bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ranked List of Effective Measures for COVID-19 Preparation in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Garret Ranking Method Approach
Authors: Chaudhary Akarsh , Singh Ankit
Published: July 2021

In the current times of COVID -19, most healthcare providers are struggling to ensure patient safety and keep the healthcare-associated infection under check. However, various measures are adopted by tertiary care hospitals to provide safe and effective healthcare services in the current pandemic situation. However, various healthcare professionals have different perceptions about the effectiveness of the measures adopted. The current study is carried out in a tertiary care hospital of Noida city of India, where a questionnaire containing demographic data and the measures adopted in the hospital were given to twenty-seven medical professionals to rate the measures following their effectiveness in times of COVID-19. The collected responses were analysed with the help of the Henry Garret Ranking Method. The analysis of the results revealed that the top three effective measures out of all the measures adopted by the hospital included spreading awareness about modes of transmission of infection (First Rank), Creation of isolation ward in the hospital for contagious diseases (Second Rank), providing adequate care in intensive care and high dependency unit in a systematic manner (Third Rank). This study provides a ready reckoned list arranged in the ranked order for the effective measures in times of COVID-19, from medical professionals' perspectives to all the healthcare institutions who are struggling to adapt .to the COVID-19 requirements.
Karnini Yonivyapad (Cervical Erosion): A Review
Authors: Sonam . , Asokan V. , Roy Babita , Pathan Karishma U.
Published: July 2021

Health status of women is essential for healthy society. In today's fast and competitive world, there is change in the lifestyle of women which leads to their physical and mental stress, women mostly get affected by this environment and are prone to gynaecological problems. Common health problem or gynaecological problem in women is white discharge, foul smell discharge, itching at vulvar region, burning micturition. Cervical erosion is a condition seen in the age group of 20-40 years with more of Kapha dominance. Kandu, Yoni Srava and other features of Kapha Pittadushti are seen in cervical erosion. It is seen as red circular granular surface surrounding the cervical os bathed in discharges. On the study of etiological factors, sign and symptoms the disease is found to be caused by Kapha – Pittadosha Prokopa affecting Yoni and Garbhasayamukha leading to Samprapti which manifests as cervical erosion. Based on symptomatology, cervical erosion can be correlated with Karnini Yonivyapad. Karnini is an abnormal proliferation of cervical epithelium which may produce abnormal discharge, alter the vaginal pH and cervical mucus plug. Chikitsa of Karnini Yonivyapad is Yoni Prakshalana,Yoni Pichu Dharana, Yoni Varti Dharana, Agni Karma and Kshara Karma. Kaphahara line of treatment should be done. Diet also plays an important role in cervical erosion so proper Pathya Apathtya are to be followed.
The effect Foreign Portfolio Investment on Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Ndugbu M. O. , Otiwu K. C. , Uzowuru L. N.
Published: July 2021

This study examined the relationship between foreign portfolio investment and economic growth in Nigeria between the periods 1986 to 2017. The study employed the Vector Error Correction model (ECM) and granger causality. Market capitalization, foreign portfolio investment and trade openness were the independent variables while gross domestic product is proxy for economic growth in Nigeria. Findings revealed that of the three study variables, trade openness and market capitalization proved to be significant in promoting economic growth in Nigeria while foreign portfolio investment is negative and insignificant. As such, we recommend that policy makers should endeavour to boost the capital market activities so as to foster capital transactions and subsequently increase economic performance and growth in the nation.
Bandwidth Enhancement of Graphene–Organic Hybrid Photoconductors by Accelerating Electron Transfer Processes at Graphene Interface
Authors: Lee Yongmoon , Cha Sukgyun , Kim Changsoon
Published: July 2021

Photodetectors based on a heterojunction between graphene and photoactive layers have attractive features such as high responsivity and spectral sensitivity, but their narrow bandwidth originating from charge trapping is a major drawback. Here, it is demonstrated that the bandwidth of a graphene–organic hybrid photoconductor, where a planar bilayer of fullerene (C60) and zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) is in contact with the graphene layer, can be significantly increased by doping the C60 layer with ZnPc. The bandwidth, which increases with the doping concentration, is found to be more than two orders of magnitude higher at 40 vol% doping than that of the undoped device. Consequently, the 40%‐doped device has a fall time of the photocurrent transient of 19 μs, which is ≈300 times smaller than that of the undoped device (5.8 ms). Based on the model developed to analyze the electron transfer processes between the graphene and C60 layers, the increased bandwidth is attributed to the reduced electron lifetime in the C60 trap state by recombination with holes photogenerated in the ZnPc domains in the C60 layer.
Lessons to be learned in adoption of autonomous equipment for field crops
Authors: Lowenberg‐DeBoer James , Behrendt Karl , Ehlers Melf‐Hinrich , Dillon Carl , Gabriel Andreas , Huang Iona Yuelu , Kumwenda Ian , Mark Tyler , Meyer‐Aurich Andreas , Milics Gabor , Olagunju Kehinde Oluseyi , Pedersen Søren Marcus , Shockley Jordan , Rose David
Published: July 2021

Autonomous equipment for crop production is on the verge of technical and economic feasibility, but government regulation may slow its adoption. Key regulatory issues include requirements for on‐site human supervision, liability for autonomous machine error, and intellectual property in robotic learning. As an example of the impact of regulation on the economic benefits of autonomous crop equipment, analysis from the United Kingdom suggests that requiring 100% on‐site human supervision almost wipes out the economic benefits of autonomous crop equipment for small and medium farms and increases the economies‐of‐scale advantage of larger farms.
Development of a novel pediatric point‐of‐care ultrasound question bank using a modified Delphi process
Authors: Alade Kiyetta H. , Marin Jennifer R. , Constantine Erika , Ekpenyong Atim , Farrell Susan E. , Horowitz Russ , Hsu Deborah , Kwan Charisse W. , Ng Lorraine , Leonard Perry J. , Lewiss Resa E.
Published: July 2021

Background and objectives

Measuring pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellow competency in point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is important for ensuring adequate training and performance. Assessment may include direct observation, image review, quality assessment, and written examination. The purpose of this study was to develop a pediatric POCUS question bank that could subsequently be used as a POCUS assessment for graduating PEM fellows.

Methods

We organized a 10‐person question writing group (QWG). Eight hold expertise in POCUS and two hold expertise in medical education. Members of the QWG created questions within four domains: interpretation/diagnosis (50% of questions), anatomy (30%), physics (10%), and pitfalls (10%). POCUS faculty ascertained content validity and the medical education faculty revised questions for syntax and readability. In 2016, we recruited 31 pediatric POCUS experts. The majority were members of the P2 Network, an international group of experts and leaders in PEM POCUS, to participate in three iterative rounds of a modified Delphi process to review, revise, and establish consensus on the question bank.

Results

Thirty‐one pediatric POCUS experts participated in the three rounds of the modified Delphi process and evaluated 437 questions developed by the expert panel. Forty‐nine percent (n = 216) of the questions were accepted in round 1, 30% (n = 130) in round 2, and 11% (n = 47) in the final round. The final question bank included 393 questions covering 17 pediatric POCUS applications.

Conclusion

We developed a 393‐question bank to aid in the assessment of PEM POCUS competency. Future work includes piloting the questions with PEM fellows to evaluate the response process and implementing the assessment tool to establish a minimum passing score.
Mehlich 3 as a generic soil test extractant for environmental phosphorus risk assessment across Alabama soil regions
Authors: Bhatta Anjan , Prasad Rishi , Chakraborty Debolina , Shaw Joey N. , Lamba Jasmeet , Brantley Eve , Torbert Henry A.
Published: July 2021

Individual states in the United States have adopted different soil test P (STP) methods for agronomic and environmental purposes. Working between soil regions and state borderlines can be complicated by using multiple STP methods. For example, Alabama uses Mehlich 1 (M1) for noncalcareous soils (Appalachian Plateau [AP], Coastal Plain [CP], Limestone Valley [LV], Piedmont Plateau [PP]) and Lancaster (La) for calcareous soils (Blackland Prairie [BP]). Mehlich 3 (M3) has been proposed as an efficient and possibly a generic extractant for a broader range of soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether M3 can be used as a common or generic extractant for environmental P loss risk assessment for both calcareous and noncalcareous soils. More than 769 soil samples were collected from 68 agricultural fields representing noncalcareous and calcareous soils, and their extraction efficiencies for M1, M3, and La were compared. Mehlich 1 extracted 13.8, 13.1, 6.3, and 6.2% of total P; whereas M3 extracted 29.8, 35.4, 10.5, and 14.8% of total P from AP, CP, LV, and PP, respectively. There was no significant difference between La and M3 extractable P for both acidic and alkaline soils of BP. The conversion factor of 1.42 (95% confidence interval [CI95%] = 1.36–1.47) was found suitable to convert M1‐P to M3‐P values for noncalcareous soils, and 0.92 (CI95% = 0.87–0.98) was suitable to convert La‐P to M3‐P values for calcareous soils. The linear relationship between water‐soluble P (WSP) and extractable P was stronger for M3 than for M1 and La for all soil regions, as indicated by a greater correlation coefficient. Results suggest that M3 can be adopted as a generic extractant for environmental P loss risk assessment for calcareous and noncalcareous soils.
Institutional variation in survival and morbidity in laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer: From the data of a randomized controlled trial comparing open and laparoscopic surgery (JCOG0404)
Authors: Katayama Hiroshi , Inomata Masafumi , Mizusawa Junki , Nakamura Kenichi , Watanabe Masahiko , Akagi Tomonori , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Ito Masaaki , Kinugasa Yusuke , Okajima Masazumi , Takemasa Ichiro , Okuda Junji , Shida Dai , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Kitano Seigo
Published: July 2021

Background

Institutional variation in outcomes is a key factor to ascertain the generalizability of results and reliability of the clinical trial. This study evaluated institutional variation in survival and postoperative complications using data from JCOG0404 comparing laparoscopic colectomy (LAP) with open colectomy (OP).

Methods

Institutions with fewer than 10 registered patients were excluded from this analysis. Institutional variation was evaluated in terms of early postoperative complications, overall survival, and relapse‐free survival and estimated using a mixed‐effect model with institution as a random effect after adjusting for background factors.

Results

This analysis included 1028 patients in the safety analysis and 1040 patients in the efficacy analysis from 26 institutions. In the safety analysis, there was no variation in grades 3–4 early postoperative complications (in OP, median 6.3% [range 6.3%–6.3%]; in LAP, median 2.6% [range 2.6%–2.6%]), but some variation in grades 1–4 early postoperative complications was observed (in OP, median 20.8% [range 13.2%–31.8%]; in LAP, median 11.9% [range 7.2%–28.7%]), and that in grades 2–4 was observed only in LAP (median 8.8% [range 4.7%–24.0%]; in OP, median 12.7% [range 12.7%–12.7%]). Two specific institutions showed especially high incidences of postoperative complications in LAP. In the efficacy analysis, there was no institutional variation in OP, although a certain variation was observed in LAP.

Conclusions

Some institutional variations in safety and efficacy were observed, although only in LAP. We conclude that a qualification system, including training and education, is needed when new surgical techniques such as laparoscopic surgery are introduced in clinical practice.
Energy Platform for Directed Charge Transfer in the Cascade Z‐Scheme Heterojunction: CO2 Photoreduction without a Cocatalyst
Authors: Bian Ji , Zhang Ziqing , Feng Jiannan , Thangamuthu Madasamy , Yang Fan , Sun Ling , Li Zhijun , Qu Yang , Tang Dongyan , Lin Zewei , Bai Fuquan , Tang Junwang , Jing Liqiang
Published: July 2021

A universal strategy is developed to construct a cascade Z‐Scheme system, in which an effective energy platform is the core to direct charge transfer and separation, blocking the unexpected type‐II charge transfer pathway. The dimension‐matched (001)TiO2‐g‐C3N4/BiVO4 nanosheet heterojunction (T‐CN/BVNS) is the first such model. The optimized cascade Z‐Scheme exhibits ≈19‐fold photoactivity improvement for CO2 reduction to CO in the absence of cocatalysts and costly sacrificial agents under visible‐light irradiation, compared with BVNS, which is also superior to other reported Z‐Scheme systems even with noble metals as mediators. The experimental results and DFT calculations based on van der Waals structural models on the ultrafast timescale reveal that the introduced T as the platform prolongs the lifetimes of spatially separated electrons and holes and does not compromise their reduction and oxidation potentials.
Photocatalytic Anti‐Markovnikov Radical Hydro‐ and Aminooxygenation of Unactivated Alkenes Tuned by Ketoxime Carbonates
Authors: Lai Sheng‐Qiang , Wei Bang‐Yi , Wang Jia‐Wei , Yu Wei , Han Bing
Published: July 2021

A tunable photocatalytic method is reported for anti‐Markovnikov hydro‐ and aminooxygenation of unactivated alkenes using readily accessible ketoxime carbonates as the diverse functionalization reagents. Mechanistic studies reveal that this reaction is initiated through an energy‐transfer‐promoted N−O bond homolysis of ketoxime carbonates leading to alkoxylcarbonyloxyl and iminyl radicals under visible‐light photocatalysis, followed by the addition of alkoxylcarbonyloxyl radical to alkenes. By taking advantage of the different stability of the iminyl radicals, the generated carbon radical either abstracts a hydrogen atom from the media to form the anti‐Markovnikov hydrooxygenation product, or it is trapped by the persistent iminyl radical to furnish the aminooxygenation product. Notably, this is the first example of direct hydrooxygenation of unactivated olefins with anti‐Markovnikov regioselectivity involving an oxygen‐centered radical.
2D network structure of zinc(II) complex: A new easily accessible and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of pyrazoles
Authors: Cao Gang‐Ming , Zeng Guo‐Dong , Li Ke , Liu Yu‐Feng , Lin Xiao‐Ling , Yang Guo‐Ping
Published: July 2021

A Zn(II) coordination polymer {[Zn3(paz)(btc)2(H2O)8]·4H2O}n (noted as ZnPB), where paz = pyrazine, H3btc = trimesic acid, was synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and powder X‐ray diffraction analyses. ZnPB shows a (3,3)‐connected 2D network with a point symbol of (63)2. Hydrogen bonds and π···π interactions connect adjacent 2D network to form a 3D packing structure. This compound exhibits excellent catalytic activity in the reaction of condensation and cyclization of sulfonyl hydrazides with 1,3‐diketones for the synthesis of pyrazoles. This solvent‐free and halogen‐free catalytic system represents an effective economic and environmentally friendly method for the construction of pyrazoles.
Reactive oxygen species‐responsive degradable poly(amino acid)s for biomedical use
Authors: Fan Xiaoxia , Zhu Sudi , Yan Lin , Zhu Hui
Published: July 2021

A series of reactive oxygen species‐responsive degradable poly(amino acid)s (PAAs) was synthesized via in situ melting polycondensation. The PAAs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical property analysis. The degradation and biocompatibility of the PAAs were also studied to evaluate their applicability as biomedical materials. The results show that the PAAs possessed semicrystalline amide structures, and the PAA melting temperature decreased gradually with increasing methionine loading. The incorporation of methionine decreased the thermal stability of the matrix, leading to decreases in both the initial and maximum degradation temperatures. The mechanical properties of the PAAs deteriorated as the content of methionine increased. The content of methionine had an obvious effect on PAA degradation, and the PAAs were responsive to the reactive oxygen‐rich environment, suggesting that the incorporation of methionine is effective at improving the degradation of PAAs. The PAAs showed great in vitro and in vivo biocompatibilities. Based on the results, these polymers show promise as high‐performance materials for biomedical applications.
Construction of porous cellulose tubes and the evaluations of mechanical properties and cytocompatibility
Authors: Yang Wen , Li Yifan , Xiao Yuelong , Hou Jianhua , Tang Keyong , Pei Ying
Published: July 2021

In this work, regenerated cellulose (RC) tubes with the porous structure were successfully fabricated for constructing the non‐invasive detection platform of vascular microenvironment. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a porogen was applied to induce porous structure of cellulose tubes. Tensile and burst pressure tests were carried out to evaluate the effects of PEO molecular weight and amount on the mechanical properties of cellulose tubes. The results showed that tensile strength of RC tubes was increased with increasing PEO molecular weight. The compliance of cellulose tubes decreased with increasing the PEO content. When 120 kDa PEO was applied, the average tensile strength of RC tubes could reach 1.27 MPa. The maximum burst pressure and compliance of RC tubes could reach 488.25 ± 35 mmHg and 7.50 ± 3.7%/100 mmHg, respectively. Human umbilical vein endothelia cells (HUVECs) exhibited obvious proliferation on cellulose tubes, and the collagen coating further improve the biocompatibility. The incorporated collagen further improved adhesion of the cells and growth on cellulose tubes. This work provided a kind of cellulose‐based tube material with potential application for the construction of the vitro vascular microenvironment.
Simulation of a Natural Gas Steam Reforming Plant for Hydrogen Production Optimization
Authors: Salem Manal , Shoaib Abeer M. , Ibrahim Amr F. M.
Published: July 2021

A simulation study to predict and optimize a natural gas steam reforming plant in Suez was performed. The developed model was used to generate performance data that would map the relation between atthe operating variables and hydrogen productivity. A single objective optimization problem was then formulated to maximize hydrogen production in the subunits: hydrocarbon prereformer, steam methane reformer, and the medium‐temperature water‐gas‐shift reactor. The process temperature and pressure for the three subunits, total plant flow rate and total superheated steam flow rate were selected as decision variables. A good agreement was found between simulation results and plant data at steady‐state conditions in terms of hydrogen yield and chemical composition. The developed mathematical model for hydrogen productivity correctly predicts the effect of relevant process parameters.
Laser ablation of lanthanum phosphate for pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Sinha Sucharita
Published: July 2021

A theoretical model has been used to simulate pulsed laser ablation of Lanthanum Phosphate (LaPO4) by nanosecond Nd:YAG laser irradiation. Material ablation rate per laser pulse was experimentally measured as a function of average incident laser fluence up to 12J/cm2. Calculations were performed by solving the heat conduction equation by an explicit finite‐difference technique to generate time evolution of temperature distribution, melt depth and ablation rate from the target during and after irradiation with a nanosecond laser pulse. Good agreement between our experimental and calculated ablation rates validates our theoretical model. The calculated maximum surface temperature of the LaPO4 target indicated that for laser fluence levels, up to 20J/cm2 material ejection from LaPO4 target is expected to occur via normal boiling and evaporation successfully avoiding explosive boiling. Our calculations confirm that operating with laser fluence at near ablation threshold levels for LaPO4 also restricts dissociation of the LaPO4 target to oxides with loss of gaseous products. Therefore, our study of pulsed laser ablation of LaPO4 target helps in making judicious selection of laser parameters for Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) of LaPO4 coatings and films of desired stoichiometric purity and homogeneity, while successfully ensuring phase stability of the target.
GATA‐binding protein 3 and gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 as a potential diagnostic marker for extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Kado Soichiro , Kamiya Koji , Jin Meijuan , Kimura Miho , Hossain Md Razib , Maekawa Takeo , Komine Mayumi , Ohtsuki Mamitaro
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of GCDFP15 and GATA‐binding protein 3 (GATA‐3) in extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) skin and serum samples and to assess their availability as tumor markers for the diagnosis and assessment of disease severity in primary EMPD.

Methods

Skin samples and serum samples were obtained from 16 patients with primary EMPD (10 cases from male, six cases from female; stage IA six cases, stage IB seven cases, stage III one case, stage IV two cases). By immunohistochemistry, the expression of GCDFP15 and GATA3 was examined in skin specimens. The serum levels of GCDFP15 and GATA3 were quantified by ELISA.

Results

In our study, eight out of 16 patients showed positive staining for GCDFP15. In contrast, all 16 patients showed positive staining for GATA‐3. Immunohistochemical staining of EMPD skin samples showed that GATA‐3 had a higher positivity rate than GCDFP15. However, there was no correlation between serum levels of GCDFP15 or GATA‐3 and the disease stage.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that GCDFP15 and GATA‐3 are useful for the diagnosis of primary EMPD, but not for monitoring disease progression, and suggest that GATA‐3 is a more reliable marker than GCDFP15 for the diagnosis of primary EMPD.
Race, ethnicity, and goal‐concordance of end‐of‐life palliative care in pediatric oncology
Authors: Umaretiya Puja J. , Li Anran , McGovern Alana , Ma Clement , Wolfe Joanne , Bona Kira
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Racial and ethnic minority children with cancer disproportionately receive intensive care at the end of life (EOL). It is not known whether these differences are goal‐concordant or disparities. The authors sought to explore patterns of pediatric palliative care (PPC) and health care utilization in pediatric oncology patients receiving subspecialty palliative care at the end‐of‐life (last 6 months) and to examine goal‐concordance of location of death in a subset of these patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of pediatric oncology patients receiving subspecialty palliative care at a single large tertiary care center who died between January 2013 and March 2017.

RESULTS

A total of 115 patients including 71 White, non‐Hispanic patients and 44 non‐White patients (including 12 Black patients and 21 Hispanic patients) were included in the analytic cohort. There were no significant differences in oncologic diagnosis, cause of death, or health care utilization in the last 6 months of life. White and non‐White patients had similar PPC utilization including time from initial consult to death and median number of PPC encounters. Non‐White patients were significantly more likely to die in the hospital compared to White patients (68% vs 46%, P = .03). Analysis of a subcohort with documented preferences (n = 45) revealed that 91% of White patients and 93% of non‐White patients died in their preferred location of death.

CONCLUSIONS

Although non‐White children with cancer were more likely to die in the hospital, this difference was goal‐concordant in our cohort. Subspecialty PPC access may contribute to the achievement of goal‐concordant EOL care.
Bioequivalence Evaluation Between Acarbose and Metformin Fixed‐Dose Combination and Corresponding Individual Components in Healthy Chinese Male and Female Subjects
Authors: Liu Chao , Cleton Adriaan , Sui Yubin , Liu Yuwang , Li Jinyi , Yuan Fei , Sheng Lei , Xu Hongrong , Li Xuening
Published: July 2021

Acarbose and metformin have been recommended both as monotherapy and add‐on therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. A novel fixed‐dose combination (FDC) of acarbose and metformin has been developed to improve compliance and patient adherence to therapy. The current study investigated the bioequivalence (BE) between acarbose/metformin FDC (50 mg/500 mg) with corresponding loose combination of individual components under fasting conditions in healthy Chinese male and female subjects, using a randomized, 2‐period, 2‐way crossover study design. Pharmacodynamic parameters of serum glucose ratio between treatment day and baseline (ratio of maximum concentration [Cmax], day 1/Cmax, day –1 and ratio of area under the concentration‐time curve [AUC] from time 0 to 4 hours, day 1/AUC from time 0 to 4 hours, day –1) were used as the primary variables to evaluate BE of acarbose. Pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, AUC from time 0 to the last data point greater than the lower limit of quantification, and AUC were used to evaluate BE of metformin. The results showed that the 90% confidence intervals of the ratios of all primary target variables including ratio of Cmax, day 1/Cmax, day –1 and ratio of AUC from time 0 to 4 hours, day 1/AUC from time 0 to 4 hours, day –1 for acarbose, and Cmax, AUC from time 0 to the last data point greater than the lower limit of quantification, and AUC for metformin all fell within the acceptance limits of 0.8 to 1.25. Thus, BE between 50‐mg acarbose and 500‐mg metformin as an FDC and loose combination was established. Furthermore, different kinds of exploratory pharmacodynamic parameters (based on either serum glucose or insulin) including several newly proposed parameters were also investigated for acarbose BE evaluation in this study, and inconsistent results were observed.
Catheter planning with goal programming method in neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Kokangul Ali , Dagsuyu Cansu
Published: July 2021

Successful treatment of diseases depends on many important factors: correct diagnosis, choice and type of equipment, and the risk of infectious diseases. It is crucial to take into these factors, in particular, the risk of infection and the costs of equipment in catheter selection for invasive interventions in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Catheters have different lifetime, therefore, the length of stay (LOS) is important for catheter selection. Random changes in patient's LOS make catheter selection a difficult problem. In this study, catheters designed for newborns in NICUs within the scope of invasive procedures have been optimized with multi‐objective mathematical modeling method. Maximization of catheter additional lifetime, minimization of infection, and total cost have been provided by considering the actual data obtained from neonatal intensive care unit of large hospital in modeling.
Photoisomerization of an Azobenzene‐Containing Surfactant Within a Micelle
Authors: Titov Evgenii , Sharma Anjali , Lomadze Nino , Saalfrank Peter , Santer Svetlana , Bekir Marek
Published: July 2021

Photosensitive azobenzene‐containing surfactants have attracted great attention in past years because they offer a means to control soft‐matter transformations with light. At concentrations higher than the critical micelle concentration (CMC), the surfactant molecules aggregate and form micelles, which leads to a slowdown of the photoinduced trans→cis azobenzene isomerization. Here, we combine nonadiabatic dynamics simulations for the surfactant molecules embedded in the micelles with absorption spectroscopy measurements of micellar solutions to uncover the reasons responsible for the reaction slowdown. Our simulations reveal a decrease of isomerization quantum yields for molecules inside the micelles. We also observe a reduction of extinction coefficients upon micellization. These findings explain the deceleration of the trans→cis switching in micelles of the azobenzene‐containing surfactants.
A hybrid discontinuous PWM algorithm of balancing neutral point voltage for 3L‐NPC inverter
Authors: Zhong Liping , Hu Song
Published: July 2021

Wider linear modulation range, less switching loss, and simplicity are the goals pursued by various modulation methods of multilevel inverters. This paper proposes a new hybrid discontinuous pulsewidth modulation (HDPWM) strategy for three‐level neutral‐point‐clamped (3L‐NPC) inverter that can achieve the above goals to a certain extent. According to the position of the reference voltage vector and the actual situation of the neutral point voltage, different control modes and clamping types are selected. The neutral point voltage is controlled by DPWM strategy, which can not only greatly reduce the switch loss but also maintain the balance of the neutral point voltage and expand the linear modulation range. The implementation of the algorithm combines the advantages of carrier‐based PWM (CBPWM) and space vector PWM (SVPWM). There is no need to select the nearest three vectors (NTVs) and calculate their dwell time. Only the reference voltage needs to be modified according to the control requirements, and then by comparing the modified reference voltage with the carrier, the driver pulse required by the switching devices can be generated. Compared with the existing PWM methods, it is more simple and easy to implement. Experimental results verify the validity of the method.
Anxiety and depression among Chinese children with and without reading disabilities
Authors: Wang Li‐Chih
Published: July 2021

This study aims to compare anxiety and depression among male and female Chinese children with and without reading disabilities (RDs) and to examine the diverse impacts of anxiety and depression on children's reading comprehension. A total of 132 Chinese children from third to sixth grade living in Taiwan were recruited; half had RD, and the other half were typically developing children. Our results from the first analysis revealed that the anxiety level of female children with RD was significantly higher than that of the other three groups of participants, while the depression level of typically developing children was significantly lower than that of children with RD in general. Additionally, our results regarding the predictive abilities of gender and anxiety for reading comprehension as well as the moderating effect of gender on the ability of anxiety to predict reading comprehension were all statistically significant for the typically developing group but not the RD group. These differences between these two groups were further confirmed by multi‐group analysis. Our results enhance the existing knowledge on Chinese children with RD and can increase practitioners' awareness of the possibility of higher levels of anxious and depressive symptoms among these children.
Evolutionary management of coral‐reef fisheries using phylogenies to predict density dependence
Authors: Houk Peter , Lemer Sarah , Hernandez‐Ortiz Dalia , Cuetos‐Bueno Javier
Published: July 2021

Harvesting models are based upon the ideology that removing large, old individuals provides space for young, fast‐growing counterparts that can maximize (fisheries) yields while maintaining population stability and ecosystem function. Yet, this compensatory density dependent response has rarely been examined in multispecies systems. We combined extensive data sets from coral‐reef fisheries across a suite of Pacific islands and provided unique context to the universal assumptions of compensatory density dependence. We reported that size‐and‐age truncation only existed for 49% of target coral‐reef fishes exposed to growing fishing pressure across a suite of Pacific islands. In contrast, most of the remaining species slowly disappeared from landings and reefs with limited change to their size structure (i.e., little to no compensation), often becoming replaced by smaller‐bodied sister species. To understand these remarkable and disparate differences, we constructed phylogenies for dominant fish families and discovered that large patristic distances between sister species, or greater phylogenetic isolation, predicted size‐and‐age truncation. Isolated species appeared to have greater niche dominance or breadth, supported by their faster growth rates compared to species with similar sizes and within similar guilds, and many also have group foraging behavior. In contrast, closely related species may have more restricted, realized niches that led to their disappearance and replacement. We conclude that phylogenetic attributes offered novel guidance to proactively manage multispecies fisheries and improve our understanding of ecological niches and ecosystem stability.
Worldwide border interceptions provide a window into human‐mediated global insect movement
Authors: Turner Rebecca M. , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Bertelsmeier Cleo , Blake Rachael E. , Caton Barney , James Alex , MacLeod Alan , Nahrung Helen F. , Pawson Stephen M. , Plank Michael J. , Pureswaran Deepa S. , Seebens Hanno , Yamanaka Takehiko , Liebhold Andrew M.
Published: July 2021

As part of national biosecurity programs, cargo imports, passenger baggage, and international mail are inspected at ports of entry to verify compliance with phytosanitary regulations and to intercept potentially damaging nonnative species to prevent their introduction. Detection of organisms during inspections may also provide crucial information about the species composition and relative arrival rates in invasion pathways that can inform the implementation of other biosecurity practices such as quarantines and surveillance. In most regions, insects are the main taxonomic group encountered during inspections. We gathered insect interception data from nine world regions collected from 1995 to 2019 to compare the composition of species arriving at ports in these regions. Collectively, 8,716 insect species were intercepted in these regions over the last 25 yr, with the combined international data set comprising 1,899,573 interception events, of which 863,972 were identified to species level. Rarefaction analysis indicated that interceptions comprise only a small fraction of species present in invasion pathways. Despite differences in inspection methodologies, as well as differences in the composition of import source regions and imported commodities, we found strong positive correlations in species interception frequencies between regions, particularly within the Hemiptera and Thysanoptera. There were also significant differences in species frequencies among insects intercepted in different regions. Nevertheless, integrating interception data among multiple regions would be valuable for estimating invasion risks for insect species with high likelihoods of introduction as well as for identifying rare but potentially damaging species.
Analytical methods matter too: Establishing a framework for estimating maximum metabolic rate for fishes
Authors: Prinzing Tanya S. , Zhang Yangfan , Wegner Nicholas C. , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: July 2021

Advances in experimental design and equipment have simplified the collection of maximum metabolic rate (MMR) data for a more diverse array of water‐breathing animals. However, little attention has been given to the consequences of analytical choices in the estimation of MMR. Using different analytical methods can reduce the comparability of MMR estimates across species and studies and has consequences for the burgeoning number of macroecological meta‐analyses using metabolic rate data. Two key analytical choices that require standardization are the time interval, or regression window width, over which MMR is estimated, and the method used to locate that regression window within the raw oxygen depletion trace. Here, we consider the effect of both choices by estimating MMR for two shark and two salmonid species of different activity levels using multiple regression window widths and three analytical methods: rolling regression, sequential regression, and segmented regression. Shorter regression windows yielded higher metabolic rate estimates, with a risk that the shortest windows (<1‐min) reflect more system noise than MMR signal. Rolling regression was the best candidate model and produced the highest MMR estimates. Sequential regression models consistently produced lower relative estimates than rolling regression models, while the segmented regression model was unable to produce consistent MMR estimates across individuals. The time‐point of the MMR regression window along the oxygen consumption trace varied considerably across individuals but not across models. We show that choice of analytical method, in addition to more widely understood experimental choices, profoundly affect the resultant estimates of MMR. We recommend that researchers (1) employ a rolling regression model with a reliable regression window tailored to their experimental system and (2) explicitly report their analytical methods, including publishing raw data and code.
Risk factors for diabetic foot complications among patients with type 2 diabetes in Austria–A registry‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rossboth Sophia , Rossboth Benedikt , Schoenherr Hans , Lechleitner Monika , Oberaigner Willi
Published: July 2021

Aims

Diabetic foot complications, a serious consequence of diabetes mellitus, are associated with a tremendous burden on both individual patients and health care systems. Since prevention strategies may reduce the incidence of this complication, identification of risk factors in large longitudinal studies is essential to optimize early detection and personalized screening of patients at increased risk.

Materials and methods

We conducted a registry‐based retrospective cohort study using data from 10,688 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥18 years. Cox regression models were used to identify risk factors for foot complications while adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

We observed 140 diabetic foot complications in our patient cohort. The multivariate Cox regression model revealed neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and male gender as being positively associated with foot complications. The same effect was detected for nephropathy in the time >10 years after T2DM diagnosis. For higher age at diagnosis and use of insulin, however, a negative association was retrieved.

Conclusion

Male gender and several diabetes‐related comorbidities were identified as risk factors for subsequent initial foot complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These findings suggest that personalized early detection of patients at increased risk might be feasible by using information on demographics, medical history and comorbidities.
Molecular dietary analyses of western capercaillies (Tetrao urogallus) reveal a diverse diet
Authors: Chua Physilia Ying Shi , Lammers Youri , Menoni Emmanuel , Ekrem Torbjørn , Bohmann Kristine , Boessenkool Sanne , Alsos Inger Greve
Published: July 2021

Conservation strategies centered around species habitat protection rely on species’ dietary information. One species at the focal point of conservation efforts is the herbivorous grouse, the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), which is an indicator species for forest biodiversity conservation. Non‐molecular means used to study their diet are time‐consuming and at low taxonomic resolution. This delays the implementation of conservation strategies including resource protection due to uncertainty about its diet. Thus, limited knowledge on diet is hampering conservation efforts. Here, we use non‐invasive environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding on DNA extracted from faces to present the first large‐scale molecular dietary analysis of capercaillies. Facal samples were collected from seven populations located in Norway (Finnmark, Troms, Trøndelag, Innlandet) and France (Vosges, Jura, Pyrenees) (n = 172). We detected 122 plant taxa belonging to 46 plant families of which 37.7% of the detected taxa could be identified at species level. The average dietary richness of each sample was 7 ± 5 SD taxa. The most frequently occurring plant groups with the highest relative read abundance (RRA) were trees and dwarf shrubs, in particular, Pinus and Vaccinium myrtillus, respectively. There was a difference in dietary composition (RRA) between samples collected from the different locations (adonis pseudo F5,86 = 11.01, r2 = 0.17, p = 0.001) and seasons (adonis pseudo F2,03 = 0.64, r2 = 0.01, p = 0.036). Dietary composition also differed between sexes at each location (adonis pseudo F1,47 = 2.77, r2 = 0.04, p = 0.024), although not significant for all data combined. In total, 35 taxa (36.8% of taxa recorded) were new capercaillie food items compared with existing knowledge from non‐molecular means. The non‐invasive molecular dietary analysis applied in this study provides new ecological information of capercaillies’ diet, improving our understanding of adequate habitat required for their conservation.
Disposable Electrochemical Aptasensor for Ultrasensitive Determination of Aflatoxin B1 Using Copper Nanoparticles as Probes
Authors: Liu Jiaxiang , Zhou Yanli , Dong Hui , Li Qiaoxia , Zhang Yintang , Xu Maotian
Published: July 2021

An electrochemical aptasensor for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) detection was constructed based on the copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and gold nanoflowers modified screen‐printed carbon electrodes as electrochemical probes and substrates, respectively. In the range of 100 aM to 100 pM, a good linear relationship between oxidation peak current of CuNPs and concentration of AFB1 was obtained. The high sensitivity could be ascribed to the amplified electrochemical signals by CuNPs. The high affinity of AFB1 with aptamer endowed its high selectivity. The above advantages and disposable traits made this aptasensor as an ideal platform for evaluation of AFB1 level in food samples.
Macroscopically Oriented Magnetic Core‐regularized Nanomaterials for Glucose Biosensors Assisted by Self‐sacrificial Label
Authors: Yin Shiyu , Wang Jikui , Li Yan , Wu Tingxia , Song Lingyu , Zhu Yongbao , Chen Yizhe , Cheng Kai , Zhang Jun , Ma Xinzhou , Donghai Lin , Chen Guosong
Published: July 2021

Magnetic core‐regular nanostructures composed of magnetite and regular Prussian blue was prepared by self‐sacrificial macro‐oriented method. Magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) was vertically oriented on the surface of home‐made screen‐printing electrode with the help of constant magnetic field (CMF).Then regular nanostructured Prussian blue (RPB) was realized by chemical reaction through an aerosol deposition. Finally, glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized by glutaraldehyde cross‐linking to fabricate glucose biosensors. The linear range of CMF‐RPB/MGO sensor towards glucose was 0.03∼1.35 mM, and the detection limit was 13.4 μM. The CMF‐RPB/MGO sensor could apply to analyze glucose in human serum samples.
The anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of probiotic on induced neurotoxicity in juvenile hamsters
Authors: Ben Bacha Abir , Al‐Orf Norah , Alonazi Mona , Bhat Ramesa Shafi , El‐Ansary Afaf
Published: July 2021

Brain inflammation and apoptosis play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of various neurodevelopmental disorders. Probiotics have been shown to confer protection against many stresses, including apoptosis and inflammation, by modulating the gut function. The short‐chain fatty acid, propionic acid (PPA), plays an important intermediate of cellular metabolism. Although PPA exhibits numerous beneficial biological effects, its accumulation is neurotoxic. This study focused on the therapeutic potency of probiotics against PPA‐induced apoptosis and neuroinflammation in hamsters. Five groups of male golden Syrian hamsters were treated as follows: Group I as control; Group II as PPA‐treated with three doses of 250 mg PPA/kg/day; Group III as clindamycin‐treated with a single dose of 30 mg clindamycin/kg; Group IV as PPA–probiotic; and Group V as clindamycin–probiotic were two therapeutic groups which were treated with the same doses of PPA and clindamycin, respectively, followed by treatment with 0.2 g kg‐1 d−1 of probiotic (ProtexinR, Probiotics International Limited) for three weeks. Proapoptotic markers, such as caspases 3 and 7; neuroinflammation markers, such as interleukins 1β and 8; and heat shock protein 70 were measured in the brain. Significant increase of all measured markers (p ˂ .001) was observed in PPA and clindamycin‐treated hamsters compared with controls. Probiotics significantly reduced the damages and ameliorated all the test markers in both therapeutic groups compared with the control. Our results confirmed that probiotics can be utilized as a feasible strategy for managing apoptotic and inflammation‐related stresses in brain disorders by retaining the gut function.
Petrogenesis of the Pandao granites in the Wutai Mountains area in the North China Craton: Constraints from geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Hf isotopes
Authors: Ye Feng , Dong Guochen , Ren Jianxun , Ketchaya Yanick Blaise , Yang Quanlin , Niu Xiaoyang , Dang Hongmin , Bai Yubo , Dong Chen , Li Baifu
Published: July 2021

The Trans‐North China Orogen (TNCO) is a part of the North China Craton (NCC) and together provides a classic example of lithospheric destruction. The Pandao granites outcropping in the Wutai Mountains area provide a window to investigate the Mesozoic magmatism in the TNCO. Here, this paper presents the new zircon geochronology, whole‐rock geochemistry, and zircon Hf isotope data for the Pandao granites to discuss their petrogenesis and tectonic implications. The Pandao granites are mainly composed of light‐red medium‐ to coarse‐grained biotite granite and light‐grey fine‐ to medium‐grained biotite granite. Zircon U–Pb ages of 110.05 ± 0.67 Ma and 108.35 ± 0.81 Ma suggest that the Pandao granites were crystallized in the Early Cretaceous. The Pandao granites are classified as high‐K calc‐alkaline and weak peraluminous series. The rocks display abundance in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare‐earth elements (LREE) but show depletion in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSE) and heavy rare‐earth elements (HREE), with strong negative Eu anomalies. The classification diagrams indicate that the Pandao granites are A‐type granites and thus belong to the A1 subtype, formed in an intraplate extensional environment. The Pandao granites have homogeneous zircon Hf isotopic compositions. Their zircons have negative εHf(t) values (−19.1 to −17.1) and old Hf isotope crustal model ages (2,250–2,375 Ma), suggesting that the Pandao granites were formed by partial melting of the Paleoproterozoic lower crustal material. Therefore, it is suggested that the Pandao granites were formed under an intraplate extensional tectonic environment of remote effect due to the ancient Pacific Plate subduction and retreat beneath the Eurasian continent. The TNCO was influenced by the subduction and retreat of the ancient Pacific Plate in the late Early Cretaceous.