bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypophosphatemia in critically ill pediatric patients receiving enteral and oral nutrition
Authors: Springer Alice Missagia de Mattos , Hortencio Taís Daiene Russo , Melro Erica Carolina , de Souza Tiago Henrique , Nogueira Roberto José Negrão
Published: July 2021

Background

Hypophosphatemia(HP) is related to several comorbidities in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of HP in severely ill pediatric patients receiving oral and/or enteral nutrition. The secondary objectives were to investigate the association between HP and the inflammatory state, PICU length of stay, severity, mortality, nutrition status, and protein, energy, calcium, vitamin D, and phosphate intake.

Methods

A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted in a PICU of a quaternary hospital. Participants aged between 28 days and 14 years were included. Anthropometric and laboratory assessments were performed ≤72 h after PICU admission and repeated after 7 days for three consecutive times. Energy, protein, calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D intake per day of hospitalization were recorded individually. The Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (PIM2) was used to determine each patient's severity score.

Results

A total of 103 participants were included in the study. Hypophosphatemic events ranged from 27.2% to 37.5% among the assessments. HP was associated with high C‐reactive protein levels (P = .012) and lower energy adequacy (P = .037). Serum phosphorus was inversely correlated (weak correlation) with PIM2 (P = .017).

Conclusion

HP is common in critically ill pediatric patients, even when they are not receiving parenteral nutrition. It is necessary to monitor serum phosphorus levels and consider the possibility of early replacement, especially in patients showing high levels of inflammation. In addition to inflammation itself, low energy intake and illness severity were related to HP.
Parental Posttraumatic Stress and School Performance in Refugee Children
Authors: Berg Lisa , Brendler‐Lindquist Monica , de Montgomery Edith , Mittendorfer‐Rutz Ellenor , Hjern Anders
Published: July 2021

Refugee children in the Nordic countries have been reported to perform poorly in school and carry a high burden of familial posttraumatic stress. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of maternal and paternal posttraumatic stress on the school performance of refugee children. We used national register data on school grades at age 15–16 along with demographic and migration indicators during 2011–2017 in a population of 18,831 children in refugee families in Stockholm County, Sweden. Parental posttraumatic stress was identified in regional data from three levels of care, including a tertiary treatment center for victims of torture and war. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fitted to analyze (a) mean grade point averages as Z scores and (b) eligibility for upper secondary school. In fully adjusted models, children exposed to paternal posttraumatic stress had a lower mean grade point average, SD = −0.14, 95% CI [−0.22, −0.07], and higher odds of not being eligible for upper secondary education, OR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.14, 1.65]. Maternal posttraumatic stress had a similar crude effect on school performance, SD = −0.15, 95% CI [−0.22, −0.07], OR = 1.25, 95% CI [1.00, 1.55], which was attenuated after adjusting for single‐parent households and the use of child psychiatric services. The effects were similar for boys and girls as well as for different levels of care. Parental posttraumatic stress had a small negative effect on school performance in refugee children, adding to the intergenerational consequences of psychological trauma.
Recalibrating survival prediction among patients receiving trans‐arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cucchetti Alessandro , Giannini Edoardo G. , Mosconi Cristina , Plaz Torres Maria Corina , Pieri Giulia , Farinati Fabio , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico , Di Marco Maria , Caturelli Eugenio , Sacco Rodolfo , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Campani Claudia , Mega Andrea , Guarino Maria , Gasbarrini Antonio , Svegliati‐Baroni Gianluca , Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Missale Gabriele , Masotto Alberto , Nardone Gerardo , Raimondo Giovanni , Vidili Gianpaolo , Brunetto Maurizia Rossana , Sansone Vito , Zoli Marco , Azzaroli Francesco , Trevisani Franco ,   the ITA.LI.CA Study Group
Published: July 2021

Background & Aims

The Pre‐TACE‐Predict model was devised to assess prognosis of patients treated with trans‐arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, before entering clinical practice, a model should demonstrate that it performs a useful role.

Methods

We performed an independent external validation of the Pre‐TACE model in a cohort that differs in setting and time period from the one that generated the original model. Data from 826 patients treated with TACE for naïve HCC (2008‐2018) were used to assess calibration and discrimination of the Pre‐TACE‐Predict model.

Results

The four risk‐categories identified by the Pre‐TACE‐Predict model had gradient monotonicity, with median survivals of 52.0, 36.2, 29.9, and 14.1 months respectively. However, predicted survivals systematically underestimated observed survivals (R2: 0.667). A recalibration was adopted maintaining fixed the prognostic index and modifying the baseline survival function. This resulted in an almost perfect calibration (R2: 0.995) in all the four risk categories. Cox regressions showed that aetiology and macrovascular invasion, included in the Pre‐TACE‐Predict model, had no prognostic impact in the present study population, and that coefficients for tumour size and multiplicity were overestimated. The c‐index was similar to that of the m‐HAP‐III, but higher than those of HAP, m‐HAP‐II and the six‐and‐twelve models.

Conclusions

The recalibration of Pre‐TACE‐Predict model improved the estimation of survival probabilities of HCC patients treated with TACE. The highest discriminatory ability of the Pre‐TACE‐model in comparison to other available models, together with risk stratification and recalibration, makes it the best prognostic tool currently available for these patients.
Reversal of thoracic sympathectomy through robot‐assisted microsurgical sympathetic trunk reconstruction with sural nerve graft and additional end‐to‐side coaptation of the intercostal nerves: A case report
Authors: Chang Tommy Nai‐Jen , Daniel Bassem W. , Hsu Angela Ting‐Wei , Chen Lisa Wen‐Yu , Sung Cheyenne Wei‐Hsuan , Chuang David Chwei‐Chin , Chao Yin‐Kai
Published: July 2021

Thoracic sympathectomy to treat palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) has widely been performed. Many patients regret the surgery due to compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH), gustatory hyperhidrosis, arrhythmia, hypertension, gastrointestinal disturbances, and emotional distress. Robotic applications in microsurgery are very limited. We report the technique and long‐term patient‐reported outcomes of bilateral robot‐assisted microsurgical sympathetic trunk reconstruction with a sural nerve graft in an interdisciplinary setting. A 59‐year‐old female suffered from severe adverse effects after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) for PH 25 years ago. She reported CH over the whole trunk, gustatory hyperhidrosis, excessive dry hands, and emotional distress. An interdisciplinary surgical team performed a bilateral sympathetic trunk reversal reconstruction with an interpositional sural nerve graft per side by a da Vinci® Robot. The nerve graft was microsurgically coapted using 9–0 sutures end‐to‐end to the sympathetic trunk stumps and side‐to‐end to the intercostal nerves T2–T4. At 24, 33 and 42 months, palmar dryness and emotional distress were strongly reduced. A highly specialized interdisciplinary setting may provide a precise, safe, and efficient treatment for ETS sequelae. A clinical study is initiated to validate this new therapy.
Applications of fractional calculus in equiaffine geometry: plane curves with fractional order
Authors: Aydin Muhittin Evren , Mihai Adela , Yokus Asif
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we introduce the notions of equiaffine arclength and curvature with fractional order for a plane curve and compare them with the standard ones. By using these definitions, we obtain an equiaffine Frenet formula and then construct an analogue of the fundamental theorem. The plane curves of constant equiaffine curvature with fractional order are classified. Several examples are also illustrated.
Stepanov pseudo‐almost periodic functions and applications
Authors: Khalil Kamal , Kostić Marko , Pinto Manuel
Published: July 2021

In this work, we present basic results and applications of Stepanov pseudo‐almost periodic functions with measure. Using only the continuity assumption, we prove a new composition result of μ‐pseudo‐almost periodic functions in Stepanov sense. Moreover, we present different applications to semilinear differential equations and inclusions with weak regular forcing terms in Banach spaces. We prove the existence and uniqueness of μ‐pseudo‐almost periodic solutions (in the strong sense) to a class of semilinear fractional inclusions and semilinear evolution equations respectively, provided that the nonlinear forcing terms are only Stepanov μ‐pseudo‐almost periodic in the first variable and not a uniformly strict contraction with respect to the second argument. Our results are obtained using the Meir–Keeler principle and the Banach fixed point principle respectively. Some examples of fractional and nonautonomous partial differential equations illustrating our theoretical results are also presented.
Strategies for managing Asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy: Since the classical experimental models to the new bioengineering approach
Authors: de Miguel‐Gómez Lucía , Romeu Mónica , Pellicer Antonio , Cervelló Irene
Published: July 2021

Endometrial function is essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy, but managing endometrial thickness that is too thin to support pregnancy or an endometrium of compromised functionality due to intrauterine adhesions is an ongoing challenge in reproductive medicine. Here, we review current and emerging therapeutic and experimental options for endometrial regeneration with a focus on animal models used to study solutions for Asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy, which both involve a damaged endometrium. A review of existing literature was performed that confirmed the lack of consensus on endometrial therapeutic options, though promising new alternatives have emerged in recent years (platelet‐rich plasma, exosomes derived from stem cells, bioengineering‐based techniques, endometrial organoids, among others). In the future, basic research using established experimental models of endometrial pathologies (combined with new high‐tech solutions) and human clinical trials with large population sizes are needed to evaluate these emerging and new endometrial therapies.
Estimates of Abundance and Extreme Catch-and-Release Exploitation in a Southern Riverine Muskellunge Fishery
Authors: Bauerlien Cory J. , Crane Derek P. , Smith Scott , Palmer George , Young Tyler , Goetz Daniel B.
Published: July 2021

Muskellunge Esox masquinongy fisheries have increased in abundance and popularity in numerous southern and mid-Atlantic rivers. However, the paucity of information for these fisheries has limited biologists’ ability to effectively manage these resources. We utilized data from simultaneously conducted fishery-dependent tag return and fishery-independent capture–recapture studies to estimate catch-and-release exploitation and abundance of Muskellunge in the James River, Virginia. During winter electrofishing surveys in 2016–2019, we tagged 747 individual Muskellunge with dart tags and PIT tags. Thirty-seven percent of tags were returned by anglers, and 33% of tagged Muskellunge were recaptured at least once during subsequent electrofishing surveys. Eighty-eight percent of angled fish were caught by individuals targeting Muskellunge, and only 1.1% of returned tags were from fish that were harvested. Catch-and-release exploitation (u) estimates obtained using a Brownie dead recovery model differed between the upriver (mean u ± SE = 0.57 ± 0.09) and downriver (1.00 ± 0.10) reaches of our study area. Similarly, densities of adult (≥762-mm) Muskellunge differed between the two areas (upriver: 0.80 fish/ha; downriver: 0.50 fish/ha) but were comparable to densities observed in lakes and at least one other river. The greatest site-specific density (4.69 fish/ha) was observed at a 1.6-km reach below the lowest dam, which concentrated fish and restricted upstream movement. Given the high values of u in the James River and the growing popularity of Muskellunge angling in southern waters, investigations into the effects of this level of angling on Muskellunge populations (e.g., trophy potential, abundance) will provide managers with the information needed to develop comprehensive Muskellunge management strategies.
Methodology for the nonlinear coupled multi‐physics simulation of mineral dissolution
Authors: Li Li , Rivas Endrina , Gracie Robert , Dusseault Maurice B.
Published: July 2021

This article presents a numerical methodology for the simulation of mineral dissolution which couples brine flow, dissolved mineral transport, and cavity evolution. The proposed model considers both (1) the varying density brine flow within the cavity governed by the compressible Navier‐Stokes equations and (2) the evolution of the cavity boundary using a sharp interface model with a physically‐derived dissolution rate equation. The proposed nonlinear multi‐physics model can capture complex flow patterns such as the generation of a vortex in the cavity. The impact of those complex flow patterns on the cavity development can be studied because of the coupling of brine flow and dissolution front movement. The model employs a new strategy to explicitly track the dissolution front, which results in low computational cost for long‐term dissolution simulations. The proposed model is verified through a convergence analysis, showing both spatial and temporal convergence. Numerical simulations of mineral dissolution in horizontal cavities are conducted to investigate the flow velocity, mass fraction of dissolved mineral, cavity shape evolution, and dissolution rate over time. Additionally, a discussion on the effect of Peclet number on mineral dissolution in the cavity is undertaken.
Make email nurturing second nature
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: July 2021

Lead generation is incredibly important in today's competitive higher education landscape. But we all know the work doesn't end when we capture a name and an email address of a prospective student. Lead nurturing allows us to build and maintain relationships with those who have expressed interest in our schools and programs.
Develop student entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship for student success
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted the economy and entrepreneurship as we know it. For higher education institutions, this might mean that there's an opportunity for your institution to better serve the needs of your community by focusing on helping students build the competencies that will lead to long‐term community development and small business success.
Turn to data for tuition benchmarking, accurately representing your institution
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2021

In 2020, Michael Crowder, Ph.D., was hired from his role as Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Department Chair to Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School at Miami University in Ohio. “I think both the Chair and the Dean positions are called leadership positions, but you find out very clearly you're here to serve the faculty, staff, and students. It's something you don't understand until you get into the position,” Crowder said.
Relational values help explain green infrastructure preferences: The case of managing crane habitat in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Kim Hyerin , Shoji Yasushi , Tsuge Takahiro , Kubo Takahiro , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: July 2021

The initial purpose of our study was to understand preferences of stakeholders on green infrastructure for flood control using a discrete choice experiment. However, the results of our study included unexpected findings. According to the utility theory of economics, an inexpensive green infrastructure scenario should have been chosen under ceteris paribus conditions, but our results differed from this expectation.

Inconsistent results like ours are often interpreted as indicating bias and/or questionnaire design issues. However, our results can be interpreted using relational values.

We studied green infrastructure in a large‐scale flood control basin in Naganuma, a town in the Hokkaido prefecture in Northern Japan. We conducted a discrete choice experiment with town residents as stakeholders of the green infrastructure.

Through the examination of choice and membership parameters of our results, we interpreted that individual identity and place attachment, which are types of relational values, are taken into consideration in the choice situation of the discrete choice experiment. We also found that a notion of social responsibility, which is also a relational value, can help us to understand unexpected findings that cannot be interpreted in terms of economic theory alone.

Relational values contribute to our interpretation of preferences related to managing ecosystem services with implications for green infrastructure, culturally significant wildlife, wildlife‐related recreation and flood control.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Polycarbonate/poly(methyl methacrylate)/silica aerogel blend composites for advanced transparent thermal insulations: Mechanical, thermal, and optical studies
Authors: Estaji Sara , Paydayesh Azin , Mousavi Seyed Rasoul , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Abiyati Mohammad Mehdi
Published: July 2021

Using transparent thermal insulators, which are low heat conductors and good light transmitters, is a brilliant idea to preserve heat energy. In this regard, silica aerogels (SAs) have attracted immense attention these days because of their unique nanoporous networks, consisting of connective silica nanoparticles and high‐volume nanopores. The present study investigates the influence of incorporating 3 and 5 phr SAs on the mechanical properties, thermal conductivity (TC), and optical characteristics of polycarbonate/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PC/PMMA) (75/25, 50/50, and 25/75 w/w) blends. The scanning electron microscopy studies indicated that the PC/PMMA/SA (25/75/3) composite has the best dispersion. The highest improvements in tensile strength and Young's modulus were observed for the PC/PMMA/SA (75/25/5) composite. In addition, incorporating the SA resulted in a reduction in the impact strength of all the blends. The lowest TC was observed for the PC/PMMA/SA (75/25/5) blend composite. The TC results were compared with the data predicted by the Agari, Russell, Maxwell–Eucken, and Bruggeman models. It was found that the Agari logarithmic model has the best agreement with the experimental data. Except for PC, PMMA, PC/PMMA (25/75), and PC/PMMA/SA (25/75/3), no other samples showed optical transmittance. On average, PC/PMMA/SA (25/75/3) had 13% more light absorption than PC/PMMA (25/75).
Single‐molecule, hybridization‐based strategies for short nucleic acids detection and recognition with nanopores
Authors: Luchian Tudor , Mereuta Loredana , Park Yoonkyung , Asandei Alina , Schiopu Irina
Published: July 2021

DNA nanotechnology has seen large developments over the last 30 years through the combination of detection and discovery of DNAs, and solid phase synthesis to increase the chemical functionalities on nucleic acids, leading to the emergence of novel and sophisticated in features, nucleic acids‐based biopolymers. Arguably, nanopores developed for fast and direct detection of a large variety of molecules, are part of a revolutionary technological evolution which led to cheaper, smaller and considerably easier to use devices enabling DNA detection and sequencing at the single‐molecule level. Through their versatility, the nanopore‐based tools proved useful biomedicine, nanoscale chemistry, biology and physics, as well as other disciplines spanning materials science to ecology and anthropology. This mini‐review discusses the progress of nanopore‐ and hybridization‐based DNA detection, and explores a range of state‐of‐the‐art applications afforded through the combination of certain synthetically‐derived polymers mimicking nucleic acids and nanopores, for the single‐molecule biophysics on short DNA structures.
Direct identification of HLA‐presented CD8 T cell epitopes from transmitted founder HIV‐1 variants
Authors: Hare Jonathan , Macharia Gladys , Yue Ling , Streatfield Claire L. , Hunter Eric , Purcell Anthony , Ternette Nicola , Gilmour Jill
Published: July 2021

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are a critical arm of the immune response to viral infections. The activation and expansion of antigen specific CTL requires recognition of peptide antigens presented on class I major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHC‐1) of infected cells. Methods to identify presented peptide antigens that do not rely on the pre‐existence of antigen specific CTL are critical to the development of new vaccines. We infected activated CD4+ T cells with two HIV‐1 transmitted founder (TF) isolates and used high‐resolution mass spectrometry (MS) to identify HIV peptides bound on MHC‐1. Using this approach, we identified 14 MHC‐1 bound peptides from across the two TF isolates. Assessment of predicted binding thresholds revealed good association of the identified peptides to the shared HLA alleles between the HIV+ donors and the naïve PBMC sample with three peptides identified through peptide sequencing inducing a CD8 T‐cell response (p < 0.05). Direct infection of naïve CD4 cells by HIV TF isolates and sequencing of MHC‐I presented peptides by HPLC‐MS/MS enables identification of novel peptides that may be missed by alternative epitope mapping strategies and can provide valuable insight in to the first peptides presented by an HIV‐infected CD4 cell in the first few days post infection.
Don’t tell me, show me: Reactions from those with lived experience to the 2020 revised IASP definition of pain
Authors: Jordan Isabel , Martens Rachel , Birnie Kathryn A.
Published: July 2021

In 2020, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) revised the definition of pain, providing an update to IASP’s original definition in place since 1979. The origins of the field of pediatric pain, born in part in the 1980s from the advocacy of Jill Lawson, mother to Jeffrey Lawson who experienced gross inadequacies in pain care as a premature infant, emphasize the critical need to listen to and act with the voice of people living with pain and their families and caregivers. Furthermore, the field of pediatric pain emerged in the mid‐1980s marking this revised definition of pain as the first opportunity within which the experience and science of pain in childhood has been considered. This invited commentary offers two lived experience reactions to the revised IASP definition of pain, from the perspective of one's own experience with pain during childhood and as parents and family members. Together, they highlight that the value of a revised definition must be judged on its ability to directly benefit children experiencing pain and their families. Their skeptical hope reflects their lived experience backed by empirical evidence demonstrating continued inequities and inadequacies in preventing and managing pediatric pain. We must mobilize together to ensure change in culture, knowledge, and behavior. With the combined efforts of researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, in partnership with diverse people with lived experience, we can ensure that more effective action is taken to rapidly improve pain for children and their families.
The impracticality of homogeneously weighted moving average and progressive mean control chart approaches
Authors: Knoth Sven , Tercero‐Gómez Víctor G. , Khakifirooz Marzieh , Woodall William H.
Published: July 2021

There is growing literature on new versions of “memory‐type” control charts, where deceptively good zero‐state average run‐length (ARL) performance is misleading. Using steady‐state run‐length analysis in combination with the conditional expected delay (CED) metric, we show that the increasingly discussed progressive mean (PM) and homogeneously weighted moving average (HWMA) control charts should not be used in practice. Previously reported performance of methods based on these two approaches is misleading, as we found that performance is good only when a process change occurs at the very start of monitoring. Traditional alternatives, such as exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) and cumulative sum (CUSUM) charts, not only have more consistent detection behavior over a range of different change points, they can also lead to better out‐of‐control zero‐state ARL performance when properly designed.
A reliability‐cost optimisation model for maintenance scheduling of wastewater treatment's power generation engines
Authors: Gorjian Jolfaei Neda , Jin Bo , van der Linden Leon , Gunawan Indra , Gorjian Nima
Published: July 2021

Power generation engines in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are critical and strategic assets as major elements of an effective energy management system. Therefore, water utilities seek a smart tool to optimise the maintenance program on overall cost and reliability of these assets. In the previous study, a reliability model with consideration of redundancy was developed to estimate failure modes, reliability and availability of power generation engines in a WWTP. This study examines a joint model of reliability index using the Weibull model, operating maintenance cost using the steepest descent method and quasi‐Newton algorithm. This research is the first application of this joint model to power generation engines in WWTPs. A genetic algorithm has been employed to analyse and validate the modelling results as a global optimisation method. Results of the optimal solution are compared with conventional maintenance regimes of these engines based on recommended original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Results show an average of 22.3% reduction in maintenance costs of three engines after the implementation of the proposed cost‐optimization model. In addition, the manufacturer's recommended maintenance regime is not an appropriate maintenance strategy due to differences between the assumed and actual operating conditions. Also, hazard and reliability estimate using historical failure, operating and maintenance cost data has been ignored in the recommended OEM maintenance strategy.
Optimizing tropical forest bird surveys using passive acoustic monitoring and high temporal resolution sampling
Authors: Metcalf Oliver C. , Barlow Jos , Marsden Stuart , Gomes de Moura Nárgila , Berenguer Erika , Ferreira Joice , Lees Alexander C.
Published: July 2021

Estimation of avian biodiversity is a cornerstone measure of ecosystem condition. Surveys conducted using autonomous recorders are often more efficient at estimating diversity than traditional point‐count surveys. However, there is limited research into the optimal temporal resolution for sampling—the trade‐off between the number of samples and sample duration when sampling a survey window with a fixed survey effort—despite autonomous recorders allowing easy repeat sampling compared to traditional survey methods. We assess whether the additional temporal coverage from high temporal resolution (HTR) sampling, consisting of 240 15‐s samples spread randomly across a survey window detects higher alpha and gamma diversity than low temporal resolution (LTR) sampling of four 15‐min samples at the same locations. We do so using an acoustic dataset collected from 29 locations in a region of very high avian biodiversity—the eastern Brazilian Amazon. We find HTR sampling outperforms LTR sampling in every metric considered, with HTR sampling predicted to detect approximately 50% higher alpha diversity, and 10% higher gamma diversity. This effect is primarily driven by increased coverage of variation in detectability across the morning, with the earliest period containing a distinct community that is often under sampled using LTR sampling. LTR sampling produced almost four times as many false absences for species presence. Additionally, LTR sampling incorrectly found 70 species (34%) at only a single forest type when they were in fact present in multiple forest types, while the use of HTR sampling reduced this to just two species (0.9%). When considering multiple independent detections of species, HTR sampling detected three times more uncommon species than LTR sampling. We conclude that high temporal resolution sampling of passive‐acoustic monitoring‐based surveys should be considered the primary method for estimating the species richness of bird communities in tropical forests.
The effects of school‐based interventions on physiological stress in adolescents: A meta‐analysis
Authors: van Loon Amanda W. G. , Creemers Hanneke E. , Okorn Ana , Vogelaar Simone , Miers Anne C. , Saab Nadira , Westenberg P. Michiel , Asscher Jessica J.
Published: July 2021

Chronic stress is associated with dysregulations in the physiological stress system, resulting in diverse negative developmental outcomes. Since adolescence is a period characterized by increased stress‐sensitivity, and schools are an important environment for the developing adolescent, school‐based interventions promoting psychosocial functioning are of particular interest to prevent adverse outcomes. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the effectiveness of such interventions on hypothalamic pituitary adrenal‐axis (i.e., cortisol) and cardiovascular (i.e., blood pressure [BP] and heart rate [HR]/heart rate variability [HRV]) parameters of stress in adolescents, and examined moderators of effectiveness. The search resulted in the inclusion of k = 9 studies for cortisol, k = 16 studies for BP, and k = 20 studies for HR/HRV. The results indicated a significant small overall effect on reducing BP, but no significant effect for HR/HRV. For cortisol, large methodological variation in the few primary studies did not allow for quantitative analyses, but a qualitative review demonstrated inconsistent results. For BP and HR/HRV, larger effects were observed for intervention programs with a mindfulness and/or meditation component, for interventions without a cognitive‐behavioural component and for interventions with a higher intensity. Providing adolescents with techniques to improve indicators of physiological stress may prevent emerging mental health problems.
Characterization of the genetic basis of local adaptation of wheat landraces from Iran and Pakistan using genome‐wide association study
Authors: Hanif Uzma , Alipour Hadi , Gul Alvina , Jing Li , Darvishzadeh Reza , Amir Rabia , Munir Faiza , Ilyas Muhammad Kashif , Ghafoor Abdul , Siddiqui Sadar Uddin , St. Amand Paul , Bernado Amy , Bai Guihua , Sonder Kai , Rasheed Awais , He Zhonghu , Li Huihui
Published: July 2021

Characterization of genomic regions underlying adaptation of landraces can reveal a quantitative genetics framework for local wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) adaptability. A collection of 512 wheat landraces from the eastern edge of the Fertile Crescent in Iran and Pakistan were genotyped using genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism markers generated by genotyping‐by‐sequencing. The minor allele frequency (MAF) and the heterozygosity (H) of Pakistani wheat landraces (MAF = 0.19, H = 0.008) were slightly higher than the Iranian wheat landraces (MAF = 0.17, H = 0.005), indicating that Pakistani landraces were slightly more genetically diverse. Population structure analysis clearly separated the Pakistani landraces from Iranian landraces, which indicates two separate adaptability trajectories. The large‐scale agro‐climatic data of seven variables were quite dissimilar between Iran and Pakistan as revealed by the correlation coefficients. Genome‐wide association study identified 91 and 58 loci using agroclimatic data, which likely underpin local adaptability of the wheat landraces from Iran and Pakistan, respectively. Selective sweep analysis identified significant hits on chromosomes 4A, 4B, 6B, 7B, 2D, and 6D, which were colocalized with the loci associated with local adaptability and with some known genes related to flowering time and grain size. This study provides insight into the genetic diversity with emphasis on the genetic architecture of loci involved in adaptation to local environments, which has breeding implications.
Diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium among cowpea accessions
Authors: Sodedji Frejus Ariel Kpedetin , Agbahoungba Symphorien , Agoyi Eric Echikintho , Kafoutchoni Médard Konoutan , Choi Jaeyoung , Nguetta Simon‐Pierre Assanvo , Assogbadjo Achille Ephrem , Kim Ho‐Youn
Published: July 2021

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is a globally important food security crop. However, it is susceptible to pest and disease; hence, constant breeding efforts based on its diversity are required for its improvement. The present study aims to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) among 274 cowpea accessions from different origins. A total of 3,127 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers generated using diversity array technology (DArT) was used. Population structure, neighbor‐joining clustering, and principal component analyses indicated three subpopulations within the germplasm. Results of STRUCTURE analysis and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) were complementary in assessing the structuration of the diversity among the germplasm, with the grouping of the accessions improved in DAPC. Genetic distances of 0.005–0.44 were observed among accessions. Accessions from western and central Africa, eastern and central Africa, and Asia were predominant and distributed across all subpopulations. The subpopulations had fixation indexes of 0.48–0.56. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that within subpopulation variation accounted for 81% of observed genetic variation in the germplasm. The subpopulations mainly consisted of inbred lines (inbreeding coefficient = 1) with common alleles, although they were from different geographical regions. This reflects considerable seed movement and germplasm exchange between regions. The LD was characterized by low decay for great physical distances between markers. The LD decay distance varied among chromosomes with the average distance of 80–100 kb across the genome. Thus, crop improvement is possible, and the LD will facilitate genome‐wide association studies on quality attributes and critical agronomic traits in cowpea.
Genomic variation within the maize stiff‐stalk heterotic germplasm pool
Authors: Bornowski Nolan , Michel Kathryn J. , Hamilton John P. , Ou Shujun , Seetharam Arun S. , Jenkins Jerry , Grimwood Jane , Plott Chris , Shu Shengqiang , Talag Jayson , Kennedy Megan , Hundley Hope , Singan Vasanth R. , Barry Kerrie , Daum Chris , Yoshinaga Yuko , Schmutz Jeremy , Hirsch Candice N. , Hufford Matthew B. , de Leon Natalia , Kaeppler Shawn M. , Buell C. Robin
Published: July 2021

The stiff‐stalk heterotic group in Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important source of inbreds used in U.S. commercial hybrid production. Founder inbreds B14, B37, B73, and, to a lesser extent, B84, are found in the pedigrees of a majority of commercial seed parent inbred lines. We created high‐quality genome assemblies of B84 and four expired Plant Variety Protection (ex‐PVP) lines LH145 representing B14, NKH8431 of mixed descent, PHB47 representing B37, and PHJ40, which is a Pioneer Hi‐Bred International (PHI) early stiff‐stalk type. Sequence was generated using long‐read sequencing achieving highly contiguous assemblies of 2.13–2.18 Gbp with N50 scaffold lengths >200 Mbp. Inbred‐specific gene annotations were generated using a core five‐tissue gene expression atlas, whereas transposable element (TE) annotation was conducted using de novo and homology‐directed methodologies. Compared with the reference inbred B73, synteny analyses revealed extensive collinearity across the five stiff‐stalk genomes, although unique components of the maize pangenome were detected. Comparison of this set of stiff‐stalk inbreds with the original Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic breeding population revealed that these inbreds represent only a proportion of variation in the original stiff‐stalk pool and there are highly conserved haplotypes in released public and ex‐Plant Variety Protection inbreds. Despite the reduction in variation from the original stiff‐stalk population, substantial genetic and genomic variation was identified supporting the potential for continued breeding success in this pool. The assemblies described here represent stiff‐stalk inbreds that have historical and commercial relevance and provide further insight into the emerging maize pangenome.
A near‐complete genome sequence of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) provides key insights into the modern breeding program
Authors: Ha Jungmin , Satyawan Dani , Jeong Haneul , Lee Eunsoo , Cho Kang‐Heum , Kim Moon Young , Lee Suk‐Ha
Published: July 2021

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), a fast‐growing legume species, is an important source of carbohydrates and proteins in developing countries of Asia. Here, we constructed a near‐complete genome sequence of mungbean with a scaffold N50 value of 5.2 Mb and only a 0.4% gap, with a total scaffold size of 475 Mb. We identified several misassembled pseudomolecules (Chr03, Chr04, Chr05, and Chr08) in the previous draft assembly; Chr03, Chr04, and Chr08 were assembled into one chromosome, and Chr05 was broken into two chromosomes in the improved reference genome assembly, thus providing more accurate linkage information to breeders. Additionally, using an ultra‐high‐resolution linkage map constructed based on resequencing data, we identified several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and the underlying candidate genes affecting synchronous pod maturity (SPM). Mungbean homologs of two soybean ([Glycine max (L.) Merr.] flowering genes, E3 (phytochrome A) and J (early flowering 3), were identified as candidate genes for the QTLs, and the candidate genes for plant height, node number, and SPM showed critical nucleotide substitutions between the reference cultivar and other genotypes (landraces and wild accessions). Based on the analysis of genetic diversity among 276 accessions collected from 23 countries, we identified 36 selective sweep regions and observed that the overall genetic diversity of cultivars decreased to 30% of that in wild accessions postdomestication. The near‐complete genome sequence of mungbean represents an important resource for genome‐assisted improvement in the mungbean breeding program.
Reducing lead solubility in kaolinitic and oxidic soils by application of limed sewage sludge
Authors: Poggere Giovana , Melo Vander Freitas , Monte Serrat Beatriz , Mangrich Antônio Salvio , França Amanda Araújo , Corrêa Rodrigo Studart , Barbosa Julierme Zimmer
Published: July 2021

Little attention has been paid to the effects of soil mineralogy on remediation efficiency of sewage sludge. To fill this gap, we applied limed sewage sludge to Pb‐contaminated soil samples of an Oxisol rich in hematite (309 g kg−1) and gibbsite (322 g kg−1) and to an Inceptisol rich in kaolinite (683 g kg−1). Soil samples were collected from B horizon, being both of them acid, clayey, and poor in organic matter. Soil samples were incubated for 40 days and evaluated for Pb after fractioning. Limed sewage sludge neutralized the soluble and exchangeable‐Pb forms in the kaolinitic and oxidic soils primarily as a result of pH increase. It was measured increased concentrations of unavailable forms of Pb such as precipitated‐Pb, Fe and Mn oxide‐Pb, gibbsite and kaolinite‐Pb, and residual‐Pb in the kaolinitic Inceptisol. Likewise, it measured increased concentrations of precipitated‐Pb, organic matter‐Pb, Fe and Mn oxide‐Pb, and residual‐Pb in the Oxisol. Results have demonstrated that limed sewage sludge decreases concentrations of Pb fractions more susceptible to leaching or more bioavailable, while increasing Pb fractions that pose lower risks to the environment. Such results indicate that limed sewage sludge can be used for the remediation of Pb‐contaminated soils regardless of soil mineralogy.
Repair of a corneal laceration and iris prolapse in a juvenile goliath tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath)
Authors: Lloyd Richard
Published: July 2021

A juvenile goliath tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath) was presented with a traumatic full‐thickness corneal laceration and associated iris prolapse. Debridement and corneal flap repair using N‐butyl cyanoacrylate tissue glue was performed under general anaesthesia. This article describes the initial ocular surgery and documents the recovery and healing process over the following 3‐week period. The fish was discharged from treatment at this point, and there were no complications over the ensuing 1‐year period.
Critical insights into modern hyperspectral image applications through deep learning
Authors: Jaiswal Garima , Sharma Arun , Yadav Sumit Kumar
Published: July 2021

Hyperspectral imaging has shown tremendous growth over the past three decades. Hyperspectral imaging was evolved through remote sensing. Along, with the technological enhancements hyperspectral imaging has outgrown, conquering over other various application areas. In addition to it, data enriched data cubes with abundant spectral and spatial information works as perk for capturing, analyzing, reviewing, and interpreting results from data. This review concentrates on emerging application areas of hyperspectral imaging. Emerging application areas are selected in ways where there is a vast scope for future enhancements by exploiting cutting edge technology, that is, deep learning. Applications of hyperspectral imaging techniques in some selected areas (remote sensing, document forgery, history and archaeology conservation, surveillance and security, machine vision for fruit quality inspection, medical imaging) are focused. The review pivots around the publicly available datasets and features used domain wise. This review can act as a baseline for deep learning and machine vision experts, historical geographers, and scholars by providing them a view of how hyperspectral imaging is implemented in multiple domains along with future research prospects.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Machine Learning

Technologies > Prediction
Quasi-Dirac neutrinos in the linear seesaw model
Authors: Arbeláez Carolina , Dib Claudio , Monsálvez-Pozo Kevin , Schmidt Iván
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We implement a minimal linear seesaw model (LSM) for addressing the Quasi-Dirac (QD) behaviour of heavy neutrinos, focusing on the mass regime of MN ≲ MW. Here we show that for relatively low neutrino masses, covering the few GeV range, the same-sign to opposite-sign dilepton ratio, Rℓℓ, can be anywhere between 0 and 1, thus signaling a Quasi-Dirac regime. Particular values of Rℓℓ are controlled by the width of the QD neutrino and its mass splitting, the latter being equal to the light-neutrino mass mν in the LSM scenario. The current upper bound on mν1 together with the projected sensitivities of current and future |UN ℓ|2 experimental measurements, set stringent constraints on our low-scale QD mass regime. Some experimental prospects of testing the model by LHC displaced vertex searches are also discussed.
Preclinical and clinical study on [18F]DRKXH1: a novel β-amyloid PET tracer for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xu MiaoMiao , Guo Jun , Gu JiaCheng , Zhang LinLin , Liu ZiHao , Ding Lin , Fu HongLiang , Ma YuFei , Liang Sheng , Wang Hui
Published: July 2021

Background

The deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain is a biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Highly sensitive Aβ positron emission tomography (PET) imaging plays an essential role in diagnosing and evaluating the therapeutic effects of AD.

Aim

To synthesize a new Aβ tracer [18F]DRKXH1 (5-(4-(6-(2-[18]fluoroethoxy)ethoxy)imidazo[1,2-alpha]pyridin-2-yl)phenyl) and evaluate the tracer performance by biodistribution analysis, in vivo small-animal PET-CT dynamic scan, ex vivo and in vitro autoradiography, and PET in human subjects.

Methods

[18F]DRKXH1 was synthesized automatically by the GE FN module. Log D (pH 7.4) and biodistribution of [18F]DRKXH1 were investigated. Small-animal-PET was used for [18F]DRKXH1 and [18F]AV45 imaging study in AD transgenic mice (APPswe/PSEN1dE9) and age-matched normal mice. The distribution volume ratios (DVR) and standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) were calculated with the cerebellum as the reference region. The deposition of Aβ plaques in the brain of AD transgenic mice was determined by ex vivo autoradiography and immunohistochemistry. In vitro autoradiography was performed in the postmortem brain sections of AD patients and healthy controls. Two healthy control subjects and one AD patient was subjected to in vivo PET study using [18F]DRKXH1.

Results

The yield of [18F]DRKXH1 was 40%, and the specific activity was 156.64 ± 11.55 GBq/μmol. [18F]DRKXH1 was mainly excreted through the liver and kidney. The small-animal PET study showed high initial brain uptake and rapid washout of [18F]DRKXH1. The concentration of [18F]DRKXH1 was detected in the cortex and hippocampus of AD transgenic mice brain. The cortex DVR of AD transgenic mice was higher than that of WT mice (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the SUVRs of AD transgenic mice were higher than those of WT mice based on the 0–60-min dynamic scanning. In vitro autoradiography showed a significant concentration of tracer in the Aβ plaque-rich areas in the brain of AD transgenic mice. The DVR value of [18F]-DRKXH1 is higher than that of [18F]-AV45 (1.29 ± 0.05 vs. 1.05 ± 0.08; t = 5.33, P = 0.0003). Autoradiography of postmortem human brain sections showed [18F]DRKXH1-labeled Aβ plaques in the AD brain. The AD patients had high retention in cortical regions, while healthy control subjects had uniformly low radioactivity uptake.

Conclusions

[18F]DRKXH1 is an Aβ tracer with high sensitivity in preclinical study and has the potential for in vivo detection of the human brain.
Spherical panorama compositing through depth estimation
Authors: Saura-Herreros Miguel , Lopez Angeles , Ribelles Jose
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose to work in the 2.5D space of the scene to facilitate composition of new spherical panoramas. For adding depths to spherical panoramas, we extend an existing method that was designed to estimate relative depths from a single perspective image through user interaction. We analyze the difficulties to interactively provide such depth information for spherical panoramas, through three different types of presentation. Then, we propose a set of basic tools to interactively manage the relative depths of the panoramas in order to obtain a composition in a very simple way. We conclude that the relative depths obtained by the extended depth estimation method are enough for the purpose of compositing new photorealistic panoramas through a few elementary editing tools.