bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitaler Zwilling: Verwaltungsschale BBox als Datenablage über den Lebenszyklus einer Brücke
Authors: Braml Thomas , Wimmer Johannes , Varabei Yauhen , Maack Stefan , Küttenbaum Stefan , Kuhn Thomas , Reingruber Maximilian , Gordt Alexander , Hamm Jürgen
Published: December 2021

Auf dem Weg zur digitalen Brücke existieren bereits erste Lösungen, die den Lebenszyklus einer Brücke abbilden können. Für die Planung, den Bau und den Unterhalt stehen unterschiedlichste Werkzeuge, z. B. BIM, DIN 1076, SIB‐Bauwerke, Monitoring etc. zur Verfügung, die jeweils mit unterschiedlichen Datenformaten arbeiten. Für ein intelligentes Erhaltungsmanagement müssen aber alle Daten mit den verschiedenen Datenformaten zusammengeführt, abgelegt und so verwaltet werden können, dass über den gesamten Lebenszyklus einer Brücke die Abbildung eines ganzheitlichen digitalen Zwillings eines Bauwerks möglich ist. Die Autoren haben dafür mit BBox den Prototyp einer Verwaltungsschale (VWS) auf Grundlage von Industrie 4.0 entwickelt. Damit wird das physikalisch‐ingenieurtechnische Modell zur Zustandsbewertung der Brücke in den Mittelpunkt gestellt und der gesamte Lebenszyklus einer Brücke kann unabhängig von Datenformaten digital erfasst werden. Da der Aufbau der VWS durch die Granularität optimal strukturiert ist, bietet die Ablage und Einspeisung von Messdaten sowohl die Grundlage eines Live‐Monitorings als auch den Grundstein für maschinelles Lernen (ML). Der Datenzugriff via S3‐Schnittstelle erleichtert die Entwicklung von eigenen Prognosemodellen mit Informationsmustern (SHIP – Structural Health Information Pattern). Am Beispiel der Heinrichsbrücke Bamberg wird die praktische intelligente Umsetzung des Bauwerksmonitorings inkl. VWS mit Informationsmustern und ML gezeigt.
Behavior analysis and aphasia: A current appraisal and suggestions for the future
Authors: Becker April M. , Baltazar Marla
Published: December 2021

Skinner's Verbal Behavior provided a starting point for understanding and technologically addressing language in a variety of contexts, including language disorders related to acquired brain injury such as aphasia. Subsequent work on verbal behavior in the context of aphasia has been relatively rare despite the sophistication of behavior analytic contributions to its conceptualization and treatment. In this article we discuss conceptualization, assessment, and rehabilitation approaches inside and outside behavior analysis to highlight the significant unrealized potentials that could come from increased behavior analytic involvement. Not only does such work stand to meaningfully contribute to rehabilitative technologies, but the study of natural lines of fracture revealed by brain injury holds a unique potential for testing, validating, and refining the Skinnerian approach to language.
Schools need more support to identify young people with mental health problems
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2021

School influences explain 1.4% to 2.4% of the variance in mental health and well‐being in adolescents 11–14 years of age, a recent study has found. It's important to note that the study was conducted in the United Kingdom.
Digital peak current mode control of isolated current‐fed push‐pull DC‐DC converter with slope compensation
Authors: Ghalebani Pedram , Teymoori Vahid , Mwaniki Fredrick Mukundi
Published: December 2021

The isolated current‐fed push‐pull dc‐dc converter has some practical advantages such as improved cross regulation characteristics, reduced output noise, and good overall efficiency. Although detailed insight on this converter is available in the literature, the use of digital peak current mode with slope compensation control methodology has not been explicitly presented. This paper discusses digital peak current mode control of a current‐fed push‐pull converter with a novel double digital pulse‐by‐pulse current limiting scheme. Push‐pull topology is implemented on the primary side of an isolation transformer in a dc‐dc bidirectional converter. Achieving this control solution of isolated push‐pull converter is attractive especially in controlling battery power flow in smart micro‐grids. By using a digitally controlled push‐pull converter, the ability to change controller parameters and the use of droop control methods for storage are easier. Furthermore, current mode control provides capability of equal current sharing between parallel converters and eliminates the transformer saturation problem that is common in push‐pull topology. Using continuous time model of the converter, a Type II compensator is designed and implemented in discrete time domain. Digital slope compensation is applied to eliminate the high frequency oscillations caused by current feedback loop. The control method and slope compensation are implemented on STM32F303 mixed‐signal microcontroller. On‐chip analog comparator disabled the PWM output if the sensed current exceeds the reference current until next PWM cycle. The digital controller performance is confirmed by 13 W hardware implementation including fast transient response and stable operation.
A Novel Electrochemical Sensor Based on Modified Carbon Paste Electrode with ZnO Nanorods for the Voltammetric Determination of Indole‐3‐acetic Acid in Plant Seed Extracts
Authors: Rabie E. M. , Shamroukh A. A. , Khodari M.
Published: December 2021

Detection of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), as a phytohormone, is important for precision farming, plant phenotyping, and crop management. Herein, IAA was detected in bean and wheat plant seeds extractions using zinc oxide nanorods/carbon paste electrode (ZnO NRs/CPE). ZnO NRs/CPE showed excellent electrocatalytic activity, high sensitivity, and selectivity toward the oxidation of IAA. The linearity range was from 30.×10−8 to 5.0×10−6 M (r2=0.996, n=10), with a detection limit of 1.7×10−8 M. Moreover, ZnO NRs/CPE exhibited high reproducibility, with a standard deviation of 1.0 % for six successive measurements of IAA.
Facilitated endospore detection for Bacillus spp. through automated algorithm‐based image processing
Authors: Biermann Riekje , Niemeyer Laura , Rösner Laura , Ude Christian , Lindner Patrick , Bice Ismet , Beutel Sascha
Published: December 2021

Bacillus spp. endospores are important dormant cell forms and are distributed widely in environmental samples. While these endospores can have important industrial value (e.g. use in animal feed as probiotics), they can also be pathogenic for humans and animals, emphasizing the need for effective endospore detection. Standard spore detection by colony forming units (CFU) is time‐consuming, elaborate and prone to error. Manual spore detection by spore count in cell counting chambers via phase‐contrast microscopy is less time‐consuming. However, it requires a trained person to conduct. Thus, the development of a facilitated spore detection tool is necessary. This work presents two alternative quantification methods: first, a colorimetric assay for detecting the biomarker dipicolinic acid (DPA) adapted to modern needs and applied for Bacillus spp. and second, a model‐based automated spore detection algorithm for spore count in phase‐contrast microscopic pictures. This automated spore count tool advances manual spore detection in cell counting chambers, and does not require human overview after sample preparation. In conclusion, this developed model detected various Bacillus spp. endospores with a correctness of 85–89%, and allows an automation and time‐saving of Bacillus endospore detection. In the laboratory routine, endospore detection and counting was achieved within 5–10 min, compared to up to 48 h with conventional methods. The DPA‐assay on the other hand enabled very accurate spore detection by simple colorimetric measurement and can thus be applied as a reference method.
One‐year cost‐effectiveness of callosotomy vs vagus nerve stimulation for drug‐resistant seizures in Lennox‐Gastaut Syndrome: A decision analytic model
Authors: Abel Taylor J. , Remick Madison , Welch William C. , Smith Kenneth J.
Published: December 2021

Objective

Palliative epilepsy surgery via corpus callosotomy (CC) or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is commonly employed for drug‐resistant seizures in Lennox‐Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). VNS is less effective at reducing seizures but has fewer adverse events, CC is more effective for seizure control, particularly atonic seizures, but can be associated with serious adverse events, and yet their relative cost‐effectiveness remains unknown.

Methods

To determine which option is most cost‐effective, a decision analytic model was developed to evaluate the risks and benefits of CC and VNS at 1 year based on costs in the United States. Our primary outcome measure was positive seizure outcomes, defined as >50% seizure reduction without procedural complications.

Results

CC had a 15% greater likelihood of a positive seizure outcome, but per patient costs were $68 147 more than VNS, or $451 952 per positive seizure outcome gained. One‐way sensitivity analyses demonstrate that probabilities of seizure freedom or reduction by VNS or CC and CC cost were most influential on results. When considering atonic seizures, CC had a 27% greater positive outcome likelihood than VNS, the same incremental cost, and cost $250 556 per positive seizure outcome gained.

Significance

This exploratory model suggests that VNS is more cost‐effective relative to CC at 1 year.
Performance limits of wireless powered cooperative NOMA over generalized fading
Authors: Nauryzbayev Galymzhan , Omarov Orken , Arzykulov Sultangali , Rabie Khaled M. , Li Xingwang , Eltawil Ahmed M.
Published: December 2021

The non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technique is a prospective solution to support the massive connectivity of an ever‐increasing number of wirelessly connected devices and address the spectrum scarcity issue. In this article, the outage probability and ergodic capacity of a two‐hop cooperative NOMA network with an energy‐limited relaying node are quantified over a generalizedstatistical model. The relay acts in an amplify‐and‐forward mode and performs energy harvesting (EH) using the time‐switching and power splitting relaying protocols. Moreover, the impact of hardware impairments (HIs) is incorporated into the performance evaluation. The obtained results prove the importance of HIs and allow one to evaluate the outage probability and ergodic capacity over various statistical models and system parameters. Finally, the results suggest that the optimal performance at a specific scenario depends on the combination of multiple factors, such as channel conditions, HI level, transmit power, and EH protocol.
Protective effect of isoflavones and triterpenoid saponins from pueraria lobata on liver diseases: A review
Authors: He Heng , Peng Shuwei , Song Xu , Jia Renyong , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , Yin Zhongqiong
Published: December 2021

In recent years, with the improvement of people's living standard and the change of diet structure, liver disease and its related complications have become a significant public health problem globally. Pueraria lobata (Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep) belongs to the genus Pueraria, which is widely planted and used as medicine and food in Asia with a long history. A variety of natural active products, including puerarin, daidzein, formononetin, genistein, and soyasaponin, have been isolated and identified from pueraria lobata. A large number of studies have shown that various natural active products of pueraria lobata can play a protective role in different types of liver diseases by regulating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, etc. In this review, we focused on the protective effects of isoflavones and triterpenoid saponins from pueraria lobata on the liver through different targeted therapeutic mechanisms. What's more, we summarized their therapeutic potential for different types of liver diseases to provide evidence for their clinical application.
Id2 and Id4 are not the major negative regulators of oligodendrocyte differentiation during early central nervous system development
Authors: Huang Hao , Wu Huihui , He Wanjun , Zhou Fang , Yu Xianxian , Yi Min , Du Junqing , Xie Binghua , Qiu Mengsheng
Published: December 2021

Myelin sheathes ensure the rapid conduction of neural impulse and provide nutritional support for neurons. Myelin sheathes are formed by differentiated oligodendrocytes (OLs) in the central nervous system. During OL development, the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) into mature OLs is controlled by both positive differentiation factors (drivers) and negative regulatory factors (brakes). Previous studies have suggested Id2 and Id4 as the key negative factors for OL differentiation. However, these conclusions were mainly based on in vitro studies and the reported OL phenotype in Id4 mutants appear to be mild. In this study, we systematically investigated the in vivo function of Id2 and Id4 genes in OL differentiation in their genetic mutants and in embryonic chicken spinal cord. Our results showed that disruption of Id4 has no effect on OL differentiation and maturation, whereas Id2 mutants and Id2/Id4 compound mutants display a mild and transient precocity of OL differentiation. In agreement with these loss‐of‐function studies, Id2, but not Id4, is weakly expressed in OPCs. Despite their minor roles in OL differentiation, forced expression of Id2 and Id4 in embryonic chicken spinal cords strongly inhibit the differentiation of OPCs. Taken together, our detailed functional and expressional studies strongly suggest that Id2 and Id4 are not the major in vivo repressors of OPC differentiation during animal development, shedding new light on the molecular regulation of early OL development.
Genetic variants associated with circulating C‐reactive protein levels and colorectal cancer survival: Sex‐specific and lifestyle factors specific associations
Authors: Huang Yuhan , Hua Xinwei , Labadie Julia D. , Harrison Tabitha A. , Dai James Y. , Lindstrom Sara , Lin Yi , Berndt Sonja I. , Buchanan Daniel D. , Campbell Peter T. , Casey Graham , Gallinger Steven J. , Gunter Marc J. , Hoffmeister Michael , Jenkins Mark A. , Sakoda Lori C. , Schoen Robert E. , Diergaarde Brenda , Slattery Martha L. , White Emily , Giles Graham , Brenner Hermann , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Joshi Amit , Ma Wenjie , Pai Rish K. , Chan Andrew T. , Peters Ulrike , Newcomb Polly A.
Published: December 2021

Elevated blood levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) have been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC) survival. We evaluated genetic variants associated with CRP levels and their interactions with sex and lifestyle factors in association with CRC‐specific mortality. Our study included 16 142 CRC cases from the International Survival Analysis in Colorectal Cancer Consortium. We identified 618 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CRP levels from the NHGRI‐EBI GWAS Catalog. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between SNPs and CRC‐specific mortality adjusting for age, sex, genotyping platform/study and principal components. We investigated their interactions with sex and lifestyle factors using likelihood ratio tests. Of 5472 (33.9%) deaths accrued over up to 10 years of follow‐up, 3547 (64.8%) were due to CRC. No variants were associated with CRC‐specific mortality after multiple comparison correction. We observed strong evidence of interaction between variant rs1933736 at FRK gene and sex in relation to CRC‐specific mortality (corrected Pinteraction = .0004); women had higher CRC‐specific mortality associated with the minor allele (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.04‐1.19) whereas an inverse association was observed for men (HR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.82‐0.94). There was no evidence of interactions between CRP‐associated SNPs and alcohol, obesity or smoking. Our study observed a significant interaction between sex and a CRP‐associated variant in relation to CRC‐specific mortality. Future replication of this association and functional annotation of the variant are needed.
Att2ResNet: A deep attention‐based approach for melanoma skin cancer classification
Authors: Boulahia Said Yacine , Benatia Mohamed Akram , Bouzar Abderrahmane
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an in‐depth study on the contribution and integration of attention mechanisms into deep learning architectures for melanoma classification. Indeed, the concept of attention helps guide the learning process to focus on some parts of the input image deemed to be the most significant. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, a study on how and where to integrate such mechanisms has never been conducted in the context of melanoma classification. Consequently, we propose such a study in three main stages. First, we propose an improvement in the transfer learning process for the specific case of melanoma classification. Then, we develop a basic variant of our architecture allowing to integrate an additive attention mechanism in an adapted ResNet network. We finally investigate the impact of the number of mechanisms and their location in the melanoma classification architecture. Better results are reported on two standard datasets.
Dental education 2026: A scenario exploration
Authors: Haden N. Karl , Bell Kathryn P. , Bottino Marco C. , Haley Colin M. , Quick Karin K. , Yelick Pamela C.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the following papers is to explore plausible alternative futures for dental education. The COVID‐19 pandemic, challenges emerging from racism in the US, and social unrest were the precipitating factors leading to this consideration of academic dentistry in approximately 5 years.

Methods

In 2020–2021, five teams of six individual followed a seven‐step process to develop five different scenarios of dental education in 2026. Four of these scenarios are constructed by considering a range of uncertainties associated with economic sustainability and educational innovation. A fifth scenario describes the optimal case for dental education's role should another pandemic occur.

Results

Each scenario is presented as a narrative in three parts: scenario highlights (summary), life in the scenario (fictional case), and scenario details (a description of significant factors within the envisioned future of the scenario). As a strategic tool, these scenarios will assist leaders, institutions, and stakeholders to anticipate and prepare for different futures, identify key indicators that a particular future is emerging, and guide decision‐making to create the most desirable future in a changing environment.

Conclusion

Institutions are encouraged to incorporate these scenarios into their strategic and contingency planning efforts and to use them to generate dialogue during faculty development initiatives. This study provides institutions with a process and model they can follow to create scenarios at the institutional level. The final paper in this collection is a guide that provides ideas and instructions for using the scenarios in curricular and extracurricular activities with faculty members and students.
Zeolite (Y‐H)‐based green synthesis, antimicrobial activity, and molecular docking studies of imidazole bearing oxydibenzene hybrid molecules
Authors: Desai Nisheeth C. , Maheta Abhay S. , Jethawa Aratiba M. , Pandit Unnat P. , Ahmad Iqrar , Patel Harun
Published: December 2021

In this green synthesis, zeolite (Y‐H) appears to be an intriguing choice for obtaining a high yield with a shorter reaction time. In addition, we have synthesized N‐aryl‐(4‐benzylidene‐5‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)‐3‐phenoxybenzamides (4a‐i), which will be proved to be potent antimicrobial agents. The title compounds were tested against Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative, and fungal strains using the Mueller–Hinton Broth technique. N‐(4‐benzylidene‐5‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)‐3‐phenoxybenzamide (4a) (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 25 μg/mL, S. pyogenes) and N‐(4‐[4‐fluorobenzylidene]‐5‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)‐3‐phenoxybenzamide (4f) (MIC = 100 μg/mL, C. albicans, A. niger, A. clavatus) were the most effective against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria as well as fungal strains. To understand the mechanism of action of synthesized compounds, molecular docking experiments were performed against S. aureus tyrosyl‐tRNA synthetase and C. albicans sterol 14‐α demethylase.
[Et3NH][HSO4] catalyzed solvent‐free synthesis of new 1,2,3‐triazolidene‐indolinone derivatives
Authors: Siddiqui Madiha M. , Nagargoje Amol A. , Raza Akram K. , Pisal Parshuram M. , Shingate Bapurao B.
Published: December 2021

A series of new 1,2,3‐triazolidene‐indolinone derivatives (17a‐j) were designed and synthesized via [Et3NH] [HSO4] catalyzed solvent‐free approach. The synthesis strongly relied on Knoevenagel condensation of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazolyl aldehydes (15a‐j) and oxindole (5). The solvent‐free approach and Brønsted acidity of [Et3NH] [HSO4] ionic liquid increased the rate of reaction and provided the corresponding 1,2,3‐triazolidene‐indolinone derivatives (17a‐j) in excellent yields. The reusability of ionic liquid is also established with persistent effective yields up to four cycles. These novel 1,2,3‐triazolidene‐indolinone derivatives may exhibit potential biological response due to the presence of potent moieties and presence of triazolidene‐exocyclic double bond.
Application of Simultaneous 18F‐FDG PET With Monoexponential, Biexponential, and Stretched Exponential Model‐Based Diffusion‐Weighted MR Imaging in Assessing the Proliferation Status of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Zhun , Li Xiaochen , Wang Zhixue , Meng Nan , Fu Fangfang , Han Hui , Li Dujuan , Bai Yan , Wei Wei , Fang Ting , Feng Pengyang , Yuan Jianmin , Yang Yang , Wang Meiyun
Published: December 2021

Background

Ki‐67 proliferation index (PI) is important for providing information on tumor behavior, treatment response, and prognosis. Integrated positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) may have the potential to assess Ki‐67 PI in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Purpose

To explore the value of simultaneous 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) PET/MR‐derived parameters in assessing the proliferation status of lung adenocarcinoma and to determine the best combination of parameters.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Seventy‐eight patients with lung adenocarcinoma and with Ki‐67 PI.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, simultaneous PET/MRI including diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and 18F‐FDG PET.

Assessment

DWI‐derived parameters, namely, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), diffusion heterogeneity index (α), and distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC); and PET‐derived parameters, namely, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolytic volume (TLG), were calculated and compared between the high (>25%) and low (≤25%) Ki‐67 PI groups. The correlations between PET‐derived parameters and DWI‐derived parameters were analyzed.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐square test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The SUVmax, MTV, TLG, ADC, D, and DDC values were significantly different between the high (N = 35) and low Ki‐67 PI groups (N = 43). D, SUVmax, and MTV independently predicted the Ki‐67 PI status. The combination of D, SUVmax, and MTV had the largest area under the ROC curve (AUC = 0.900), which was significantly larger than the AUC alone of DDC (AUC = 0.725), SUVmax (AUC = 0.815), MTV (AUC = 0.774), or TLG (AUC = 0.783). The perfusion fraction did not correlate with SUVmax, MTV, or TLG (r = −0.03, −0.11, and −0.04, respectively; P = 0.786, 0.348, and 0.733).

Data Conclusion

The combination of D, SUVmax, and MTV may predict Ki‐67 PI status. No correlation was observed between perfusion parameters and metabolic parameters.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
The interplay of leader–member exchange and peer mentoring in teams on team performance via team potency
Authors: Kim Tae‐Yeol , Liden Robert C. , Liu Zhiqiang , Wu Bingqing
Published: December 2021

Decades of research on leader–member exchange (LMX), which refers to relationship quality between a leader and follower, has consistently shown LMX to be positively related to individual outcomes. An emerging body of research exploring whether these positive results extend to the team level has found inconsistent results. Because team LMX relationships with team outcomes are not consistent, we explore the way in which peers can contribute toward team outcomes and also enhance the relationship between team LMX and outcomes. Specifically, we investigate the role that peer mentoring social networks play in providing advice and support to team members to enhance what is provided by the leader. With a sample of 111 teams from 25 diverse organizations, results revealed that peer mentoring is positively and indirectly related to supervisor‐assessed team performance via team potency. In addition, peer mentoring moderated relationships between team LMX (operationalized as LMX median) and team performance and team potency such that these relationships were more positive when the density of the peer mentoring was high rather than low. Our study contributes to the LMX, team, and mentoring literatures by highlighting the effects of within‐team peer mentoring on team performance.
Patients with periodontitis and erectile dysfunction suffer a greater incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events: A prospective study in a Spanish population
Authors: Mesa Francisco , Arrabal‐Polo Miguel Angel , Magan‐Fernandez Antonio , Arrabal Miguel , Martin Amada , Muñoz Ricardo , Rodriguez‐Agurto Alejandro , Bravo Manuel
Published: December 2021

Background

Periodontitis and erectile dysfunction (ED) have been linked with cardiovascular disease. The association of periodontitis and ED with the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events has not been previously assessed. The aim of this study was to determine if the presence of periodontitis and ED has any effect on the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Methods

Male patients that attended the Urology service were enrolled in a prospective study. Erectile dysfunction was diagnosed according to the International Index of Erectile Function. Sociodemographic data and periodontal clinical parameters were gathered (pocket probing depth, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque index and number of teeth) at baseline. Major adverse cardiovascular events occurred both before and during the follow‐up time were registered. Bivariate analyses, as well as a multivariate analysis were performed, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 158 patients were included, with a mean follow‐up of 4.2 years. A greater number of major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in the group that presented periodontitis and ED (P = 0.038). After adjusting by age and previous cardiovascular disease in the multivariate analysis, the annual major adverse cardiovascular event rate was estimated to be 3.7 times higher in the same group (P = 0.049). Other periodontal clinical variables together with ED supported these results and were close to statistical significance.

Conclusions

Patients with periodontitis and ED, adjusted by age and a cardiovascular disease, showed 3.7 times more risk of suffering major adverse cardiovascular events after mean follow‐up of 4.2 years.
Integrating periphyton and surfacewater–groundwatermethods to understand lake ecosystem processes
Authors: Atkins Karen S. , Shannon Thomas P. , Meyer Michael F. , Oleksy Isabella A. , Framsted Nicholas T. , Gurung Deviyani , Ladwig Robert
Published: December 2021

Groundwater–surface water (GW–SW) interactions represent an important, but less visible, linkage in lake ecosystems. Periphyton is most abundant at the GW–SW interface and can rapidly assimilate nutrients from the water column. Despite the importance of periphyton in regulating whole‐lake metabolism, they are less well studied or monitored in comparison with planktonic taxa and pelagic systems. This is in stark contrast to studies of flowing waters and wetlands, where variability in GW–SW connectivity and periphyton productivity is more often incorporated into study designs. To bridge the gap between groundwater's influence on lake benthic communities, this synthesis aims to prime researchers with information necessary to incorporate groundwater and periphyton sampling into lake studies and equip investigators with tools that will facilitate cross‐disciplinary collaboration. Specifically, we (1) propose how to overcome barriers associated with studying littoral ecological‐hydrological dynamics; (2) summarize field, laboratory, and modeling techniques for assessing spatiotemporal periphyton patterns and benthic hydrological fluxes; and (3) identify paths for hydrological techniques to be incorporated into ecological studies, deepening our understanding of whole‐lake ecosystem function. We argue that coupling hydrological and periphyton measurements can yield dualistic insights into lake ecosystem functioning: how benthic periphyton modulate constituents within groundwater, and conversely, the extent to which constituents in groundwater modulate the productivity of periphyton assemblages. We assert that priming ecologists and hydrologists alike with a shared understanding of how each discipline studies the nearshore zone presents a tangible path forward for both integrating these disciplines and further contextualizing lake processes within the limnological landscape.
Mode and Polarization‐Division Multiplexing Based on Silicon Nitride Loaded Lithium Niobate on Insulator Platform
Authors: Han Xu , Jiang Yongheng , Frigg Andreas , Xiao Huifu , Zhang Pu , Nguyen Thach Giang , Boes Andreas , Yang Jianhong , Ren Guanghui , Su Yikai , Mitchell Arnan , Tian Yonghui
Published: December 2021

Mode and polarization‐division multiplexing technologies (MDM and PDM) can offer considerable parallelism for optical multiplexing biosensors, complex optical neural networks, and high‐capacity optical interconnects, while requiring only a single‐wavelength laser source. Thanks to the mature fabrication processes of silicon nitride and superior material properties of lithium niobate, the silicon nitride loaded lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) platform allows the integration of high‐speed optical modulators and optical (de)multiplexing devices to achieve high‐capacity and low‐cost photonic integrated circuits suitable for data communication applications. In this contribution, MDM and PDM are investigated in a silicon nitride loaded LNOI (X‐cut) platform. As a proof of concept, an asymmetrical directional coupler‐based mode (de)multiplexer (MMUX) and polarization splitter‐rotator (PSR) are designed, fabricated, and experimentally demonstrated. The measured insertion losses are lower than 1.46 and 1.49 dB, while the inter‐modal crosstalk is lower than −13.03 and −17.75 dB for the MMUX and PSR, respectively, for a wavelength range of 1525–1565 nm. A 40 Gbps data transmission experiment demonstrates the data transmission capabilities of the fabricated devices. The measured eye diagrams are clear and wide‐open, and the bit error rate measurements show reasonable power penalties, indicating good device performance.
Efficacy and safety of picosecond 755‐nm alexandrite laser for treatment of nevus of Ota in Taiwanese children: A retrospective study
Authors: Yang Chin‐Yi , Shih I‐Hsin , Huang Yau‐Li , Hu Sindy
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of picosecond 755‐nm alexandrite laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota in children.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical charts and photographs of 86 Taiwanese children with various types of nevus of Ota between January 2017 and September 2020. Picosecond 755‐nm alexandrite laser therapy was used to treat pigmentary lesions. Percent clearance of lesions during treatment and the treatment time required to achieve 95%–100% clearance were determined.

Results

According to Tanino's classification or Peking University Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) classification of nevus of Ota, most patients belonged to Tanino's Type II (32%) and Type III (38%) or PUMCH Type IIb (33%) and Type IIIb (26%), which indicated that the nevus was mainly distributed in the forehead, upper and lower eyelid, zygomatic, cheek, and temple regions. After treatment with picosecond 755‐nm alexandrite laser, 96.5% of the patients achieved 95%–100% clearance with an average of 4.3 treatment sessions. The earlier onset of lesions (before 5 months of age) and the darker Fitzpatrick skin types (type IV vs. type III) significantly increased the number of treatments required to achieve clear response, while sex, age at first treatment, Tanino's classification of nevus, and color of nevus had no significant effect. Posttreatment hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation was transient and resolved within 6 months. No serious response of the skin was evident.

Conclusion

Picosecond 755‐nm alexandrite laser treatment of nevus of Ota in children was safe and effective. The treatment was well‐tolerated, and only a few transient, minor side effects occurred.
Semi‐Crystalline Poly(thioether) Prepared by Visible‐Light‐Induced Organocatalyzed Thiol‐ene Polymerization in Emulsion
Authors: Le Cuong Minh Quoc , Schrodj Gautier , Ndao Ibrahima , Bessif Brahim , Heck Barbara , Pfohl Thomas , Reiter Günter , Elgoyhen Justine , Tomovska Radmila , Chemtob Abraham
Published: December 2021

A photocatalytic thiol‐ene aqueous emulsion polymerization under visible‐light is described to prepare linear semicrystalline latexes using 2,2’‐dimercaptodiethyl sulfide as dithiol and various dienes. The procedure involves low irradiance (3 mW cm−2), LED irradiation source, eosin‐Y disodium as organocatalyst, low catalyst loading (<0.05% mol), and short reaction time scales (<1 h). The resulting latexes have molecular weights of about 10 kg mol−1, average diameters of 100 nm, and a linear structure consisting only of thioether repeating units. Electron‐transfer reaction from a thiol to the triplet excited state of the photocatalyst is suggested as the primary step of the mechanism (type I), whereas oxidation by singlet oxygen generated by energy transfer has a negligible effect (type II). Only polymers prepared with aliphatic dienes such as diallyl adipate or di(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether exhibit a high crystallization tendency as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Ordering and crystallization are driven by molecular packing of poly(thioether) chains combining structural regularity, compactness, and flexibility.
Glutathione S‐transferase kappa 1 is positively related with sperm quality of porcine sperm
Authors: Zeng Fanwen , Li Chengde , Huang Jianhao , Xie Shefeng , Zhou LeLe , Meng Li , Li Li , Wei Hengxi , Zhang Shouquan
Published: December 2021

The glutathione S‐transferase (GST) superfamily members play an important role in the male reproductive tract and sperm physiology. However, the expression profiles of some members of this protein family and their effect on sperm quality remain unclear. In this study, we found that GST kappa 1 (GSTK1) encoded protein is abundant in the testes and capacitated sperm acrosome. Western blot analysis revealed that the decreased abundance of GSTK1 was observed in low motile spermatozoa; moreover, GSTK1 expression decreased in sperm stored at 17°C under a long preservation time. In vitro analyses revealed that GSTK1 had no significant effect on sperm motility, capacitation, or acrosome reaction. Notably, after capacitated sperm were incubated with 4 and 8 μg/ml anti‐GSTK1 antibodies, the fertilization rate significantly decreased in vitro fertilization assay. The current study demonstrates that GSTK1 is correlated with sperm quality and is a promising marker for the assessment of sperm quality and provides a basis for understanding the potential molecular mechanism for targeting pathogenic factors in male infertility.
A randomized placebo‐controlled phase 3 study of mesenchymal stem cells induced to secrete high levels of neurotrophic factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Cudkowicz Merit E. , Lindborg Stacy R. , Goyal Namita A. , Miller Robert G. , Burford Matthew J. , Berry James D. , Nicholson Katharine A. , Mozaffar Tahseen , Katz Jonathan S. , Jenkins Liberty J. , Baloh Robert H. , Lewis Richard A. , Staff Nathan P. , Owegi Margaret A. , Berry Donald A. , Gothelf Yael , Levy Yossef S. , Aricha Revital , Kern Ralph Z. , Windebank Anthony J. , Brown Robert H.
Published: December 2021

Introduction/Aims

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative illness with great unmet patient need. We aimed to evaluate whether mesenchymal stem cells induced to secrete high levels of neurotrophic factors (MSC‐NTF), a novel autologous cell‐therapy capable of targeting multiple pathways, could safely slow ALS disease progression.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study enrolled ALS participants meeting revised El Escorial criteria, revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐R) ≥25 (screening) and ≥3 ALSFRS‐R points decline prior to randomization. Participants received three treatments of MSC‐NTF or placebo intrathecally. The primary endpoint evaluated efficacy of MSC‐NTF through a responder analysis and safety. A change in disease progression post‐treatment of ≥1.25 points/mo defines a clinical response. A pre‐specified analysis leveraged baseline ALSFRS‐R of 35 as a subgroup threshold.

Results

Overall, MSC‐NTF treatment was well tolerated; there were no safety concerns. Thirty‐three percent of MSC‐NTF and 28% of placebo participants met clinical response criteria at 28 wk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33, P = .45); thus, the primary endpoint was not met. A pre‐specified analysis of participants with baseline ALSFRS‐R ≥ 35 (n = 58) showed a clinical response rate at 28 wk of 35% MSC‐NTF and 16% placebo (OR = 2.6, P = .29). Significant improvements in cerebrospinal biomarkers of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and neurotrophic factor support were observed with MSC‐NTF, with placebo unchanged.

Discussion

The study did not reach statistical significance on the primary endpoint. However, a pre‐specified subgroup suggests that MSC‐NTF participants with less severe disease may have retained more function compared to placebo. Given the unmet patient need, the results of this trial warrant further investigation.
Prevalence of LUTS and urodynamics results in obese women
Authors: Pereira Thairo A. , D'ancona Carlos A. L. , Cândido Elaine C. , Achermann Arnold P. P. , Chaim Elinton A.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Obesity is a well‐known risk factor for lower urinary tract disorders. Lifestyle plays an essential role in the etiology of the symptoms, negatively affecting self‐esteem and quality of social, professional, and sexual life.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic patterns in obese women and to compare to nonobese volunteers.

Methods

Overactive bladder (OAB) questionaries (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire [ICIQ]‐OAB) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (ICIQ‐short form) were applied to the participants. They underwent a physical exam and urodynamics except for the control group.

Results

A total of 109 women completed the protocol and 20 were in the control group. The average age was 43.0 years, and the average body mass index was 45.12 ± 7.64 kg/m2 and control was 44.5 years, and 29.95 ± 5.08 kg/m2. The OAB symptoms in the obese group were 31.20%, 55.95% higher than the control group (20.0%). The prevalence of SUI in the obese group was 20.20%, an increase of 34.53% compared with the control group (15.00%). The urodynamic study (UDS) showed that the morbidly obese women have a first sensation earlier than the obese or severely obese, as well as the first desire to void. The Valsalva leak point pressure of morbidly obese women was significantly higher than the others.

Conclusion

Among obese women, either the prevalence of SUI or OAB is significantly higher than the nonobese female population. Regarding UDS, the pattern is similar to the clinic diagnostic. The grade of obesity is directly associated with an impairment of the patient's cystometric capacity.
Stable warfarin dose prediction in sub‐Saharan African patients: A machine‐learning approach and external validation of a clinical dose–initiation algorithm
Authors: Asiimwe Innocent G. , Blockman Marc , Cohen Karen , Cupido Clint , Hutchinson Claire , Jacobson Barry , Lamorde Mohammed , Morgan Jennie , Mouton Johannes P. , Nakagaayi Doreen , Okello Emmy , Schapkaitz Elise , Sekaggya‐Wiltshire Christine , Semakula Jerome R. , Waitt Catriona , Zhang Eunice J. , Jorgensen Andrea L. , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: December 2021

Warfarin remains the most widely prescribed oral anticoagulant in sub‐Saharan Africa. However, because of its narrow therapeutic index, dosing can be challenging. We have therefore (a) evaluated and compared the performance of 21 machine‐learning techniques in predicting stable warfarin dose in sub‐Saharan Black‐African patients and (b) externally validated a previously developed Warfarin Anticoagulation in Patients in Sub‐Saharan Africa (War‐PATH) clinical dose–initiation algorithm. The development cohort included 364 patients recruited from eight outpatient clinics and hospital departments in Uganda and South Africa (June 2018–July 2019). Validation was conducted using an external validation cohort (270 patients recruited from August 2019 to March 2020 in 12 outpatient clinics and hospital departments). Based on the mean absolute error (MAE; mean of absolute differences between the actual and predicted doses), random forest regression (12.07 mg/week; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.39–13.76) was the best performing machine‐learning technique in the external validation cohort, whereas the worst performing technique was model trees (17.59 mg/week; 95% CI, 15.75–19.43). By comparison, the simple, commonly used regression technique (ordinary least squares) performed similarly to more complex supervised machine‐learning techniques and achieved an MAE of 13.01 mg/week (95% CI, 11.45–14.58). In summary, we have demonstrated that simpler regression techniques perform similarly to more complex supervised machine‐learning techniques. We have also externally validated our previously developed clinical dose–initiation algorithm, which is being prospectively tested for clinical utility.
Optimization of Silicon Heterojunction Interface Passivation on p‐ and n‐Type Wafers Using Optical Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Özkol Engin , Wagner Philipp , Ruske Florian , Stannowski Bernd , Korte Lars
Published: December 2021

To increase the efficiency in p‐type wafer‐based silicon heterojunction (SHJ) technology, one of the most crucial challenges is the achievement of excellent surface passivation. Herein, chemical passivation techniques known for n‐type technology are successfully applied on p‐type float–zone (FZ) wafers, and wafer surface passivation quality is correlated with parameters from plasma diagnostics, namely crystallization rate and electron temperature indices. It is shown that plasma ignition at higher powers than deposition powers enhances effective minority carrier lifetimes τeff fourfold for p‐ (0.6–2.1 ms) and sixfold for n‐type (0.6–3.2 ms) wafers while giving opportunity to process under lower electron temperature indices during the nucleation phase. A subsequent hydrogen plasma treatment has a further beneficial effect on chemical passivation, leading to high effective minority carrier lifetimes of 4.5 and 3.1 ms, and implies open‐circuit voltages, i‐VOC, of 735 and 720 mV for p‐ and n‐type wafers, respectively. In particular, cell precursors built on p‐type wafers demonstrate excellent surface passivation with τeff and i‐VOC (4.1 ms and 745 mV). Using these process optimizations, SHJ cells on both p‐ and n‐type wafers are fabricated with efficiencies exceeding 21%.
Proposed subtypes of post‐COVID‐19 syndrome (or long‐COVID) and their respective potential therapies
Authors: Yong Shin Jie , Liu Shiliang
Published: December 2021

The effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a highly transmissible infectious respiratory disease that has initiated an ongoing pandemic since early 2020, do not always end in the acute phase. Depending on the study referred, about 10%–30% (or more) of COVID‐19 survivors may develop long‐COVID or post‐COVID‐19 syndrome (PCS), characterised by persistent symptoms (most commonly fatigue, dyspnoea, and cognitive impairments) lasting for 3 months or more after acute COVID‐19. While the pathophysiological mechanisms of PCS have been extensively described elsewhere, the subtypes of PCS have not. Owing to its highly multifaceted nature, this review proposes and characterises six subtypes of PCS based on the existing literature. The subtypes are non‐severe COVID‐19 multi‐organ sequelae (NSC‐MOS), pulmonary fibrosis sequelae (PFS), myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), post‐intensive care syndrome (PICS) and medical or clinical sequelae (MCS). Original studies supporting each of these subtypes are documented in this review, as well as their respective symptoms and potential interventions. Ultimately, the subtyping proposed herein aims to provide better clarity on the current understanding of PCS.
Fluorine Engineered Self‐Supported Ultrathin 2D Nickel Hydroxide Nanosheets as Highly Robust and Stable Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution and Urea Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Patil Swati J. , Chodankar Nilesh R. , Hwang Seung‐Kyu , Rama Raju Ganji Seeta , Huh Yun‐Suk , Han Young‐Kyu
Published: December 2021

Developing highly efficient noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts with a scalable and environmentally friendly synthesis approach remains a challenge in the field of electrocatalytic water splitting. To overcome this problem, self‐supported fluorine‐modified 2D ultrathin nickel hydroxide (F‐Ni(OH)2) nanosheets (NSs) for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and urea oxidation reaction (UOR) are prepared with a scalable and ascendant one‐step synthesis route. The enhanced redox activity, electrical conductivity and a great number of exposed active sites of the heterogeneous catalysts improve charge migration for the electrocatalytic reactions. The density of states of the d orbitals of the Ni atoms significantly increases near the Fermi level, thereby indicating that the Ni atoms near the F‐dopants promote electrical conduction in the Ni(OH)2 monolayer. The F‐Ni(OH)2 electrocatalyst exhibits notable OER and UOR activity with onset potentials of 1.43 and 1.16 V versus RHE, respectively required to reach 10 mA cm−2, which are comparable to those of commercial noble‐metal‐based electrocatalysts. With RuCo‐OH nanospheres, the settled F‐Ni(OH)2||RuCo‐OH cell requires merely 1.55 and 1.37 V to reach 10 mA cm−2 with superb durability for 24 h in overall water and urea electrolysis, respectively. Overall, high‐quality, and efficient noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts for overall water and urea electrolysis can be prepared with a simple, scalable, and reproducible preparation method.