bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroconvulsive therapy increases temporarily plasma vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Sorri Annamari , Järventausta Kaija , Kampman Olli , Lehtimäki Kai , Björkqvist Minna , Tuohimaa Kati , Hämäläinen Mari , Moilanen Eeva , Leinonen Esa
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been related to the etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The findings involving the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on the VEGF levels have been conflicting. The aim was to examine the possible changes in the VEGF levels and their associations with clinical outcome in patients with MDD during ECT.

Methods

The study comprised 30 patients suffering from MDD. Their plasma VEGF levels were measured at baseline and 2 and 4 hr after the first, fifth, and last ECT session. The severity of depression was quantified by the Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).

Results

The VEGF levels increased between the 2‐hr and 4‐hr measurements during the first (p = .003) and the fifth (p = .017) sessions. The baseline VEGF levels between individual ECT sessions remained unchanged during the ECT series. No correlations were found between the increased VEGF levels and the clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Electroconvulsive therapy increased the VEGF levels repeatedly at the same time point in two different ECT sessions. These increases had no association with the response to ECT. Consequently, VEGF may act as a mediator in the mechanism of action of ECT.
Performance of cervical cancer screening and triage strategies among women living with HIV in China
Authors: Duan Rufei , Zhao Xuelian , Zhang Hongyun , Xu Xiaoqian , Huang Liuye , Wu Aihui , Li Le , Qiao Youlin , Zhao Fanghui
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical performance of liquid‐based cytology (LBC), HPV tests and visual inspections with acetic acid or Lugol's iodine (VIA/VILI) as primary screening and triage strategies among Chinese women living with HIV (WLHIV).

Methods

WLHIV aged 18 years and older were recruited from HIV/AIDS treatment clinic in Yunnan, China from 2019 to 2020. Women were screened with self‐ and physician‐sampling for HPV tests, LBC, and VIA/VILI. Women positive for any HPV or with cytological abnormalities were recalled for colposcopy examination and biopsy when necessary. Clinical performance of primary and triage strategies for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) was evaluated.

Results

For primary screening, sensitivity of physician‐HPV tests was 100%, 89.5%, and 100% for hybrid capture 2 (HC2), cobas, and Sansure HPV, and specificity was 80.4%, 85.1%, and 72.0%, respectively. Self‐HPV test achieved considerable performance with physician‐HPV. Sensitivity and specificity were 61.1% and 96.3% for LBC (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse [ASCUS+]), 40.0% and 77.3% for VIA/VILI. For triaging HPV‐positive women, LBC (ASCUS+), HPV‐16/18 genotyping, and VIA/VILI‐elevated specificity with sensitivity declined 30%–50% compared with HPV screening alone. Restricted HPV genotyping triage (HPV‐16/18/31/33/45/52/58) demonstrated the optimal accuracy (89.5% sensitivity, 81.9% specificity), and was similar to HPV‐16/18 with reflex LBC (ASCUS+). Combination antiretroviral therapies (cARTs) <2 years were associated with decreased specificity of HC2 (aOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.22–3.91) and Sansure HPV (2.48, 1.43–4.29).

Conclusions

Self‐HPV with restricted genotyping triage is highly recommended for cervical cancer screening for WLHIV in China. Feasible triage to increase HPV specificity among women with short duration of cART is needed.
A case of Stevens–Johnson syndrome‐like eruption suggesting clinical importance of body temperature and serum levels of receptor‐interacting kinase 3
Authors: Nishiyori Ryo , Goto‐Umeki Mayuko , Hasegawa Akito , Hama Natsumi , Nishida Haruto , Daa Tsutomu , Abe Riichiro , Hatano Yutaka
Published: August 2021

The present case is distinguished from Stevens–Johnson syndrome in that no elevation of serum receptor‐interacting kinase 3, low level of serum granulysin, and the rather good general status, including no fever‐up and rapid response to treatment.
Mortality and guideline‐directed medical therapy in real‐world heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: McCullough Peter A. , Mehta Hirsch S. , Barker Colin M. , Van Houten Joanna , Mollenkopf Sarah , Gunnarsson Candace , Ryan Michael , Cork David P.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) in commercially insured US patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and examine the effect of GDMT on all‐cause mortality. GDMT for HFrEF includes pharmacologic therapies such as β‐blockers (BB), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐I), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin (ARNI), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), and sodium‐glucose cotransporter inhibitors to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Methods

Patients in the Optum Integrated File from 2007 to 2019Q3, ≥18 years, with history of HFrEF, were identified. Patients prescribed both a BB and either an ACE‐I, ARB, or ARNI during 6‐month post‐diagnosis were assigned to the GDMT cohort. All others were assigned to the not on GDMT cohort. The GDMT cohort was further classified by those patients with a record of prescription fills for both classes of medications concurrently (GDMT concurrent medication fills). Mortality at 2 years was assessed with a Cox regression model accounting for baseline demographics, comorbidities, and diuretic use.

Results

This study identified 14 880 HFrEF patients, of which 70% had a record of GDMT, and 57% had a record of concurrent prescriptions. Patients in the not on GDMT cohort had 29% increased risk of mortality versus GDMT (hazard ratio 1.29; 95% CI (1.19–1.40); p < .0001). As a sensitivity analysis, the effect of patients not on GDMT compared to GDMT with concurrent medication fills was more pronounced, with a 37% increased mortality risk.

Conclusion

In a real‐world population of HFrEF patients, inadequate GDMT confers a 29% excess mortality risk over the 2‐year follow‐up.
Higher severity and risk of in‐hospital mortality for COVID‐19 patients with cancer during the year 2020 in Brazil: A countrywide analysis of secondary data
Authors: Costa Guilherme Jorge , de Azevedo Carla Rameri Alexandre Silva , Júnior José Iran Costa , Bergmann Anke , Thuler Luiz Claudio Santos
Published: August 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and cancer are serious public health problems worldwide. However, little is known about the risk factors of in‐hospital mortality among COVID‐19 patients with and without cancer in Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of in‐hospital mortality among COVID‐19 patients with and without cancer and to compare mortality according to gender and topography during the year 2020 in Brazil.

Methods

This was a secondary data study of hospitalized adult patients with a diagnosis of COVID‐19 by real‐time polymerase chain reaction testing in Brazil. The data were collected from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System.

Results

This study analyzed data from 322,817 patients. The prevalence of cancer in patients with COVID‐19 was 2.3%. COVID‐19 patients with neurological diseases and cancer had the most lethal comorbidities in both sexes. COVID‐19 patients with cancer were more likely to be older (median age, 67 vs 62 years; P < .001), to have a longer hospital stay (13.1 vs 11.5 days; P < .001), to be admitted to the intensive care unit (45.3% vs 39.6%; P < .001), to receive more invasive mechanical ventilation (27.1% vs 21.9%), and to have a higher risk of death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83‐2.06; P < .001) than those without cancer. Patients with hematological neoplasia (aOR, 2.85; 95% CI, 2.41‐3.38; P < .001) had a higher risk of mortality than those with solid tumors (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.72‐1.95; P < .001) in both sexes.

Conclusions

Brazilian COVID‐19 patients with cancer have higher disease severity and a higher risk of mortality than those without cancer.
An identity privacy scheme for blockchain‐based on edge computing
Authors: Mu Rui , Gong Bei , Ning Zhenhu , Zhang Jiangjiang , Cao Yang , Li Zheng , Wang Wei , Wang Xiaoping
Published: August 2021

Blockchain has decentralization characteristics and requires more targeted security schemes to protect user privacy. In contrast, existing signature schemes have many high‐complexity operations and impose an enormous computational burden on wireless nodes. This article proposes a light‐weighted identity privacy scheme for blockchain‐based on edge computing. We construct linkable identity privacy and non‐linkable identity privacy, which can resist collusion attacks while virtually guaranteeing blockchain nodes' identity privacy. Since edge computing offloads heavily, the proposed scheme has lower computational complexity than the existing techniques.
NOX5 mediates the crosstalk between tumor cells and cancer‐associated fibroblasts via regulating cytokine network
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Yan , Zhang Weimin , Zhao Di , Zhang Lingyuan , Zhang Jing , Fan Jiawen , Zhan Qimin
Published: August 2021

Activation of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is a crucial feature for tumor malignancy. The reciprocal interplay between tumor cells and CAFs not only facilitates tumor progression and metastasis but also sustains the tumor‐promoting function of CAFs. Nevertheless, how tumor cells readily adapt to these functional CAFs is still unclear. NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) is a strong reactive oxygen species producer overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. In this study, we showed that NOX5‐positive ESCC cells induced normal fibroblasts (NFs) or adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to express the marker of CAFs‐α smooth muscle actin. Moreover, these tumor cells reprogrammed the cytokine profile of the activated CAFs, which further stimulated NFs or MSCs to CAFs and induced lymphangiogenesis to facilitate ESCC malignancy. NOX5 activated intratumoral Src/nuclear factor‐κB signaling to stimulate secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and lactate from tumor cells. Subsequently, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and lactate activated CAFs, and facilitated the secretion of IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, CCL5, and transforming growth factor‐β1 from CAFs. These CAFs‐derived cytokines reciprocally induced the progression of NOX5‐positive ESCC cells. Our findings together indicate that NOX5 serves as the driving oncoprotein to provide a niche that is beneficial for tumor malignant progression.
Serum creatinine levels and risk of nonalcohol fatty liver disease in a middle‐aged and older Chinese population: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Niu Yixin , Zhang Weiwei , Zhang Hongmei , Li Xiaoyong , Lin Ning , Su Weikang , Gu Hongxia , Zhu Lingfei , Fan Jiangao , Qin Li , Yang Zhen , Su Qing
Published: August 2021

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now regarded as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Recent research has suggested that serum creatinine (SCr) may be an indicator of MetS and its related diseases. We aimed to investigate the association between SCr and NAFLD in Chinese adults.

Methods

A cross‐sectional sample of 8862 subjects aged 40 years or older (40–73 years) from China were analysed in this study. The anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, and hepatic ultrasonography were conducted. NAFLD presence was defined by hepatic ultrasound in the absence of other liver diseases.

Results

NAFLD subjects had higher SCr than those without NAFLD (66.8 μmol/L vs. 65.6 μmol/L, p < 0.001). Moreover, SCr levels were correlated with alanine aminotransferase (β = 0.099, p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (β = 0.135, p < 0.001), γ‐glutamyltransferase (β = 0.039, p < 0.001), and insulin resistance (β = 0.027, p = 0.014) after adjusted for potential covariates. In the multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression analyses, compared to the first SCr quintile, the odds ratio for NAFLD was 1.35 (95% confidence interval 1.14–1.60, p < 0.001) for the fifth quintile after adjusting multiple measured confounders.

Conclusion

SCr concentration is independently associated with NAFLD in a middle aged and older Chinese population. Elevated SCr levels, even within normal ranges, were associated with higher risk of NAFLD.
Terrestrial eDNA survey outperforms conventional approach for detecting an invasive pest insect within an agricultural ecosystem
Authors: Allen Michael C. , Nielsen Anne L. , Peterson Donnie L. , Lockwood Julie L.
Published: August 2021

Recent methodological advances permit surveys for terrestrial insects from the direct collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) deposited on vegetation or other surfaces. However, in contrast to well‐studied aquatic applications, little is known about how detection rates for such terrestrial eDNA‐based surveys compare with conventional survey methods. Lycorma delicatula, the spotted lanternfly, is an emerging invasive insect in eastern North America, and a significant ecological and economic pest of forested and agricultural systems, especially grapes. During fall 2019, we conducted two rounds of paired eDNA and visual surveys for spotted lanternflies within 48 plots at 12 vineyards in New Jersey, USA. We compared detection probabilities within a multimethod occupancy modeling framework and used the results to extrapolate and inform survey design. The probability of detecting spotted lanternflies given presence in a plot was over two times higher for eDNA (84%) versus visual surveys (36%). In mid‐September, lanternfly eDNA was detected at five plots in three vineyards, while visual surveys revealed only a single individual in one plot. In early October, after dispersal of lanternflies into vineyards, lanternfly eDNA was detected in 12 plots within six vineyards compared with visual detections in six plots in two vineyards. Extrapolations based on detection and local‐scale occupancy rates indicate that only five and 12 plots would have been needed to positively detect lanternfly presence with 95% confidence using eDNA in contrast to 14 and 29 plots with visual surveys alone, respective to survey rounds. Log‐linear models revealed that visual counts of lanternflies were positively related to eDNA concentrations (R2 = 71%). We provide some of the first quantitative evidence to support the enhanced sensitivity of terrestrial eDNA approaches compared with conventional methods. Such methods can augment efforts to combat invasive species through improved ability to delimit invasion fronts, identify satellite populations, and confirm local eradications.
High Efficiency and Anomalous Photoacoustic Behavior in Vertical CNTs Array
Authors: Li Jiapu , Wang Ziyu , Jiang Laiming , Yu Zechuan , Ge Xu , Ouyang Jun , Yang Xiaofei , Tian Xiaobao , Tian He , Zhu Benpeng
Published: August 2021

Miniaturized sound generators are attractive to realize intriguing functions. Thermoacoustic device's application is seriously limited due to the frequency‐doubling phenomenon. To address this issue, photoacoustic sound generator is considered as a promising alternative. Here, based on vertical single‐wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) array, we introduce a photoacoustic sound generator with internal nano‐Helmholtz cavity. Different from traditional device that generates sound by periodically heating up the open space air around material, this sound generator produces an audio signal by forming a forced vibration of the air inside the CNTs. Interestingly, anomalous photoacoustic behavior is observed that the sound pressure level (SPL) curve has a resonance peak, the corresponding frequency of which is inversely proportional to the CNTs array’s height. Furthermore, the energy conversion efficiency of this photoacoustic device is 1.64 times as large as that of a graphene sponge‐based photoacoustic device. Most importantly, this device can be employed for music playing, bringing a new clew for the development of musical instruments in the future.
A Rapid‐Ab/Desorption and Portable Photothermal MIL‐101(Cr) Nanofibrous Composite Membrane Fabricated by Spray‐Electrospinning for Atmosphere Water Harvesting
Authors: Li Ailin , Xiong Jian , Liu Ye , Wang Liming , Qin Xiaohong , Yu Jianyong
Published: August 2021

MIL‐101(Cr) is a promising moisture absorbent for solar‐driven water harvesting from moisture to tackle the worldwide water shortage issue. However, the MIL‐101(Cr) powder suffers from a long ab/desorption cycle due to the crystal aggregation caused by its inherent powder properties. Here, we demonstrate a MIL‐101(Cr) nanofibrous composite membrane with a nanofibrous matrix where MIL‐101(Cr) is monodisperse in the 3D porous nanofibrous matrix through a simple spray‐electrospinning strategy. The continuous porous nanofibrous matrix not only offers sufficient sites for MIL‐101(Cr) loading but also provides rapid moisture transport channels, resulting in a super‐rapid ab/desorption duration of 50 min (including an absorption process for 40 min and a desorption process for 10 min) and multicycle daily water production of 15.9 L kg−1 d−1. Besides, the MIL‐101(Cr) nanofibrous composite membrane establishes a high solar absorption of 92.8%, and excellent photothermal conversion with the surface temperature of 70.7 °C under one‐sun irradiation. In addition, the MIL‐101(Cr) nanofibrous composite membrane shows excellent potential for practical application due to its flexibility, portability, and use stability. This work provides a new perspective of shortening MOF ab/desorption duration by introducing a porous nanofibrous matrix to improve the specific water production for the solar‐driven ab/desorption water harvesting technique.
Did Pleistocene Africans use the spearthrower‐and‐dart?
Authors: Lombard Marlize , Shea John J.
Published: August 2021

Archeologists commonly suppose that among complex projectile weapons humans use as subsistence aids, the spearthrower‐and‐dart preceded bow‐and‐arrow use. And yet, neither ethnographic nor archeological records furnish any robust evidence for spearthrower‐and‐dart use in Africa. Instead, evidence grows apace for ever‐more ancient bow‐and‐arrow use. Here we explore these findings and their implications for models of earlyHomo sapiensbehavior.
Estimating the shares of the value of branded pharmaceuticals accruing to manufacturers and to patients served by health systems
Authors: Woods Beth , Fox Aimée , Sculpher Mark , Claxton Karl
Published: August 2021

Previous studies have estimated that patients served by health systems accrue 59‐98% of the value generated by new pharmaceuticals. This has led to questions about whether sufficient returns accrue to manufacturers to incentivize socially optimal levels of R&D. These studies have not, however, fully reflected the health opportunity costs imposed by payments for branded pharmaceuticals. We present a framework for estimating how the value generated by new branded pharmaceuticals is shared. We quantify value in net health effects and account for benefits and health opportunity costs in the patent period and post‐patent period when generic/biosimilar products become available. We apply the framework to 12 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence appraisals and show that realized net health effects range from losses of 160%, to gains of 94%, of the potential net health benefits available. In many cases, even in the long run, the benefits of new medicines are not sufficient to offset the opportunity costs of payments to manufacturers, and approval is expected to reduce population health. This cannot be dynamically efficient as it incentivizes future innovation at prices which will also reduce population health. Further work should consider how to reflect these findings in reimbursement policies.
Do parental preferences predict engagement in child health programs?
Authors: Beatton Tony , Moores Carly J. , Sarkar Dipanwita , Sarkar Jayanta , Silva Goncalves Juliana , Vidgen Helen A.
Published: August 2021

We evaluate the role of behavioral attributes in predicting engagement in an intervention program. Distinct from the previous studies, we investigate how parental preferences influence their engagement behavior in a health program when the targeted outcomes relate to the health of their children, as opposed to their own. We use an artifactual field experiment where the participants were former parent enrollees in a child health management program in Australia. Our findings suggest that parents’ time preference and risk tolerance are robust predictors of engagement, measured by program attendance. Attendance is positively associated with patience and risk tolerance in the health domain, after controlling for a host of personality traits and socioeconomic factors. By improving our understanding of the behavioral risk factors for attrition, these findings offer important insights for enhancing participant engagement in intervention programs that are beset with the problem of high attrition.
Comparing the accuracy and complications of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement using fluoroscopic and the blind pushing technique
Authors: Erskine Brendan , Bradley Pierre , Joseph Tim , Yeh Sabrina , Clements Warren
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) offer a convenient long‐term intravenous access option. Different methods exist for insertion including the use of continuous fluoroscopy for guidance, or bedside insertion techniques. The blind pushing technique is a bedside approach which involves advancing a PICC through the access sheath without imaging guidance, before taking a mobile chest radiograph to confirm tip position. Obtaining optimal position is a critical aim of PICC placement as malpositioned lines have been associated with higher complications including death. We aimed to assess the accuracy of PICC placement by comparing the tip position and complications for lines placed under fluoroscopic guidance to those placed without fluoroscopic guidance.

Methods

The Radiology Information System was used to identify 100 continuous PICC insertions in each group (fluoroscopic and blind pushing) between 1 January and 12 May 2019. Patients were excluded if there was a known history of central venous occlusion/stenosis.

Results

In the fluoroscopic‐guided group, 0% of the lines were malpositioned compared with 60% of the lines placed using the blind pushing technique, P < 0.001.

Fluoroscopic‐guided PICC insertions were in place for a total of 2446 days and demonstrated 6 complications (2.45 complications per 1000 catheter days). This compared with blind pushing technique PICC insertions which were in place for a total of 1521 days and demonstrated 18 complications (11.83 complications per 1000 catheter days), P = 0.004.

Conclusion

The use of fluoroscopy for PICC placement leads to significant improvements in tip accuracy than for PICCs placed using the blind pushing technique. While the use of these imaging resources incurs cost and time, these factors should be balanced in order to offer patients the safest and most accurate method of line insertion.
Degradation studies of epoxy coatings on printed circuit boards after pressure cooker test
Authors: Schneider Michael , Gierth Uta , Šimůnková Lenka , Gierth Paul
Published: August 2021

The present work focuses on the investigation of the degradation of screen‐printed epoxy coatings on printed circuit boards under multiple corrosion loads realized by the pressure cooker test (PCT). Since methods like the common mechanical shear strength tests are destructive and limited in information, the authors' approach used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to study the change of their electrochemical behavior and the state of degradation. Complementarily, the Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the possible molecular change of the polymer due to the exposition. The experiments were carried out after different times of load. It could be shown that the complex conditions of the PCT initiate a controversial mechanism. The harsh corrosion load already results in a degradation of the polymer after 8 h but simultaneously the enhanced test temperature leads to ongoing curing processes consuming the remaining parts of resin and curing agents. As a result, the degradation kinetic seems to be delayed and after the test time of 96 h, the epoxy is less degraded than it was expected based on the results after a shorter time exposition.
Some mathematical comments about the analytic hierarchy process: Part I – theoretical analysis
Authors: Alvarez Gustavo B. , de Almeida Rafael G. , Hernández Cecilia T. , de Sousa Patrícia A. P.
Published: August 2021

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a decision making method, which has as its greatest criticism the rank reversal effect. Here a new mathematical analysis of this method is performed, and three new results are highlighted. First, the method is formulated as a linear system of equations, where it is possible to assign a geometric interpretation, determine the number of possible solutions, and perform an sensitivity analysis based on the condition number of the matrix. Second, the causes of rank reversal can be encompassed by two mathematical aspects related to the properties of the matrix of AHP: high condition number and deficient rank. When the matrix is deficient rank, it is possible to obtain a condensed formulation of the AHP with a new full rank matrix. This guarantees greater stability to the method. Third, some mathematical results can be used as a robustness test for the matrix of AHP.
Multiple Conformer Descriptors for QSAR Modeling
Authors: Nikonenko Aleksandra , Zankov Dmitry , Baskin Igor , Madzhidov Timur , Polishchuk Pavel
Published: August 2021

The most widely used QSAR approaches are mainly based on 2D molecular representation which ignores stereoconfiguration and conformational flexibility of compounds. 3D QSAR uses a single conformer of each compound which is difficult to choose reasonably. 4D QSAR uses multiple conformers to overcome the issues of 2D and 3D methods. However, many of existing 4D QSAR models suffer from the necessity to pre‐align conformers, while alignment‐independent approaches often ignore stereoconfiguration of compounds. In this study we propose a QSAR modeling approach based on transforming chirality‐aware 3D pharmacophore descriptors of individual conformers into a set of latent variables representing the whole conformer set of a molecule. This is achieved by clustering together all conformers of all training set compounds. The final representation of a compound is a bit string encoding cluster membership of its conformers. In our study we used Random Forest, but this representation can be used in combination with any machine learning method. We compared this approach with conventional 2D and 3D approaches using multiple data sets and investigated the sensitivity of the approach proposed to tuning parameters: number of conformers and clusters.
On weak solutions for fourth‐order problems involving the Leray–Lions type operators
Authors: Kefi Khaled , Repovš Dušan D. , Saoudi Kamel
Published: August 2021

We investigate existence and multiplicity of weak solutions for fourth‐order problems involving the Leray–Lions type operators in variable exponent spaces and improve a result of Bonanno and Chinnì (2011). We use variational methods and apply a multiplicity theorem of Bonanno and Marano (2010).
Weight matrices of the Dirac operator on a star graph
Authors: Liu Dai‐Quan , Yang Chuan‐Fu
Published: August 2021

In this work, we study some properties of weight matrices for the Dirac operator on a star graph, which are corresponding concepts to those of the Sturm‐Liouville operator. There are two major ingredients. The first is devoted to the structure properties and asymptotic formulae of weight matrices. As an application, we construct a sequence of eigenfunctions and prove its Riesz basicity in the second ingredient. The methods employed rely on contour integration techniques and the theory of Riesz bases.
Relationship between financial inclusion and financial development in India: Is there any link?
Authors: Lenka Sanjaya Kumar
Published: August 2021

A dynamic chain of financial activities and services can be served from debtors to creditors in the international economy through an efficient and effective financial sector. The motivation behind this study is to investigate the linkages between financial inclusion and financial development in India during the period (1980–2017). For this, the study employ principal component analysis (PCA) to construct both financial inclusion index and financial development index which measures financial access and financial depth position respectively. Using a set of determinants related to financial inclusion and financial development, the present study estimates there is a unidirectional relationship between financial inclusion and financial development in India. So, it reveals that financial inclusion is an essential element for financial sector development especially in a developing country like India.
Understanding relational values in cultural landscapes in Romania and Germany
Authors: Riechers Maraja , Balázsi Ágnes , Engler John‐Oliver , Shumi Girma , Fischer Joern
Published: August 2021

Relational values recently emerged as a concept to comprehensively understand and communicate the many values of nature. Relational values can be defined as preferences and principles about human–nature relationships and focus both on human–nature connections and well as human–human connections.

Here, drawing on 819 face‐to‐face questionnaires, we analysed relational, intrinsic and instrumental values across a total of six agricultural landscapes in Transylvania (Romania) and Lower Saxony (Germany). The landscapes described a gradient of land use intensity, within and across the countries.

Our results suggest a bundling of values into four groups: those concerned with individual cognition (including intrinsic values), those that focus on nature as a place for social interaction and relaxation, those that capture cultural identity and spiritual values and one bundle that only includes instrumental values.

These different values, in turn, were strongly related to (a) respondents’ attitudes towards environmental conservation and the (b) frequency with which respondents used nature as a resource.

Instrumental values have the tendency to be inversely related to relational values and were found to increase with the land use intensity of the focal landscapes.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Developing centrifugal spun thermally cross‐linked gelatin based fibrous biomats for antibacterial wound dressing applications
Authors: Gungor Melike , Sagirli Merve Nur , Calisir Mehmet Durmus , Selcuk Sule , Kilic Ali
Published: August 2021

Fibrous materials obtained from natural polymers, such as gelatin, have been used in medical applications due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Herein, free‐standing durable fibrous gelatin biomats with antibacterial activity were developed via a simple, low cost and fast production route, centrifugal spinning, and subsequent thermal crosslinking. After a series of preliminary experiments, droplet−/bead‐free porous biomats with fine fibers, 3.41 ± 1.8 μm in diameter, were fabricated. Subsequently, antimicrobial biomats were produced by adding AgNO3 into the production solution. X‐ray diffractometer and energy dispersive X‐ray results showed Ag NPs existing as AgCl in the biomats, which could be attributed to chemical reaction between the Ag NPs and residual Cl in the impure gelatin. Later, both the neat‐gelatin and Ag‐gelatin biomats were thermally crosslinked at 170°C to gain stability against water. Although the Ag addition reduced ultimate tensile strength by half, from 881 to 495 kPa, the crosslinked biomats were robust enough to be used for wound dressing applications. They were also found to be highly breathable, with the air permeability of 256 and 81.2 mm/s, respectively. The biomats showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The results show that the free‐standing fibrous‐gelatin‐based biomats produced is applicable for wound dressing applications.
Easy and reliable maximum a posteriori Bayesian estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters with the open‐source R package mapbayr
Authors: Le Louedec Félicien , Puisset Florent , Thomas Fabienne , Chatelut Étienne , White‐Koning Mélanie
Published: August 2021

Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameter estimation is a critical and complex step in the model‐informed precision dosing (MIPD) approach. The mapbayr package was developed to perform maximum a posteriori Bayesian estimation (MAP‐BE) in R from any population PK model coded in mrgsolve. The performances of mapbayr were assessed using two approaches. First, “test” models with different features were coded, for example, first‐order and zero‐order absorption, lag time, time‐varying covariates, Michaelis–Menten elimination, combined and exponential residual error, parent drug and metabolite, and small or large inter‐individual variability (IIV). A total of 4000 PK profiles (combining single/multiple dosing and rich/sparse sampling) were simulated from each test model, and MAP‐BE of parameters was performed in both mapbayr and NONMEM. Second, a similar procedure was conducted with seven “real” previously published models to compare mapbayr and NONMEM on a PK outcome used in MIPD. For the test models, 98% of mapbayr estimations were identical to those given by NONMEM. Some discordances could be observed when dose‐related parameters were estimated or when models with large IIV were used. The exploration of objective function values suggested that mapbayr might outdo NONMEM in specific cases. For the real models, a concordance close to 100% on PK outcomes was observed. The mapbayr package provides a reliable solution to perform MAP‐BE of PK parameters in R. It also includes functions dedicated to data formatting and reporting and enables the creation of standalone Shiny web applications dedicated to MIPD, whatever the model or the clinical protocol and without additional software other than R.
Political affiliation dissimilarity: Exploring lone affiliate employees' work attitudes and experiences
Authors: Henderson Alexandra A. , Jeong Sophia S.
Published: August 2021

Political affiliation is an important demographic variable that has been relatively neglected in the organizational literature. At present, it is unclear how political dissimilarity between employees and their coworkers affects employees' attitudes and experiences, and whether traditional theories are applicable to this unique form of diversity. Based on time‐lagged data from a sample of working Americans (N = 360), we found that lone affiliates (employees who work with coworkers who do not share the same political affiliation) experienced lower levels of positive attitudes than majority affiliates (employees who work with coworkers who do share the same political affiliation). Specifically, in Republican majority organizations, Democrats had lower job satisfaction and affective commitment compared to Republicans. This difference was not found in Democrat majority organizations. Interestingly, these trends were not found for negative experiences, such as incivility from coworkers and depletion. Unaffiliated employees had a unique set of attitudes and experiences in that they suffered the most in organizations with no clear affiliation. Theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future directions are also discussed.
Small‐Molecule Prodrug Nanoassemblies: An Emerging Nanoplatform for Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Li Guanting , Sun Bingjun , Li Yaqiao , Luo Cong , He Zhonggui , Sun Jin
Published: August 2021

The antitumor efficiency and clinical translation of traditional nanomedicines is mainly restricted by low drug loading, complex preparation technology, and potential toxicity caused by the overused carrier materials. In recent decades, small‐molecule prodrug nanoassemblies (SMP‐NAs), which are formed by the self‐assembly of prodrugs themselves, have been widely investigated with distinct advantages of ultrahigh drug‐loading and negligible excipients‐trigged adverse reaction. Benefited from the simple preparation process, SMP‐NAs are widely used for chemotherapy, phototherapy, immunotherapy, and tumor diagnosis. In addition, combination therapy based on the accurate co‐delivery behavior of SMP‐NAs can effectively address the challenges of tumor heterogeneity and multidrug resistance. Recent trends in SMP‐NAs are outlined, and the corresponding self‐assembly mechanisms are discussed in detail. Besides, the smart stimuli‐responsive SMP‐NAs and the combination therapy based on SMP‐NAs are summarized, with special emphasis on the structure–function relationships. Finally, the outlooks and potential challenges of SMP‐NAs in cancer therapy are highlighted.
Engineering Self‐Reconstruction via Flexible Components in Layered Double Hydroxides for Superior‐Evolving Performance
Authors: Liu Jiao , Ding Peng , Zhu Zexuan , Du Wei , Xu Xiaoyong , Hu Jingguo , Zhou Yong , Zeng Haibo
Published: August 2021

Most transition metal‐based catalysts for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) undergo surface reconstruction to generate real active sites favorable for high OER performance. Herein, how to use self‐reconstruction as an efficient strategy to develop novel and robust OER catalysts by designing pre‐catalysts with flexible components susceptible to OER conditions is proposed. The NiFe‐based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) intercalated with resoluble molybdate (MoO42−) anions in interlayers are constructed and then demonstrated to achieve complete electrochemical self‐reconstruction (ECSR) into active NiFe‐oxyhydroxides (NiFeOOH) beneficial to alkaline OER. Various ex situ and in situ techniques are used to capture structural evolution process including fast dissolution of MoO42− and deep reconstruction to NiFeOOH upon simultaneous hydroxyl invasion and electro‐oxidation. The obtained NiFeOOH exhibits an excellent OER performance with an overpotential of only 268 mV at 50 mA cm−1 and robust durability over 45 h, much superior to NiFe‐LDH and commercial IrO2 benchmark. This work suggests that the ECSR engineering in component‐flexible precursors is a promising strategy to develop highly active OER catalysts for energy conversion.
Flower‐Like Interlayer‐Expanded MoS2−x Nanosheets Confined in Hollow Carbon Spheres with High‐Efficiency Electrocatalysis Sites for Advanced Sodium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Luo Sainan , Ruan Jiafeng , Wang Yan , Hu Jiaming , Song Yun , Chen Min , Wu Limin
Published: August 2021

The room‐temperature sodium–sulfur (RT‐Na/S) battery is one of the most promising technologies for low‐cost energy storage. However, application of RT‐Na/S batteries is currently impeded by severe shuttle effects and volume expansion that limits both energy density and cycling stability. Herein, first, the first‐principal calculation is used to find that the introduction of sulfur vacancies in MoS2 can effectively enhance polysulfide adsorption and catalytic ability as well as both the ion and electron conductivities. Then, unique MoS2−x/C composite spheres are further designed and synthesized with flower‐like few‐layer and interlayer‐enlarged MoS2−x nanosheets space‐confined in hollow carbon nanospheres by a “ship‐in‐a‐bottle” strategy. With this novel design, the mass loading of S in the MoS2−x/C composite can be reached to as high as 75 wt%. Owing to the synergetic effect of interlayer‐expanded and few‐layer MoS2−x nanosheets and hollow carbon spheres matrix with high electronic/Na+ conductivity, the RT‐Na/S batteries deliver highly stable cycle durability (capacity retention of 85.2% after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1) and remarkable rate capability (415.7 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1) along with high energy density. This design strategy of defect‐ and interlayer‐engineering may find wide applications in synthesizing electrode materials for high‐performance RT‐Na/S batteries.
Review on Supervised and Unsupervised Learning Techniques for Electrical Power Systems: Algorithms and Applications
Authors: Chen Songbo
Published: August 2021

Machine learning (ML) has become a rising sophisticated technological application trend in the electrical industry in recent years. Such innovation provides optional methodologies for many existing applications, such as power and load profile forecasting, reliability evaluation, substation behavior detection and state observation of electrical equipment, and so on. This paper presents a review of various supervised and unsupervised ML techniques and applications for electrical power systems, including generation, transmission, distribution and micro‐grid. The algorithms and applications are mainly summarized from IEEE journals and the interest of this paper shows the roles and developments of most used algorithms and its corresponding extensions and performance in different applications. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Featurization strategies for protein–ligand interactions and their applications in scoring function development
Authors: Xiong Guoli , Shen Chao , Yang Ziyi , Jiang Dejun , Liu Shao , Lu Aiping , Chen Xiang , Hou Tingjun , Cao Dongsheng
Published: August 2021

The predictive performance of classical scoring functions (SFs) seems to have reached a plateau. Currently, SFs relying on sophisticated machine learning techniques have shown great potential in binding affinity prediction and virtual screening. As one of the most indispensable components in the workflow of training a machine learning scoring function (MLSF), the featurization or representation process enables us to catch certain physical processes that are important for protein–ligand interactions and to obtain machine‐readable descriptors. Currently, according to how they are derived, the descriptors used in MLSFs for both continuous and binary binding affinity estimates can be grouped into two broad categories: handcrafted features and automated‐extraction features. Moreover, the automated‐extraction features emerge as a new featurization trend along with the application of deep learning algorithms. Here, we make a thorough summary of the advances in the featurization strategies for protein–ligand interactions in the context of MLSFs, with emphasis on the recently rising automated‐extraction features. We also discuss the similarity between protein–ligand interaction representations and small‐molecule representations, and the challenges confronted by the scientific community in characterizing protein–ligand interactions. We expect that this review could inspire the development of novel featurization approaches and boosted MLSFs.

This article is categorized under:

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

Software > Molecular Modeling

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Interactions
Modeling Augmented Humanity
Authors: Bryant Peter T.
Published: August 2021

This multidisciplinary work analyzes the impact of digitalization on civilized humanity, conceived in terms of purposive, goal-directed agency. More particularly, it examines the close collaboration of human and artificial agents as augmented agents, viewing them both as complex, open adaptive systems, which vary dynamically in context. This first chapter explains general metamodels of agentic form and function, where metamodels are defined as families or related sets of models. From this perspective, augmented agency presents a new class of agentic metamodel, for individuals, groups, and collectives. At the same time, however, new risks and dilemmas emerge, which reflect the challenge of combining and supervising different human and artificial capabilities and potentialities. Problems of this kind are a recurrent topic throughout the book.
Agentic Modality
Authors: Bryant Peter T.
Published: August 2021

Three organizing agentic modalities consistently occur, namely, individuals, relational groups, and collectives of various kinds. Digital augmentation transforms these modalities. Particularly, the infusion of artificial agency compresses traditional hierarchies and layers. It also strengthens organizing capabilities, enabling new agentic forms and functions. Yet human agency is likely to remain layered and relatively uncompressed. Therefore, augmented agentic modality could be either more fluid and flattened, or internally conflicted. This chapter examines these developments and highlights the changing nature of procedural habit and routine, as key mediators of agentic modality, mindful that habit forms the scaffold for individual personality, and collective routine for collectivity. When these patterns of action are digitalized, they become more dynamic and generative. Although here, too, risks and dilemmas emerge, regarding the potential divergence and convergence of agentic modalities.
Learning
Authors: Bryant Peter T.
Published: August 2021

Human and artificial agents are both committed to learning. Evaluation of performance is a key driver. This is the case for adaptive feedback, which is generated from the evaluation of performance outcomes. It is also true for feedforward guidance, which results from real-time monitoring of ongoing processes. Augmented agents will learn in both ways. However, these developments signal a shift from historic patterns of learning from performance, which mainly focus on slower, inter-cyclical feedback cycles. Indeed, much human learning occurs in simple increments and takes years to complete. By comparison, artificial agents learn complex lessons with extraordinary speed and precision. Therefore, if collaborative supervision is poor, artificial learning will be fast and complex, while human learning is relatively sluggish and incremental. Such learning will be distorted, often ambiguous, ambivalent, and potentially dysfunctional. This chapter examines these dilemmas.
Ursachen visueller Halluzinationen bei der Parkinson-Krankheit
Authors: Diederich Nico J.
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Visuelle Halluzinationen (VH) werden zumeist als Spätsymptome der Parkinson-Krankheit (PK) angesehen. Sie kommen jedoch in leichterer Form auch in Frühstadien der Erkrankung vor. Ursächlich wurden VH anfänglich als Folge einer dopaminergen Überstimulation gesehen, später ebenso im Rahmen einer demenziellen Entwicklung der PK.

Fragestellung

Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht, ob sich das Entstehungsmodell der VH in den letzten Jahren erweitert hat.

Material und Methodik

Basierend auf klinischen, pharmakologischen und neuropathologischen Arbeiten sowie funktioneller Magnetresonanzgraphie erfolgt eine systematische Aufgliederung in monomodale und multimodale Entstehungsmodelle der VH. Die Anwendbarkeit auf unterschiedliche VH-Formen und -Auslösungsmomente wird jeweils kritisch beleuchtet.

Ergebnisse

Einbußen bei der visuellen Informationsaufnahme und -verarbeitung, Defizite der Aufmerksamkeit und fehlerhafte Konnektivität zwischen kortikalen Netzwerken werden herausgearbeitet. Es bestehen z. T. Überlappungen mit dem Lhermitte-Syndrom und dem Charles-Bonnet-Syndrom. Kein Modell erklärt jedoch befriedigend alle Spielarten der VH. Nicht alle VH weisen die gleiche Pathogenese und stets eine schlechte Prognose auf.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ursachenkette visueller Halluzinationen ist komplex und individuell unterschiedlich. Inwieweit dies therapeutisch einsetzbar ist, ist bisher wenig erforscht. Es gibt erste Hinweise, dass neben einer Änderung der Medikation auch Visusverbesserung, die Einbindung des Partners/der Partnerin und vielleicht individuell anpassbare Copingstrategien erfolgreich eingesetzt werden könnten.