bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory acceptance of food developed for older adults in different settings
Authors: Svendsen Jonas Anias , Okkels Signe Loftager , Knudsen Anne Wilkens , Munk Tina , Beck Anne Marie
Published: January 2021

Nursing home residents and patients discharged from hospital are at high risk of malnutrition. Their nutritional status could possibly be improved by identifying and serving meals according to their preferences. The aim of the present study was therefore to test the sensory acceptance of a culinary improved meals‐on‐wheels menu developed for nursing home residents in two other settings with different participants. The participants (52 in a nursing home setting, 527 in an outpatient setting and 25 in a home setting) evaluated liking of appearance, flavor, and texture on a five‐point liking scale. A value of 3.5 was selected to evaluate if a certain hedonic aspect was accepted. The results showed that all meals in the culinary improved menu were well‐liked. Still, we did see that some of the meals were rated below 3.5, probably because of age‐related differences and/or the context of the study settings. Hence, for future studies, different levels of culinary adjustments of these meals could be investigated to find the optimal level, still making the meal a stimulating experience.

Practical application

This study demonstrated how small, fortified and familiar meals might successfully be applied to improve the nutritional status of a broad group of older adults. When creating a menu for older adults, you need to consider the portion size, the energy and protein content as well as the preferences of older adults. Meal tasting sessions with older adults can be used to gain insight into meal preferences and target product development to improve food intake.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: Probiotics for treating acute diarrhoea in children with dehydration
Authors: Wu Hai‐Lin , Zhan Xue
Published: January 2021

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics in treating children with acute diarrhoea and dehydration.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies and statistical analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 17 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2861 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, probiotics reduced the duration of diarrhoea (12 RCTs [15, 17], n = 1907, mean difference − 21.33 h, confidence interval (CI) −29.74 to −12.91, high heterogeneity, I2 = 86%), the duration of hospitalisation when compared with placebo (eight RCTs [19, 20], n = 1606, mean difference − 0.83 days, CI −1.53 to −0.12, high heterogeneity, I2 = 96%) and reduced risk of diarrhoea on day 4 or more days (six RCTs [19, 20], n = 1093, risk difference − 0.13, 95% CI −0.17– −0.09, no heterogeneity).

Conclusions

Probiotics alongside rehydration therapy appear to be safe and have clear beneficial effects in shortening the duration of diarrhoea in children with acute diarrhoea and dehydration.
Impact of state‐level training requirements for medical providers on receipt of preventive oral health services for young children enrolled in Medicaid
Authors: Goldstein Evan V. , Dick Andrew W. , Ross Rachel , Stein Bradley D. , Kranz Ashley M.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Young children enrolled in Medicaid make few dental visits and have high rates of tooth decay. To improve access to care, state Medicaid programs have enacted policies encouraging nondental providers to deliver preventive oral health services (POHS) in medical offices. Policies vary by state, with some states requiring medical providers to obtain training prior to delivering POHS. Our objective was to test whether these training requirements were associated with higher rates of POHS for Medicaid‐enrolled children <6 years.

Methods

This study took advantage of a natural experiment in which policy enactment occurred across states at different times. We used Medicaid Analytic eXtract enrollment and claims data, public policy data, and Area Health Resource Files data. We examined an unweighted sample of 8,711,192 (45,107,240 weighted) Medicaid‐enrolled children <6 years in 38 states from 2006 to 2014. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the odds a child received POHS in a calendar year. Results are presented as adjusted probabilities.

Results

Five or more years after policy enactment, the probability of a child receiving POHS in medical offices was 10.7 percent in states with training requirements compared to 5.0 percent in states without training requirements (P = 0.01). Findings were similar when receipt of any POHS in medical or dental offices was examined 5 or more years post‐policy‐enactment (requirement = 42.5 percent, no requirement = 33.6 percent, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Medicaid policies increased young children's receipt of POHS and at higher rates in states that required POHS training. These results suggest that oral health training for nondental practitioners is a key component of policy success.
Sleep, academic achievement, and cognitive performance in children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: A polysomnographic study
Authors: Ruiz‐Herrera Noelia , Guillén‐Riquelme Alejandro , Díaz‐Román Amparo , Buela‐Casal Gualberto
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of parent‐reported and polysomnography (PSG)‐measured sleep patterns on the academic and cognitive performance of children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We assessed 91 children (18 girls) diagnosed with ADHD aged 7–11 years (29 ADHD‐Inattentive, 32 ADHD‐Hyperactive/Impulsive, and 31 ADHD‐Combined). The Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and Paediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS) were used to assess subjective sleep quality, as perceived by parents, and objective sleep variables were assessed by PSG. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and the final average grade of the last school year was used as a measure of academic performance. Academic performance was predicted by the following sleep variables: Sleep time, time in bed, night awakenings, and daytime sleepiness. The best predictors of cognitive performance in children with ADHD were rapid eye movement latency, light sleep, periodic limb movements index (PLMs), awakenings, and daytime sleepiness. In conclusion, sleep parameters are closely associated with the academic and cognitive functioning of children with ADHD.
Can laboratory evolution experiments teach us about natural populations?
Authors: Phillips Mark A. , Burke Molly K.
Published: January 2021

The ability to predict how natural populations will evolve and adapt to major changes in environmental conditions has long been of interest to evolutionary biologists and ecologists alike. The reality of global climate change has also created a pressing need for advancement in this particular area of research, as species are increasingly faced with rapid shifts in abiotic and biotic conditions. Evolutionary genomics has the potential to be incredibly useful as we move forward in addressing this need and in particular, evolve and resequence (E&R) studies—where researchers combine experimental evolution with whole‐genome sequencing—have an important role to play. However, while E&R studies have shown a great deal of promise in tackling fundamental questions regarding the genetics of adaptation (Long et al., 2015; Schlötterer et al., 2014), it is unclear whether results from laboratory experiments can be directly translated to natural populations. In a From the Cover article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Hsu et al. (Mol Ecol, 29, 2020) explicitly contend with this issue by examining the overlap between genes implicated in thermal adaptation in a Drosophila melanogaster E&R study and genes identified by comparing natural populations from different latitudinal clines. They report significant correlations between the two sets of temperature‐adaptive genes and ultimately conclude that E&R studies can indeed generate insights applicable to populations inhabiting complex natural environments. While more work is needed to assess the generality of these conclusions, Hsu and Belmouaden (Mol Ecol, 29, 2020) contribute an important precedent.
Sink or swim: Risk stratification of preweaning mortality in harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina richardii) admitted for rehabilitation
Authors: Cole Justine , Fraser David
Published: January 2021

To date, few consistent relationships between survival in rehabilitation programs and diagnostic measures recorded upon admission have been identified for harbor seal pups. Veterinary records for 718 unweaned Pacific harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina richardii) admitted to a rehabilitation center were examined to identify clinical factors associated with preweaning survival and develop a triage tool to stratify pups according to their risk of mortality. Physical, serum chemical, and hematological variables were examined and their relationship with survival to weaning was assessed by logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. Survival to weaning was 85.1% and many clinical variables reflecting the pups’ age, size, growth, injuries, and blood parameters were associated with the likelihood of survival. A decision tree model, consisting of serum concentrations of phosphorus, sodium, and calcium, successfully stratified harbor seal pups into clinical subgroups according to their preweaning mortality risk. For both the derivation and validation cohorts, pups classified as “high risk” had significantly lower odds of survival, while those classified as “low risk” had significantly greater odds of survival. This simple decision tree could serve as a practical triage tool to help identify and direct care towards pups at higher risk of preweaning mortality.
The effects of rising CO2 concentrations on terrestrial systems: scaling it up
Authors: Way Danielle A. , Cook Andrew , Rogers Alistair
Published: January 2021

This article is a Commentary on Walker et al. (2021), 229: 2413–2445.
Maize metabolome and proteome responses to controlled cold stress partly mimic early‐sowing effects in the field and differ from those of Arabidopsis
Authors: Urrutia Maria , Blein‐Nicolas Mélisande , Prigent Sylvain , Bernillon Stéphane , Deborde Catherine , Balliau Thierry , Maucourt Mickaël , Jacob Daniel , Ballias Patricia , Bénard Camille , Sellier Hélène , Gibon Yves , Giauffret Catherine , Zivy Michel , Moing Annick
Published: January 2021

In Northern Europe, sowing maize one‐month earlier than current agricultural practices may lead to moderate chilling damage. However, studies of the metabolic responses to low, non‐freezing, temperatures remain scarce. Here, genetically‐diverse maize hybrids (Zea mays, dent inbred lines crossed with a flint inbred line) were cultivated in a growth chamber at optimal temperature and then three decreasing temperatures for 2 days each, as well as in the field. Leaf metabolomic and proteomic profiles were determined. In the growth chamber, 50% of metabolites and 18% of proteins changed between 20 and 16°C. These maize responses, partly differing from those of Arabidopsis to short‐term chilling, were mapped on genome‐wide metabolic maps. Several metabolites and proteins showed similar variation for all temperature decreases: seven MS‐based metabolite signatures and two proteins involved in photosynthesis decreased continuously. Several increasing metabolites or proteins in the growth‐chamber chilling conditions showed similar trends in the early‐sowing field experiment, including trans‐aconitate, three hydroxycinnamate derivatives, a benzoxazinoid, a sucrose synthase, lethal leaf‐spot 1 protein, an allene oxide synthase, several glutathione transferases and peroxidases. Hybrid groups based on field biomass were used to search for the metabolite or protein responses differentiating them in growth‐chamber conditions, which could be of interest for breeding.
Estimating uncertainty: A Bayesian approach to modelling photosynthesis in C3 leaves
Authors: Xiao Yi , Sloan Jen , Hepworth Chris , Osborne Colin P. , Fleming Andrew J. , Chen Xingyuan , Zhu Xin‐Guang
Published: January 2021

The Farquhar‐von Caemmerer‐Berry (FvCB) model is extensively used to model photosynthesis from gas exchange measurements. Since its publication, many methods have been developed to measure, or more accurately estimate, parameters of this model. Here, we have created a tool that uses Bayesian statistics to fit photosynthetic parameters using concurrent gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements whilst evaluating the reliability of the parameter estimation. We have tested this tool on synthetic data and experimental data from rice leaves. Our results indicate that reliable parameter estimation can be achieved whilst only keeping one parameter, Km, that is, Michaelis constant for CO2 by Rubisco, prefixed. Additionally, we show that including detailed low CO2 measurements at low light levels increases reliability and suggests this as a new standard measurement protocol. By providing an estimated distribution of parameter values, the tool can be used to evaluate the quality of data from gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurement protocols. Compared to earlier model fitting methods, the use of a Bayesian statistics‐based tool minimizes human interaction during fitting, reducing the subjectivity which is essential to most existing tools. A user friendly, interactive Bayesian tool script is provided.
Anti‐nuclear antibody testing in children: How much is really necessary?
Authors: Haslak Fatih , Yildiz Mehmet , Altun Ilayda , Yilmaz Gizem , Adrovic Amra , Sahin Sezgin , Koker Oya , Aliyeva Ayten , Barut Kenan , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: January 2021

Background

Anti‐nuclear antibody (ANA) testing is most commonly ordered by general pediatricians to evaluate children with musculoskeletal system complaints. Given the limited utility of the test, we aimed to estimate the effectiveness of ordering ANA testing in childhood.

Methods

Children referred to our department to be examined due to positive ANA findings between 2008 and 2020 were included in the study. Those with less than one‐year follow‐up period, those with previously known rheumatic or autoimmune disease, and those diagnosed as an autoimmune and/or rheumatic disease at the first visit were excluded. Data were obtained from their medical records, retrospectively. The parents of all of the patients were called via phone, data were verified, and missing information was collected.

Results

Three hundred and fifty‐eight patients (230 females) were eligible for the study. The median age of positive ANA findings was 9.31 (1.3–17.86) years and the median follow‐up duration was 4.85 (1–11.91) years. Most of the patients had no underlying disease (n = 337, 94.1%). The most common reason for ordering ANA testing was to evaluate musculoskeletal system symptoms (n = 225, 62.8%). None of our patients referred to us due to positive ANA findings developed any autoimmune conditions or ANA associated rheumatic disease. Hypermobility syndrome is the most common final diagnosis among our ANA‐positive patients.

Conclusion

We suggest that instead of using it as a screening tool, ANA testing should be performed only if there is a strong suspicion of autoimmune diseases or certain rheumatic conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
A comparison of learning outcomes from two poverty simulation experiences
Authors: Sanko Jill S. , Matsuda Yui , Salani Deborah , Tran Lien , Reaves Regine , Gerber Kathryn
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Five nationally representative U.S. federal data sources consistently showed the link between poverty and poor health outcomes. To determine the modality effective in teaching students about poverty and health, this study compared the attitudes toward poverty of students participating in the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) and the poverty table‐top simulation (Dwell™).

Methods

In this quasi‐experimental study, undergraduate and graduate nursing students and physical therapy students participated in either CAPS or a table‐top simulation (TTS) depending on their semester of enrollment in the relevant course. The Undergraduate Perception of Poverty Tracking Survey (UPPTS) was administered before and after each simulation.

Results

The analysis included 118 matched pairs. Using MANOVA tests, the authors found no group difference in the overall change of attitude after the simulations (p = .232). However, by the subscale analyses, TTS significantly increased students' willingness to help (p = .008, η2 = 0.058) and their empathy toward those living in poverty (p = .039, η2 = 0.039).

Conclusion

TTS participants had more elements of improvement, but both modalities were found to change participants’ attitudes.
Final yield of the brown alga Cladosiphon okamuranus (Chordariaceae, Phaeophyceae) may depend on nursery quality
Authors: Sato Yoichi , Nagoe Hikari , Ito Michihiro , Konishi Teruko , Fujimura Hiroyuki , Nishihara Gregory N. , Tanaka Atsuko
Published: January 2021

Cladosiphon okamuranus (Chordariaceae, Phaeophyceae) production is an important economic activity in the islands of Okinawa, Japan, and has been unstable for the past decade. Local producers surmise that unstable yields are related to highly localized environmental conditions. We report that the differential yields of C. okamuranus harvested from experimental nets during the 2019 season at two adjacent nurseries (less than 40 m apart), which were designated as a poor or good nursery by local producers, were 137 and 253 kg (wet weight), respectively. In fact, nutrient conditions between the poor and good nursery were slightly different, although involvement of some unsurveyed environmental factors cannot be excluded at present. Additionally, we report on a thallus shearing phenomenon that led to the catastrophic loss of thalli from the cultivation nets.
International trade with social comparisons
Authors: Lian Zeng , Lien Jaimie W. , Lu Lin , Zheng Jie
Published: January 2021

As consumers in countries around the world become increasingly aware of and sensitive to the products that their foreign counterparts consume, a natural question is what predictions do classic trade frameworks hold when incorporating social comparison‐based preferences? We analyze this question in a general equilibrium framework for a two‐country, two‐good world, in which the gap between domestic and foreign consumption of a product can enter into the representative consumer’s utility function. We consider nine exhaustive social comparison scenarios, which differ based upon the combination and origin of products that consumers of each country hold a social comparison over. We show that Home Comparison preference (social comparison over the home‐produced good) unilaterally brings consumption and welfare benefits to the home country, and global welfare is enhanced when both countries maintain such preferences (Dual Home Comparison). Moreover, Foreign Envy (social comparison over the foreign‐produced good) is disadvantageous to the home country, contributing negatively to welfare when the other country either prefers its own produced good or has no particular social preference. Mutual Foreign Envy however, tends to contribute positively to global welfare. Our analysis helps to explain the social welfare incentives of policy‐makers in promoting cross‐country comparisons of domestic goods among their own consumers, while advocating domestically produced goods as status symbols abroad.
Pain prevalence among residents living in nursing homes and its association with quality of life and well‐being
Authors: Sjölund Britt‐Marie , Mamhidir Anna‐Greta , Engström Maria
Published: January 2021

Background

Pain is common and often more complex to assess among nursing homes residents with cognitive impairments. Thus, more research is needed of different pain assessment methods in elderly care and how these assessments outcomes are related to quality of life, as there mostly should be a negative relationship. There is a risk that pain are under diagnosed among persons with cognitive impairment.

Aim

The aim was to describe and compare pain prevalence among nursing home residents (1) using different pain assessment methods (2) in relation to cognitive status and to (3) examine associations between pain and quality of life or well‐being.

Methods

A cross‐sectional correlational design was used, participants were 213 nursing home residents and data were collected through interviews using standardised protocols. Instrument used were Katz index of ADL, Mini‐Mental‐State‐Examination, Quality of Life in Late‐Stage Dementia scale, WHO‐5 well‐being index, Numeric Rating Scale and Doloplus‐2 scale.

Results

The results showed high pain prevalence, but no significant difference based on cognitive level. Pain classification at the individual level varied somewhat when different instruments are used. The results indicated that use of a single‐item proxy‐measure for pain tends to show higher pain prevalence and was not statistically significant related to quality of life. The relationship with quality of life was statistically significant when self‐rated pain instruments or multi‐component observation were used.

Conclusions

The study shows that it is difficult to estimate pain in residents living at nursing homes and that it continues to be a challenge to solve. Self‐rated pain should be used primarily to assess pain, and a multi‐component observation scale for pain should be used when residents are cognitively impaired. Both self‐rated pain and multi‐component observation also support the well‐known link between pain and quality of life. Single‐item proxy assessments should only be used in exceptional cases.
Red blood cell transfusion in patients with anti‐Yta
Authors: Wong Shu Min , Cawthorne Tanya , Dennington Peta M. , Hong Frank S.
Published: January 2021

Background

Yta is a high frequency red blood cell (RBC) antigen, present in 99.7% of studied populations. It is extremely immunogenic, and when anti‐Yta is present, provision of Yt(a−) blood is often challenging. The objectives of our study were to assess the incidence and severity of acute hemolytic transfusion reactions to Yt(a+) donor RBCs in recipients with preformed anti‐Yta and to identify any patient factors associated with severe hemolytic reactions.

Study Design and Methods

Patients with anti‐Yta identified by the Red Cell Reference Laboratories of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood over the past 20 years were included. Their transfusion records were collected via the referring laboratory to ascertain if any patients received RBC transfusion and if there was any evidence of transfusion reactions.

Results

Fifty‐two patients with anti‐Yta were identified; only 12 were confirmed to have received a RBC transfusion. Nine received Yt(a+) or untyped allogeneic RBCs, including four patients who received a total of 16 indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) crossmatch incompatible, likely Yt(a+) RBCs. None of the nine patients had documented acute hemolytic reactions.

Conclusion

There are limited published data describing the clinical significance of anti‐Yta. Based on our data, it appears that transfusing patients with anti‐Yta using incompatible crossmatched RBCs does not pose a significant risk of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction when the antibody reaction strength is weak ≤2+ (0‐4) by IAT crossmatch. For strong examples of the antibody, in the absence of other assay data, such as the monocyte monolayer assay, Yt(a−) blood should continue to be sourced where possible.
Key Features of the Transient Amplification of Mistuned Systems
Authors: Carassale Luigi , Denoël Vincent , Martel Carlos , Panning-von Scheidt Lars
Published: January 2021

The dynamic behavior of bladed disks in resonance crossing has been intensively investigated in the community of turbomachinery, addressing the attention to (1) the transient-type response that appear when the resonance is crossed with a finite sweep rate and (2) the localization of the vibration in the disk due to the blade mistuning. In real conditions, the two mentioned effects coexist and can interact in a complex manner. This paper investigates the problem by means of analytic solutions obtained through asymptotic expansions, as well as numerical simulations. The mechanical system is assumed as simple as possible: a 2DOF linear system defined through the three parameters: damping ratio ξ, frequency mistuning Δ, rotor acceleration Ω̇. The analytic solutions are calculated through the multiple-scale method.
A Time-Series Rank Ordering Control System Data-Driven Fault Detection Approach for HVAC Systems in Buildings
Authors: Shia James A. , Auslander David M.
Published: January 2021

About 41% of total energy consumption in the United States of year 2014 is used for heating and air conditioning, which is about 40 quadrillion (40 × 1015) British thermal units (BTUs). Despite the fact that people have been working on fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for a long time, very few publications have focused on scalability and low cost. To address this challenge, we will propose an approach that focuses on control system data. Several machine learning algorithms are introduced for data exploration (e.g., DBSCAN, k-means) and analysis, rank-ordered weather data are used to define comparable days, a control system data focused model free approach is presented as well, and finally, fault detection is carried out by implementing anomaly algorithms (local outlier factor and isolation forest). Hidden faults were detected with a detection rate up to 90%+. The threshold parameter can be determined by selecting an acceptable true positive and false positive rate pair, which can be visualized using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and is demonstrated in this article. A simulation model that is used to generate about 250 GB of data is used to evaluate the performance of various algorithms.
Uncertainty Propagation Through An Empirical Model of Cutting Forces in End Milling
Authors: Bhattacharyya Abhijit , Schueller John K. , Mann Brian P. , Schmitz Tony L. , Gomez Michael
Published: January 2021

Empirical mathematical models of cutting forces in machining processes use experimentally determined input parameters to make predictions. A general method for propagation of input parameter uncertainties through such predictive models is developed. Sources of uncertainty are identified and classified. First, a classical uncertainty procedure is employed to estimate uncertainties associated with the data reduction equation using a first-order Taylor series expansion. Small values of input parameter uncertainties justify this local linearization. Coverage factors required to estimate confidence intervals are computed based on appropriate underlying statistical distributions. A root sum of squares method yields the overall expanded uncertainty in force predictions. A popular model used for predicting cutting forces in end milling is selected to demonstrate the procedure, but the demonstrated approach is general. The analysis is applied to experimental data. Force predictions are quoted along with a confidence interval attached to them. An alternative analysis based on Monte Carlo simulations is also presented. This procedure yields different insights compared with the classical uncertainty analysis and complements it. Monte Carlo simulation provides combined uncertainties directly without sensitivity calculations. Classical uncertainty analysis reveals the impacts of random effects and systematic effects separately. This information can prompt the user to improve the experimental setup if the impact of systematic effects is observed to be comparatively large. The method of quoting an estimate of the uncertainty in force predictions presented in this paper will permit users to assess the suitability of given empirical force prediction models in specific applications.
Physically Based Modeling of Cyclic Plasticity for Highly Oriented Nanotwinned Metals
Authors: Chen Wufan , Zhou Haofei , Yang Wei
Published: January 2021

Fatigue resistance is crucial for the engineering application of metals. Polycrystalline metals with highly oriented nanotwins have been shown to exhibit a history-independent, stable, and symmetric cyclic response [Pan et al., 2017, Nature 551, pp. 214-217]. However, a constitutive model that incorporates the cyclic deformation mechanism of highly oriented nanotwinned metals is currently lacking. This study aims to develop a physically based model to describe the plastic deformation of highly oriented nanotwinned metals under cyclic loading parallel to the twin boundaries. The theoretical analysis is conducted based on non-uniform distribution of twin boundary spacing measured by experiments. During cyclic plasticity, each twin lamella is discretely regarded as a perfect elastoplastic element with a yielding strength depending on its thickness. The interaction between adjacent nanotwins is not taken into consideration according to the cyclic plasticity mechanism of highly oriented nanotwins. The modeling results are well consistent with the experiments, including the loading-history independence, Masing behavior, and back stress evolution. Moreover, the dissipation energy during cyclic deformation can be evaluated from a thermodynamics perspective, which offers an approach for the prediction of the fatigue life of highly oriented nanotwins. The cyclic plasticity modeling and fatigue life prediction are unified without additional fatigue damage parameters. Overall, our work lays down a physics-informed framework that is critical for the precise prediction of the unique cyclic behaviors of highly oriented nanotwins.
Toward Quantifiable Evidence of Excess’ Value Using Personal Gaming Desktops
Authors: Long Daniel , Morkos Beshoy , Ferguson Scott
Published: January 2021

Complex systems may operate in scenarios where the current requirements were “unknown” at the time of their original design. Such “unknown” requirements might be outside the probability distribution expected during the design phase or, more drastically, might not have been predicted. Yet, not meeting these “unknown” requirements can significantly reduce system value. Engineering design researchers have begun addressing this challenge by exploring how incorporating margins when the system is being designed—a form of strategic inefficiency—might increase a system’s total lifetime value by reducing sensitivity to requirement changes and truncating change propagation. Quantitatively studying excess margin beyond what is required for known uncertainties has been particularly challenging as information is needed about how requirements change, how system performance is impacted by requirement changes, and how components are priced. A quantitative study around excess using 20 years of data for desktop computers, video game consoles, and video games is developed. Evidence is provided that excess can improve end-user system value when future requirements are unknown. This paper also advances the notion of strategic excess (excess incorporated in a single component), showing as one example that excess RAM would have improved system performance by 14% (on average) for 7% of total system cost. In demonstrating the value of excess, we strengthen the argument that engineers (and end-users) should embrace strategic inefficiencies—even though they might never be used—and further study the implications of system architecture and module interfaces decisions.
A Traveling Wave Thermoacoustic Engine—Design and Test
Authors: McGaughy Mitchell , Wang Chengshi , Boessneck Eric , Salem Thomas , Wagner John
Published: January 2021

The demand for clean, sustainable, and cost-effective energy continues to increase due to global population growth and the corresponding use of consumer products. The provision of heat to a thermoacoustic prime mover results in the generation of an acoustic wave that can be converted into electrical power. Thermoacoustic devices offer highly reliable and transportable power generation with low environmental impact using a variety of fuel sources. This paper focuses on the design and testing of a single-stage, traveling-wave, thermoacoustic engine. The system configuration, component design, and integration of sensors will be described. Performance testing and system analysis show that for a 300 W heat source, the thermoacoustic machine generates a 54 Hz acoustic wave with a thermal efficiency of 7.8%. The system’s acoustic power output may be increased by 84% through improved heat exchanger design. Tuning of the acoustic system and optimization of the bi-directional turbine merit attention to realize an applicable waste heat energy harvesting system.
Design of Trustworthy Cyber–Physical–Social Systems With Discrete Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Wang Yan
Published: January 2021

Cyber–physical–social systems (CPSS) with highly integrated functions of sensing, actuation, computation, and communication are becoming the mainstream consumer and commercial products. The performance of CPSS heavily relies on the information sharing between devices. Given the extensive data collection and sharing, security and privacy are of major concerns. Thus, one major challenge of designing those CPSS is how to incorporate the perception of trust in product and systems design. Recently, a trust quantification method was proposed to measure the trustworthiness of CPSS by quantitative metrics of ability, benevolence, and integrity. The CPSS network architecture can be optimized by choosing a subnet such that the trust metrics are maximized. The combinatorial network optimization problem, however, is computationally challenging. Most of the available global optimization algorithms for solving such problems are heuristic methods. In this paper, a surrogate-based discrete Bayesian optimization method is developed to perform network design, where the most trustworthy CPSS network with respect to a reference node is formed to collaborate and share information with. The applications of ability and benevolence metrics in design optimization of CPSS architecture are demonstrated.
TopologyGAN: Topology Optimization Using Generative Adversarial Networks Based on Physical Fields Over the Initial Domain
Authors: Nie Zhenguo , Lin Tong , Jiang Haoliang , Kara Levent Burak
Published: January 2021

In topology optimization using deep learning, the load and boundary conditions represented as vectors or sparse matrices often miss the opportunity to encode a rich view of the design problem, leading to less than ideal generalization results. We propose a new data-driven topology optimization model called TopologyGAN that takes advantage of various physical fields computed on the original, unoptimized material domain, as inputs to the generator of a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN). Compared to a baseline cGAN, TopologyGAN achieves a nearly 3 × reduction in the mean squared error and a 2.5 × reduction in the mean absolute error on test problems involving previously unseen boundary conditions. Built on several existing network models, we also introduce a hybrid network called U-SE(Squeeze-and-Excitation)-ResNet for the generator that further increases the overall accuracy. We publicly share our full implementation and trained network.
Ligand Exchange Conduction of Lithium Ion in a Pentaglyme-Lithium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide Super-Concentrated Electrolyte
Authors: Kitada Atsushi , Kawata Kio , Shimizu Masahiro , Saimura Masayuki , Nagata Takashi , Katahira Masato , Fukami Kazuhiro , Murase Kuniaki
Published: January 2021

Ligand exchange conduction or hopping conduction which means ions move faster than their ligands or solvents, is one of the striking phenomena in electrochemistry. Here, we report a glyme-based electrolyte where ligand exchange conduction takes place. The electrolyte is a concentrated pentaglyme (G5) solution of lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (LiTf2N; Tf = SO2CF3) with molar ratio of [G5]/[LiTf2N] = 1/2. Since a diglyme (G2) solution [G2]/[LiTf2N] = 1/1 which has the same molar ratio of ether oxygen to Li+ ([O]/[Li+] = 3) does not show ligand exchange conduction, the glyme chain length may need to be long enough to bridge Li+ ions, by which the momentum exchange of Li+ ions via solvent molecules is allowed.
A Note on
q
-Fubini-Appell Polynomials and Related Properties
Authors: Muhyi Abdulghani , Araci Serkan
Published: January 2021

The present article is aimed at introducing and investigating a new class of

q

-hybrid special polynomials, namely,

q

-Fubini-Appell polynomials. The generating functions, series representations, and certain other significant relations and identities of this class are established. Some members of

q

-Fubini-Appell polynomial family are investigated, and some properties of these members are obtained. Further, the class of 3-variable

q

-Fubini-Appell polynomials is also introduced, and some formulae related to this class are obtained. In addition, the determinant representations for these classes are established.
Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Retroperitoneal Space
Authors: Marcinek Mateusz , Majcherczyk Konrad , Nowak Marcel , Targoński Aleksander , Tkocz Michał
Published: January 2021

A solitary fibrous tumor develops from mesenchymal cells as a pleural neoplasm, but it is also occasionally reported in extrapleural sites. Retroperitoneal tumors are a group of neoplasms located between muscles and the fascia of the posterior abdominal wall and the parietal peritoneum. Their cytology differs from that of urinary tract organs or adrenals. This case report presents a rare solitary fibrous tumor incidentally found during an ultrasound examination. A 54-year-old male underwent urgent surgery for a tumor located in the left retroperitoneal space. The histologic examination confirmed a solitary fibrous tumor with a 5% Ki67 proliferation index, a 1 MF/10 HPF mitotic activity, and CD34-positive immunostains. A solitary fibrous tumor is a rare retroperitoneal tumor. Its symptoms and signs might resemble those of the classical triad of renal cell carcinoma, although the tumor’s growth phase is typically asymptomatic. Intraoperative diagnosis of a solitary fibrous tumor strongly recommends radical excision.
Porous Multiphase Microcharacteristics Research of New Cement‐Based Grouting Material Concretion
Authors: Xie Wei , Xia Junwu , Yu Linli , Chang Hongfei
Published: January 2021

As an excellent inorganic hydraulic cementitious material, new cement‐based grouting material (abbreviated as NCG) has a wide application prospect in grouting engineering. Four types of water‐cement ratio (W/C ratio) NCG concretions were systematically researched on the solid‐phase composition, microscopic morphology, nanoscale pore characteristics and micron‐scale multiphase microscopic characteristics through SEM, TGA‐DSC, BET, MIP, and 3D‐XRM in combination with hydration reaction mechanism. The NCG concretion is characterized as a spatial network structure formed by dendritic or columnar ettringite (AFt) crystals, filled with calcium silicate hydrate gel (C–S–H) and aluminum gel (AH3). In the solid phase, the mass of AFt is the highest, about 65%, the mass of C–S–H is about 20%, and the mass of AH3 is the least, about 15%. In nanoscale, the pore size of NCG concretion is concentrated in about 50 nm–3 μm, and the volume proportion reaches about 90%, which can be used as the characteristic parameter of pore‐phase. With the increase of W/C ratio and age, the MPD of pore decreases, and the probability of the MPD‐pore increases, and the dispersion of the probability of pores increases. In nanoscale, the porosity of NCG concretion is as high as 60%. With the increase of W/C ratio and age, the porosity of NCG concretion increases, but the effect on the density of solid‐phase is little. In micron scale, the regular characteristics related to diameter of pore‐phase and gel‐phase are similar, showing a three stage formula: as their diameter increases, the number of monocases decreases and its rate of reduction gradually slows down, the volume‐proportion decreases first and then increases, the differentiation of volume between the monocases increases gradually, and the differentiation between monocases shape and sphere is bigger, and its shape characteristics are more diverse and discrete.
Long-Term Safety and Feasibility of Left Bundle Branch Pacing in a Large Single-Center Study
Authors: Su Lan , Wang Songjie , Wu Shengjie , Xu Lei , Huang Zhouqing , Chen Xiao , Zheng Rujie , Jiang Limeng , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Whinnett Zachary I. , Huang Weijian
Published: January 2021

Background:

Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is a novel pacing method and has been observed to have low and stable pacing thresholds in prior small short-term studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of LBBP in a large consecutive diverse group of patients with long-term follow-up.

Methods:

This study prospectively enrolled 632 consecutive pacemaker patients with attempted LBBP from April 2017 to July 2019. Pacing parameters, complications, ECG, and echocardiographic measurements were assessed at implant and during follow-up of 1, 6, 12, and 24 months.

Results:

LBBP was successful in 618/632 (97.8%) patients according to strict criteria for LBB capture. Mean follow-up time was 18.6±6.7 months. Two hundred thirty-one patients had follow-up over 2 years. LBB capture threshold at implant was 0.65±0.27 mV at 0.5 ms and 0.69±0.24 mV at 0.5 ms at 2-year follow-up. A significant decrease in QRS duration was observed in patients with left bundle branch block (167.22±18.99 versus 124.02±24.15 ms,
P
<0.001). Postimplantation left ventricular ejection fraction improved in patients with QRS≥120 ms (48.82±17.78% versus 58.12±13.04%,
P
<0.001). The number of patients with moderate and severe tricuspid regurgitation decreased at 1 year. Permanent right bundle branch injury occurred in 55 (8.9%) patients. LBB capture threshold increased to >3 V or loss of bundle capture in 6 patients (1%), 2 patients of them had a loss of conduction system capture. Two patients required lead revision due to dislodgement.

Conclusions:

This large observational study suggests that LBBP is feasible with high success rates and low complication rates during long-term follow-up. Therefore, LBBP appears to be a reliable method for physiological pacing for patients with either a bradycardia or heart failure pacing indication.
New species and new records of mites of the family Laelapidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) associated with ants in Iran
Authors: JOHARCHI OMID , HALLIDAY BRUCE , SABOORI ALIREZA , KAMALI KARIM
Published: January 2021

This paper reports on four species of mites of the family Laelapidae associated with ants in Iran—Gymnolaelaps messor sp. nov. from Messor sp., Gymnolaelaps prestoni sp. nov. from Myrmica sp., Myrmozercon karajensis sp. nov. from Camponotus sp., and Pseudoparasitus missouriensis (Ewing, 1909) from Camponotus sp. This is the first record of Myrmozercon from Iran. The genera Gymnolaelaps and Pseudoparasitus are distinguished from each other and from the related genus Laelaspis by the shape, ornamentation and chaetotaxy of the genital shield, the form of the palp tarsal claw, and the presence or absence of pre-sternal plates.
Effect of Nano-Titanium Dioxide Contained in Titania-Polyurea Coating on Marina Biofouling and Drag Reduction
Authors: Li Yuanzhe , Woo Yissue , Sekar Manoj , Narasimalu Srikanth , Dong ZhiLi
Published: January 2021

Marine structures often suffer from biofouling, which may lead to macrofouling by marine animals like marine worms and barnacles, weighing down the structures and increasing the drag. This paper analyses the effect of the newly fabricated biological anti-adhesion Titania-Polyurea spray
coating, which can effectively reduce biofouling from enriching on the surface. Through the surface characterization, bioassays and micro-channel drag-reduction test, the antibacterial effect caused by the nano-titanium dioxide is systematically studied. Compared to the different weight percentages
of nano-TiO2 in the coating system, the photocatalytic activity, riblet surface structure and hydrophobic wettability are supposed to be the key factors to reduce the flow resistance at a drag reduction rate of 3.0% and further enhance the anti-biofouling performance under dark
conditions.
Naked Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer Nanoparticles Exhibit Intrinsic Embryotoxicity During the Early Stages of Normal Development
Authors: Kheraldine Hadeel , Gupta Ishita , Alhussain Hashim , Jabeen Ayesha , Akhtar Saghir , Al Moustafa Ala-Eddin , Rachid Ousama
Published: January 2021

To investigate the impact of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAMs) in the embryo, we explored the outcome of different generations (G4 and G6) on the early stages of embryogenesis using the chicken embryo as a model. We also monitored their effect on angiogenesis
in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Our data revealed that cationic PAMAMs provoke substantial embryotoxicity, as they significantly induce death (up to 50%, p < 0 05) and inhibit angiogenesis of the CAM (up to 30%, p < 0 05) in a generation-dependent manner in comparison to controls
and other types of PAMAMs (anionic and neutral). Moreover, cationic PAMAMs alter the expression of genes related to cell survival, cell cycle, proliferation, transcription factor, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, as shown by RT-PCR analysis. Our data suggest that PAMAM dendrimers exhibit intrinsic
toxicity in embryos at the early stages and inhibits angiogenesis of the CAM. Thus, future studies are necessary to illustrate the exact mechanism of PAMAM dendrimers in embryotoxicity.
Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of Fabricated Rhein Micelles
Authors: Ding Xiangyu , Wang Yuan , Wen Chunmei , Wang Silu , Ruan Qingqing , Li Zhaofeng , Xu Jinzhong , Xu Zheng , Deng Jie
Published: January 2021

Rhein is a potential anti-inflammatory agent, but its poor water solubility significantly restricts its clinical application. In this study, rhein micelles (RMs) with improved water solubility were fabricated on Pluronic F127 (F-127). Transmission electron microscopy showed that the
as-prepared RMs displayed a mean diameter of approximately 20 nm and a spherical morphology. The encapsulation efficiency of the micelles towards drugs varied from 81.38 ± 4.35% to 24.87 ± 4.32%. The RMs exhibited a burst release during the first 6 h and a following sustained
release up to 96 h with a biphasic drug release pattern as suggested by the drug release assay. Cytotoxicity assessment showed that the RMs caused no change in cell viability at drug concentrations below 40 μM after 24 and 48 h of incubation. In RAW264.7 macrophages, the RMs inhibited the
lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of p65/NF-κB, which in turn suppressed the transcription of its downstream inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cytokine genes such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α . Simultaneously, the RMs led to reduced cytokine secretions,
including cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, and interleukin-6 in a dose-dependent manner. The RMs reported herein may be a promising candidate for developing anti-inflammatory therapeutic formulations.