bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individualized Prediction of Early Alzheimer's Disease Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiomics, Clinical, and Laboratory Examinations: A 60‐Month Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Tang Lin , Wu Xiaojia , Liu Huan , Wu Faqi , Song Rao , Zhang Wei , Guo Dajing , Feng Junbang , Li Chuanming
Published: May 2021

Background

Accurately predicting whether and when mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will progress to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is of vital importance to help developing individualized treatment plans to defer the occurrence of irreversible dementia.

Purpose

To develop and validate radiomics models and multipredictor nomogram for predicting the time to progression (TTP) from MCI to AD.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

One hundred sixty‐two MCI patients (96 men and 66 women [median age, 72; age range, 56–88 years]) were included from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database.

Field Strength/Sequence

T1‐weighted imaging and T2‐weighted fluid‐attenuation inversion recovery imaging acquired at 3.0 T.

Assessment

During the 5‐year follow‐up, 68 patients converted to AD and 94 remained stable. Patients were randomly divided into the training (n = 112) and validation datasets (n = 50). Radiomic features were extracted from the whole cerebral cortex and subcortical nucleus of MR images. A radiomics model was established using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression. The clinical‐laboratory model and radiomics‐clinical‐laboratory model were developed by multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. The performance of each model was assessed by the concordance index (C‐index). A multipredictor nomogram derived from the radiomics‐clinical‐laboratory model was constructed for individualized TTP estimation.

Statistical Tests

LASSO cox regression, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier analysis and Student's t test were performed.

Results

The C‐index of the radiomics, clinical‐laboratory and radiomics‐clinical‐laboratory models were 0.924 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.894–0.952), 0.903 (0.868–0.938), 0.950 (0.929–0.971) in the training cohort and 0.811 (0.707–0.914), 0.901 (0824–0.977), 0.907 (0.836–0.979) in the validation cohort, respectively. A multipredictor nomogram with 15 predictors was established, which had high accuracy for individual TTP prediction with the C‐index of 0.950 (0.929–0.971).

Data Conclusion

The prediction of individual TTP from MCI to AD could be accurately conducted using the radiomics‐clinical‐laboratory model and multipredictor nomogram.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

2
Palaeoecological background of the Upper Palaeolithic site of Ságvár, Hungary: radiocarbon‐dated malacological and sedimentological studies on the Late Pleistocene environment
Authors: Molnár Dávid , Sümegi Pál , Makó László , Cseh Péter , Zeeden Christian , Nett Janina , Lehmkuhl Frank , Törőcsik Tünde , Sümegi Balázs P.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the authors present new palaeoecological and sedimentological results from the Upper Palaeolithic site of Ságvár, Hungary. Simple (abundance and dominance) and advanced (cluster analysis, principal component analysis, correspondence) statistical analyses of malacological results were carried out, determining eight malacological zones (MZs) and the key species of the fauna evolution in the sequence. Furthermore, an age–depth model was calculated via Bayesian modelling using new radiocarbon age data. The accumulation rate (AR) was calculated by deriving data from the age–depth model. The palaeoecological reconstruction indicated a cool/cold climate and chiefly steppe environment, with low loess ARs. Not only the vegetation cover but also the geographical setting of the sequence could have led to the low AR values. However, in the uppermost part of the sequence, during the GS 3 and GS 2.1c stadials, the reconstructed palaeoclimate indicated a warming period. Nevertheless, this contradiction is not unique in the Carpathian Basin. The settled Upper Palaeolithic hunters around 22 300 cal abplived in a progressively warming wooded steppe environment, hunting mainly for reindeer. Climate change might have forced them to migrate away, following the reindeer.
Millennial‐scale shifts in microtidal ecosystems during the Holocene: dynamics and drivers of change from the Po Plain coastal record (NE Italy)
Authors: Rossi Veronica , Barbieri Giulia , Vaiani Stefano Claudio , Cacciari Marco , Bruno Luigi , Campo Bruno , Marchesini Marco , Marvelli Silvia , Amorosi Alessandro
Published: May 2021

Framed into a robust stratigraphic context, multivariate analyses on the Holocene palaeobiological record (pollen, benthic foraminifers, ostracods) of the Po coastal plain (NE Italy) allowed the investigation of microtidal ecosystems variability and driving parameters along a 35‐km‐long land–sea transect. Millennial‐scale ecosystem shifts are documented by coeval changes in the meiofauna, reflecting variations in organic matter–water depth (shallow‐marine environments) and degree of confinement‐salinity (back‐barrier settings). In‐phase shifts of vegetation communities track unsteady water‐table levels and river dynamics in freshwater palustrine areas. Five environmental–ecological stages followed one another crossing four tipping points that mark changes in relative sea level (RSL), climate and/or fluvial regime. At the culmination of Mediterranean RSL rise, after the 8200 event, remarkable growth of peatlands took place in the Po estuary, while low accumulation rates typified the shelf. At the transgressive–regressive turnaround (~7000 cal a bp), the estuary turned into a delta plain with tidally influenced interdistributary embayments. River flow regime oscillations after the Climate Optimum (post‐5000 cal a bp) favoured isolation of the bays and the development of brackish wetlands surrounded by wooded peatlands. The youngest threshold (~800 cal a bp), which led to the establishment of the modern delta, reflects a major avulsion of the Po River.
Reliability improvement of IGZO‐TFT in hybrid process with LTPS
Authors: Aman Mehadi , Takeda Yujiro , Ito Kazuatsu , Yamamoto Kaoru , Tanaka Kohei , Matsukizono Hiroshi , Nakamura Wataru , Makita Naoki
Published: May 2021

An AMOLED panel using hybrid backplane technology based on p‐type low temperature polycrystalline silicon (p‐LTPS) and n‐type indium–gallium–zinc–oxide (n‐IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) has been successfully manufactured. New pixel and Gate‐on‐Array (GOA) circuits were designed and fabricated using this technology. GOA with CMOS inverter is realized by utilizing both IGZO and p‐LTPS. The hybrid backplane AMOLED panel can operate between 1 and 120 Hz, which enables both high refresh rate and low standby power display applications. Furthermore, the AMOLED panel lifetime has markedly enhanced by improving IGZO TFT's uniformity and reliability.
The Association of Hiatal Dimensions and Urethral Mobility With Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Shi Qingling , Wen Lieming , Zhao Baihua , Huang Shanya , Liu Dan
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To investigate the association of hiatal area (HA), bladder neck mobility, and urethral mobility during the cough stress test (CST) with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

This was a prospective study of 110 continent and 190 incontinent women using transperineal ultrasound. HA, bladder neck mobility, and the mobility of six points along the urethra (Vectors 1–6) were measured. The cohort was randomly divided at a ratio of 2:1 into a training cohort and a validation cohort. The correlations of HA with bladder neck mobility, urethral mobility, and SUI were tested. The predictive model was yielded by fisher linear discriminant analysis and receiver operating characteristics to assess the parameters' ability to predict SUI.

Results

Valid data were collected from 177 incontinent women and 105 continent women. Significant differences were identified in HA, body mass index (BMI), funneling, bladder neck mobility, and Vectors 1–6 between them. HA was positively correlated to bladder neck mobility. In the training cohort, bladder neck position on Valsalva, Vectors 3, and BMI had the area under curves of 0.74, 0.69, and 0.66 (all P < 0.001); Funneling and Vector 3 had odds ratios of 18.96 and 3.65 (all P < 0.001), for predicting SUI. The predictive model incorporating funneling, Vectors 3, and BMI provided the best performance in predicting SUI in both cohorts.

Conclusion

The larger the HA was, the higher the bladder neck mobility. However, it was mid‐urethral mobility rather than bladder neck mobility that performed best at predicting SUI.
Synergistic effects between oil tribopolymerisation and abrasive wear in forming a protective third body in a conductive polymer/noble metal electrical contact
Authors: Isard Manon , Lahouij Imène , Montmitonnet Pierre , Lanot Jean‐Michel
Published: May 2021

The study of a sliding contact between a carbon‐particle filled polymer and a noble (AgPd) alloy, lubricated with a silicone oil/PTFE grease, has shown the formation of a third body in the interface. The electrical application of the system has required an in‐depth study of this third body to make sure that electrical conductivity was not endangered. Thanks to different chemical and electrical analyses, the third body, recognised as a tribofilm, can be described as a heterogeneous layer, composed mostly by transformed grease components and conductive wear particles. Coupling these observations and results from the literature, the formation mechanism is identified as tribopolymerisation by cross‐linking of the silicone oil molecules, analogous to the well‐known ‘gelation’ of silicone oils. The conditions for this phenomenon to occur in this system are discussed. Inclusion of wear particles from the conducting first bodies into the third body ensures low resistance: the tribofilm formed by this combination of mechanisms is a protective layer, which prevents polymer tracks from severe wear, without degrading electrical performance.
Application limits and sensitisation behaviour of the manganese‐ and nitrogen‐alloyed austenitic stainless steel P2000 (X13CrMnMoN18‐14‐3)
Authors: Kauss Norman , Heyn Andreas , Michael Oliver , Schymura Michael , Rosemann Paul
Published: May 2021

Nickel‐free high‐nitrogen‐alloyed stainless steels like the P2000 (X13CrMnMoN18‐14‐3) were developed to enhance the strength and corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels like 304 and 316 while keeping the typical high ductility. The mechanical and corrosive properties of P2000 were investigated and compared with 304 and 316 to highlight the application opportunities of this new alloy. The microstructure of the solution‐annealed condition was characterised by electron backscatter diffraction and the mechanical properties were studied by uniaxial tensile tests, Charpy impact tests and hardness measurements. The passivation behaviour was analysed using the electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation, whereas the pitting corrosion resistance was compared by pitting potentials and pitting temperatures. However, secondary thermal influences or suboptimal heat treatment can impair the corrosion resistance due to the precipitation of secondary phases and the resulting sensitisation. Thermodynamic calculations and artificial ageing treatment in the range of 500–900°C for up to 100 h were used to determine critical time–temperature parameters for sensitisation. The microstructure of the various aged states was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and compared with the degrading corrosion resistance characterised by the KorroPad method.
Macromolecularly Engineered Thermoreversible Heterogeneous Self‐Healable Networks Encapsulating Reactive Multidentate Block Copolymer‐Stabilized Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Ge , Patel Twinkal , Nellepalli Pothanagandhi , Bhagat Shubham , Hase Hannes , Jazani Arman Moini , Salzmann Ingo , Ye Zhibin , Oh Jung Kwon
Published: May 2021

The development of heterogeneous covalent adaptable networks (CANs) embedded with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that undergo reversible dissociation/recombination through thermoreversibility has been significantly explored. However, the carbon nanotube (CNT)‐incorporation methods based on physical mixing and chemical modification could result in either phase separation due to structural incompatibility or degrading conjugation due to a disruption of π‐network, thus lowering their intrinsic charge transport properties. To address this issue, the versatility of a macromolecular engineering approach through thermoreversibility by physical modification of CNT surfaces with reactive multidentate block copolymers (rMDBCs) is demonstrated. The formed CNTs stabilized with rMDBCs (termed rMDBC/CNT colloids) bearing reactive furfuryl groups is functioned as a multicrosslinker that reacts with a polymaleimide to fabricate robust heterogeneous polyurethane (PU) networks crosslinked through dynamic Diels‐Alder (DA)/retro‐DA chemistry. Promisingly, the fabricated PU network gels in which CNTs through rMDBC covalently embedded are flexible and robust to be bendable as well as exhibit self‐healing elasticity and enhanced conductivity.
Electrochemical performance in seawater and microstructural evolution of friction stir welded joints of dissimilar AA1050 and AZ91D
Authors: Kayode O. , Akinlabi E.T.
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the electrochemical performance and microstructural evolution of friction stir welded joint of dissimilar AA1050 and AZ91D in seawater, for potential applications in the transportation industry. The corrosion behavior of the dissimilar weld was compared to the corrosion behavior of the parent materials, and similar welds of each alloy. The experiments were successfully conducted with an H13 hot‐working tool steel in butt‐joint configuration. The results revealed the presence of intercalated microstructure in the dissimilar weld and homogenous microstructures in the similar welds. The corrosion resistance properties of the parent materials and similar welds were higher than that of the dissimilar weld sample. The dissimilar weld has a current density of 3.83×10−5 A/cm2 and corrosion rate of 9.99×10−4 mm/year; and is most susceptible to corrosion, due to the galvanic coupling between the dissimilar alloys and intermetallic compounds. The similar weld of AA1050 has a current density of 1.99×10−7 A/cm2 and corrosion rate of 1.44×10−3 mm/year, while the similar weld of AZ91D has a current density of 8.58×10−6 A/cm2 and corrosion rate of 1.13×10−1 mm/year.
Influence of microstructural defects and the surface topography on the fatigue behavior of “additively‐subtractively” manufactured specimens made of AISI 316L
Authors: Blinn B. , Greco S. , Smaga M. , Zimmermann M. , Hotz H. , Müller D. , Hartig J. , Kirsch B. , Aurich J.C. , Beck T.
Published: May 2021

As additive manufacturing offers only low surface quality, a subsequent machining of functional and highly loaded areas is required. Thus, a sound knowledge of the interrelation between the additive and subtractive manufacturing process as well as the resulting mechanical properties is indispensable. In this work, specimens were manufactured by using laser‐based powder bed fusion (L‐PBF) with substantially different sets of process parameters as well as subsequent grinding (G) or milling (M). Despite the substantially different surface topographies, the fatigue tests revealed only a slight influence of the subtractive manufacturing on the fatigue behavior, whereas the different laser‐based powder bed fusion process parameters led to pronounced changes in fatigue strength. In contrast, a significant influence of subtractive finishing on the fatigue properties of the defect‐free continuously cast (CC) reference specimens was observed. This can be explained by a dominating influence of process‐induced defects in laser‐based powder bed fusion material, which overruled the influence of surface machining. However, although both laser‐based powder bed fusion parameter sets resulted in substantial defects, one set yielded similar fatigue strength compared to continuously cast specimens.
Triethanolamine assisted sol‐gel approach for obtaining two‐dimensional magnesium aluminate nanosheets
Authors: Sharifi E. Mohammad , Shakeri J. , Sheikh H. , Alhaji A. , Loghman‐Estarki M.R.
Published: May 2021

Aqueous‐phase synthetic route was applied for the preparation of magnesium aluminate spinel nanosheets with two‐dimensional nanostructure through a sol‐gel combustion approach, where triethanolamine was employed as a complexing agent and fuel. Results demonstrate that the as‐synthesized two‐dimensional nanosheets are well crystallized and show high purity. The pure magnesium aluminate nanoparticles with an average crystallite size of 25 nanometers were obtained at 1200 °C. Also, the two‐dimensional magnesium aluminate powder contain nanosheets with thicknesses in the 20 nanometers–30 nanometers range, and the lateral size is in the range of ∼10 micrometers–30 micrometers.
The Spectrum of Movement Disorders in Cases with Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome
Authors: Sindhu Dodmalur Mallikarjuna , Holla Vikram V. , Prasad Shweta , Kamble Nitish , Netravathi Manjunath , Yadav Ravi , Pal Pramod K.
Published: May 2021

Background

Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) can be a central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) and extrapontine myelinolysis (EPM) based on the regions involved even though they share the same disease process, aetiopathogenesis and time course.

Objectives

Present study aims to characterize the clinical, radiological features and the outcome of patients with ODS with movement disorders as the forthcoming manifestation.

Methods

Chart review of patients with ODS with movement disorders. Demographic, clinical and radiological details of the patients were reviewed.

Results

Eleven patients (six females; mean age: 48.3 ± 17.6 years) were included in the study. Parkinsonism alone and parkinsonism with dystonia was noted in four patients each (36.4%) while dystonia alone was noted in the other 3 (27.3%). Five patients (45.5%) had postural tremors. While 5 patients had dystonia early in the course of illness (3–7 days), it was delayed (6–9 months) in the other 2. A triphasic course was noted in two patients. The first phase of hyponatremia induced neurological impairment was followed by a second phase of worsening due to the immediate effect of ODS and a third delayed phase of worsening due to delayed effect of ODS. MRI showed both EPM and CPM in eight patients, EPM alone in two patients and CPM alone in 1 patient. Nine patients had a good outcome with mRS < 3.

Conclusion

Parkinsonism and dystonia are important manifestations of ODS. Triphasic course with a delayed phase of worsening of movement disorders is probably due to the maladaptive neuronal repair. The concept of triphasic ODS is first being described in our series.
Prominent group's new name reflects unease over use of ‘behavioral health’
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: May 2021

More than a year's worth of discussions of a “brand refresh” at the National Council for Behavioral Health has led to an organizational name change, to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The National Council's president and CEO told MHW last week that the change in large part reflects the perspectives of recipients of its members' services, a group of patients that never warmed up to the “behavioral health” terminology.
Near‐ and far‐field expansions for stationary solutions of Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck equations
Authors: Lyu Jhih‐Hong , Lee Chiun‐Chang , Lin Tai‐Chia
Published: May 2021

This work is concerned with the stationary Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck equation with a large parameter which describes a huge number of ions occupying an electrolytic region. First, we focus on the model with a single specie of positive charges in one‐dimensional bounded domains due to the assumption that these ions are transported in the same direction along a tubular‐like mircodomain. We show that the solution asymptotically blows up in a thin region attached to the boundary and establishes the refined “near‐field” and “far‐field” expansions for the solutions with respect to the parameter. Moreover, we obtain the boundary concentration phenomenon of the net charge density, which mathematically confirms the physical description that the non‐neutral phenomenon occurs near the charged surface. In addition, we revisit a charge‐conserving Poisson‐Boltzmann model for monovalent binary ions and establish a novel comparison for these two models.
High‐performance P(VDF‐TrFE)/BaTiO3 nanocomposite based ferroelectric field effect transistor (FeFET) for memory and switching applications
Authors: Valiyaneerilakkal Uvais , Cherumannil Karumuthil Subash , Singh Kulwant , Bhanuprakash Loksani , Komaragiri Rama , Varghese Soney
Published: May 2021

The ferroelectric field effect transistor (FeFET) using Poly (vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene)/Barium titanate [P(VDF‐TrFE)/BaTiO3] polymer nanocomposite as dielectric layer, has been fabricated and characterized. P(VDF‐TrFE)/BaTiO3 nanocomposite of 300 nm thin film over 10 nm SiO2 was used in the optimized fabrication process sequence of FeFET. The addition of BaTiO3 nanoparticle to the P(VDF‐TrFE) copolymer has enhanced the ferroelectric property with an observed 2 V difference in memory window. The effect of temperature and frequency on these memory window characteristics were observed to optimized the stack thickness for an ideal FeCAP (ferroelectric capacitor). Drain current–drain voltage (ID‐VD) characteristics of P(VDF‐TrFE)/BaTiO3 FeFET shows significant variation in ID with pinch of voltage around 1 V for wide range of gate voltage (VG). ION/IOFF ratio of FeFET using P(VDF‐TrFE)/BaTiO3 was found to be 35, which was higher than the ratio of FeFET fabricated using P(VDF‐TrFE) copolymer (4.4). ID‐VG characteristics of both the FETs clearly indicate a lower threshold voltage (0.83 V) for P(VDF‐TrFE)/BaTiO3 FET, which is almost three times lesser than threshold voltage of a P(VDF‐TrFE) FET (2.5 V).
Intervention to reduce unnecessary urinary catheter use in a large academic health science centre: A one‐group, pretest, posttest study with a theory‐based process evaluation
Authors: Backman Chantal , Wooller Krista R. , Hasimja‐Saraqini Delvina , Demery Varin Melissa , Crick Michelle , Cho‐Young Danielle , Freeman Lisa , Delaney Lori , Squires Janet E.
Published: May 2021

Aim

To evaluate an intervention to reduce unnecessary urinary catheter use and prevent catheter‐associated urinary‐tract infections (CAUTI) in hospitalized patients across an academic health science centre.

Methods

We conducted a one‐group, pretest, posttest study with a theory‐based process evaluation. Phase 1 consisted of a pre/postintervention to test the impact of a CAUTI protocol. Audits on four units were conducted, and data were analysed descriptively. Phase 2 consisted of a theory‐based process evaluation to understand the barriers/enablers to the implementation. Semistructured interviews were conducted and then analysed using a systematic approach.

Results

In Phase 1, all inpatients with urinary catheters admitted to the units (N = 4) during the study period (N = 99, pre) and (N = 99, post) were included. CAUTI prevalence rate was 18.2% pre versus 14.1% post (p = .563). In Phase 2, participants (N = 18) who worked on the units were interviewed, and a total of 13 barriers and 19 enablers were found.
High‐performance work systems, multiple commitments, and knowledge exchange and combination among Chinese public hospital nurses
Authors: Zhang Bo , Tang Fangcheng , Sun Bo , Niu Yi , Tang Zhisong , Sun Xiangdong
Published: May 2021

Aim

This research explores and examines the differentiated mediation roles of multi‐foci commitment in the relationship between HPWS and knowledge exchange and combination among Chinese hospital nurses.

Design

This study employs a quantitative research approach and survey design.

Methods

Individual‐level time‐lagged data were collected from 845 nurses in public hospitals in China using online questionnaires. Aside from personal information, the items in the questionnaires were adopted from mature scales in previous research.

Results

The results of multiple regression analysis demonstrate that nurses’ professional and affective commitments partially mediate the relationship between HPWS and KEC. Nurses’ continuance commitment does not play a mediation role in HPWS‐KEC relationship, although HPWS positively influences nurse continuance commitment, which then weakly and positively impacts KEC.
A comprehensive review on natural fiber/nano‐clay reinforced hybrid polymeric composites: Materials and technologies
Authors: Rajeshkumar G. , Seshadri S. Arvindh , Ramakrishnan S. , Sanjay M. R. , Siengchin Suchart , Nagaraja K. C.
Published: May 2021

The utilization of sustainable natural fibers as green filler/reinforcement material for producing polymeric composites is substantially improved due to increase in the perception of ecological safety and usage of biodegradable and renewable materials toward a green environment. These natural fibers are obtained from various sources and are reinforced in the polymer matrices to produce polymer matrix composites. However, the overall properties of these composites are low when compared to that of the synthetic fiber‐based composites due to poor interfacial bonding between the hydrophilic natural fiber and hydrophobic polymers. This deficiency can be addressed by incorporating the nano‐clay in the natural fiber composites. The nano‐clay added composites offer improved properties because of enrichment in the interfacial bonding between the matrix and reinforcement materials. Furthermore, the nano‐clay has the ability to increase both flexibility and rigidity of the natural fiber in a single step. This review article presents the information about different varieties and properties of natural fibers, polymers, nano‐clays, and nano‐clay added natural fiber composites with specific concern to their mechanical properties. This article also focuses on possible future paths for this emerging area of research.
Sensitivity analyses of unmeasured and partially‐measured confounders using multiple imputation in a vaccine safety study
Authors: Xu Stanley , Clarke Christina L. , Newcomer Sophia R. , Daley Matthew F. , Glanz Jason M.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Sensitivity analyses have played an important role in pharmacoepidemiology studies using electronic health records data. Despite the existence of quantitative bias analysis in pharmacoepidemiologic studies, simultaneously adjusting for unmeasured and partially measured confounders is challenging in vaccine safety studies. Our objective was to develop a flexible approach for conducting sensitivity analyses of unmeasured and partially‐measured confounders concurrently for a vaccine safety study.

Methods

We derived conditional probabilities for an unmeasured confounder based on bias parameters, used these conditional probabilities and Monte Carlo simulations to impute the unmeasured confounder, and re‐constructed the analytic datasets as if the unmeasured confounder had been observed. We simultaneously imputed a partially measured confounder using a prediction model. We considered unmeasured breastfeeding and partially measured family history of Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in a study examining the association between exposure to rotavirus vaccination and T1DM.

Results

Before sensitivity analyses, the hazard ratios (HR) were 1.50 (95% CI, 0.81–2.77) for those partially exposed and 1.03 (95% CI, 0.62–1.72) for those fully exposed with unexposed children as the referent group. When breastfeeding and family history of T1DM were adjusted, the HR was 1.55 (95% CI, 0.84–2.87) for the partially exposed group; the HR was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.58–1.63) for the fully exposed group.

Conclusions

We conclude that adjusting for unmeasured breastfeeding and partially measured family history of T1DM did not alter the conclusion that there was no evidence of association between rotavirus vaccination and developing T1DM. This novel approach allows for simultaneous adjustment for multiple unmeasured and partially‐measured confounders.
Nutmegs and wild nutmegs: An update on ethnomedicines, phytochemicals, pharmacology, and toxicity of the Myristicaceae species
Authors: Barman Rubi , Bora Pranjit Kumar , Saikia Jadumoni , Kemprai Phirose , Saikia Siddhartha Proteem , Haldar Saikat , Banik Dipanwita
Published: May 2021

Prized medicinal spice true nutmeg is obtained from Myristica fragrans Houtt. Rest species of the family Myristicaceae are known as wild nutmegs. Nutmegs and wild nutmegs are a rich reservoir of bioactive molecules and used in traditional medicines of Europe, Asia, Africa, America against madness, convulsion, cancer, skin infection, malaria, diarrhea, rheumatism, asthma, cough, cold, as stimulant, tonics, and psychotomimetic agents. Nutmegs are cultivated around the tropics for high‐value commercial spice, used in global cuisine. A thorough literature survey of peer‐reviewed publications, scientific online databases, authentic webpages, and regulatory guidelines found major phytochemicals namely, terpenes, fatty acids, phenylpropanoids, alkanes, lignans, flavonoids, coumarins, and indole alkaloids. Scientific names, synonyms were verified with www.theplantlist.org. Pharmacological evaluation of extracts and isolated biomarkers showed cholinesterase inhibitory, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antinociceptive, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal activities, and toxicity through in‐vitro, in‐vivo studies. Human clinical trials were very few. Most of the pharmacological studies were not conducted as per current guidelines of natural products to ensure repeatability, safety, and translational use in human therapeutics. Rigorous pharmacological evaluation and randomized double‐blind clinical trials are recommended to analyze the efficacy and therapeutic potential of nutmeg and wild nutmegs in anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, autism, schizophrenia, stroke, cancer, and others.
Directionally sensitive weighted adaptive multivariate CUSUM mean charts
Authors: Haq Abdul , Sohrab Komal , Khoo Michael B. C.
Published: May 2021

In many service and manufacturing industries, process monitoring involves multivariate data, instead of univariate data. In these situations, multivariate charts are employed for process monitoring. Very often when the mean vector shifts to an out‐of‐control situation, the exact shift size is unknown; hence, multivariate charts for monitoring a range of the mean shift sizes in the mean vector are adopted. In this paper, directionally sensitive weighted adaptive multivariate CUSUM charts are developed for monitoring a range of the mean shift sizes. Directionally sensitive charts are useful in situations where the aim lies in monitoring either an increasing or a decreasing shift in the mean vector of the quality characteristics of interest. The Monte Carlo simulation is used to compute the run length characteristics in comparing the sensitivities of the proposed and existing multivariate CUSUM charts. In general, the directionally sensitive and weighted adaptive features enhance the sensitivities of the proposed multivariate CUSUM charts in comparison with the existing multivariate CUSUM charts without the adaptive feature or those that are directionally invariant. It is also found that the variable sampling interval feature enhances the sensitivities of the proposed and existing charts as compared to their fixed sampling interval counterparts. The implementation of the proposed charts in detecting upward and downward shifts in the in‐control process mean vector is demonstrated using two different datasets.
Robust stability criteria for linear impulsive delay systems
Authors: Shao Hanyong , Yuan Guangxia , Han Qing‐Long
Published: May 2021

This article is concerned with robust stability for linear impulsive delay systems with polytope uncertainties. For the linear impulsive delay systems without uncertainties, the stability is addressed by employing a Lyapunov‐Krasovskii‐like functional, which is comprised of a Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and an auxiliary functional. By introducing integrals of the state, an augmented Lyapunov‐Krasovskii‐like functional is constructed. With an integral inequality proposed to deal with the derivative of the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii‐like functional, a stability criterion is derived for the impulsive delay system. Then the stability criterion is extended to linear impulsive delay systems with polytope uncertainties, and a robust stability criterion is obtained. Examples are given to illustrate the stability results are valid or of less conservatism than some existing ones.
Deep Learning‐Enhanced Nanopore Sensing of Single‐Nanoparticle Translocation Dynamics
Authors: Tsutsui Makusu , Takaai Takayuki , Yokota Kazumichi , Kawai Tomoji , Washio Takashi
Published: May 2021

Noise is ubiquitous in real space that hinders detection of minute yet important signals in electrical sensors. Here, the authors report on a deep learning approach for denoising ionic current in resistive pulse sensing. Electrophoretically‐driven translocation motions of single‐nanoparticles in a nano‐corrugated nanopore are detected. The noise is reduced by a convolutional auto‐encoding neural network, designed to iteratively compare and minimize differences between a pair of waveforms via a gradient descent optimization. This denoising in a high‐dimensional feature space is demonstrated to allow detection of the corrugation‐derived wavy signals that cannot be identified in the raw curves nor after digital processing in frequency domains under the given noise floor, thereby enabled in‐situ tracking to electrokinetic analysis of fast‐moving single‐ and double‐nanoparticles. The ability of the unlabeled learning to remove noise without compromising temporal resolution may be useful in solid‐state nanopore sensing of protein structure and polynucleotide sequence.
An Evaluation of Body‐grip Trap Trigger Configurations for Reducing River Otter Take Incidental to Beaver Trapping
Authors: Sundelius Alec J. , Forman Nicholas , Roberts Nathan M. , Rossler Shawn T. , Ruid David B. , Willging Robert C.
Published: May 2021

River otter (Lontra canadensis) populations in North America have been the focus of significant restoration efforts. Wildlife management agencies, concerned about the unintentional take of river otters incidental to beaver (Castor canadensis) trapping, may recommend techniques to avoid capturing river otters. River otter avoidance techniques that are ineffective or diminish trap performance for beavers are undesirable. We conducted a field evaluation in 2015 and 2016 in Wisconsin to assess how two trigger configurations (offset and center) on body‐grip traps would affect the incidental capture rate of river otters during beaver trapping. We also evaluated effects of each configuration on beaver capture rates, body lengths, and anatomical locations of trap‐jaw strikes. We used size 330 body‐grip traps equipped with identical triggers and alternated between trigger configurations during beaver damage management activities. We captured 8 river otters with each trap trigger configuration. Trap‐jaw strikes on beavers differed between trigger configurations, with offset triggers resulting in more abdomen strikes and center triggers causing more cervical vertebrae strikes. We found that an offset trigger configuration did not reduce incidental take of otters and was less effective for trapping beavers. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Logarithmic corrections to black hole entropy in matter coupled $$ \mathcal{N} $$ ≥ 1 Einstein-Maxwell supergravity
Authors: Karan Sudip , Panda Binata
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We calculate the first three Seeley-DeWitt coefficients for fluctuation of the massless fields of a$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 Einstein-Maxwell supergravity theory (EMSGT) distributed into different multiplets ind= 4 space-time dimensions. By utilizing the Seeley-DeWitt data in the quantum entropy function formalism, we then obtain the logarithmic correction contribution of individual multiplets to the entropy of extremal Kerr-Newman family of black holes. Our results allow us to find the logarithmic entropy corrections for the extremal black holes in a fully matter coupled$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2, d= 4 EMSGT, in a particular class of$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1,d= 4 EMSGT as consistent decomposition of$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 multiplets ($$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 →$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1) and in$$ \mathcal{N} $$N≥ 3, d= 4 EMSGTs by decomposing them into$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 multiplets ($$ \mathcal{N} $$N≥ 3 →$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2). For completeness, we also obtain logarithmic entropy correction results for the non-extremal Kerr-Newman black holes in the matter coupled$$ \mathcal{N} $$N≥ 1, d= 4 EMSGTs by employing the same Seeley-DeWitt data into a different Euclidean gravity approach developed in [17].
A comparison of optimisation algorithms for high-dimensional particle and astrophysics applications
Authors:   The DarkMachines High Dimensional Sampling Group, Balázs Csaba , van Beekveld Melissa , Caron Sascha , Dillon Barry M. , Farmer Ben , Fowlie Andrew , Garrido-Merchán Eduardo C. , Handley Will , Hendriks Luc , Jóhannesson Guðlaugur , Leinweber Adam , Mamužić Judita , Martinez Gregory D. , Otten Sydney , de Austri Roberto Ruiz , Scott Pat , Searle Zachary , Stienen Bob , Vanschoren Joaquin , White Martin
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Optimisation problems are ubiquitous in particle and astrophysics, and involve locating the optimum of a complicated function of many parameters that may be computationally expensive to evaluate. We describe a number of global optimisation algorithms that are not yet widely used in particle astrophysics, benchmark them against random sampling and existing techniques, and perform a detailed comparison of their performance on a range of test functions. These include four analytic test functions of varying dimensionality, and a realistic example derived from a recent global fit of weak-scale supersymmetry. Although the best algorithm to use depends on the function being investigated, we are able to present general conclusions about the relative merits of random sampling, Differential Evolution, Particle Swarm Optimisation, the Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy, Bayesian Optimisation, Grey Wolf Optimisation, and the PyGMO Artificial Bee Colony, Gaussian Particle Filter and Adaptive Memory Programming for Global Optimisation algorithms.
Previous obstetrical history does not impact short-term mid-urethral sling outcomes
Authors: Dyrkorn Ole Aleksander , Staff Anne Cathrine , Kulseng-Hanssen Sigurd , Svenningsen Rune
Published: May 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

Pregnancy and delivery are known risk factors for stress and mixed urinary incontinence. The most common surgical treatment is mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgery. This study evaluated the potential impact of the obstetrical history on the short-term subjective and objective failure rates after MUS surgery.

Methods

A registry-based surgical cohort study using data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) and the national Norwegian Female Incontinence Registry (NFIR). Data from 14,787 women that underwent MUS surgery from 1998 to 2016 with complete registrations in the MBRN were included. Outcomes were 6–12-month postoperative subjective and objective failure rates. The potential impact of obstetrical and constitutional factors on both outcomes was tested in a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

Several obstetrical variables seemed to impact both outcomes in the univariate analyses. However, in the multivariate analyses, none of the obstetrical variables significantly impacted subjective failure, and only being nulliparous before MUS surgery remained a risk factor for objective failure [aOR 1.60, (95% CI 1.07–2.40), p = 0.022]. High body mass index at time of surgery, non-retropubic slings, high preoperative urgency symptom load, and surgical complications were all strong risk factors for poor outcomes in the multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

Although childbirth is considered a risk factor for developing stress urinary incontinence, childbirth does not appear to affect the result of MUS in parous women. Our results suggest that nulliparous women with SUI may have a different pathophysiology than SUI after childbirth.
Comparison of functional and discrete data analysis regimes for Raman spectra
Authors: Houhou Rola , Rösch Petra , Popp Jürgen , Bocklitz Thomas
Published: May 2021

Raman spectral data are best described by mathematical functions; however, due to the spectroscopic measurement setup, only discrete points of these functions are measured. Therefore, we investigated the Raman spectral data for the first time in the functional framework. First, we approximated the Raman spectra by using B-spline basis functions. Afterwards, we applied the functional principal component analysis followed by the linear discriminant analysis (FPCA-LDA) and compared the results with those of the classical principal component analysis followed by the linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA). In this context, simulation and experimental Raman spectra were used. In the simulated Raman spectra, normal and abnormal spectra were used for a classification model, where the abnormal spectra were built by shifting one peak position. We showed that the mean sensitivities of the FPCA-LDA method were higher than the mean sensitivities of the PCA-LDA method, especially when the signal-to-noise ratio is low and the shift of the peak position is small. However, for a higher signal-to-noise ratio, both methods performed equally. Additionally, a slight improvement of the mean sensitivity could be shown if the FPCA-LDA method was applied to experimental Raman data.
In situ approaches show the limitation of the spoilage potential of Juniperus phoenicea L. essential oil against cold-tolerant Pseudomonas fluorescens KM24
Authors: Myszka Kamila , Tomaś Natalia , Wolko Łukasz , Szwengiel Artur , Grygier Anna , Nuc Katarzyna , Majcher Małgorzata
Published: May 2021

The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of juniper essential oil (EO), α-pinene, and sabinene on the quorum-sensing (QS)–mediated proteolytic and lipolytic properties of Pseudomonas fluorescens KM24. These activities were verified under in situ conditions, in which sub-MICs of the agents altered the morphology of KM24 cells. RNA-Seq studies revealed key coding sequences (CDSs)/genes related to QS and the proteolytic/lipolytic activities of pseudomonads. In this work, all the examined agents decreased autoinducer synthesis and influenced the mRNA expression of the encoding acyltransferase genes lptA, lptD, and plsB. The highest reduction on the 3rd and 5th days of cultivation was observed for the genes lptD (−5.5 and −5.61, respectively) and lptA (−3.5 and −4.0, respectively) following treatment with EO. Inhibition of the lptA, lptD, and plsB genes by singular constituents of EO was on average, from −0.4 to −0.7. At 5 days of cultivation the profile of AHLs of the reference P. fluorescens KM24 strain consisted of 3-oxo-C14-HSL, 3-oxo-C6-HSL, C4-HSL, and N-[(RS)-3-hydroxybutyryl]-HSL, the concentrations of which were 0.570, 0.018, 3.744, and 0.554 μg ml−1, respectively. Independent of the incubation time, EO, α-pinene, and sabinene also suppressed the protease genes prlC (−1.5, −0.5, and −0.5, respectively) and ctpB (−1.5, −0.7, and −0.4, respectively). Lipolysis and transcription of the lipA/lipB genes were downregulated by the agents on average from −0.3 to −0.6. α-Pinene- and sabinene-rich juniper EO acts as an anti-quorum-sensing agent and can repress the spoilage phenotype of pseudomonads.

Key points:

Juniper EO, α-pinene, sabinene exhibited anti-QS potential toward KM24.

RNA-Seq revealed key CDSs/genes related to QS/proteolytic/lipolytic activities of KM24.

Agents at sub-MIC levels influenced the mRNA expression of QS/lipase/protease genes.
Food democracy: possibilities under the frame of the current food system
Authors: López Cifuentes Marta , Gugerell Christina
Published: May 2021

Food democracy is a concept with growing influence in food research. Food democracy deals with how actors may regain democratic control over the food system enabling its sustainable transformation. Following multi-level perspective framework's connotations, food democracy research has so far mainly focused on the niche level of the food system. An integrative approach that includes the perspectives of both the regime and the niche is still missing. This study addresses this research gap and proposes a new conceptual framework for food democracy that includes actors from the niche and the regime level. Furthermore, we apply our conceptual framework to the urban food system of Vienna (Austria) to explore the deeper meaning and practice of food democracy. Finally, we have conducted semi-structured interviews with actors at niche level (10) and regime level (25) within Vienna’s urban food system. Findings from this research broaden the perspective on food democracy and illustrate actors’ contributions at niche and regime level such as promoting organic food, re-localizing food provision, and procuring environmentally sustainable public food. Barriers to food democracy were also identified, e.g.: actors’ self-enhancement values, market-orientation, and capitalist alignment or lack of transparency. We conclude that actors at the niche and, to some extent, at the regime level may contribute to a process of on-going changes that fosters a transformation of established structures within the food system.
Correction to: Social Determination of HIV: Women’s Relationship Work in the Context of Mass Incarceration and Housing Vulnerability
Authors: Blankenship Kim M. , Rosenberg Alana , Keene Danya E. , Dawson Akiv J. , Groves Allison K. , Schlesinger Penelope
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-021-03299-5
The Simple Connectedness of Tame Algebras with Separating Almost Cyclic Coherent Auslander–Reiten Components
Authors: Malicki Piotr
Published: May 2021

We study the simple connectedness of the class of finite-dimensional algebras over an algebraically closed field for which the Auslander–Reiten quiver admits a separating family of almost cyclic coherent components. We show that a tame algebra in this class is simply connected if and only if its first Hochschild cohomology space vanishes.
The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on financial markets: a seismologic approach
Authors: Spelta Alessandro , Pecora Nicolò , Flori Andrea , Giudici Paolo
Published: May 2021

This work investigates financial volatility cascades generated by SARS-CoV-2 related news using concepts developed in the field of seismology. We analyze the impact of socio-economic and political announcements, as well as of financial stimulus disclosures, on the reference stock markets of the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany and Italy. We quantify market efficiency in processing SARS-CoV-2 related news by means of the observed Omori power-law exponents and we relate these empirical regularities to investors’ behavior through the lens of a stylized Agent-Based financial market model. The analysis reveals that financial markets may underreact to the announcements by taking a finite time to re-adjust prices, thus moving against the efficient market hypothesis. We observe that this empirical regularity can be related to the speculative behavior of market participants, whose willingness to switch toward better performing investment strategies, as well as their degree of reactivity to price trend or mispricing, can induce long-lasting volatility cascades.