bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydromagnetic boundary layer flow with heat transfer past a rotating disc embedded in a porous medium
Authors: Sharma Kushal , Vijay Neha , Kumar Sanjay , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: January 2021

In this study, the effect of Coriolis force along with the Darcy parameter has been analyzed on time‐dependent forced convective boundary layer flow of conducting fluids over a rotating disc embedded in a porous medium. The modeled system is solved by power series approximations in the Mathematica environment shooted values. The significant impact of the rheological properties, such as Darcy parameter  and Prandtl number , of water, hydrocarbon, and kerosene‐based conducting fluids for the deviation of parameter (Karman) has been noted and then analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively with graphs and tables.
Forecasting spot prices of agricultural commodities in India: Application of deep‐learning models
Authors: R L Manogna , Mishra Aswini Kumar
Published: January 2021

Food price fluctuations can impact both producers and consumers. Forecasting the prices of the agricultural commodities is of prime concern not only to the government but also to farmers and agribusiness firms. In developing countries like India, management of food security needs competent and efficient forecasting of food prices. With the availability of data, recent innovation in deep‐learning models provides a feasible solution to accurately forecast the prices. In this study, we examine the superiority of these models using the daily spot prices of five major commodities traded on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange: cotton seed, castor seed, rape mustard seed, soybean seed, and guar seed. The results were obtained from the application of the traditional univariate autoregressive integrated moving average model and deep‐learning techniques like the time‐delay neural network (TDNN) and long short‐term memory (LSTM) network. The empirical results indicate that the LSTM model is indeed suitable for the financial domain and captures the directional movement of the spot price changes with high accuracy compared with the TDNN and other linear models. Accuracy of the performance of these models has been compared using out‐of‐sample performance measure. The overall objective of this paper is to demonstrate the utility of spot price forecasting for farmers and traders in offering them the best predictions of the price movements. Our results provide a possibility of developing pricing models that can help in fairly regulating agricultural commodity prices.
Development of Hip Bone Geometry During Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy in Transgender Adolescents Resembles That of the Experienced Gender When Pubertal Suspension Is Started in Early Puberty
Authors: van der Loos Maria ATC , Hellinga Ilse , Vlot Mariska C , Klink Daniel T , den Heijer Martin , Wiepjes Chantal M
Published: January 2021

Bone geometry can be described in terms of periosteal and endocortical growth and is partly determined by sex steroids. Periosteal and endocortical apposition are thought to be regulated by testosterone and estrogen, respectively. Gender-affirming hormone (GAH) treatment with sex steroids in transgender people might affect bone geometry. However, in adult transgender people, no change in bone geometry during GAH was observed. In this study, we investigated changes in bone geometry among transgender adolescents using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and GAH before achieving peak bone mass. Transgender adolescents treated with GnRHa and subsequent GAH before the age of 18 years were eligible for inclusion. Participants were grouped based on their Tanner stage at the start of GnRHa treatment and divided into early, mid, and late puberty groups. Hip structure analysis software calculating subperiosteal width (SPW) and endocortical diameter (ED) was applied to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans performed at the start of GnRHa and GAH treatments, and after ≥2 years of GAH treatment. Mixed-model analyses were performed to study differences over time. Data were visually compared with reference values of the general population. A total of 322 participants were included, of whom 106 were trans women and 216 trans men. In both trans women and trans men, participants resembled the reference curve for SPW and ED of the experienced gender but only when GnRHa was started during early puberty. Those who started during mid and late puberty remained within the reference curve of the gender assigned at birth. A possible explanation might be sought in the phenomenon of programming, which conceptualizes that stimuli during critical windows of development can have major consequences throughout one's life span. Therefore, this study adds insights into sex-specific bone geometry development during puberty of transgender adolescents treated with GnRHa, as well as the general population. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Correlation between the platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and diabetic foot ulcer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Kuanxin , Ding Sheng , Lyu Xiaoyu , Tan Qin , Wang Zhongjing
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate the correlation between the platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Method

From January 2018 to August 2019, 206 patients with T2DM admitted to the Central Hospital of Wuhan, China, were enrolled in this study, including 104 patients with DFU (DFU group) and 102 patients without DFU (T2DM group). During the same period, 90 healthy subjects were randomly screened as normal controls (NC group). The correlation between PLR and DFU in patients with T2DM was explored by comparing the PLR of the subjects in the three groups.

Results

The PLRs of the DFU and T2DM groups were higher than that of the NC group, whereas the PLR of the DFU group was higher than that of the T2DM group (p < 0.05). PLR was positively correlated with the Wagner DFU grade (p < 0.001). Based on logistic regression analysis, PLR was found to be an independent risk factor for DFU (OR =1.029, 95% CI: 1.019 ~ 1.039, p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the PLR showed that the area under the curve of the PLR for predicting diabetic foot ulcer was 0.776 (p < 0.001), and the analysis determined that the optimal critical value of the PLR for predicting DFU was 147.6.

Conclusion

The PLR is significantly elevated in patients with DFU and positively correlated with the Wagner DFU grade, which might be a valuable marker for early diagnosis and assessment of severity of DFU.
A parsimonious approach for recognizing SARS‐CoV‐2 and host interactions
Authors: Ganguly Bhaskar
Published: January 2021

Effective countermeasures against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) demand a better understanding of the pathogen‐host interactions. However, such information about the targets, responses, and effects in the host due to the virus is limited, especially so in the case of newly emerged pathogens. The peptide domains that form the interfaces of host and pathogen interacting proteins being evolutionarily conserved, it may be hypothesized that such interactions can be inferred from the similarities in the nucleotide sequences between the host and the pathogen. This communication reports the results of a study based on a parsimonious approach for the identification of the host‐virus interactions, where sequence complementarity between the human and SARS‐Cov‐2 genomes was used to predict several interactions between the host and SARS‐CoV‐2 at different levels of biological organization. In particular, the findings are suggestive of a direct effect of SARS‐CoV‐2 on cardiac health. The existing literature on host responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 and other viruses attest to many of these predicted interactions, supporting the utility of the proposed approach for the identification of host interactions with other novel pathogens.
Quadriceps muscle volume positively contributes to ACL volume
Authors: Shultz Sandra J. , Schmitz Randy J. , Kulas Anthony S. , Labban Jeffrey D. , Wang Hsin‐Min
Published: January 2021

Females have smaller anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) than males and smaller ACLs have been associated with a greater risk of ACL injury. Overall body dimensions do not adequately explain these sex differences. This study examined the extent to which quadriceps muscle volume (VOLQUAD) positively predicts ACL volume (VOLACL) once sex and other body dimensions were accounted for. Physically active males (N = 10) and females (N = 10) were measured for height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Three‐Tesla magnetic resonance images of their dominant and nondominant thigh and knee were then obtained to measure VOLACL, quadriceps, and hamstring muscle volumes, femoral notch width, and femoral notch width index. Separate three‐step regressions estimated associations between VOLQUADand VOLACL(third step), after controlling for sex (first step) and one body dimension (second step). When controlling for sex and sex plus BMI, VOLHAM, notch width, or notch width index, VOLQUADconsistently exhibited a positive association with VOLACLin the dominant leg, nondominant leg, and leg‐averaged models (p < 0.05). Findings were inconsistent when controlling for sex and height (p = 0.038–0.102). Once VOLQUADwas included, only notch width and notch width index retained a statistically significant individual association with VOLACL(p < 0.01).Statement of Clinical Significance: The positive association between VOLQUADand VOLACLsuggests ACL size may in part be modifiable. Future studies are needed to determine the extent to which an appropriate training stimulus (focused on optimizing overall lower extremity muscle mass development) can positively impact ACL size and structure in young females.
Molecule Recognition and Release Behavior of Naphthalenediimide Derivative via Supramolecular Interactions
Authors: Ma Yudong , Luo Lixing , Yang Canglei , Wang Wei , Liu Xitong , Zhang Jing , Huang Wei
Published: January 2021

Self‐assembled charge‐transfer complexes based on supramolecular interactions have attracted immense research interest due to their unique packing and (opto)electronic applications. Herein, two new binary cocrystals with a similar 1:1 mixed‐stack arrangement are synthesized by solvent evaporation or grinding method using N,N′‐dimethyl‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalene tetracarboxylic diimide (Me‐NDI) as the receptor. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms the successful molecular‐level recognition and various weak interaction networks. Upon thermal treatment of 1,4,8,11‐tetramethyl‐6,13‐triethylsilylethynyl pentacene (TMTES‐P)/Me‐NDI complex, in situ cocrystal‐to‐crystal conversion is observed, and the receptor is gradually released, while the perylene/Me‐NDI cocrystal disassembles in the same manner as a single‐component compound. The aligned short‐contact network, good stability of TMTES‐P, and anisotropic attachment energies of the TMTES‐P/Me‐NDI cocrystal disassemble in a manner same to that of a single‐component compound. The aligned short‐contact network, good stability of TMTES‐P, and anisotropic attachment complexes are believed to promote the release of specific molecules. These structure–property relationship results provide new insights into the design of a supramolecular class with desired functionalities in terms of self‐assembled recognition, release, or crystal conversion.
Stochastic preemptive goal programming to balance goal achievements under uncertainty
Authors: Ledwith Matthew C. , Hufstetler Brandon J. , Gallagher Mark A.
Published: January 2021

Structured decision‐making in the presence of conflicting goals is difficult, and even more so when accounting for uncertainties in the goals or constraints. In this article, we propose a new approach to multi‐criteria decision‐making that extends the deterministic preemptive goal programming approach to account for such uncertainties. The uncertainties may be characterized in various ways including a Bayesian network or extensive Monte Carlo multi‐variate output. We contend the proposed stochastic preemptive goal programming approach is particularly applicable when better goal achievement increases uncertainty or induces risk to other goals. Resulting solutions tend to be a balance of the goals' achievements and robust to minor changes to the goals or constraints. We demonstrate the approach using three illustrative examples: a univariate example, a bivariate example, and a stock portfolio optimization example along with an application to determine military requests for absence. Our preliminary results suggest that a stochastic preemptive goal programming approach represents an effective means of analysing multi‐criteria decision‐making problems under uncertainty.
Demodulation of a polarization‐maintaining photonic crystal fiber load sensor with high resolution using a microwave photonic filter
Authors: Song Zixuan , Wang Yiping , Cheng Yunjie
Published: January 2021

A new demodulation technique for polarization‐maintaining photonic crystal fiber pressure sensor with high resolution based on a simple photonic microwave filter has been proposed and demonstrated. Unlike the conventional methods that use optical interferometry and optical spectrum analysis, the proposed method adopts microwave photonics technique. The relationship between load and the notch frequency of the filter is studied. By measuring the notch frequency of the filter, the pressure can be determined and the sensing sensitivity is greatly increased. The sensitivity is as high as 15.625 MHz/N which satisfied well with the theoretical simulation.
Investigating Human Perception of Head‐Up Display Ghosting
Authors: Pankratz Steve , Diepholz William , VanDerlofske John
Published: January 2021

Unlike wedge windshield technology that mitigates HUD image ghosting by reducing the ghost disparity angle, P‐pol combiner film windshields improve image quality by reducing the relative ghost luminance (RGL). Initial survey data indicate that this approach produces mostly imperceptible ghosting and high‐quality, legible images, and confirms that the RGL metric must be included along with the disparity angle when evaluating HUD ghosting.
Surveying the SID Vehicle Display Symposium
Authors: Davis Kyle
Published: January 2021

Despite its virtual presence, the 2020 SID Vehicle Display Symposium offered a full technical program, exhibitor hall, and panel discussion. As an attendee, Kyle Davis discusses key takeaways and insights.
Innovate or Die: How Chinese‐Based Industry Players Could Steer the Future
Authors: Hendy Ian , Gray Paul
Published: January 2021

In this second half of a two‐part article, the authors consider the display industry's progression to its current state from an innovation, product, and economics outlook. More specifically, they discuss the geo‐economic role of display‐related entities based in China.
Characterization of Spawning Behavior in Cultured Delta Smelt
Authors: Tsai Yi-Jiun Jean , Chase Samantha , Carson Evan W. , Zweig Leanna , Hung Tien-Chieh
Published: January 2021

We examined cultured Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus under laboratory settings to provide the first formal characterization of spawning behavior, which included the quantification of participants and diel spawning patterns. We video recorded behavioral observation trials in which four mature males and four ripe females interacted freely for 9–11 d. We found that three behaviors were consistently associated with egg release: (1) two or more fish swam in close proximity to one another just above the substrate or tank floor, (2) fish swam together synchronously during fast, forward-swimming movements (bouts) while in tandem and in close proximity to one another, and (3) female(s) released eggs and male(s) presumably released milt during one or more bouts. We also found that two to five fish participated in any given spawn and that spawning occurred at night. Furthermore, spawns were observed across three consecutive nights within a trial and up to 17 times within one night, indicating that individuals spawned serially within and across nights within a single clutch cycle. This study enhances our understanding of the Delta Smelt mating system and informs ongoing conservation efforts.
Dietary Pure Polyhydroxyalkanoate Effects on Growth, Nutrient Utilization, Apparent Digestibility, and Hematology in Nile Tilapia
Authors: Rodriguez-Estrada Uriel , Tachibana Leonardo , Carla Dias Danielle , Ben-Hamed Said , Sampaio-Goncalves Giovani , Rosa Sussel Fabio , Ranzani-Paiva Maria Jose
Published: January 2021

In the past decade, different groups of additives (probiotics, oligosaccharides, and plant extracts) have been widely researched and used in worldwide aquaculture. Recently, other groups, such as biopolymers (e.g., poly-β-hydroxybutyrate) with prebiotic properties, have been investigated. Among biopolymers, the use of pure polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA; composition = 95–100%) as a feed additive in aquaculture has not been studied yet. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to research the effects of four supplementation levels of pure PHA on growth, survival, feed and nutrient utilization, apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs), and hematology of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were designed, including a control (C) diet without PHA supplementation. Remaining diets were supplemented with the following levels of PHA: PHA 0.1% (basal diet + 0.1% PHA), PHA 0.5% (basal diet + 0.5% PHA), PHA 1.0% (basal diet + 1.0% PHA), and PHA 2.0% (basal diet + 2.0% PHA). After a 70-d feeding test period, the PHA 0.5% and PHA 1.0% experimental groups showed significantly higher final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, lipid efficiency and productive value, and ADCs of lipid and energy compared to those of the C group. Protein efficiency ratio was significantly higher in fish fed the PHA 0.1%, PHA 0.5%, and PHA 1.0% diets compared to the C group. Protein productive value significantly increased in the PHA 1.0% group. The ADC of protein was significantly higher in fish fed diets supplemented with any level of PHA compared to C fish. Regarding hematological parameters, hematocrit value showed a significant increase in fish fed PHA 0.1% compared to the C group. Leukocyte composition (%) did not show significant differences among experimental groups. Based on polynomial regression analysis, the optimum inclusion levels of PHA in Nile Tilapia diets were 0.82–0.92% for growth performance, 1.0–1.1% for nutrient utilization, 1.0–1.2% for ADCs, and 1.34% for hematocrit. Cost–benefit ratio analysis revealed nonsignificant but numerical differences among experimental diets. Results suggest that pure PHA, when supplemented at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0%, has certain positive effects on growth, nutrient and feed utilization, and ADCs without compromising Nile Tilapia hematology or health.
Effects of Feeding Regimens on the Proximate Composition and Condition Indices of Juvenile Koi Cyprinus carpio Used as Forage
Authors: Patterson Donovan , Gatlin Delbert , Prangnell David , Ray Brian
Published: January 2021

Two comparative feeding trials examined the effects different feed regimens had on body condition indices, whole-body proximate composition, and energy density of koi, a variant of Common Carp Cyprinus carpio, used as forage by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's hatchery program for piscivorous broodfish. Prior research indicated that feeding koi a high-energy/protein diet for 2 weeks, then transitioning to a low-energy/protein diet for the remainder of the production period was most cost effective without sacrificing biomass. However, previous analyses did not consider the nutritional content and energy density of the forage produced. Eight-week trials were conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and at a production scale in plastic-lined hatchery ponds to evaluate the effect of feeding regimens on the quality of forage produced (i.e., nutrient composition and total biomass) while measuring production costs. The RAS trial indicated that feeding regimen could significantly increase the nutrient composition, energy density, and production biomass of koi forage, particularly by transitioning from high-energy/protein feed to a feed that compromises cost and energy/protein density. Koi in ponds grew to an appropriate size for use as broodfish forage under all feed regimens tested. Nutrient composition of fish did not differ significantly in the pond trial, indicating that natural productivity might compensate for some nutrient shortfalls of a feeding regimen. However, energy density of the forage was highest when fed high-energy/protein feed. Cost of production was significantly higher when only feeding high-energy/protein feed. However, this extra expense may be worthwhile in certain situations given the positive effects of more nutritious forage fish and higher gross forage production.
Antioxidant, and enhanced flexible nano porous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Sohail , Li Jinhua , Ahmed Iftikhar , Ghazanfar Uzma , Irshad Muhammad Sultan , Idrees Muhammad , Haq Zeenat , Rizwan Muhammad , Sheikh Farzeen , Yasmeen Farhat
Published: January 2021

Three‐dimensional bioactive, antioxidant, and porous nanocomposite scaffolds are inevitable to avoid dependency and disability in the life cycle. Herein, we develop a facile fabrication protocol of nano porous zinc doped hydroxyapatite (Zn‐HAp) scaffold enhanced by polysaccharide polymeric structure for bone tissue engineering applications. The bioactive nano scaffold exhibit opens porous assembly that sustains its flexible and robust nature and promotes efficient linking capability. Moreover, nano scaffold geometry and its porosity were controlled efficiently in various concentrations of zinc doped hydroxyapatite (Zn‐HAp) nanoparticles. Indeed, the composite scaffolds are retained in a dry shape with a suitable load‐bearing strength adjacent to the cancellous bone. The presence of zinc doped hydroxyapatite in the polymeric matrix of nano scaffold regulates its antibacterial response against different bacterial strains owing to its oxidative stress nature. The antioxidant and biocompatibility of nano‐scaffolds were investigated by DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) scavenging behavior, the scavenging activity of ABTS (2,2‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐ 6‐sulphonic acid) radical, and iron‐chelating potential. The observed results reveal that polysaccharide‐dependent porous geometry possesses adequate biocompatibility, radical scavenging behavior, and excellent antibacterial properties that validate it as a suitable candidate material for bone tissue implantation. The unprecedented radical scavenging and antioxidant bioactive nanocomposite scaffold are all set to reshape the future bone tissue implantation.
Flexible CdS/CdSe quantum dots sensitized solar cells with high performance and durability
Authors: Ma Fei , Deng Yunlong , Ni Xia , Hou Juan , Liu Guohan , Peng Shanglong
Published: January 2021

The research work aimed to explore a serial of facile methods to obtain low‐cost, flexible, and high‐performance CdS/CdSe QDSSCs. The flexible photoanode was prepared on the ITO/PEN substrate by blade coating. In order to improve the bonding performance between different layers of photovoltaic devices, the introduction of additives in the precursor slurry and the rapid annealing after blade coating were adopted. The flexible CdS/CdSe QDSSCs deliver energy conversion efficiency over 3%. When the tert‐butanol additive was introduced, the conversion efficiency of the flexible device was as high as 3.49%. Meanwhile, flexible devices also showed excellent bending stability. When hydrochloric acid additives were introduced, the energy conversion efficiency retention rate of flexible CdS/CdSe QDSSCs was 72.7%, which showed great application potential.
Body composition in Japanese patients with psychiatric disorders: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kishi Taro , Okuya Makoto , Sakuma Kenji , Otaka Yohei , Saitoh Eiichi , Iwata Nakao
Published: January 2021

Aim

This study aimed to investigate body composition in Japanese patients with psychiatric disorders.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted to assess the body composition in Japanese patients with psychiatric disorders and healthy controls. InBody470 was used to measure the body composition of the participants. For the primary analysis, measures of body composition between patients and healthy controls were compared. Moreover, the following patient subgroups were also compared with the healthy controls: (a) patients with psychotic disorders only, (b) patients with mood disorders only, (c) patients receiving antipsychotics, (d) patients receiving conventional mood stabilizers, (e) patients receiving antidepressants only but not any antipsychotics and/or mood stabilizers, and (f) patients receiving hypnotics/anxiolytics.

Results

This study included 205 individuals (105 patients and 100 healthy controls). It was found that patients had a significantly higher body mass index, waist‐hip ratio, body fat mass, and percent body fat compared with the healthy controls. Moreover, significant differences were noted in the waist‐hip ratio, body fat mass, and percent body fat between all patient subgroups other than patients receiving conventional mood stabilizers subgroup and healthy controls.

Conclusion

This is the first cross‐sectional study to examine body composition in Japanese patients with psychiatric disorders. No difference in the skeletal muscle volume was noted although patients had higher body fat than healthy controls. A longitudinal and large cohort study in the future, controlling for medication and diagnosis, will need to determine why body fat is increased in Japanese patients with psychiatric disorders.
Macrophage–stroma interactions in fibrosis: biochemical, biophysical, and cellular perspectives
Authors: Vasse Gwenda F , Nizamoglu Mehmet , Heijink Irene H , Schlepütz Marco , van Rijn Patrick , Thomas Matthew J , Burgess Janette K , Melgert Barbro N
Published: January 2021

Fibrosis results from aberrant wound healing and is characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix, impairing the function of an affected organ. Increased deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, disruption of matrix degradation, but also abnormal post‐translational modifications alter the biochemical composition and biophysical properties of the tissue microenvironment – the stroma. Macrophages are known to play an important role in wound healing and tissue repair, but the direct influence of fibrotic stroma on macrophage behaviour is still an under‐investigated element in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In this review, the current knowledge on interactions between macrophages and (fibrotic) stroma will be discussed from biochemical, biophysical, and cellular perspectives. Furthermore, we provide future perspectives with regard to how macrophage–stroma interactions can be examined further to ultimately facilitate more specific targeting of these interactions in the treatment of fibrosis. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Chemoreduction with topotecan and vincristine: Quantifying tumor response in bilateral retinoblastoma patients
Authors: King Benjamin A. , Sahr Natasha , Sykes April , Wilson Matthew W. , Brennan Rachel C.
Published: January 2021

Background

Evaluate the efficacy of two courses of vincristine and topotecan (VT) neoadjuvant intravenous chemotherapy in reducing retinoblastoma tumor volumes.

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients with previously untreated, bilateral advanced retinoblastoma who were enrolled on a prospective treatment protocol (NCT00186888). Patients underwent high‐resolution ophthalmic imaging at diagnosis and were reimaged following treatment with two cycles of VT. Tumor height and diameter were measured before and after treatment, and tumor volumes were calculated. Statistical methods for dependent samples were used.

Results

Imaging was completed for 75 tumors in 23 patients (43 eyes). After two cycles of VT, median decrease in tumor height was 47% and median decrease in tumor diameter was 22%. Median decrease in estimated tumor volume was 74%. Sixty‐one of 75 tumors demonstrated >50% reduction in tumor volume. Distance from the optic nerve (=0 vs >0), age (<4 vs >4 months), macular location (within vs outside), and time (pre‐ and posttreatment) were found significantly associated with log‐transformed tumor volume adjusting for the repeated effect of patient eye using generalized estimating equations to estimate the parameters of a generalized linear model (P < .0001 [: 1.95, CI: 1.53‐2.36], P = .0031 [: 1.49, CI: 0.57‐2.41], P < .0001 [: .94, CI: 0.54‐1.35], and P < .0001 [: 1.43, CI: 1.15‐1.71]).

Conclusion

Chemoreduction was achieved in all patients and most retinoblastoma tumors following two cycles of VT. Reduction in tumor dimensions was comparable to that reported with platinum‐based chemotherapy. Tumor location, distance from the optic nerve, and age at diagnosis were significant predictors of treatment response.
Mandibular metastases in neuroblastoma: Outcomes and dental sequelae
Authors: Singh Annu , Modak Shakeel , Solano Armand K. , Kushner Brian H. , Wolden Suzanne , Huryn Joseph , Estilo Cherry L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Although metastatic involvement of bony sites including cranial bones is common in neuroblastoma (NB), mandibular metastases (MM) are uncommon, and specific outcomes have not been reported upon in the modern therapeutic era.

Methods

In this retrospective study, medical records on patients with MM from NB were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

Of 29 patients, nine (31%) had MM at diagnosis, whereas in 20 (69%) MM were first detected at NB relapse at a median time of 26 (6‐89) months from diagnosis. Median maximal diameter of lesions was 3 (range 0.8‐4.9) cm. MM were unilateral in 83% of patients, with ascending ramus (55%) and mandibular body (38%) being the two most common sites. All patients received systemic chemotherapy, and 26 (93%) patients received radiotherapy to MM. At a median follow‐up of 37.3 (24.2‐219.5) months, eight of nine patients with MM at diagnosis did not experience mandibular progressive disease. Eighteen of 20 patients with MM at relapse received therapeutic radiotherapy; objective responses were noted in 78%. Seventy‐two percent (5/18) had not experienced relapse within the radiation field at a median of 12 (2‐276) months postradiotherapy. Dental findings at follow‐up after completion of NB therapy included hypodontia, hypocalcification of enamel, and trismus. Median 3‐year overall survival in patients with relapsed MM was 51 ± 12% months from relapse.

Conclusion

MM when detected at diagnosis is associated with a prognosis similar to that for other skeletal metastases of NB. Radiotherapy is effective for control of MM detected both at diagnosis and relapse. Significant dental abnormalities posttherapy warrant regular dental evaluations and appropriate intervention.
A systematic review of the What Works Clearinghouse's behavioral intervention evidence: Does it relate to Black children
Authors: Graves Scott L. , Phillips Shanye , Jones Mark , Johnson Kyanna
Published: January 2021

The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) is a source that is used to report the empirical evidence for interventions. The purpose of this review was to understand the presence of Black children in research that has been classified as Meeting the Standards With and Without Reservations by the WWC. Results indicated that 16 interventions met the WWC standards with specific outcomes focusing on positive behavioral skills, social outcomes, change in values and attitudes, and school engagement. These interventions resulted in 22 peer‐reviewed articles that were based on a group design, with 26 publications utilizing single‐case methodology. From a methodological standpoint, none of the articles in this review analyzed results separately by race. Relatedly none of the reviewed interventions that meet standards or meet standards without reservations were culturally modified which has proven to be more beneficial than standard practice. Furthermore, the articles based on the interventions did not address specific causes of disparate behavioral outcomes in schools (e.g., perceived disrespect, defiance, insubordination, and disobedience) identified in the research base. Implications are discussed in terms of the validity of WWC studies as they relate to Black children.
BMP‐6 Loaded Polyelectrolyte Complex Nanoparticles Inducing Osteogenic Differentiation and Apoptosis of Malignant Plasma Cells for Local Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Grab Anna Luise , Hose Dirk , Horn Patrick , Cavalcanti‐Adam Elisabetta Ada , Seckinger Anja , Müller Martin
Published: January 2021

In the malignant plasma cell disease multiple myeloma (MM), bone lesions and resulting fractures caused by MM cell (MMC) accumulation represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite recent advantages in systemic treatment, residual MMCs remain, especially in bone lesions. Therefore an interfacial delivery system for local treatment of MM and induced bone disease based on polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PEC NP) loaded with bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP‐6) inducing de‐novo bone formation and MMC apoptosis is presented herein. BMP‐6 loaded PEC NP are fabricated by defined mixing bio‐related cationic and anionic polysaccharides and BMP‐6 according to molar ratio of BMP‐6/PEC‐NP of 1/3. BMP‐6/PEC NP bound to a model substrate releases 10% BMP‐6 sustainably within two weeks as accessed by infrared spectroscopy. BMP‐6 loaded PEC NP adheres to cell membranes of MMCs and MSCs and activated phosphorylation of Smad 1/5. Osteogenic differentiation (ALP‐concentration) is enhanced in MSCs (p < 0.05). All patient samples (10/10) of MMCs show significant induction of apoptosis (median 84%, p < 0.05). Finally, BMP‐6/PEC NP are successfully integrated in a commercial hyaluronic acid based hydrogel material revealing MMC death as principal proof for the local treatment of MM induced bone lesions.
Liquid jet fire: The impact of rainout on the predicted hazard
Authors: Zhao Jin , Rowley Jef
Published: January 2021

Although jet fires may pose a major hazard in the chemical processing industry, they are typically modeled with semi‐empirical models that were developed based on experimental results of natural gas. In most semi‐empirical models, it is typically assumed that all liquid is instantly vaporized upon discharge and combusted fully in the jet. In reality, depending on discharge fuel momentum, elevation, temperature, and liquid fuel properties, a significant percentage of liquid fuel may fall to the ground and burn as a pool rather than contribute to the jet fire. As a result, such a model may predict overly conservative results when used to model liquid spray jet fires. In this study, a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model previously proved to be able to predict a subcooled liquid jet fire flame shape, length, rain out condition, and thermal radiation level was used to investigate how some key factors affect the percentage of liquid fuel that could combust in jet fire. Results were used to adjust semi‐empirical jet fire models to take account of rainout effect. Examples are given for rainout jet fire cases predicted with this revised semi‐empirical model.
Front Cover Image
Authors: Shi Kaiyun , Wen Jianxia , Zeng Jinhao , Guo Yaoguang , Hu Jike , Li Cong , Zhao Yanling , Ma Xiao
Published: January 2021

The cover image is based on the Review Preclinical evidence of Yinchenhao decoction on cholestasis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of animal studies by Kaiyun Shi et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6806.

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A behavior‐driven reliability modeling method for complex smart systems
Authors: Xing Liudong , Zhao Guilin , Xiang Yisha , Liu Qisi
Published: January 2021

With recent advancements in Internet technologies and wireless communications, wireless sensor network (WSN)‐based smart systems are gaining an enormous increase in use in various applications (eg, healthcare, smart home, smart manufacturing, smart power grids, and smart transportation). Due to the mission‐critical or safety‐critical nature of smart system applications, it is imperative that a smart system be reliable during its mission time. However, reliability analysis and design of smart systems are still open challenging research problems due to complicated dependencies existing in the WSN domain or the physical domain monitored by the WSN, and due to dependencies crossing the two domains. This paper proposes a new behavior‐driven reliability modeling methodology for accurate and efficient reliability analysis of complex WSN‐based smart systems, contributing toward their robust designs and operations. The suggested method can address effects of dependent behaviors affecting different domains of the smart system in a combinatorial manner. It also enables the use of efficient single‐domain reliability methods to retain their efficiency. A case study of a smart home system is performed to demonstrate the application of the proposed method as well as its advantages in handling nonexponential time‐to‐failure distributions and in analyzing smart systems with complicated intradomain and cross‐domain dependencies.
Spontaneous pneumothorax during nintedanib therapy in patients with systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Sumi Toshiyuki , Uehara Hirofumi , Tada Makoto , Keira Yoshiko , Kamada Koki , Shijubou Naoki , Yamada Yuichi , Nakata Hisashi , Mori Yuji , Chiba Hirofumi
Published: January 2021

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Nintedanib, an antifibrotic drug, has recently been approved for treating SSc‐ILD. Although there have been no reports suggesting the development of pneumothorax with nintedanib use, its safety in patients with impaired lung function is unclear. We observed the development of refractory spontaneous pneumothorax during nintedanib therapy in two patients with SSc‐ILD and impaired lung function. Nintedanib use for SSc‐ILD, an extensive disease, may therefore increase the risk of pneumothorax. In addition, pneumothorax is more likely to be refractory in these cases; initiation of nintedanib treatment and follow‐up should be considered carefully.
Resident vs nonresident multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell interactions with B lymphocytes result in disparate outcomes
Authors: Lee Wei , Wang Li-Tzu , Yen Men-Luh , Hsu Pei-Ju , Lee Yu-Wei , Liu Ko-Jiunn , Lin Kuo-I , Su Yu-Wen , Sytwu Huey-Kang , Yen B. Linju
Published: January 2021

Multipotent human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from multiple organs including the bone marrow (BM) and placenta harbor clinically relevant immunomodulation best demonstrated toward T lymphocytes. Surprisingly, there is limited knowledge on interactions with B lymphocytes, which originate from the BM where there is a resident MSC. With increasing data demonstrating MSC tissue-specific propensities impacting therapeutic outcome, we therefore investigated the interactions of BM-MSCs—its resident and “niche” MSC—and placental MSCs (P-MSCs), another source of MSCs with well-characterized immunomodulatory properties, on the global functional outcomes of pan-peripheral B cell populations. We found that P-MSCs but not BM-MSCs significantly inhibit proliferation and further differentiation of stimulated human peripheral B populations in vitro. Moreover, although BM-MSCs preserve multiple IL-10-producing regulatory B cell (Breg) subsets, P-MSCs significantly increase all subsets. To corroborate these in vitro findings in vivo, we used a mouse model of B-cell activation and found that adoptive transfer of P-MSCs but not BM-MSCs significantly decreased activated B220+ B cells. Moreover, adoptive transfer of P-MSCs but not BM-MSCs significantly decreased the overall B220+ B-cell proliferation and further differentiation, similar to the in vitro findings. P-MSCs also increased two populations of IL-10-producing murine Bregs more strongly than BM-MSCs. Transcriptome analyses demonstrated multifactorial differences between BM- and P-MSCs in the profile of relevant factors involved in B lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation. Our results highlight the divergent outcomes of tissue-specific MSCs interactions with peripheral B cells, and demonstrate the importance of understanding tissue-specific differences to achieve more efficacious outcome with MSC therapy.
An In Situ Coupling Strategy toward Porous Carbon Liquid with Permanent Porosity
Authors: Li Peipei , Wang Dechao , Zhang Lu , Liu Chao , Wu Fei , Wang Yongkun , Wang Zheng , Zhao Zhenhuan , Wu Weiwei , Liang Yanping , Li Zhimin , Wang Weidong , Zheng Yaping
Published: January 2021

An in situ coupling approach is used to fabricate the porous carbon liquid with permanent porosity by directly dispersing hollow carbon nanospheres in polymerized ionic liquids. It is a kind of homogenous and stable type III porous liquid at room temperature. Because of the well‐preserved permanent porosity, this unique porous carbon liquid is capable of absorbing the largest quantity of carbon dioxide than the reference PILs and solid carbon liquid, thus, can function as a promising candidate for application in gas storage. More importantly, this approach not only provides an easy method to tune the properties of those specific porous liquids, but also is suitable for fabricating other porous liquid based on varied porous structures (e.g., porous carbon nitride, porous boron nitride, and polymer with intrinsic microporosity), thus paving a viable path for the rational design and synthesis of novel porous liquids with functional properties for specific applications.
Authenticated secret session key using elliptic curve digital signature algorithm
Authors: Mehibel Nissa , Hamadouche M'hamed
Published: January 2021

Elliptic curve Diffie‐Hellman (ECDH) scheme is the basic key exchange used in elliptic curve cryptography. ECDH is a public key cryptosystem based on the discrete logarithm problem, but is vulnerable to man‐in‐the‐middle attack because it does not authenticate the secret session key. The integration of the elliptic curve digital signature allows authenticating the secret session key of the ECDH scheme (A‐ECDH). However, it is a technique (A‐ECDH) that uses a single random variable and it has been shown in the literature that a single random variable does not make the system secure. Therefore, the use of two random variables has been suggested to secure an authentication scheme. In this paper, a new authentication scheme using the elliptic curve digital signature algorithm is proposed. The performance analysis of the proposed authentication protocol is performed. The comparative results from the perspective of security and computation time showed that the proposed authentication protocol is more efficient in terms of computation time compared to the related works and it provides all the security features.
Digital forensic readiness in operational cloud leveraging ISO/IEC 27043 guidelines on security monitoring
Authors: Makura Sheunesu , Venter H. S. , Kebande Victor R. , Karie Nickson M. , Ikuesan Richard A. , Alawadi Sadi
Published: January 2021

An increase in the use of cloud computing technologies by organizations has led to cybercriminals targeting cloud environments to orchestrate malicious attacks. Conversely, this has led to the need for proactive approaches through the use of digital forensic readiness (DFR). Existing studies have attempted to develop proactive prototypes using diverse agent‐based solutions that are capable of extracting a forensically sound potential digital evidence. As a way to address this limitation and further evaluate the degree of PDE relevance in an operational platform, this study sought to develop a prototype in an operational cloud environment to achieve DFR in the cloud. The prototype is deployed and executed in cloud instances hosted on OpenStack: the operational cloud environment. The experiments performed in this study show that it is viable to attain DFR in an operational cloud platform. Further observations show that the prototype is capable of harvesting digital data from cloud instances and store the data in a forensic sound database. The prototype also prepares the operational cloud environment to be forensically ready for digital forensic investigations without alternating the functionality of the OpenStack cloud architecture by leveraging the ISO/IEC 27043 guidelines on security monitoring.
On Determining Critical System Ramp Capability Requirement in High PV Penetration Network Using Graphical Method
Authors: Srisontisuk Sarute , Hoonchareon Naebboon
Published: January 2021

Increasing effort of solar power integration to the grid could be accelerated towards sustainability goal. However, high PV penetration ratio (PVR) in turn critically reduces system frequency response performance of an existing power system due to reduction of on‐line rotating generators. Besides intrinsic system inertia, system RC plays a vital role in dynamically securing the power system operation subject to large PV disturbances. This study proposes a graphical method to determine critical values of system RC requirement with respect to the anticipated PVR and PV ramp‐down rate of disturbance; both of which should be forecastable, in practice, in each operating time interval. Impact of PVR on dynamic performance of a power system, through the effective time‐varying of system inertia and governor response characteristic has been examined. The results of the analyses on graphical display will be useful for system operators to prepare enough system RC, economically well in‐advance through Unit Commitment program, to ensure system dynamic security, complying with the N‐1 contingency constraint. In addition, the proposed graphical display can reveal whether the curtailment of aggregated PV's output generation is necessary for that time interval. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Rain erosion of wind turbine blades and the effect of air bubbles in the coatings
Authors: Fæster Søren , Johansen Nicolai Frost‐Jensen , Mishnaevsky Leon , Kusano Yukihiro , Bech Jakob Ilsted , Madsen Martin Bonde
Published: January 2021

Leading edge erosion on a wind turbine blade from Vindeby offshore wind farm is characterized by X‐ray tomography, and air bubbles within the top coat are observed. Similar coating systems with and almost without air bubbles within the top coat are tested on a R&D Test Systems style whirling arm rain erosion tester (RET) and found to have different V–N curves. In general, the slope of the two curves was comparable. However, the absolute performance value with RET differs significantly with up to 2.6 times performance advantage to the coating with less bubbles. A micromechanical model of the coating system that takes the air bubbles into account has been developed, and air bubbles are found to have critical effect on the crack initialization in the coating.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 7 On-shell diagrams and supergravity amplitudes in momentum twistor space
Authors: Armstrong Connor , Farrow Joseph A. , Lipstein Arthur E.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We derive an on-shell diagram recursion for tree-level scattering amplitudes in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 7 supergravity. The diagrams are evaluated in terms of Grassmannian integrals and momentum twistors, generalising previous results of Hodges in momentum twistor space to non-MHV amplitudes. In particular, we recast five and six-point NMHV amplitudes in terms of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 7 R-invariants analogous to those of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills, which makes cancellation of spurious poles more transparent. Above 5-points, this requires defining momentum twistors with respect to different orderings of the external momenta.