. Approximately 32%–71% of caregivers experienced poor mental health outcomes (stress, anxiety, and depression), especially among those experiencing poor health, high caregiver strain, and those using maladaptive coping strategies. Qualitative responses revealed that they experienced several unique stressors during the pandemic that affected them and their children. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored prevention and treatment interventions to help offset the adverse effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health outcomes of this at‐risk population.
Excellent oxidation activity of toluene over core–shell structure Mn2O3@MnO2: role of surface lattice oxygen and Mn species
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Li Mingyang , Wang Xiaotong , Fan Liman , Dong Yongli , Zhu Yujun
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Core–shell structure Mn2O3@MnO2 (MnOx) has been prepared using KMnO4 modifying spherical Mn2O3 assembled by nanoparticles, and applied for catalytic toluene oxidation.

RESULTS

The MnOx sample calcined at 350 °C (MnOx‐1) exhibited much higher catalytic activity compared with Mn2O3 and MnOx‐2 (calcined at 450 °C), good activity stability with recyclability. Bulk structure, redox ability and surface properties were characterized using various techniques. The relationship between the catalytic activity and the surface Mn and oxygen species of these catalysts is discussed in terms of these characterizations. Especially, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopic measurements were used to analyze in detail the role of the surface lattice oxygen in the enhanced catalytic performance of MnOx‐1.

CONCLUSIONS

The excellent activity of the MnOx‐1 catalyst can be attributed to the more surface Mn4+ and many surface lattice oxygen species derived from the special core–shell structure, improving the oxidation of toluene. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Early environmental enrichment prevents cognitive impairments and developing addictive behaviours in a mouse model of prenatal psychological and physical stress
Authors: Razavinasab Moazamehosadat , Parsania Shahnaz , Nikootalab Mahdi , Khaleghi Mina , Saleki Kiarash , Banazadeh Mohammad , Shabani Mohammad
Published: November 2021

Environmental enrichment (EE) has shown remarkable effects in improving cognition and addictive behaviour. We tested whether EE could help recover from prenatal stress exposure. Mature Swiss Webster male and virgin female mice were placed together until vaginal plugs were detectable. Next, pregnant rodents were randomized into the control, physically and psychologically stressed groups. The application of stress was initiated on the 10th day of pregnancy and persisted for a week to induce stress in the mice. Open field and elevated plus‐maze (EPM) tests were utilized as explorative and anxiety assays, respectively. A passive avoidance shuttle‐box test was carried out to check anxiety‐modulated behaviour. Morris water maze (MWM) test was undertaken to evaluate spatial learning and memory. Conditioned place preference (CPP) test was selected for evaluation of tendency to morphine consumption. Our results showed that prenatal stress elevated anxiety‐like behaviour in the offspring which EE could significantly alleviate after weaning. We also found a higher preference for morphine use in the physical stress and psychological stress offspring group. However, no difference was observed among the genders. Application of EE for the stress group improved several parameters of the cognitive behaviour significantly. Although prenatal stress can lead to detrimental behavioural and cognitive outcomes, it can in part be relieved by early exposure to EE. However, some outcomes linked to prenatal stress exposure may not be diminished by EE therapy. In light of such irreversible effects, large‐scale preventive actions promoting avoidance from stress during pregnancy should be advised.
Modified rainfall optimization based method for solving distributed generation placement and reconfiguration problems in distribution networks
Authors: Arulprakasam Sakthidasan , Muthusamy Senthilkumar
Published: November 2021

This article formulates the distribution generation placement and the network reconfiguration problems of distribution networks (DNs) as a composite multi‐objective optimization problem by normalizing and combining the objective functions, and suggests a new rainfall optimization (RFO) based method for solving the developed problem. The RFO, a metaheuristic optimization algorithm that models the behavior of raindrops falling down from a hill towards sea, has certain drawbacks such as removal of inactive raindrops that weakens the search process, and the possibility of choosing the same raindrop as inactive throughout the iterative process. This article also introduces modifications in the RFO for overcoming its drawbacks before adopting it in the proposed method. It considers two scenarios with seven test cases for simulation study, and compares the results of two standard DNs with existing methods for exhibiting the superior performances in respect of final solution, robustness, voltage profile, and average execution time of the proposed method.
Sacral anatomical parameters varies in different Roussouly sagittal shapes as well as their relations to lumbopelvic parameters
Authors: Ru Nan , Li Jianlong , Li Yang , Sun Jianmin , Wang Guodong , Cui Xingang
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To study the normal variations in sacral anatomical parameters in different Roussouly sagittal shapes and the association between sacral anatomical parameters and lumbopelvic parameters in healthy adults.

Methods

A cohort of 239 healthy volunteers between 18 and 45 years old was enrolled in this study. A full‐spine, standing X‐ray was taken for each volunteer. The following parameters were measured: the sacral table angle (STA), sacral kyphosis (SK), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), and lumbar lordosis apex (LLA). Two hundred and thirty‐nine volunteers were classified into five groups according to the Roussouly classification. The differences in sagittal parameters among the five groups were evaluated by one‐way analysis of variance. The correlations between lumbopelvic parameters and sacral anatomical parameters were analyzed, and simple linear regressions were simultaneously constructed.

Result

The sacral anatomical parameters vary in different Roussouly sagittal shapes. Correlation analysis revealed that the significant correlations between sacral anatomical parameters and lumbopelvic parameters. The STA correlated with PI (r = −.690, P <.001), PT (r = −.216, P = .001), SS (r = −.631, P <.001), LL (r = −.491, P <.001), and LLA (r = 0.515, P <.001). The corresponding regression formulae were as follows: PI = −0.991*STA + 143(R2 = .476), LL = 0.870*STA‐135.1(R2 = .242), and LLA = 0.039*STA −0.087(R2 = .265). The SK correlated with PI (r = .471, P <.001), PT (r = .445, P = .001), SS (r = .533, P <.001), LL (r = .438, P <.001), and the LLA (r = −.265, P <.001). The corresponding regression formulae were as follows: PI = 0.38*SK + 27.22(R2 = .396), LL = −0.35*SK − 35.99(R2 = .192), and LLA = −0.01*SK + 4.25(R2 = .201).

Conclusions

The sacral anatomical parameters vary in different Roussouly sagittal shapes and have strong correlations with lumbopelvic parameters, which demonstrates that the specific lumbar shape can be affected by the sacral morphology. Moreover, the predictive models of lumbopelvic parameters based on SK and STA have been provided, which demonstrates constant sacral anatomical parameters could serve as good supplementary index of PI to predict ideal lumbar parameters.
Assessing/Imaging the Subcoracoid Space: From Anatomy to Dynamic Sonography
Authors: Ricci Vincenzo , Mezian Kamal , Naňka Ondřej , Özçakar Levent
Published: November 2021

In the pertinent literature, standardized sonographic protocols have been widely described to evaluate the different compartments of the shoulder. However, the subcoracoid space is a complex anatomical region—usually not included/described in basic ultrasound approaches. Accordingly, starting from its anatomy, we describe a two‐phase dynamic ultrasound protocol to scan the subcoracoid space. This way, we aim to optimize the diagnosis and management of patients with anterior shoulder pain and subcoracoid effusion.
Methods of Ultrasound Spleen Morphometry
Authors: Morozov Sergey V. , Izranov Vladimir A.
Published: November 2021

This article presents a review of the methods of determining spleen size in sonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The review aims to summarize the data on the methods of estimating the linear dimensions of the spleen and splenic volume and describe the physiological variability of spleen size depending on sex, age, and different physiological conditions. We systematized the methods used for measuring the spleen and presented them in the form of a table, analyzed the results of previous studies, and compared the accuracy of different methods of calculating the splenic volume using a variety of diagnostic methods.
Gamification in otolaryngology: A narrative review
Authors: Westenhaver Zack K. , Africa Robert E. , Zimmerer René E. , McKinnon Brian J.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The medical field has incorporated gamification elements into education platforms over the past decade. The standard definition for gamification that has been adopted by most research studies is the addition of game elements and game mechanics within a platform to enhance user engagement. In this review, seven established, consolidated components, as well as an additional new or novel component, will be evaluated: a point system/leaderboards, question banks or gradable content, social interaction with other participants, leaderboards, progress or levels, immediate feedback, badges/icons or a reward system, and the novel component, a story line.

Methods

Two reviewers searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Web of Knowledge, and the Nursing Registry. This review compares the one identified otolaryngology study with current residency education gamification practices within the medical field.

The authors searched “residency AND gamification”, “residency AND video games”, and “residency AND games”. After applying exclusion criteria, the 13 remaining studies included a procedure, questions/scenarios, and at least three gamification elements.

Results

Across the 13 studies, the average number of included gamification elements was higher than the minimum threshold of three (3.84). Ten of the studies incorporated leaderboards, feedback, and social interaction; eight incorporated a question bank; and four incorporated progress bars, rewards, and story lines. The otolaryngology study incorporated four of the gamification components: a point system, instant feedback/solution after a question was answered, player‐to‐player communication, and a leaderboard.

Conclusion

Review of the current literature found that the medical field has limited research regarding the use of gamification in educational platforms. Despite many simulation studies and attempts at gamification, the medical community has not fully embraced gamification within residency education. In closing, the medical education community should establish a definition of “gamification” and survey residency programs to identify desired gamification elements.
Sulfate‐ and iron‐dependent anaerobic methane oxidation occurring side‐by‐side in freshwater lake sediment
Authors: Mostovaya Alina , Wind‐Hansen Michael , Rousteau Paul , Bristow Laura A. , Thamdrup Bo
Published: November 2021

Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is a potentially important methane sink in lake sediments, but the biogeochemistry and microbial ecology of this process are understudied. Potential electron acceptors for AOM include Fe(III) and sulfate; however, it is not clear to which extent low sulfate concentrations constrain the coupling of AOM to sulfate reduction, nor if Fe(III) reduction drives AOM directly or via a cryptic sulfur cycle. We investigated AOM pathways in the sediment of iron‐rich Danish Lake Ørn through anoxic sediment slurry incubations with additions of 13C‐labeled methane as a substrate, sulfate and Fe(III) as potential electron acceptors, and molybdate as an inhibitor of sulfate reduction. The experiments demonstrated the co‐occurrence of sulfate‐ and iron‐dependent modes of AOM, with the former supported by recycling of sulfate coupled to iron reduction. Quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated the abundance of archaea of the ANME‐2d clade (Ca. Methanoperedenaceae) as likely drivers of AOM. Our study demonstrates that sulfate‐dependent AOM can consume methane at sulfate concentrations typical for freshwater systems and emphasizes the importance of sulfur and iron cycling in the regulation of methane emission from freshwater sediments.
Trendbericht Chemiedidaktik 2021
Authors: Gökkus Yasemin , Wilke Timm , Pölloth Benjamin , Schwarzer Stefan
Published: December 2021

Nachhaltigkeit und Photochemie liegen im Trend der experimentell‐konzeptionellen Forschung in der Didaktik. Die Digitalisierung bleibt im Fokus – Forscher:innen haben digitale Methoden, Werkzeuge und Lehr‐Lern‐Konzepte für den Unterricht und die Hochschullehre vorgestellt und empirisch untersucht. Förderungsmöglichkeiten für beide Bereiche bieten Verbundprojekte oder der Mint‐Aktionsplan des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung. Für den Transfer der Ergebnisse in die Praxis sind Fortbildungszentren zentral.
Standards und Normen: Rezyklate bekommen Gewicht
Authors: Schiller Christian
Published: December 2021

Eine DIN‐Spezifikation hilft, Recyclingquoten und Rezyklatanteile im Endprodukt zu berechnen. Sie legt Angaben zu Inputströmen und Datenqualitäten fest, um Kunststoffabfall für hochwertige Anwendungen zu qualifizieren.
A novel insight into vertical ground motion modelling in earthquake engineering
Authors: Argani Luca Prakash , Gajo Alessandro
Published: November 2021

Recent observations of failure and damage of buildings and structures under seismic action has led to an increasing interest for an in‐depth analysis of the vertical component of site ground motion. In particular, when dealing with saturated soils, the current engineering practice does not usually go beyond the simplified – formulation of the Biot's equations describing the coupled hydro‐mechanical behaviour, thus neglecting some terms of fluid inertial forces, despite the presence of more refined formulations, for example, the – formulation. Therefore, a theoretical and numerical validation of the – formulation as compared with the – formulation is proposed in this work, where the numerical simulations are compared with the analytical solution for the – formulation, which is also derived and illustrated in this text. The comparison between the two formulations and the analytical solution is provided for different levels of permeability and dynamic actions, which are representative of a wide scenario of site ground properties and seismic hazard in the vertical direction. In particular, the soil response is analysed in terms of acceleration and pore pressure time history, frequency content, acceleration response spectrum, and amplification ratio of acceleration. This study extends the discussion of the limits of applicability of the – formulation with respect to the rigorous solution of Biot's equations (obtained here with – formulation) to the context of a complex dynamic regime provided by the vertical components of real earthquake records, and paves the way for further investigations.
An approximate dynamic programming approach for production‐delivery scheduling under non‐stationary demand
Authors: Liu Haitao , Wang Yuan , Lee Loo Hay , Chew Ek Peng
Published: November 2021

We consider an integrated production and delivery scheduling problem with non‐stationary demand in a two‐stage supply chain, where orders arrive dynamically and the demand is time‐varying. Orders should be first processed on identical machines and then delivered to a single next‐stage destination by the transporters with fixed departure times. The objective is to minimize the order waiting time via production‐delivery scheduling. We formulate the problem into a Markov decision process model and develop an approximate dynamic programming (ADP) method. To shrink action (decision) space, we propose the shorter processing time first and first completion first delivery (SPTm/FCFD) principle to determine order processing sequences and order delivery, and then we establish two constraints to eliminate a fraction of inferior actions. Based on the SPTm/FCFD principle, we propose the SPT/FCFD rule, and show its optimality for two scenarios. In addition, we deploy five basis functions to approximate the value function. The superior performance of ADP policy is validated via numerical experiments, compared with four benchmark policies. We also empirically study the impact of demand features on the waiting time, and results show that these features significantly affect the performances of all polices. In practice, it is suggested to postpone the peak demand, when total demand exceeds the available production capacity.
Isogeometric analysis of 3D solids in boundary representation for problems in nonlinear solid mechanics and structural dynamics
Authors: Chasapi Margarita , Mester Leonie , Simeon Bernd , Klinkel Sven
Published: November 2021

This contribution presents an isogeometric approach in three dimensions for nonlinear problems in solid mechanics and structural dynamics. The proposed approach aligns with the boundary representation modeling technique in CAD. Isogeometric analysis is combined with the parameterization of the scaled boundary finite element method. In this way, the boundary description of 3D solids in CAD can be directly utilized for the analysis in an isogeometric framework. The approximation of the solution on the boundary is based on bi‐variate NURBS. We also approximate the interior of the solid with uni‐variate B‐splines to facilitate the solution of nonlinear problems. The nonlinear case is extended to three dimensions in this present work. The method is further extended to dynamic problems. The mass and damping matrices are derived using the same basis functions. The solution of the entire solid is obtained with the Galerkin method. We study several nonlinear and dynamic problems with simple geometries and arbitrary number of boundaries. Moreover, a fiber reinforced composite serves as demonstration for complex shapes.
Motivational crowding effects in payments for ecosystem services: Exploring the role of instrumental and relational values
Authors: Lliso Bosco , Arias‐Arévalo Paola , Maca‐Millán Stefany , Engel Stefanie , Pascual Unai
Published: November 2021

Nature is perceived and valued in many different ways. Often, the types of values that are the most important to people depend on how they cognitively frame desirable human–nature relations. For instance, the value of nature can be seen through a utilitarian lens, for example, as providing ecosystem services for humans. Alternatively, it can also be considered valuable for non‐instrumental reasons, for example, for its sacred or spiritual significance.

In this paper, we use a framed field experiment to test how people belonging to three distinct communities in Colombia (Indigenous, Afro‐Colombian and Campesino) respond to different ways of framing payments for ecosystem services (PES) schemes, so as to assess potential motivational crowding effects of pro‐social/intrinsic motivations for forest conservation.

The experimental results indicate that crowding‐in of intrinsic motivations for forest conservation occurred in participants from the Indigenous community when the PES scheme was framed in a way that highlighted the relational values of the forest.

By contrast, motivational crowding‐in took place for participants in the framed field experiment from the Campesino community when the PES scheme was introduced in a way that highlighted instrumental values instead.

Participants from the Afro‐Colombian community did not show the evidence of motivational crowding under either framing.

Together, these results suggest that PES schemes that are framed in a way that harmonizes with locally salient human–nature relational models and associated values are more likely to cause motivational crowding‐in, and thus encourage the higher rates of environmental conservation, even after payments are discontinued.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article
Splicing predictions, minigene analyses, and ACMG‐AMP clinical classification of 42 germline PALB2 splice‐site variants
Authors: Valenzuela‐Palomo Alberto , Bueno‐Martínez Elena , Sanoguera‐Miralles Lara , Lorca Víctor , Fraile‐Bethencourt Eugenia , Esteban‐Sánchez Ada , Gómez‐Barrero Susana , Carvalho Sara , Allen Jamie , García‐Álvarez Alicia , Pérez‐Segura Pedro , Dorling Leila , Easton Douglas F , Devilee Peter , Vreeswijk Maaike PG , de la Hoya Miguel , Velasco Eladio A
Published: November 2021

PALB2 loss‐of‐function variants confer high risk of developing breast cancer. Here we present a systematic functional analysis of PALB2 splice‐site variants detected in approximately 113,000 women in the large‐scale sequencing project Breast Cancer After Diagnostic Gene Sequencing (BRIDGES; https://bridges-research.eu/). Eighty‐two PALB2 variants at the intron‐exon boundaries were analyzed with MaxEntScan. Forty‐two variants were selected for the subsequent splicing functional assays. For this purpose, three splicing reporter minigenes comprising exons 1–12 were constructed. The 42 potential spliceogenic variants were introduced into the minigenes by site‐directed mutagenesis and assayed in MCF‐7/MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Splicing anomalies were observed in 35 variants, 23 of which showed no traces or minimal amounts of the expected full‐length transcripts of each minigene. More than 30 different variant‐induced transcripts were characterized, 23 of which were predicted to truncate the PALB2 protein. The pathogenicity of all variants was interpreted according to an in‐house adaptation of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG‐AMP) variant classification scheme. Up to 23 variants were classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic. Remarkably, three ±1,2 variants (c.49‐2A>T, c.108+2T>C, and c.211+1G>A) were classified as variants of unknown significance, as they produced significant amounts of either in‐frame transcripts of unknown impact on the PALB2 protein function or the minigene full‐length transcripts. In conclusion, we have significantly contributed to the ongoing effort of identifying spliceogenic variants in the clinically relevant PALB2 cancer susceptibility gene. Moreover, we suggest some approaches to classify the findings in accordance with the ACMG‐AMP rationale. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A new strategy to reconcile amyloid cross‐seeding and amyloid prevention in a binary system of α‐synuclein fragmental peptide and hIAPP
Authors: Tang Yijing , Zhang Dong , Liu Yonglan , Zhang Yanxian , Zhou Yifan , Chang Yung , Zheng Bowen , Xu Alice , Zheng Jie
Published: December 2021

Amyloid cross‐seeding and amyloid inhibition are two different research subjects being studied separately for different pathological purposes, in which amyloid cross‐seeding targets to study the co‐aggregation of different amyloid proteins and potential molecular links between different neurodegenerative diseases, while amyloid inhibition aims to design different molecules for preventing amyloid aggregation. While both amyloid cross‐seeding and amyloid inhibition are critical for better understanding the pathological causes of different neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson disease (PD) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D), less efforts have been made to reconcile the two phenomena. Herein, we proposed a new preventive strategy to demonstrate (a) the cross‐seeding of octapeptide TKEQVTNV from α‐synuclein (associated with PD) with hIAPP (associated with T2D) and (b) the cross‐seeding‐promoted hIAPP fibrillization and cross‐seeding‐reduced hIAPP toxicity. Collective results confirmed that TKEQVTNV can indeed cross‐seed with hIAPP monomers and oligomers, not protofibrils, to form β‐structure‐rich fibrils and to accelerate hIAPP fibrillization. Moreover, such cross‐seeding‐induced promotion effect by TKEQVTNV also rescued the pancreatic cells from hIAPP‐induced cytotoxicity by increasing cell viability and reducing cell apoptosis simultaneously. This work provides a new angle to discover amyloid fragments and use them as amyloid modulators (inhibitors or promotors) to interfere with amyloid aggregation of other amyloid proteins, as well as sequence/structure basis to explore the amyloid cross‐seeding between different amyloid proteins that may help explain a potential molecular talk between different neurodegenerative diseases.