bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biocultural diversity of common walnut (Juglans regia L.) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) across Eurasia
Authors: Pollegioni Paola , Lungo Stefano Del , Müller Ruth , Woeste Keith E. , Chiocchini Francesca , Clark Jo , Hemery Gabriel E. , Mapelli Sergio , Villani Fiorella , Malvolti Maria Emilia , Mattioni Claudia
Published: September 2020

A biocultural diversity approach integrates plant biology and germplasm dispersal processes with human cultural diversity. An increasing number of studies have identified cultural factors and ethnolinguistic barriers as the main drivers of the genetic diversity in crop plants. Little is known about how anthropogenic processes have affected the evolution of tree crops over the entire time scale of their interaction with humans. In Asia and the Mediterranean, common walnut (Juglans regia L.) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) have been economically and culturally important crops for millennia; there, in ancient times, they were invested with symbolic and religious significance. In this study, we detected a partial geographic congruence between the ethno‐linguistic repartition of human communities, the distribution of major cognitive sets of word‐related terms, and the inferred genetic clusters of common walnut and sweet chestnut populations across Eurasia. Our data indicated that isolation by distance processes, landscape heterogeneity and cultural boundaries might have promoted simultaneously human language diversification and walnut/chestnut differentiation across the same geographic macro‐regions. Hotspots of common walnut and sweet chestnut genetic diversity were associated with areas of linguistic enrichment in the Himalayas, Trans‐Caucasus, and Pyrenees Mountains, where common walnuts and sweet chestnuts had sustained ties to human culture since the Early Bronze Age. Our multidisciplinary approach supported the indirect and direct role of humans in shaping walnut and chestnut diversity across Eurasia from the EBA (e.g., Persian Empire and Greek–Roman colonization) until the first evidence of active selection and clonal propagation by grafting of both species. Our findings highlighted the benefit of an efficient integration of the relevant cultural factors in the classical genome (G) × environmental (E) model and the urgency of a systematic application of the biocultural diversity concept in the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of tree species.
Bismuth Oxide Selenium/Graphene Oxide Composites: Toward High‐Performance Electrodes for Aqueous Alkaline Battery
Authors: Liu Yi‐Lin , Li Meng‐Qiu , Wang Gui‐Gen , Dang Le‐Yang , Li Fei , Pam Mei Er , Zhang Hua‐Yu , Han Jie‐Cai , Yang Hui Ying
Published: September 2020

Aqueous alkaline battery represents a promising energy storage technology with both high energy density and high power density as rechargeable batteries. However, the low theoretical capacities, kinetics and stability of anode materials have limited their developments and commercializations. In this study, we propose a novel method to produce two‐dimensional layered bismuth oxide selenium (Bi2O2Se) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites via a one‐step hydrothermal method. The volume change caused by phase change during rapid charging and discharging is significantly reduced and the capacity reaches 263.83 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. The Bi2O2Se/rGO electrode exhibits excellent cycling stability in which the capacity retention rate is 81.04% after 5000 cycles. More importantly, the Bi2O2Se/rGO nanosheet composite is used as the anode electrode material with MnCo2O4.5@Ni(OH)2 as the cathode electrode material in aqueous alkaline battery. When the energy density is 76.16 W h kg−1, the power density reaches 308.65 W kg−1. At a power density of 10.21 kW kg−1, the energy density remains as high as 33.86 W h kg−1. The results presented here may advance the understanding of the issues facing the development of aqueous battery anode materials.
In‐hospital mortality in heart failure in Germany during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Bollmann Andreas , Hohenstein Sven , König Sebastian , Meier‐Hellmann Andreas , Kuhlen Ralf , Hindricks Gerhard
Published: September 2020

Aims

The Covid‐19 pandemic affects care for cardiovascular conditions, but data on heart failure (HF) are scarce. This study aims to analyse HF care and in‐hospital outcomes during the pandemic in Germany.

Methods and results

A total of 9452 HF admissions were studied using claims data of 65 Helios hospitals; 1979 in the study period (13 March 30 April 2020) and 4691 and 2782 in two control periods (13 March to 30 April 2019 and 1 January to 12 March 2020). HF admissions declined compared with both control periods by 29–38%. Cardiac resynchronization therapy was implanted in 0.55% during the study period, 0.32% [odds ratio (OR) 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–4.04, P = 0.27] in the previous year and 0.43% (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.64–2.84, P = 0.43) in the same year control. Intensive care treatment was 6.22% during the study period, 4.49% in the previous year (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.13–1.89, P < 0.01), and 5.27% in the same year control (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.96–1.49, P = 0.12). Length of hospital stay was 7.0 ± 5.0 days in the study and 7.8 ± 5.6 (P < 0.01) and 7.3 ± 5.1 days (P = 0.07) in the control periods. In‐hospital mortality was 7.0% in the study and 5.5% in both control periods (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

During the early phase of the Covid‐19 pandemic in Germany, HF treatment pathways seem not to be affected, but hospital stay shortened and in‐hospital mortality increased. As the pandemic continues, this early signal demands close monitoring and further investigation of potential causes.
Interrogation of Electrochemical Performance of Reduced Graphene Oxide/Metal‐organic Framework Hybrid for Asymmetric Supercabattery Application
Authors: Teffu Daniel M. , Makhafola Mogwasha D. , Ndipingwi Miranda M. , Makhado Edwin , Hato Mpitloane J. , Iwuoha Emmanuel I. , Modibane Kwena D. , Makgopa Katlego
Published: September 2020

Large scale energy storage system with low cost, high power, and long cycle life is crucial for addressing the energy crisis, especially when integrated with renewable energy resources. To realize grid‐scale applications of the energy storage devices, there remain several key issues including the development of low‐cost, high‐performance materials that are environmentally friendly. This study explores the synergic contribution of the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on metal organic framework (MOF) as positive electrode for asymmetric supercabattery. The structural elucidation of the synthesised hybrid material and its precursors were characterised using XRD, FTIR, TGA, SEM and TEM. The electrochemical analysis of the synthesised hybrid material and its precursors was achieved using CV, GCD and EIS. The electrochemical behaviour of NF‐rGO/MOF hybrid obtained from the three‐electrode system exhibited a battery‐type behaviour and accomplished an improved specific capacity of 459.0 Cg−1 at the current density of 1.5 A g−1. Furthermore, the two‐electrode system fabricated in an asymmetric configuration made of NF‐rGO/MOF hybrid as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode studied in 3.0 M KOH electrolyte, exhibited specific capacity of about 48.81 Cg−1 at the current density of 0.4 A g−1, the corresponding maximum energy density of 11.0 Wh kg−1 and the maximum power density of 640.45 W kg−1. The cycling stability of the rGO/MOF hybrid asymmetric device displayed 70 % capacity retention after 2000 cycles.
In situ fluidized mining and conversion solution to alleviate geological damage and greenhouse gas emissions due to coal exploitation: A numerical analysis and evaluation
Authors: Ju Yang , Nie Xiaodong , Zhu Yan , Xie Heping
Published: September 2020

Coal remains a primary energy source for the foreseeable future. However, existing approaches for coal exploitation and utilization are highly detrimental to the geological formations from which they are extracted and the atmospheric environment. Moreover, underground mining can induce earthquakes that lead to fatalities and financial losses. The demand to abandon coal mining is increasing worldwide, and the need for efficient, safe, and environmentally acceptable coal exploitation and utilization has garnered widespread attention. We propose a novel unmanned automatic machine‐based mining and in situ conversion method for the safe and clean exploitation and utilization of subsurface coal resources. Solid coal is transformed in situ into fluidized energy resources using this method. To evaluate its effectiveness, a geological model of a coal mine was generated, and a numerical simulation based on the continuum‐based discrete element method was conducted to compare the mining‐induced stress distribution, roof subsidence, coal wall failure, and microseismicity for fluidized and traditional mining methods. Our results indicate that the proposed mining method can significantly reduce damage to the geological formation and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the exploitation and utilization of coal resources. We also discuss the limitations of the current study and future research possibilities.
Experimental and numerical studies on hydraulic fracturing characteristics with different injection flow rates in granite geothermal reservoir
Authors: Cheng Yuxiang , Zhang Yanjun , Yu Ziwang , Hu Zhongjun , Ma Yueqiang , Yang Yunxing
Published: September 2020

Geothermal energy has been widely proposed as a potential renewable energy to replace traditional fossil fuel energy. Hot dry rock (HDR) reservoirs were the main geothermal energy resources and usually consist of low‐permeability hard granite without fluid. Developing HDR requires water cyclically flowing between injection and production wells to extract heat energy. Hydraulic fracturing, as a key reservoir stimulation technology, can create the path of fluid cyclically flowing. However, few studies have investigated hydraulic induced artificial fractures in HDR geothermal formations. This paper investigated HDR geothermal reservoir stimulation characteristics and fracture patterns under different injection flow rates. Numerical simulations were conducted to model the laboratory tests. Results showed they were in good agreement, and this indicated the possibility of numerical simulation to predict hydraulic fracturing behavior under different injection flow rates. With the increase of injection flow rate, the fracture initiation pressures and breakdown pressures increased, and the propagation times and postfracturing pressures decreased. The fracture geometries were observed and analyzed, mean injection power was proposed, and results showed that it could be used to roughly estimate the fracture total lengths. Moreover, the fracture permeabilities based on the pressure data were calculated. These results can provide some reasonable advice for implementing reservoir stimulations on application to field‐scale HDR operation.
Building and Justifying Interpretations of Texts: A Key Practice in the English Language Arts
Authors: Deane Paul
Published: September 2020

A key instructional goal of English language arts instruction is teaching students to read and interpret complex literary texts. This report reviews the literature on the development and pedagogy of literary analysis skills. It analyzes literary analysis skills as akey practice, a bundle of disciplinary skills and strategies that form a key target for instruction. This practice focuses on applying a variety of strategies for building textual interpretations, including strategies for deepening comprehension, inferring the author's purpose, considering multiple perspectives, connecting text to context, generalizing and applying themes, and participating in cultural conversations about texts. It also identifies a sequence of activities that define literary interpretation as a social practice and identifies key goals and subgoals for those activities. If literary analysis is viewed as a key practice, it requires participants to habitually engage in the following practices: (a) read and reread texts to find cues that suggest new possibilities for interpretation, (b) participate in interpretive discussions of literary texts, (c) use writing both as a tool to support interpretive work and as a means to communicate interpretive arguments, and (d) maintain an openness to new interpretations and a willingness to revisit previous interpretive conclusions in the light of new evidence. The evidence indicates that this is a late‐developing practice, typically acquired during high school and never fully mastered by a large proportion of the population, though it can be encouraged and fostered in the upper elementary and middle school years with effective instruction.
Remote sensing to control respiratory viral diseases outbreaks using Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Sahraoui Yesin , Korichi Ahmed , Kerrache Chaker Abdelaziz , Bilal Muhammad , Amadeo Marica
Published: September 2020

The respiratory viral diseases, such as those caused by the family of coronaviruses, can be extremely contagious and spread through saliva droplets generated by coughing, sneezing, or breathing. In humans, the most common symptoms of the infection include fever and difficulty in breathing. In order to reduce the diffusion of the current “Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)” pandemic, the Internet of Things technologies can play an important role; for instance, they can be effectively used for implementing a real‐time patient tracking and warning system at a city scale. Crucial places to install the tracking IoT devices are the public/private vehicles that, augmented with multiple connectivity solutions, can implement the Internet of Vehicles paradigm. In such ubiquitous network environment, vehicles are equipped with a variety of sensors, including regular cameras that can be replaced with thermal cameras. Therefore, this article proposes a new design for widely detecting respiratory viral diseases that leverages IoV to collect real‐time body temperature and breathing rate measurements of pedestrians. This information can be used to recognize geographic areas affected by possible COVID‐19 cases and to implement proactive preventive strategies that would further limit the spread of the disease.
Different QAM schemes analyses for ARS fading channels
Authors: Bilim Mehmet
Published: September 2020

Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) techniques are employed for various communication systems due to its advantages such as efficient bandwidth and high rate. In this paper, the average symbol error rate (ASER) performances of single‐input single‐output networks are investigated to address the different QAM schemes combined use. The link in the network experiences the alternate Rician shadowed (ARS) fading which has the benefit of contributing left or right‐sided bimodality. Four different QAM schemes such as rectangular QAM, cross‐QAM, hexagonal QAM, and square QAM are used for the considered network. Under these assumptions, new closed‐form expressions for the ASER in terms of elementary functions and Meijer's G functions are derived. The derived ASER expressions are obtained by employing the Prony approximation with two terms which has fractional coefficients to provide precise results. Based on the second‐order exponential function approximation for Gaussian Q‐function, the ASER expressions of the considered system are also proposed. Additionally, we provide other important engineering insights based on the high signal‐to‐noise‐ratio analysis of the ASER performance over ARS fading channels. Finally, all our theoretical results are confirmed with simulations.
Antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory capacity of nonextractable polyphenols in Mopan persimmon
Authors: Zhou Chang , Mao Kemin , Li Jiao , Gao Jie , Liu Xiaoyu , Sang Yaxin
Published: September 2020

This study was to evaluate and compare the polyphenols contents, antioxidant capacities, and α‐glucosidase inhibitory abilities of extractable and nonextractable polyphenols (EP and NEP) in Mopan persimmon. The results showed that total phenols content of NEP was 5 times higher than that of EP, and the hydrolyzed NEP compounds displayed higher antioxidant capacity than EP in vitro by DPPH, ORAC assays. Meanwhile, NEP also exhibited inhibition capacity of α‐glucosidase and were higher than that of acarbose. In addition, an in vitro model of gastrointestinal digestion was used for the release of NEP, the polyphenols content and ORAC values were obviously increased in gastric digestion stage. The result indicated that NEP in Mopan persimmon, which has often been overlooked and discarded in the past, possessed higher polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity than EP.
ZrC Coating Modified Ti Bipolar Plate for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhang P.C. , Han Y. T. , Shi J. F. , Li T. , Wang H. Y. , Wang X. Y. , Sun J. C.
Published: September 2020

The electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance and hydrophobic property of bipolar plate are important factors to affect the overall performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In order to improve the performance of bipolar plate, ZrC coating has been prepared on bare Ti plate by plasma surface modification technology. From the microscopic morphology characterization, it can be found that the surface of ZrC modified plate is smooth without obvious defect. The potentiodynamic polarization and potentiostatic polarization tests are measured in cathodic and anodic environment of PEMFC. The result shows that the corrosion current density of ZrC coated Ti plate decreases by 1–2 orders of magnitude compared with bare Ti plate. Moreover, the interfacial contact resistance (ICR) decreases from 110 mΩ cm2 to 7.70 mΩ cm2 under the compaction force of 140 N cm−2. In addition, the ICR of ZrC coated Ti plate slightly increases after potentiostatic polarization, indicating that a good electrical conductivity and durability is obtained by ZrC coated Ti plate. Furthermore, the ZrC coated Ti plate has a lower water contact angle (105°) than bare Ti plate (76°), indicating a better hydrophobic performance for water management.
Investigation on High Temperature Corrosion Characteristic of Super304H, TP347H, and HR3C Steel in an Ultra‐supercritical Coal‐fired Boiler▴
Authors: Ma H. , Wang Y. , Liang Z. , Zhao Q. , Ke Z.
Published: September 2020

The high temperature corrosion characteristic of Super304H, TP347H, and HR3C steel in an ultra‐supercritical coal‐fired boiler with service time of 17,973 h was investigated. The samples were analyzed by XRD, SEM, and EDS. The results showed that corrosion scales were composed and could be divided into three layers, including outer layer with composite reaction of alkalis and sulfate, middle layer with oxidation, and penetrated inner layer with oxidation and sulfidation. In addition, spalling of corrosion scales in the Super304H and TP347H samples was observed with the reasons of low Cr content and thermal expansion difference between different corrosion layers.
Measuring the fabric evolution of sand – application and challenges
Authors: Wiebicke Max , Herle Ivo , Andò Edward , Viggiani Gioacchino
Published: September 2020

The behaviour of granular materials, such as sands, is controlled by the interaction of particles. This interaction can be described geometrically by orientations and statically by forces. Using x‐rayμ‐tomography and image analysis, it is possible to determine the geometrical fabric at the grain‐scale, whereas the forces still remain inaccessible in natural granular materials. This article shows how the fabric can be accessed using standard and recently proposed advanced image analysis techniques and elaborates which problems arise when describing the fabric quantitatively. These techniques were applied to a triaxial compression test on Hostun sand. The results are described in terms of a fabric tensor, a coordination number and an anisotropy and then related to the macroscopic behaviour of the sample.
Microtexture and U–Pb geochronology of detrital zircon grains in the Chachalacas beach, Veracruz State, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Armstrong‐Altrin John S. , Ramos‐Vázquez Mayla A. , Hermenegildo‐Ruiz Nadia Y. , Madhavaraju Jayagopal
Published: September 2020

Microtextures, trace element concentrations, and U–Pb geochronology of detrital zircon grains recovered from the Chachalacas beach in the western Gulf of Mexico were investigated to infer palaeoenvironmental conditions. The mineralogy of bulk sediments revealed the presence of both chemically stable (titano‐magnetite, zircon, and quartz) and unstable (amphibole and K‐feldspar) minerals. The zircon grain microtextures or surface features were grouped as two types: (a) mechanical origin and (b) mechanical and chemical origin. The mechanical surface features such as V‐marks, arc shaped, and meandering steps indicate a high‐energy littoral and sub‐aqueous marine environment. The chemical surface features like solution pits, precipitation, solution crevasses, adhered particles, and silica pellicle revealed a silica saturated marine environment. The well‐rounded zircon grains with bulbous edges are characterized by long transport and aeolian origin. The Th/U ratio, a negative Eu (Eu/Eu* = ~0.08–0.72) and positive Ce (Ce/Ce* = >1) anomalies in the chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of all zircon grains suggested that they primarily formed from magmatic processes. The detrital zircon grain U–Pb ages showed a wide variation from Cenozoic to Proterozoic with an abundance of Cenozoic ages (~1.59–64.3 Ma; n = 44), interpreted as mixing of beach sediments by a longshore current. The comparison of zircon grain ages of this study with ages reported from the source terranes revealed that the likely source for Cenozoic zircon grains was the Eastern Alkaline Province of Mexico. Similarly, the Mesozoic (~68.5–241.9 Ma) and Palaeozoic (~253.2–284.8 Ma) zircon grains in the Chachalacas beach were possibly derived from the Valle de Huizachal and Mesa Central provinces. Proterozoic ages from ~574 to 1846 Ma indicated a probable contribution from the Oaxacan and Chiapas Massif complexes, which are dominated by Grenvillian basement rocks.
Mindfulness training preserves sustained attention and resting state anticorrelation between default‐mode network and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bauer Clemens C. C. , Rozenkrantz Liron , Caballero Camila , Nieto‐Castanon Alfonso , Scherer Ethan , West Martin R. , Mrazek Michael , Phillips Dawa T. , Gabrieli John D. E. , Whitfield‐Gabrieli Susan
Published: September 2020

Mindfulness training can enhance cognitive control, but the neural mechanisms underlying such enhancement in children are unknown. Here, we conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with sixth graders (mean age 11.76 years) to examine the impact of 8 weeks of school‐based mindfulness training, relative to coding training as an active control, on sustained attention and associated resting‐state functional brain connectivity. At baseline, better performance on a sustained‐attention task correlated with greater anticorrelation between the default mode network (DMN) and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a key node of the central executive network. Following the interventions, children in the mindfulness group preserved their sustained‐attention performance (i.e., fewer lapses of attention) and preserved DMN–DLPFC anticorrelation compared to children in the active control group, who exhibited declines in both sustained attention and DMN–DLPFC anticorrelation. Further, change in sustained‐attention performance correlated with change in DMN–DLPFC anticorrelation only within the mindfulness group. These findings provide the first causal link between mindfulness training and both sustained attention and associated neural plasticity. Administered as a part of sixth graders' school schedule, this RCT supports the beneficial effects of school‐based mindfulness training on cognitive control.
Insight into stagnating adult life expectancy: Analyzing cause of death patterns across socioeconomic groups
Authors: Kallestrup‐Lamb Malene , Kjærgaard Søren , Rosenskjold Carsten P. T.
Published: September 2020

This study analyzes the complexity of female longevity improvements. As socioeconomic status is found to influence health and mortality, we partition all individuals, at each age in every year, into five socioeconomic groups based on an affluence measure that combine an individual's income and wealth. We identify the particular socioeconomic groups that have been driving the standstill for Danish females at older ages. Within each socioeconomic group, we further analyze the cause of death patterns. The decline in life expectancy for Danish females is present for four out of five subgroups, however, with particular large decreases for the low‐middle and middle‐affluence groups. Cancers, smoking‐related lung and bronchus causes, and other diseases particularly contribute to the stagnation. For four of the five socioeconomic groups only small cardiovascular improvement are experienced during the period of stagnating life expectancy compared to an equally long and subsequent period.
Effects of Cirrhosis and Diagnosis Scenario in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Vincent L. , Yeh Ming-Lun , Yang Ju Dong , Leong Jennifer , Huang Daniel Q. , Toyoda Hidenori , Chen Yao-Li , Guy Jennifer , Maeda Mayumi , Tsai Pei-Chien , Huang Chung-Feng , Yasuda Satoshi , Le An K. , Dang Hansen , Giama Nasra H. , Ali Hamdi A. , Zhang Ning , Wang Xiaozhong , Jun Dae Won , Tseng Cheng-Hao , Hsu Yao-Chun , Huang Jee-Fu , Dai Chia-Yen , Chuang Wan-Long , Zhu Qiang , Dan Yock Young , Schwartz Myron , Roberts Lewis R. , Yu Ming-Lung , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: September 2020

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of metabolic dysfunction-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. In this cohort, cirrhosis was not associated with poorer survival, while history of liver imaging was.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a major cause of liver-related complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While MAFLD-related HCC is known to occur in the absence of cirrhosis, our understanding of MAFLD-related HCC in this setting is limited. Here, we characterize MAFLD-related HCC and the impact of cirrhosis and screening on survival. This was a multicenter, retrospective, cohort study of MAFLD-related HCC. MAFLD was defined based on the presence of race-adjusted overweight, diabetes, or both hypertension and dyslipidemia in the absence of excess alcohol use or other underlying cause of liver disease. The primary outcome of interest was overall survival, and the primary dependent variables were cirrhosis status and prior HCC screening. We used Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate overall survival and Cox proportional hazards models and random forest machine learning to determine factors associated with prognosis. This study included 1,382 patients from 11 centers in the United States and East/Southeast Asia. Cirrhosis was present in 62% of patients, but under half of these patients had undergone imaging within 12 months of HCC diagnosis. Patients with cirrhosis were more likely to have early stage disease but less often received curative therapy. After adjustment, cirrhosis was not associated with prognosis, but the presence of cancer-related symptoms at diagnosis was associated with poorer prognosis. Conclusion: Cirrhosis was not associated with overall survival in this cohort of MAFLD-related HCC, while diagnosis in the presence of symptoms was associated with poorer prognosis. The HCC surveillance rate in patients with MAFLD-related HCC was disappointingly low in a multicenter cohort.
Differential susceptibility between skin and vaginal mucosa in sensitization phase of allergic contact dermatitis in mice
Authors: Nishijo Taku , Nakayama Kanako , Miyazawa Masaaki , Kuroda Yasutaka , Sakaguchi Hitoshi
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Mechanisms underlying skin sensitization in allergic contact dermatitis have been actively studied using the murine contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model. However, much less is known about sensitization at the vaginal mucosa (VM).

Methods

We developed a CHS model with VM sensitization and epicutaneous elicitation at the ear. We then examined the proliferation activity of lymphocytes, the frequencies of T cells and the differentiation of hapten‐specific T cells in draining lymph nodes (dLNs) after sensitization.

Results

Hapten‐specific CHS responses to 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), 2,4,6‐trinitrochrolobenzene, and oxazolone assessed by ear swelling suggested that the VM would be an inductive site of CHS to haptens. In the comparisons of CHS responses to each of the three haptens examined, the lower responses in VM‐sensitized mice were observed than skin‐sensitized mice (e.g., DNFB‐induced responses, −56%; p < .001, at 48 h after challenge). Consistent with the CHS responses, the DNFB‐induced proliferation of cells in dLNs examined by 5‐bromo‐2ʹ‐deoxyuridine assay was lower (−62%; p < .001) in VM‐sensitized mice than skin‐sensitized mice. On the other hand, between skin and VM sensitization, no significant differences were observed in the frequencies of interferon‐γ‐producing CD4+ and CD8+ effector, and regulatory T cells in dLNs after sensitization. We also observed no significant differences with respect to differentiation of hapten‐specific T cells based on the examination of cytokine production from dLN cells stimulated in vitro with 2,4‐dinitrobenzene sulfonate.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that the lower T cell proliferation after VM sensitization is important for the lower CHS responses with VM sensitization than skin sensitization.
ECG steganography based on tunable Q‐factor wavelet transform and singular value decomposition
Authors: Mathivanan P. , Balaji Ganesh A.
Published: September 2020

The article presents a novel ECG steganography scheme based on the tunable Q‐factor wavelet transformation (TQWT) and also singular value decomposition (SVD) techniques that ensure better safety and confidentiality of patient information. Initial parameters such as Q, r, and J are used to decompose the cover signal into individual frequency sub‐bands with the tunable Q‐factor wavelet transform (TQWT). The singular value decomposition (SVD) technique is used to further decompose high‐frequency sub‐band coefficients into singular values. The watermark information is then embedded with high‐frequency sub‐band coefficients by involving the quantization process. The performance of this proposed system is successfully evaluated by considering various metrics, such as peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), percentage residual difference (PRD), and bit error rate (BER). The simulation results of the proposed scheme are observed to be better than other traditional algorithms.
Inference of a clear channel assessment based conflict graph
Authors: Abdelwedoud Lafdal , Busson Anthony , Guérin‐Lassous Isabelle , Foare Marion , Diakité Mohamed L. , Nanne Mohamedade F.
Published: September 2020

We consider an IEEE 802.11 network composed of several Access Points (APs) managed by one controller. The controller relies on pieces of information describing the network state as channels, load, associated stations, conflicts, etc. to configure and optimize the network. In this paper, we propose a method that infers the way the different channels are shared between APs according to the Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) mechanism. It is represented through a conflict graph where an edge exists if two APs are able to detect each other. As this detection is sometimes partial, the links are weighted. Our method relies on measures already available on most of Wi‐Fi products and does not generate any traffic except the transmission of these measures to the controller. A Markov network and an optimization problem are then proposed to infer the weights of the conflict graph. Our solution is shown accurate on a large set of simulations performed with the network simulator ns‐3.
Evaluating discrete trial teaching with instructive feedback delivered in a dyad arrangement via telehealth
Authors: Ferguson Julia L. , Majeski Maddison J. , McEachin John , Leaf Ronald , Cihon Joseph H. , Leaf Justin B.
Published: September 2020

Telehealth research in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has focused on the training and supervision of others to implement various behavior analytic procedures. Current guidelines for practicing telehealth suggest that direct telehealth services may be appropriate for some individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, but more research is needed. This study evaluated the effects of discrete trial teaching with instructive feedback in a dyad arrangement delivered directly via telehealth to teach tact relations to 6 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. All participants and the experimenter were located in different physical locations. All participants learned their primary and secondary targets, and 5 of the participants acquired the observational primary and secondary targets without direct teaching. Areas of future research and clinical implications are discussed in the context of telehealth service delivery.
Expression and diagnostic value of circulating miRNA‐190 and miRNA‐197 in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: Zhou XiaoTing , Wu QiaoZhen , Hao TianBo , Xu Rui , Hu XiaoYun , Dong LingYun
Published: September 2020

Background

Diagnosing pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) remains challenging due to the lack of specific clinical symptoms and biomarkers. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have proved to be potential biomarkers for numerous cardiovascular diseases. The aims of this study were to quantitatively analyze the expression of plasma miRNA‐190 and miRNA‐197 in patients with PTE and to evaluate the diagnostic value for PTE.

Methods

Thirty patients diagnosed with PTE by computed tomographic pulmonary angiography at the emergency department were enrolled in this study, and plasma was collected immediately. For comparison, myocardial infarction (MI, n = 45) and healthy participants (NC, n = 45) were recruited as the control groups. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) was conducted to reveal the relative expression levels of miRNA‐190 and miRNA‐197 in each group. The plasma concentrations of D‐dimer were measured by immunoturbidimetric assay. The diagnostic value was evaluated by analyzing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

The relative expression levels of miRNA‐190 and miRNA‐197 in the PTE group were both significantly higher than in the MI group (t = 3.602 t = 4.791, P < .05, respectively) and the healthy control group (t = 5.814, t = 5.886, P < .05, respectively). As diagnostic indicator, the sensitivity and specificity of miRNA‐190 were 75.56% and 80%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.7844 (95%CI: 0.6858‐0.8831, P < .001). The sensitivity and specificity of miRNA‐197 were 73.33% and 86.67%, respectively, with an AUC value of 0.7931 (95%CI: 0.6870‐0.8991, P < .001). Combining miRNA‐190 and miRNA‐197 with D‐dimer levels significantly increased the diagnostic power, improving the AUC to 0.9536 (95% CI: 0.9083‐0.9989, P < .001).

Conclusions

The relative expression levels of miRNA‐190 and miRNA‐197 in PTE patients were significantly higher than in the MI and healthy control groups, indicating that (a) both may be involved in the pathophysiological process of PTE and (b) both may serve as potential noninvasive diagnostic markers for PTE. The combination of miRNA‐190, miRNA‐197, and D‐dimer levels showed better sensitivity and specificity, which is more conducive to the diagnosis of PTE.
Ultrasound‐guided lung lavage for life‐threatening bronchial obstruction due to meconium plug
Authors: Dell'Orto Valentina , Centorrino Roberta , De Luca Daniele
Published: September 2020

We present a case of life‐threatening airway obstruction caused by meconium aspiration, a condition with significant neonatal mortality and morbidity. Lung ultrasound detected the obstruction and helped in the clinical management allowing to perform a quick and selective bronchoalveolar lavage with diluted surfactant.
Working Poor? A Study of Rural Workers' Economic Welfare in Kenya
Authors: Fibaek Maria Mwaipopo
Published: September 2020

This study employs a mixed methods approach to investigate the poverty reduction potential of large‐scale farm employment in Kenya. A long‐run time series of real agricultural wages is created. The quantitative data are supplemented by life‐story interviews of agricultural workers. The analysis suggests that large‐scale farm employment can serve as a route out of deep poverty. However, to prevent wages from falling below the subsistence level, there is a need for a balanced rural development strategy whereby investments in smallholder agriculture and skills upgrades accompany the expansion of commercial agriculture. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Magnetic nanoparticles: A new diagnostic and treatment platform for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Liu Yan , Cao Fenglin , Sun Baoqing , Bellanti Joseph A , Zheng Song Guo
Published: September 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by articular synovitis that eventually leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone in the joints with resulting pain and disability. The current therapies for RA are divided into 4 categories: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, nonbiological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biological DMARDs. Each drug grouping is beset with significant setbacks that not only include limited drug bioavailability and high clearance, but also varying degrees of drug toxicity to normal tissues. Recently, nanotechnology has provided a promising tool for the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic systems in the area of malignant and inflammatory diseases. Among these, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have provided an attractive carrier option for delivery of therapeutic agents. Armed with an extra magnetic probe, MNPs are capable of more accurately targeting the local lesion with avoidance of unpleasant systemic side effects. This review aims to provide an introduction to the applications of magnetic nanoparticles in RA, focusing on the latest advances, challenges, and opportunities for future development.
Hemorrhagic Cysts and Other MR Biomarkers for Predicting Renal Dysfunction Progression in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Riyahi Sadjad , Dev Hreedi , Blumenfeld Jon D. , Rennert Hanna , Yin Xiaorui , Attari Hanieh , Barash Irina , Chicos Ines , Bobb Warren , Donahue Stephanie , Prince Martin R.
Published: September 2020

Background

Screening for rapidly progressing autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is necessary for assigning and monitoring therapies. Height‐adjusted total kidney volume (ht‐TKV) is an accepted biomarker for clinical prognostication, but represents only a small fraction of information on abdominal MRI.

Purpose

To investigate the utility of other MR features of ADPKD to predict progression.

Study Type

Single‐center retrospective.

Population

Longitudinal data from 186 ADPKD subjects with baseline serum creatinine, PKD gene testing, abdominal MRI measurements, and ≥2 follow‐up serum creatinine were reviewed.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T, T2‐weighted single‐shot fast spin echo, T1‐weighted 3D spoiled gradient echo (liver accelerated volume acquisition) and 2D cine velocity encoded gradient echo (phase contrast MRA).

Assessment

Ht‐TKV, renal blood flow (RBF), number and fraction of renal and hepatic cysts, bright T1 hemorrhagic renal cysts, and liver and spleen volumes were independently assessed by three observers blinded to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) data.

Statistical Tests

Linear mixed‐effect models were applied to predict eGFR over time using MRI features at baseline adjusted for confounders. Validation was performed in 158 patients who had follow‐up MRI using receiver operator characteristic, sensitivity, and specificity.

Results

Hemorrhagic cysts, fraction of renal and hepatic cysts, height‐adjusted liver and spleen volumes were significant independent predictors of future eGFR (final prediction model R2 = 0.88 P < 0.05). The number of hemorrhagic cysts significantly improved the prediction compared to ht‐TKV in predicting future eGFR (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9–0.94 vs. R2 = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.85–0.9, P = 0.045). For baseline eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73m2, sensitivity for predicting eGFR<45 ml/min/1.73m2 by ht‐TKV alone was 29%. Sensitivity increased to 72% with all MRI variables in the model (P < 0.05 = 0.019), whereas specificity was unchanged, 100% vs. 99%.

Data Conclusion

Combining multiple MR features including hemorrhagic renal cysts, renal cyst fraction, liver and spleen volume, hepatic cyst fraction, and renal blood flow enhanced sensitivity for predicting eGFR decline in ADPKD compared to the standard model including only ht‐TKV.

Level of Evidence 2

Technical Efficacy Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:564–576.
Dehydroepiandrosterone for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Peixoto Clayton , José Grande Antonio , Gomes Carrilho Carolina , Egidio Nardi A , Cardoso Adriana , Barciela Veras André
Published: September 2020

Depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people around the world. However, depressive symptoms can be seen in other psychiatric and medical conditions. Here, we investigate the effect of DHEA treatment on depressive symptoms in individuals with depression and/or other clinical conditions in which depressive symptoms are present. An electronic search was performed until October 2019, with no restrictions on language or year of publication in the following databases: Medline, EMBASE, LILACS, and Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials comparing DHEA versus placebo were included if the depressive symptoms were assessed. Fifteen studies with 853 female and male individuals were included in this review. To conduct the meta‐analysis, data were extracted from 14 studies. In comparison with placebo, DHEA improved depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.28, 95% (CI) −0.45 to −0.11, p =.001, 12 studies, 742 individuals (375 in the experimental group and 367 in the placebo group), I2 = 24%), very low quality of evidence, 2 of 14 studies reporting this outcome were removed in a sensitivity analysis as they were strongly influencing heterogeneity between studies. No hormonal changes that indicated any risk to the participants' health were seen. Side effects observed were uncommon, mild, and transient, but commonly related to androgyny. In conclusion, DHEA was associated with a beneficial effect on depressive symptoms compared to placebo. However, these results should be viewed with caution, since the quality of evidence for this outcome was considered very low according to the GRADE criteria.
Rate‐dependent and unidirectional conduction block between the left pulmonary vein and left atrium after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Oi Maki , Nomura Shinnosuke , Miho Mitsunori , Kobayashi Takayasu , Okabayashi Marie , Higami Hirooki , Onishi Naoaki , Higashitani Nobuya , Saijo Sayaka , Nakazeki Fumiko , Oyamada Naofumi , Jinnai Toshikazu , Terada Shohei , Osaki Shota , Horii Katsutoshi , Kaitani Kazuaki
Published: September 2020

A 77‐year‐old woman with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), but subsequently experienced recurrence. In the second session, unidirectional left atrium (LA)‐left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) conduction was revealed to exist at the carina of the LSPV. Left pulmonary vein (LPV) pacing performed in a cycle between 300 and 260 ms revealed rate‐dependent pulmonary vein (PV)‐LA conduction, and the location was estimated to be in the roof of the LSPV. PV isolation was achieved after ablation of two gaps. Consideration of the presence of rate‐dependent gaps may be useful to confirm bidirectional block lines after ablation.
Work Stress and Comfort in University Faculty: Do Gender and Academic Field Matter?
Authors: Russell Elizabeth J. , Weigold Ingrid K.
Published: September 2020

University faculty face stressors, including multiple roles, institutional pressures, and varying student demands, which may differ by gender and across fields. Using the questionnaire variant of a convergent mixed‐methods design, we examined whether self‐reported work stress and comfort differed by gender and academic field gender stereotype in participants from two universities. Results showed that female faculty reported more quantitative role overload, qualitative role overload, and career development stress than male faculty regardless of field. Qualitative themes centered on institutional barriers and unique pressures for women, although these experiences varied by field. Implications, limitations, and future research for employment counselors are explored.
Examining the role of pharmacists in medication handover–facilitating opioid substitution therapy through transitions of care
Authors: Manning‐Bennett Arkady T. , Sallis James A. , Thomas Vinod B. , Johnson Jacinta L.
Published: September 2020

Aims

This audit aimed to assess the prevalence and completeness of documented medication handover regarding opioid substitution therapy (OST) during transitions of care in to and out of a major tertiary teaching hospital, focusing on surgical admissions. The secondary aim was to evaluate the proportion of handover episodes that involved a clinical pharmacist, and to determine the impact of pharmacist involvement on the completeness of documented OST handover.

Method and Results

A 5‐year retrospective audit was conducted for surgical patients undergoing OST prior to admission to a major tertiary teaching hospital. Data were collected pertaining to: handover on admission of 13 OST‐related metrics deemed important for appropriate ongoing clinical care, whether medication handover to the community OST team was documented on discharge, and the involvement and impact of pharmacists in these processes. Sixty‐one admissions were included in the audit. On average, just over half (7.4/13) of the predefined OST‐related metrics audited, were documented on admission. Only 57% of patients had OST handover to the community team documented on discharge. Pharmacist involvement on discharge significantly increased completeness of OST handover documentation on admission and increased the proportion of patients with documented OST handover on discharge.

Conclusion

Medication handover relating to OST on admission and discharge was frequently incomplete, posing a potential risk to safe and appropriate ongoing care, highlighting the need for education and procedures to guide this process. Pharmacist contribution in handover of OST medication‐related information increased completeness of documentation, demonstrating their role in facilitating medication‐related communication during transitions of care.