bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overconnectivity of the right Heschl's and inferior temporal gyrus correlates with symptom severity in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kim Daegyeom , Lee Joo Young , Jeong Byeong Chang , Ahn Ja‐Hye , Kim Johanna Inhyang , Lee Eun Soo , Kim Hyuna , Lee Hyun Ju , Han Cheol E.
Published: September 2021

Previous studies have reported varying findings regarding the association of brain connectivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with overconnectivity, underconnectivity, or both. Despite the emerging understanding that ASD is a developmental disconnection syndrome, very little is known about structural brain networks in preschool‐aged children with low‐functioning ASD. We aimed to investigate the structural brain connectivity of low‐functioning ASD using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and graph theory to examine alterations in different brain network topologies and identify any correlations with the clinical severity of ASD in preschool‐aged children. Fifty‐two preschool‐aged children (28 with ASD and 24 with typical development) were included in the analysis. Graph‐based network analysis was performed to examine the global and local structural brain networks. Nodal network measures exhibited increased nodal strength in the right Heschl's gyrus, which was positively associated with all autistic clinical symptoms (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and Childhood Autism Rating Scale [CARS]). The nodal strength of the right inferior temporal gyrus showed a moderate correlation with the CARS score. Using network‐based statistics, we identified a subnetwork with increased connections encompassing the right Heschl's gyrus and the right inferior temporal gyrus in preschool‐aged children with ASD. The asymmetric value in the inferior temporal gyrus exhibited right dominance of nodal strength in children with ASD compared to that in typically developing children. Our findings support the theory of aberrant brain growth and overconnectivity as the underlying mechanism of ASD and provides new insights into potential regional biomarkers that can detect low‐functioning ASD in preschool‐aged children.

Lay Summary

This study supports the theory of aberrant brain growth and overconnectivity as an explanation for ASD. Measuring the right HG and inferior temporal gyrus provides new insights of potential regional biomarkers underpinning ASD in preschool‐aged children.
Guiding Uniform Sodium Deposition through Host Modification for Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Soni Chhail Bihari , Kumar Vipin , Seh Zhi Wei
Published: September 2021

Room‐temperature Na metal batteries represent an emerging energy storage technology beyond Li‐ion batteries, owing to the high specific capacity and high natural abundance of Na. However, Na metal anodes are plagued with multiple challenges including unstable solid electrolyte interphase, undesirable dendrite growth, and large volumetric expansion, leading to low Coulombic efficiency during Na plating and stripping. To this end, mechanically stable and sodiophilic hosts with nano‐ or micro‐structured materials have been investigated to accommodate Na in the structured spacing or gaps for enhanced cyclability. In this concept, we will discuss the key concepts and latest developments in guiding uniform Na deposition through host modification, especially carbon, inorganic and polymeric materials. Future prospects and outlook will also be provided, including artificial interphase design, solid‐state electrolytes, and precise nanoscale characterization to improve our fundamental understanding of Na deposition and spur this burgeoning field in Na metal batteries.
Dietary supplements: When too much of a good thing becomes harmful
Authors: Mehta Neal , Germain Machel S. , Quiel Luis
Published: September 2021

While dietary supplements are generally “safe,” they must be appropriately consumed as they have different regulatory standards than traditional pharmaceutical medications and require oversight to ensure that a good thing does not become harmful.
A Case of ST‐Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Nonhospitalized Patient with SARS‐CoV‐2 Pneumonia: Treatment with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Shimai Ryosuke , Ouchi Shohei , Miyazaki Tetsuro , Hirabayashi Koji , Abe Hiroshi , Yabe Kosuke , Maki Masaaki , Isogai Hiroyuki , Wada Takeshi , Ozaki Dai , Odagiri Fuminori , Hiki Makoto , Yaginuma Kenji , Yokoyama Ken , Tokano Takashi , Minamino Tohru
Published: September 2021

We experienced a case of primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) using appropriate infection prevention protocol. However, recanalization was difficult due to severe coagulopathy. Further researches are needed to clarify optimal treatment for STEMI in patients with COVID‐19.
A Series of Iron(II)‐NHC Sensitizers with Remarkable Power Conversion Efficiency in Photoelectrochemical Cells**
Authors: Marri Anil Reddy , Marchini Edoardo , Cabanes Valentin Diez , Argazzi Roberto , Pastore Mariachiara , Caramori Stefano , Bignozzi Carlo Alberto , Gros Philippe C.
Published: September 2021

A series of six new Fe(II)NHC‐carboxylic sensitizers with their ancillary ligand decorated with functions of varied electronic properties have been designed with the aim to increase the metal‐to‐ surface charge separation and light harvesting in iron‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). ARM130 scored the highest efficiency ever reported for an iron‐sensitized solar cell (1.83 %) using Mg2+ and NBu4I‐based electrolyte and a thick 20 μm TiO2 anode. Computational modelling, transient absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that the electronic properties induced by the dimethoxyphenyl‐substituted NHC ligand of ARM130 led to the best combination of electron injection yield and spectral sensitivity breadth.
Integration of in vitro allergy test results and ratio analysis for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic patients (INTEGRA)
Authors: Pascal Mariona , Moreno Carmen , Dávila Ignacio , Tabar Ana I. , Bartra Joan , Labrador Moisés , Luengo Olga
Published: September 2021

The introduction of molecular diagnosis into routine clinical practice has substantially improved the diagnosis and management of allergic patients by allowing clinicians to precisely identify the allergenic molecule responsible for immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated allergies. However, it can be challenging to accurately interpret the results of molecular assays, partly due to the limited evidence base. In this context, a panel of experts with extensive experience in interpreting in vitro measures of total and serum specific IgE reviewed the available scientific evidence. After this review, the panel selected a series of representative case studies to demonstrate how determination of specific and total IgE values and the relationship between them (ratio analysis) can add value to the diagnostic process by more precisely defining the patient’s sensitization profile. Finally, the experts developed a series of recommendations on the clinical application of ratio analysis to optimize and complement the classical approach to allergy diagnosis.
Speedup of discrete Fourier transform by efficient modular arithmetic
Authors: Zhang Yi , Sun Mengdi , Qi Xin
Published: September 2021

The fast Fourier transform (FFT) based on modular arithmetic can compute convolution without round‐off errors, which is desirable in many applications such as computational algebra and combinatory pattern matching. One of the critical challenges of the FFT is to enhance the performance. An effective approach is to optimize the high‐cost operations. Modular reduction is one of the most frequently used high‐cost operations that is a bottleneck of the FFT using modular arithmetic. In this article, we present three modular reduction methods and apply them to the implementation of the FFT. We use the strategy of delaying the modular reduction in the first method. We apply the Montgomery reduction to the FFT in the second method. The two methods both first transform the input, and then replace the modular reductions with lightweight replacements, and apply the reverse transform in the output stage to compute the right results. In the third method, we design an efficient modular reduction for the specific form of modular used in FFT. Experiments show that the incorporation of the new modular reductions speedups the FFT based on modular arithmetic.
An improved switched‐ladder bidirectional multilevel inverter: Topology, operating principle, and implementation
Authors: Hosseinpour Majid , Seifi Ali , Babaei Ebrahim
Published: September 2021

Multi‐level inverters (MLIs) for medium or high power and voltage utilization have acceptable application in industry and are utilized commercially. The performance of MLIs is considerably preferable to traditional two‐level inverters due to their negligible harmonic content, small filter size, utilization of lower‐rated voltage devices, low electromagnetic interference (EMI), and so on. However, in the face of these many advantages, few disadvantages can be expressed such as more device count and a sophisticated control strategy. This paper presents an improved switched‐ladder topology to enhance the performance of multi‐level inverters by improving the above drawbacks. Compared to existing inverter topologies, the proposed extendable diode‐containing bidirectional structure requires fewer switches and driver circuits. The proposed topology is compared with other similar topologies, and its superiority is examined. Fundamental switching frequency modulation technique is utilized to obtain high‐quality output voltage waveforms with lower harmonic contents and reduced switching losses. This converter, despite the use of diodes, can supply the low power factor inductive‐resistive loads, bidirectionally. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed topology, in addition to simulation with the nearest level modulation technique, a prototype of the proposed structure has been implemented and tested. The results display the proper performance of the proposed topology in the real‐time environment.
The biology of seed discrimination and its role in shaping the foraging ecology of carabids: A review
Authors: Ali Khaldoun A. , Willenborg Christian J.
Published: September 2021

Species of carabid (ground) beetles are among the most important postdispersal weed seed predators in temperate arable lands. Field studies have shown that carabid beetles can remove upwards of 65%–90% of specific weed seeds shed in arable fields each year. Such data do not explain how and why carabid predators go after weed seeds, however. It remains to be proven that weed seed predation by carabids is a genuine ecological interaction driven by certain ecological factors or functional traits that determine interaction strength and power predation dynamics, bringing about therefore a natural regulation of weed populations. Along these lines, this review ties together the lines of evidence around weed seed predation by carabid predators. Chemoperception rather than vision seems to be the primary sensory mechanism guiding seed detection and seed selection decisions in carabid weed seed predators. Selection of weed seeds by carabid seed predators appears directed rather than random. Yet, the nature of the chemical cues mediating detection of different seed species and identification of the suitable seed type among them remains unknown. Selection of certain types of weed seeds cannot be predicted based on seed chemistry per se in all cases, however. Rather, seed selection decisions are ruled by sophisticated behavioral mechanisms comprising the assessment of both chemical and physical characteristics of the seed. The ultimate selection of certain weed seed types is determined by how the chemical and physical properties of the seed match with the functional traits of the predator in terms of seed handling ability. Seed density, in addition to chemical and physical seed traits, is also an important factor that is likely to shape seed selection decisions in carabid weed seed predators. Carabid responses to seed density are rather complex as they are influenced not only by seed numbers but also by trait‐based suitability ranks of the different seed types available in the environment.
Resolving the origins of invertebrate colonists in the Yangtze River Estuary with molecular markers: Implications for ecological connectivity
Authors: Li Yu‐Qiang , Li Meng‐Yu , Xing Teng‐Fei , Liu Jin‐Xian
Published: September 2021

Understanding connectivity over different spatial and temporal scales is fundamental for managing of ecological systems. However, controversy exists for wintertime ecological connectivity between the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) and inner southwestern Yellow Sea. Here, we investigated ecological connectivity between the YRE and inner southwestern Yellow Sea in wintertime by precisely pinpointing the source of the newly colonized populations of a winter‐spawning rocky intertidal invertebrate, Littorina brevicula (Philippi, 1844), on artificial structures along the coast of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) using mitochondrial ND6 sequences and microsatellite data. Clear phylogeographic and genetic differentiation were detected between natural rocky populations south and north of the YRE, which resulted from the lack of hard substrate for rocky invertebrates in the large YRD coast. For the newly colonized populations on the coast of YRD, most individuals (98%) to the south of ~33.5°N were from natural rocky populations to the south of the YRE and most of those (94%) to the north of ~33.5°N were from the northern natural rocky populations, which demonstrated strong ecological connectivity between the inner southwestern Yellow Sea and the YRE in winter time. We presented the first genetic evidence that demonstrated a northward wintertime coastal current in the inner southwestern Yellow Sea, and precisely illustrated the boundary of the coastal current recently proposed by numerical experiment. These results indicated that the YRE serves as an important source of materials and energy for the inner southwestern Yellow Sea in winter, which can be crucial for the function of the Yellow Sea ecosystem.
A direct comparison of the effects and mechanisms between species richness and genotype richness in a dominant species on multiple ecosystem functions
Authors: Jiang Man , Yang Xue , Wang Tao , Xu Yujuan , Dong Ke , He Luoyang , Liu Yulin , Wang Jinlong , Zhao Nianxi , Gao Yubao
Published: September 2021

Both species (interspecific) richness and genotype (intraspecific) richness of dominant species have significant effects on ecosystem functioning directly or indirectly by regulating plant community functional structure. However, the similarities and differences of the effects between inter‐ and intraspecific levels are poorly understood. In this study, we selected the main species in the semi‐arid Eurasian typical steppe as study objects and simultaneously carried out a species richness experiment and a genotype richness experiment ofStipa grandiswhich is one of the dominant species in this region. We investigated how plants at each of the two richness levels affected multiple ecosystem functions (biomass, soil C, N and P cycles) directly and indirectly by regulating community functional structure, including community‐weighted mean trait values (CWM) and functional dispersion (FDis). Both species richness and genotype richness showed significant direct effects on soil P cycle, and FDis significantly mediated the responses of aboveground biomass and soil N cycle to the changes of species richness and the response of belowground biomass to the changes of genotype richness inS. grandis. CWM showed significant effects on biomass in the species richness experiment and soil nutrient cycles in the genotype richness experiment, independently of the levels of plant richness. These findings provide experimental insights of intraspecific richness effects into the relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, and highlight the importance of conserving the intraspecific diversity of dominant species in the semi‐arid steppe regions.
The Efficacy, Safety, and Outcomes of Brain‐responsive Neurostimulation (RNS® System) therapy in older adults
Authors: Zawar Ifrah , Krishnan Balu , Mackow Michael , Alexopoulos Andreas , Nair Dileep , Punia Vineet
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The gold standard for the management of drug‐resistant focal epilepsy (DRE) is resection of epileptogenic zone. However, some patients may not be candidates for resection. Responsive neurostimulation is approved in patients above 18 years of age for such patients. We aimed to investigate whether RNS outcomes and safety varied based on age.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study of patients with DRE who were treated with RNS between May 2008 and February 2020. We included patients who had been implanted with RNS for >6 months (N = 55), dividing them into older (N = 11) and younger adults (N = 44) depending on implantation age (≥50 and <50 years, respectively).

Results

Mean age at implantation in older adults was 54.9 ± 3.5 years. Seizure onset age, epilepsy duration, and comorbidities were significantly higher in older adults ( P < .01). Stimulation parameters, treatment duration, and median seizure frequency reduction (76% in older vs 50% in younger adults) were statistically comparable between the two cohorts. Posttreatment, antiseizure medication burden was significantly decreased in older compared with younger adults (P = .048). Postoperative and delayed adverse events among older adults were mild. Compared with three younger adults, none of the older adults required device explantation due to surgical site infection.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that older adults treated with the RNS System achieve seizure outcomes comparable to younger adults with the additional benefit of a significant postimplantation medication reduction. With efficacy and safety similar to younger adults, brain‐responsive neurostimulation was well‐tolerated in older adults.
Optimization extraction of rosemary essential oils using hydrodistillation with extraction kinetics analysis
Authors: Chen Hanyue , Gu Zhanying , Yang Ling , Yang Ruonan , Ji Yaxin , Zeng Qingyang , Xiao Fangmeng , Huang Peng
Published: September 2021

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinales L. (Labiatae)) is one of the major economic crops in the world, and rosemary essential oil (REO) is one of the top products derived from rosemary and has excellent commercial prospects. Many factors affect the yield of REO extracted by hydrodistillation (HY). This study was proposed to identify and analyze these factors to maximize the yield of essential oils and reduce the cost. First, two different single‐factor extraction experiments were conducted, (1) adding NaCl and (2) using various organs of the plant, to determine the influence of each factor on the oil yield. Based on single‐factor experiments, the orthogonal experiments (L9, 33) were designed to determine the optimal conditions for the extraction of rosemary oil. Meanwhile, the kinetic extraction analysis of the test data was carried out. The results revealed that the highest oil yield was achieved when rosemary leaves were crushed to 2 cm, the ratio of water to the material was 1:3, and NaCl concentration was 5%. A simple first‐order kinetic model has also proved to be an acceptable general choice and allows to predict the output of extraction operations overtime accurately and robustly in practice. This study provides a reference scheme for using hydrodistillation to extract rosemary essential oil.
Variations in the structural and functional properties of flaxseed gum from six different flaxseed cultivars
Authors: Ren Xuejiao , He Huili , Li Tuoping
Published: September 2021

Although flaxseed gum (FG) has been widely studied, the differences in its structure and function with respect to various flaxseed cultivars remain unclear. In this study, our objective was to examine the differences between FG samples obtained from different flaxseed cultivars based on their structural and functional properties. Specifically, FG samples from the different cultivars were extracted via hot water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation. Thereafter, they were analyzed via zeta potential measurements, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrated that the different cultivars showed significantly different FG yields (p < .05; range, 5.83%–7.36%). Further, the FTIR spectra of the FG samples were slightly different but showed typical polysaccharide absorption peaks. Furthermore, the XRD patterns obtained predominantly showed an amorphous region and a small crystalline region, while the SEM images obtained at 1,000× magnification revealed that the samples had smooth and irregular surfaces, with a scaly structure. However, at 20,000× magnification, the FG samples showed slight structural differences. Additionally, the zeta potentials of the FG samples (range, −19.4 to −30.6 mV; p < .05) were cultivar‐dependent and indicated the presence of negatively charged macromolecules. This implies that the FG samples from the different cultivars show diverse structural properties. Our findings not only provide useful information regarding FG samples extracted from different cultivars but also serve as a theoretical basis for the application of FG in food processing.
Glial ER and GAP junction mediated Ca2+ waves are crucial to maintain normal brain excitability
Authors: Weiss Shirley , Clamon Lauren C. , Manoim Julia E. , Ormerod Kiel G. , Parnas Moshe , Littleton J. Troy
Published: September 2021

Astrocytes play key roles in regulating multiple aspects of neuronal function from invertebrates to humans and display Ca2+ fluctuations that are heterogeneously distributed throughout different cellular microdomains. Changes in Ca2+ dynamics represent a key mechanism for how astrocytes modulate neuronal activity. An unresolved issue is the origin and contribution of specific glial Ca2+ signaling components at distinct astrocytic domains to neuronal physiology and brain function. The Drosophila model system offers a simple nervous system that is highly amenable to cell‐specific genetic manipulations to characterize the role of glial Ca2+ signaling. Here we identify a role for ER store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) pathway in perineurial glia (PG), a glial population that contributes to the Drosophila blood–brain barrier. We show that PG cells display diverse Ca2+ activity that varies based on their locale within the brain. Ca2+ signaling in PG cells does not require extracellular Ca2+ and is blocked by inhibition of SOCE, Ryanodine receptors, or gap junctions. Disruption of these components triggers stimuli‐induced seizure‐like episodes. These findings indicate that Ca2+ release from internal stores and its propagation between neighboring glial cells via gap junctions are essential for maintaining normal nervous system function.
Centering Social Justice for Covid‐19 Resources and Research
Authors: Brown Virginia A.
Published: September 2021

In the September‐October 2021 issue of the Hastings Center Report, neither the article by MaryKatherine Gaurke et al. nor the article by Alex Rajczi et al. offers a comprehensive analysis of a just allocation of scarce resources—one “rooted in a collective agreement about what constitutes health in/justice.” This omission reflects a larger problem in bioethics: the field's praxis continues to fail to recognize and respond to the obligation to address the fair distribution of burdens and benefits that comes with the principle of justice. This commentary calls on bioethics to incorporate a community‐based participatory research (CBPR) framework as part of its praxis. The cocreation of crisis standards of care with community stakeholders, whether the standards were focused on treatments, vaccines, or novel community‐engagement strategies, could set a new gold standard for the practice of social justice in research.
Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the ureter
Authors: Okada Shuhei , Ichimura Yasushi , Iinuma Masahiro
Published: September 2021

Introduction

We report a rare case of an extramedullary plasmacytoma of the ureter.

Case presentation

A 77‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital because of left hydronephrosis. Computed tomography showed a tumor in the left ureter, and tumor invasion into the periureteric fat was suspected. Urine cytology showed Eatypical cells whose nuclei were hyperchromatic (class IIIb). The left ureteral tumor was diagnosed as urothelial carcinoma (cT3N0M0) preoperatively. Subsequently, we performed laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as a plasmacytoma. Postoperative positron emission tomography did not reveal abnormal uptake, and bone marrow aspiration findings were normal. Consequently, the left ureter tumor was diagnosed as an extramedullary plasmacytoma of the ureter.

Conclusion

Extramedullary plasmacytoma commonly occurs in the upper respiratory tract or upper gastrointestinal tract. Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the ureter is rare. This is only the fourth reported case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the ureter.
Enterprise Architecture Guide for the Unified Architecture Framework (UAF)
Authors: Martin James N , O'Neil David P
Published: September 2021

This paper describes a workflow for creating Enterprise Architecture (EA) views in accordance with the Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) standard published by the Object Management Group (OMG). This workflow will be the foundation for a new EA Guide to be published as part of the OMG standard. The nine steps of the workflow are laid out in alignment with the stakeholder domains in the UAF for producing the requisite UAF views in each of those domains. This architecture description method can be used in conjunction with processes for the conceptualization and evaluation of an architecture, and also used as the basis for an EA modeling methodology, architecture development planning, MBSE capability assessment, and modeling project organization. The Guide covers architecting of the enterprise as well as architecting (at a high level) of a major entity within the enterprise. We will provide an understanding of what the Guide will contain and how it could be used.
Resilience Requirements Patterns
Authors: Brtis John S. , McEvilley Michael A. , Pennock Michael J.
Published: September 2021

In recent years, achieving resilience has become an important objective in many system development efforts. Resilience is defined as a system's ability to deliver required capability in the face of adversity. Developing resilient systems often depends on first establishing good resilience requirements. Resilience requirements are complex compound requirements and developing high quality resilience requirements is a challenge. In this paper we follow both a deductive and inductive approach to identify the critical content and structure of resilience requirements. We develop a pattern that represents that information and model that pattern in three forms, all containing the same information. The three forms are: 1) natural language, 2) entity‐relationship diagram, and 3) an extension to SysML. Having multiple forms makes the pattern easily developed, understood, and validated by stakeholders who are not modeling experts, while at the same time being formal, precise and computationally consumable. The resulting resilience requirements are consistent with systems engineering methodologies and are easily utilized in Model Based Systems Engineering and Digital Engineering environments.
Putting the Social in Systems Engineering: An Overview and Conceptual Development
Authors: Palmer Erika , Rhodes Donna , Watson Michael , Haskins Cecilia , Olaya Camilo , Presland Ian , Fossum Knut
Published: September 2021

Expanding the capacity of systems engineering to include evaluating and designing social systems is a desired goal as stated in the INCOSE SE Vision 2025. Systems engineering applications in sociotechnical contexts, from management and organizational to learning and education studies is already documented. There is room for adaptability in systems engineering methodology to accommodate a further reach into the social domain. The growing interest in this expansion is leading to the establishment of the term: social systems engineering. Social systems engineering is a reciprocal relationship between systems engineering and the social sciences. More specifically this means: 1) adapting/applying systems engineering methods/tools in a range of social policy areas in industry, government and academia; and 2) developing/applying social science theory and methods for the integration of teams and communities that are engineering systems. In this paper, we provide an overview of the history of social systems engineering and develop the concept to provide systems engineers with a conceptual foundation for using social systems in their systems engineering practice.
Evaluation of protein content and antimicrobial activity of biomass fromSpirulinacultivated with residues from the brewing process
Authors: Pereira Larissa T , Lisboa Cristiane R , Costa Jorge AV , da Rosa Leonardo M , de Carvalho Lisiane F
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Spirulinais a microalga that has a high protein content, in addition to having nutritional and pharmaceutical properties; therefore, it is a potential source for obtaining bioactive peptides. The obtaining of biocomposites of interest from microalgal biomass can be influenced by factors of cultivation, such as aeration, temperature, culture medium, and pH. Thus, this work aimed at evaluating the protein contents and antimicrobial activity of hydrolyzed and non‐hydrolyzed biomass of theSpirulinamicroalgae grown under optimized conditions of the brewing residue by applying Design of Experiments (DOE) framework. The influence of airflow and concentration of brewing residue on microalgal culture was firstly analyzed using the Design of Experiments technique. The cultivation was carried out on a larger scale with subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of the microalgal protein extract to analyze the hydrolysis degree, protein content, and antimicrobial activity.

RESULTS

The results obtained indicated that there are no significant effects of the factors evaluated on the response variables. However, the obtained biomass showed a high protein content, above 51.88%. Regarding the extraction and hydrolysis of microalgae proteins, a degree of hydrolysis of 52.28% was obtained; however, the analyzed samples did not show antimicrobial activity under the studied conditions.

CONCLUSION

Thus, it is demonstrated that the cultivation ofSpirulinawith residues from the brewing process has the potential for obtaining compounds of interest, such as proteins. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Possibilities and limits of a student‐led, near‐peer mentoring initiative for first‐year dental students
Authors: Dudley Lauren , Menon Rhea , Mosleh Tarah , Leadbeatter Delyse
Published: September 2021

Purpose/objectives

Dental students face many challenges throughout their education. Peer mentoring programs can support students and help manage pressures associated with dental school, although few studies have researched student‐led peer mentoring. The aim of this study was to explore the possibilities and limits of student‐led, near‐peer mentoring in a dental program.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study on the tooth bud program (TBP), a student‐led, near‐peer mentoring program at a research‐intensive university. Eligible study participants were Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) students who participated in the TBP as a first‐year mentee and/or second‐year mentor between 2017 and 2020. Twenty‐two participants and one program founder were interviewed about their experiences and involvement in peer mentoring. A thematic analysis was employed, and Brownlie and Anderson's sociology of kindness provided a theoretical analytical framework.

Results

Three themes represented participant perspectives of the TBP: Firstly, students desired to build a community but had to manage inherent hierarchies. Secondly, participants appreciated that the TBP was a student‐led initiative, but its unstructured and informal nature brought challenges. Thirdly, mentoring experiences and the ways mentors and mentees navigated their pairings were identified.

Conclusions

Mentoring was founded in the shared experience of studying dentistry and allowed mentor‐mentee pairs to establish kinship and progress relationships. Kindness acts as an infrastructure to guide interactions; however, underdeveloped kinship may hinder mentoring. Thus, the peer mentoring program researched provides value to mentees and mentors and allows participants to benefit from becoming part of a student‐led, professional community.
Maternal LiCl exposure disrupts thyroid–cerebral axis in neonatal albino rats
Authors: Mohammed Dena A. E. , Ahmed Rasha R. , R. G. Ahmed
Published: September 2021

This work aimed to elucidate whether maternal lithium chloride (LiCl) exposure disturbs the thyroid–cerebral axis in neonatal albino rats. 50 mg of LiCl/kg b.wt. is orally given for pregnant Wistar rats from gestational day (GD) 1 to lactation day (LD) 28. The maternal administration of LiCl induced follicular dilatation and degeneration, hyperplasia, lumen obliteration and colloid vacuolation in the maternal and neonatal thyroid gland at postnatal days (PNDs) 14, 21 and 28. Neuronal degeneration (spongiform), gliosis, nuclear pyknosis, perivascular oedema, and meningeal hyperaemia were observed in the neonatal cerebral cortex of the maternal LiCl‐treated group at examined PNDs. This disturbance appears to depend on intensification in the neonatal cerebral malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, and attenuation in the glutathione (GSH), total thiol (t‐SH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. In the neonatal cerebrum, the fold change in the relative mRNA expression of deiodinases (DII and DIII) increased significantly at PNDs 21 and 14, respectively, in the maternal LiCl‐treated group. These data suggest that maternal LiCl may perturb the thyroid–cerebrum axis generating neonatal neurodevelopmental disorder.
Long‐term functional correction of cystathionine β‐synthase deficiency in mice by adeno‐associated viral gene therapy
Authors: Lee Hyung‐Ok , Salami Christiana O. , Sondhi Dolan , Kaminsky Stephen M. , Crystal Ronald G. , Kruger Warren D.
Published: September 2021

Cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) deficiency is a recessive inborn error of sulfur metabolism characterized by elevated blood levels of total homocysteine (tHcy). Patients diagnosed with CBS deficiency are currently treated by a combination of vitamin supplementation and restriction of foods containing the homocysteine precursor methionine, but the effectiveness of this therapy is limited due to poor compliance. A mouse model for CBS deficiency (Tg‐I278T Cbs−/−) was used to evaluate a potential gene therapy approach to treat CBS deficiency utilizing an AAVrh.10‐based vector containing the human CBS cDNA downstream of the constitutive, strong CAG promoter (AAVrh.10hCBS). Mice were administered a single dose of virus and followed for up to 1 year. The data demonstrated a dose‐dependent increase in liver CBS activity and a dose‐dependent decrease in serum tHcy. Liver CBS enzyme activity at 1 year was similar to Cbs+/− control mice. Mice given the highest dose (5.6 × 1011 genomes/mouse) had mean serum tHcy decrease of 97% 1 week after injection and an 81% reduction 1 year after injection. Treated mice had either full‐ or substantial correction of alopecia, bone loss, and fat mass phenotypes associated with Cbs deficiency in mice. Our findings show that AAVrh.10‐based gene therapy is highly effective in treating CBS deficiency in mice and supports additional pre‐clinical testing for eventual use human trials.
Persistent Cough as a Predictor of Poor Responsiveness in Asthma Patients
Authors: Amador Eulalia M. , Cabrera Claudia I. , Benninger Michael S.
Published: September 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study is to establish a correlation between persistent cough (PC) and asthma diagnosis and its severity. We hypothesize that patients with past or current diagnosis of PC may have more severe asthma diagnosis and thus poor responsiveness to treatment.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on 699 charts that had a positive immunoglobulin E (IgE) allergy blood test between 2014 and 2018, and a positive asthma diagnosis. Patient demographics and asthma severity parameters such as number of clinic and emergency department (ED) visits, asthma treatment, and number of medications were recorded, as well as PC diagnosis. Logistic regressions were used to analyze the likelihood of severe asthma diagnosis in patients with PC.

Results

A total of 55% of patients were treated with oral corticosteroids in the PC group, compared to 41% in those without (P < .001). The mean number of hospitalizations from the ED was higher for patients with PC 0.65 (2.47) versus 0.38 (1.18) P < .05. Patients with asthma and PC, positive to lamb's quarter 2.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63, 5.22; P < .001), showed a higher likelihood of ED visits. Positivity to cat dander 2.09 (95% CI 1.03, 4.59; P < .05), lamb's quarter 2.96 (95% CI 1.50, 5.79; P < .002), dog dander 3.37 (95% CI 1.54, 8.45; P < .004) showed a higher likelihood of hospitalizations due to asthma.

Conclusion

Patients with PC, especially those with a positive IgE allergy class test to cat dander, dog dander, house dust, Alternaria tenuis, or lamb's quarter can have a more severe asthmatic presentation.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1719–1722, 2022
Kaempferol Incorporated Bovine Serum Albumin Fibrous Films for Ocular Drug Delivery
Authors: Yin Chuanjin , Liu Yalu , Qi Xueju , Guo Chuanlong , Wu Xiaochen
Published: September 2021

The possibility of using drug loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) porous films as therapeutic contact lenses is investigated. Kaempferol (KAE), a hydrophobic antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory agent, is incorporated into BSA porous films to form BSA/KAE films. The BSA/KAE films are transparent in the visible wavelength range of the human eye, possessing high water content and good cytocompatibility. A prolonged and sustained drug release is observed, and the in vivo efficacy of BSA/KAE films is better than the individual KAE. BSA/KAE films promoted the corneal re‐epithelialization, inhibited neovascularization, and reduced the inflammation of an alkali burn induced corneal injury model. The study demonstrates the promising potential of BSA/KAE films as therapeutic contact lenses for the treatment of corneal injury, builds an available ocular drug delivery platform for ocular diseases.
Bernoulli randomness and Bernoulli normality
Authors: DeLapo Andrew
Published: September 2021

One can consider μ‐Martin‐Löf randomness for a probability measure μ on 2ω, such as the Bernoulli measure given . We study Bernoulli randomness of sequences in with parameters , and we reintroduce Bernoulli normality, where the uniform distribution of digits is replaced with a Bernoulli distribution. We prove the equivalence of three characterizations of Bernoulli normality. We show that every Bernoulli random real is Bernoulli normal, and this has the corollary that the set of Bernoulli normal reals has full Bernoulli measure in . We give an algorithm for computing Bernoulli normal sequences from normal sequences so that we can give explicit examples of Bernoulli normal reals. We investigate an application of randomness to iterated function systems. Finally, we list a few further questions relating to Bernoulli randomness and Bernoulli normality.
Screening of Clinically Approved and Investigation Drugs as Potential Inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2: A Combinedin silicoandin vitroStudy
Authors: Durdagi Serdar , Orhan Muge Didem , Aksoydan Busecan , Calis Seyma , Dogan Berna , Sahin Kader , Shahraki Aida , Iyison Necla Birgül , Avsar Timucin
Published: September 2021

In the current study, we used 7922 FDA approved small molecule drugs as well as compounds in clinical investigation from NIH's NPC database in our drug repurposing study. SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease as well as Spike protein/ACE2 targets were used in virtual screening and top‐100 compounds from each docking simulations were considered initially in short molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and their average binding energies were calculated by MM/GBSA method. Promising hit compounds selected based on average MM/GBSA scores were then used in long MD simulations. Based on these numerical calculations following compounds were found as hit inhibitors for the SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease: Pinokalant, terlakiren, ritonavir, cefotiam, telinavir, rotigaptide, and cefpiramide. In addition, following 3 compounds were identified as inhibitors for Spike/ACE2: Denopamine, bometolol, and rotigaptide. In order to verify the predictions of in silico analyses, 4 compounds (ritonavir, rotigaptide, cefotiam, and cefpiramide) for the main protease and 2 compounds (rotigaptide and denopamine) for the Spike/ACE2 interactions were tested by in vitro experiments. While the concentration‐dependent inhibition of the ritonavir, rotigaptide, and cefotiam was observed for the main protease; denopamine was effective at the inhibition of Spike/ACE2 binding.
Performance analysis of multiband on–off keying pulse modulation with noncoherent receiver for THz applications
Authors: EL Ghzaoui Mohammed , Mestoui Jamal , Hmamou Abdelmounim , Elaage Serghini
Published: September 2021

The choice of modulation and waveform is a crucial step for generating a radio signal and designing a wireless communication system. Toward this end, a compromise between low‐complexity and high‐data rate had to be considered when selecting the appropriate transmission technique. Indeed, pulse‐based modulation can be a good candidate for THz system due to its simplicity and it supports very high data over short distance. In this work, we proposed a solution based on multiband on–off keying (MB‐OOK) modulation using a noncoherent receiver. A deferential MB‐OOK transceiver has been evaluated over a THz channel model. A data rate of 54.24 Gbps is achieved with a BER of 10–3 when the distance between transmitter and receiver less than 35 m. Furthermore, the proposed system offers a good compromise between throughput, consumption, and complexity, which allow it to be a good candidate for THz applications.
Out‐of‐field mean photon energy and dose from 6 MV and 6 MV FFF beams measured with TLD‐300 and TLD‐100 dosimeters
Authors: López‐Guadalupe Víctor‐Manuel , Rodríguez‐Laguna Alejandro , Poitevin‐Chacón María Adela , López‐Pineda Eduardo , Brandan María‐Ester
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To measure the out‐of‐field mean photon energy and dose imparted by the secondary radiation field generated by 6 MV and 6 MV FFF beams using TLD‐300 and TLD‐100 dosimeters and to use the technique to quantify the contributions from the different sources that generate out‐of‐field radiation.

Methods

The mean photon energy and the dose were measured using the TLD‐300 glow curve properties and the TLD‐100 response, respectively. The TLD‐300 glow curve shape was energy‐calibrated with gamma rays from 99mTc, 18F, 137Cs, and 60Co sources, and its energy dependence was quantified by a parameter obtained from the curve deconvolution. The TLD‐100 signal was calibrated in absorbed dose‐to‐water inside the primary field. Dosimeters were placed on the linac head, and on the surface and at 4.5 cm depth in PMMA at 1–15 cm lateral distances from a 10 × 10 cm2 field edge at the isocenter plane. Three configurations of dosimeters around the linac were defined to identify and quantify the contributions from the different sources of out‐of‐field radiation.

Results

Typical energies of head leakage were about 500 keV for both beams. The mean energy of collimator‐scattered radiation was equal to or larger than 1250 keV and, for phantom‐scattered radiation, mean photon energies were 400 keV for the 6 MV and 300 keV for the 6 MV FFF beam. Relative uncertainties to determine mean photon energy were better than 15% for energies below 700 keV, and 40% above 1000 keV. The technique lost its sensitivity to the incident photon energy above 1250 keV. On the phantom surface and at 1–15 cm from the field edge, 80%–90% of out‐of‐field dose came from scattering in the secondary collimator. At 4.5 cm deep in the phantom and 1–5 cm from the field edge, 50%–60% of the out‐of‐field dose originated in the phantom. At the points of measurement, the head leakage imparted less than 0.1% of the dose at the isocenter. The 6 MV FFF beam imparted 8–36% less out‐of‐field dose than the 6 MV beam. These energy results are consistent with general Monte Carlo simulation predictions and show excellent agreement with simulations for a similar linac. The measured out‐of‐field doses showed good agreement with independent evaluations.

Conclusions

The out‐of‐field mean photon energy and dose imparted by the secondary radiation field were quantified by the applied TLD‐300/TLD‐100 method. The main sources of out‐of‐field dose were identified and quantified using three configurations of dosimeters around the linac. This technique could be of value to validate Monte Carlo simulations where the linac head design, configuration, or material composition are unavailable.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fyke-Net Sampling to Characterize an Anadromous Rainbow Smelt Population in the Fore River, Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Turner Sara M. , Chase Bradford C. , Bednarski Michael S. , Elzey Scott P. , Ayer Matt H.
Published: September 2021

Rainbow Smelt Osmerus mordax are a small anadromous species that is native to the northwest Atlantic Ocean, and their populations have declined rangewide. A small, mid-channel survey fyke net is annually deployed to collect demographic information on Rainbow Smelt in several rivers in Massachusetts. Understanding the effectiveness of this fyke net for providing representative data on the spring spawning run is essential for accurate population assessment. To evaluate this effectiveness, we deployed an experimental fyke net that spanned the river channel concurrently with the survey fyke net in the Fore River, Massachusetts, from 2009 to 2012. The survey net CPUE increased as the total number of fish increased, but survey net catches are highly variable at lower daily abundances. The differences in the size distributions were slight and only significant for females in 1 of 4 years. The sex ratios were generally the same between both nets. These findings suggest that while fyke nets might not be ideal for monitoring rivers with very small populations and/or in wide river reaches, catches in larger populations should generally reflect the overall population demographics.