bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of a Single Oral Dose of Abacavir/Dolutegravir/Lamivudine Combination Tablets in Healthy Japanese Study Participants
Authors: Singh Rajendra P. , Adkison Kimberly , Wolstenholme Allen , Hopking Judy , Wynne Brian
Published: July 2021

Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of abacavir 600 mg/dolutegravir 50 mg/lamivudine 300 mg were assessed in this phase 1, single‐arm, open‐label, single‐dose study in fasted healthy male (n = 4) and female (n = 8) participants of Japanese heritage. Participants received a single dose of abacavir 600 mg/dolutegravir 50 mg/lamivudine 300 mg after an 8‐hour fast, with safety assessments and blood samples for pharmacokinetic parameters collected through 72 hours after dosing. Geometric mean maximum plasma concentrations were 5.22 μg/mL (time to maximum concentration [tmax], 1.01 hours) for abacavir, 4.13 μg/mL (tmax, 3.50 hours) for dolutegravir, and 3.35 μg/mL (tmax, 2.98 hours) for lamivudine. Geometric mean area under the concentration‐time curve values were 18.20, 71.60, and 16.60 μg • h/mL for abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine, respectively. No adverse events were reported, and no clinically significant findings were observed in laboratory values, physical examinations, or 12‐lead electrocardiographic parameters. Single‐tablet administration of abacavir 600 mg/dolutegravir 50 mg/lamivudine 300 mg was well tolerated in Japanese participants. Exposure to abacavir and lamivudine was comparable with that seen in previous studies. A modest increase in exposure to dolutegravir vs previous clinical studies was observed but is not expected to impact the clinical management of HIV‐1 or increase the risk for adverse events.
A deadline aware load balancing strategy for cloud computing
Authors: Haidri Raza A. , Alam Mahfooz , Shahid Mohammad , Prakash Shiv , Sajid Mohammad
Published: July 2021

The load balancing (LB) may be used at different levels to reduce overhead for the decision‐making process. In the past decade, cloud computing has drawn a lot of attention from both the academic and commercial communities to get demanded resources (machines, platforms, data, storage, software, and so forth) as a service on rent economically. Generally, a situation may arise when requests are not meeting their deadlines and the cloud provider wants to finish the running application in minimum time. In this article, a receiver initiated deadline aware LB strategy (RDLBS2) has been proposed which attempts the migration of incoming cloudlets to appropriate virtual machines (VMs) where the deadlines of the cloudlets are met to optimize the turnaround time by exploiting the remaining processing capacities of VMs. A simulation study has been carried out by using Cloud‐Sim as a simulator. A sensitivity analysis has been presented to analyze the effects on performance parameters by varying the number of cloudlets and the number of VMs while keeping the remaining input parameters fixed. The experimental evaluation and analysis suggest that RDLBS2 performs significantly better than its peers on objective parameters almost in all cases under study.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigations on K‐doped SrCo0.9Nb0.1O3‐δ as a Promising Cathode for Proton‐Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhu Kang , Yang Yi , Huan Daoming , Hu Xueyu , Shi Nai , Xie Yun , Li Xinyu , Xia Changrong , Peng Ranran , Lu Yalin
Published: July 2021

Improving proton conduction in cathodes is regarded as one of the most effective methods to accelerate the sluggish proton‐involved oxygen reduction reaction (P‐ORR) for proton‐conducting solid oxide fuel cells (P‐SOFCs). In this work, K+ dopant was used to improve the proton uptake and migration ability of SrCo0.9Nb0.1O3‐δ (SCN). K+‐doped SCN (KSCN) demonstrated great potential to be a promising cathode for P‐SOFCs. Density functional theory calculations suggested that doping with K+ led to more oxygen vacancies and more negative values of hydration enthalpy, which was helpful for the improvement of proton concentration. Importantly, the proton migration barriers could be depressed, benefiting proton conduction. Electrochemical investigations signified that the cell using KSCN cathode had a peak power density of 967 mW cm−2 at 700 °C, about 54.1 % higher than that using a SCN cathode. This research highlights the K+‐doping strategy to improve electrochemical performance of cathodes for P‐SOFCs.
A Review on Li+/H+ Exchange in Garnet Solid Electrolytes: From Instability against Humidity to Sustainable Processing in Water
Authors: Ye Ruijie , Ihrig Martin , Imanishi Nobuyuki , Finsterbusch Martin , Figgemeier Egbert
Published: July 2021

Garnet‐based Li‐ion conductors are one of the most promising oxide‐ceramic solid electrolytes for next‐generation Li batteries. However, they undergo a Li+/H+ exchange (LHX) reaction with most protic solvents used in component manufacturing routes and even with moisture in ambient air. These protonated garnets show a lower Li‐ionic conductivity, and even if only the surface is protonated, this degraded layer hinders the Li‐ion exchange with, for example, a metallic Li anode. Furthermore, the resulting unstable surface properties during the processing in air lead to challenges with respect to reproducibility of the final component performance, limiting their commercial applicability. However, in recent years, the knowledge about the underlying chemical mechanisms has led to the development of mitigation strategies and enabled a push of this promising material class towards sustainable and scalable fabrication routes. This Minireview covers the following four aspects, which are relevant for a comprehensive understanding of these developments: (1) reports of LHX phenomenon in garnets exposed to air and solvents; (2) recent understandings of the fundamentals and properties of LHX; (3) strategies to prevent LHX and to recover garnets; and (4) sustainable application of LHX for material processing and energy‐related devices.
Keratin cyst as a diagnostic pitfall in aspiration cytology of phyllodes tumor
Authors: Paul Pranoy , Agrawal Shruti , Kumar Kranthi , Chaudhary Mriganki , Rao Shalinee , Ravi Bina
Published: July 2021

Background

Phyllodes tumor (PT) is a fibroepithelial lesion of breast known for presence of a heterogenous stroma. However occurrence of a keratin cyst within PT is a rare incidence. An inadequate sampling during fine needle aspiration (FNA) of such lesions may result in an erroneous cytological diagnosis.

Case report

In the present case, ultrasound guided FNA smears from the breast lump in a 31‐year‐old lady with a clinical suspicion of malignancy, were repeatedly interpreted as an epidermal inclusion cyst, which was ultimately reported as a borderline PT on mastectomy.

Conclusion

The case report aims at highlighting the importance of a diligent FNA technique keeping in mind the possibility of the various uncommon lesions especially while dealing with such a heterogenous tumor as phyllodes.
Examining the significance of age of onset in persons with lifetime anorexia nervosa: Comparing child, adolescent, and emerging adult onsets in nationally representative U.S. study
Authors: Grilo Carlos M. , Udo Tomoko
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study compared sociodemographic and clinical profiles of adult patients with lifetime DSM‐5‐defined anorexia nervosa (AN) categorized by age‐of‐onset using data from U.S. national sample of adults.

Method

Study included 216 participants from Third National Epidemiological Survey Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC‐III) who met criteria for lifetime AN based on structured diagnostic interviews (AUDADIS‐5) with age‐of‐onset prior to age 25. Of the 216 participants, 30 were categorized as child‐onset (<15 years old), 104 adolescent‐onset (15–18 years of age), and 82 “emerging‐adult” (19–24 years of age); the three groups were compared on their clinical characteristics.

Results

Among participants with lifetime diagnoses of AN with onsets earlier than 25 years, adjusted prevalence rates for the three groups were: 11.8% (SE = 2.04; child‐onset), 39.6% (SE = 2.69; adolescent‐onset), and 48.6% (SE = 2.67; emerging‐adult). Child‐onset group reported more frequent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), lowest BMI, longest episode‐duration, was least likely to attend college, and had highest rate of lifetime psychiatric comorbidity. Child‐onset group had earliest age of help‐seeking and were most likely to have been hospitalized. Group differences persisted in analyses adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and duration of AN episode.

Discussion

Our findings, based on a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults with lifetime diagnoses of AN, suggest that those with child‐onset had more severe AN, greater life difficulties, and greater lifetime psychiatric comorbidity. Findings emphasize the importance of earlier recognition and rapid referral to effective treatments.
Demographic responses to climate change in a threatened Arctic species
Authors: Dunham Kylee D. , Tucker Anna M. , Koons David N. , Abebe Asheber , Dobson F. Stephen , Grand James B.
Published: July 2021

The Arctic is undergoing rapid and accelerating change in response to global warming, altering biodiversity patterns, and ecosystem function across the region. For Arctic endemic species, our understanding of the consequences of such change remains limited. Spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri), a large Arctic sea duck, use remote regions in the Bering Sea, Arctic Russia, and Alaska throughout the annual cycle making it difficult to conduct comprehensive surveys or demographic studies. Listed as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, understanding the species response to climate change is critical for effective conservation policy and planning. Here, we developed an integrated population model to describe spectacled eider population dynamics using capture–mark–recapture, breeding population survey, nest survey, and environmental data collected between 1992 and 2014. Our intent was to estimate abundance, population growth, and demographic rates, and quantify how changes in the environment influenced population dynamics. Abundance of spectacled eiders breeding in western Alaska has increased since listing in 1993 and responded more strongly to annual variation in first‐year survival than adult survival or productivity. We found both adult survival and nest success were highest in years following intermediate sea ice conditions during the wintering period, and both demographic rates declined when sea ice conditions were above or below average. In recent years, sea ice extent has reached new record lows and has remained below average throughout the winter for multiple years in a row. Sea ice persistence is expected to further decline in the Bering Sea. Our results indicate spectacled eiders may be vulnerable to climate change and the increasingly variable sea ice conditions throughout their wintering range with potentially deleterious effects on population dynamics. Importantly, we identified that different demographic rates responded similarly to changes in sea ice conditions, emphasizing the need for integrated analyses to understand population dynamics.
Enzymatic Biosensor Based on One‐step Electrodeposition of Graphene‐gold Nanohybrid Materials and its Sensing Performance for Glucose
Authors: Miao Kunpeng , Yan Long , Bi Ran , Ma Xiaoyan
Published: July 2021

RGO/Au/Ni electrode was manufactured by a convenient, controllable, and environmental process, which was carried out by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and in this process, graphene‐gold nanohybrid materials were simultaneously deposited on the nickel foam. Then the GOx was immobilized on the RGO/Au/Ni electrode by covalent bonding, and obtained the enzymatic biosensor. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy were adopted to confirm the microstructure of the fabricated RGO/Au/Ni electrode. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) was used to characterize the prepared enzymatic electrode. CV, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize the electrochemical performance of the fabricated enzymatic biosensor. It is found that AuNPs were well dispersed on the wrinkled RGO sheets, and the biosensor had a high sensitivity to glucose (32.83 μA ⋅ mM−1 ⋅ cm−2) with a wide linear range (0.15
26.15 mM), the strengths of anti‐interference ability, good stability, and repeatability, etc.
Space cooling using geothermal single‐effect water/lithium bromide absorption chiller
Authors: El Haj Assad Mamdouh , Sadeghzadeh Milad , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein , Al‐Shabi Mohammad , Albawab Mona , Anvari‐Moghaddam Amjad , Bani Hani Ehab
Published: July 2021

This research is proposed to fully investigate the performance of a single‐effect water/lithium bromide absorption chiller driven by geothermal energy. Since absorption cycles are considered as low‐grade energy cycles, this innovative idea of rejecting fluid from a single‐flash geothermal power plant with low‐grade energy would serve as efficient, economical, and promising technology. In order to examine the feasibility of this approach, a residential building which is located in Sharjah, UAE, considered to evaluate its cooling capacity of 39 kW which is calculated using MATLAB software. Based on the obtained cooling load, modeling of the required water/lithium bromide single‐effect absorption chiller machine is implemented and discussed. A detailed performance analysis of the proposed model under different conditions is performed using Engineering Equation Solver software (EES). Based on the obtained results, the major factors in the design of the proposed system are the size of the heat exchangers and the input heat source temperature. The results are presented graphically to find out the geofluid temperature and mass flow and solution heat exchanger effectiveness effects on the chiller thermal performance. Moreover, the effects of the size of all components of the absorption chiller on the cooling load to meet the space heating are presented. The thermal efficiency of the single‐flash geothermal power plant is about 13% when the power plant is at production well temperature 250℃, separator pressure 0.24 MPa, and condenser pressure 7.5 kPa. The results show that the coefficient of performance (COP) reaches about 0.87 at solution heat exchanger effectiveness of 0.9, when the geofluid temperature is 120℃.
Species and Life-Stage Sensitivity of Chinese Rare Minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) to Chemical Exposure: A Critical Review
Authors: Bai Yunfei , Lian Deru , Su Tenghui , Wang Yolina Yu Lin , Zhang Dainan , Wang Zhen , Gimeno Sylvia , You Jing
Published: July 2021

Chemical production and consumption in Asia are increasing at an unprecedented rate, calling for regulations on chemical management. Under the New Chemical Substance Notification in China, information on ecotoxicological effects of chemicals is mandatory for the simplified registration of chemicals with the requirement that one ecotoxicological test is conducted locally. It is now mandatory to use the native fish species Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus). However, its chemical sensitivity compared to that of fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) or zebrafish (Danio rerio) is still unclear. We performed a holistic literature review on toxicity data with G. rarus from 1997 to 2020. Species sensitivity among G. rarus, P. promelas, and D. rerio and life-stage sensitivity of G. rarus were systematically investigated for various chemicals using both chemical ratio distribution and probabilistic chemical toxicity distribution approaches. Comparatively, the Chinese native fish species G. rarus was more sensitive than D. rerio, particularly to metals. Juvenile and adult G. rarus were more sensitive than its larvae and embryos. The observed lower sensitivity of G. rarus embryo was likely due to the thick embryonic chorion, discrepant methods of collecting embryos, and the paucity of toxicity data, implying the necessity to standardize G. rarus embryo tests and validate the sensitivity with various types of chemicals. This unique review allows us to conclude that G. rarus studies could be used in worldwide registrations and that further investigations are needed to use G. rarus embryos as alternatives to the fish test. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2680–2692. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Fish species and life stages sensitivity comparisons. AFT = acute fish toxicity test; LC50 = median lethal concentration; TC5 = threshold concentration 5%.
Blockchain and artificial intelligence for 5G‐enabled Internet of Things: Challenges, opportunities, and solutions
Authors: Dhar Dwivedi Ashutosh , Singh Rajani , Kaushik Keshav , Rao Mukkamala Raghava , Alnumay Waleed S.
Published: July 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the digital world by connecting billions of electronic devices over the internet. IoT devices play an essential role in the modern era when conventional devices become more autonomous and smart. On the one hand, high‐speed data transfer is a major issue where the 5G‐enabled environment plays an important role. On the other hand, these IoT devices transfer the data by using protocols based on centralized architecture and may cause several security issues for the data. Merging artificial intelligence to 5G wireless systems solves several issues such as autonomous robots, self‐driving vehicles, virtual reality, and engender security problems. Building trust among the network users without trusting third party authorities is the system's primary concern. Blockchain emerged as a key technology based on a distributed ledger to maintain the network's event logs. Blockchain provides a secure, decentralized, and trustless environment for IoT devices. However, integrating IoT and blockchain also has several challenges; for example, major challenge is low throughput. Currently, the ethereum blockchain network can process approximately 12 to 15 transactions per second, while IoT devices require relatively higher throughput. Therefore, blockchains are incapable of providing functionality for a 5G‐enabled IoT based network. The limiting factor of throughput in the blockchain is their network. The slow propagation of transactions and blocks in the P2P network does not allow miners and verifiers to fastly mine and verify new blocks, respectively. Therefore, network scalability is the major issue of IoT based blockchains. In this work, we solved the network scalability issue using blockchain distributed network while to increase the throughput of blockchain, this article uses the Raft consensus algorithm. Another most important issue with IoT networks is privacy. Unfortunately, the blockchain distributed ledgers are public and sensitive information is available on the network for everyone are private, but in such cases, third party editing is not possible without revealing the original contents. To solve privacy issues, we used zkLedger as a solution that is based on zero knowledge‐based cryptography.
The effect of chelating agents including potassium tartrate and citrate on the maximum reduction of lead and cadmium during soaking and cooking from some different varieties of rice available in Iran
Authors: karimi Zahra , Goli Mohammad
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to determine the percentage of reduction of lead and cadmium by chelating agents (potassium tartrate and potassium citrate) in the steps of soaking, cooking, and simultaneous soaking and cooking in some varieties of rice for the first time. Each chemical experiment was performed in ten replications. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Agilent‐7700X ICP‐MS) was used to assess the complete Cd and Pb content in rice samples acid‐digested (500 mg dry‐sample, 9 ml HNO3: 3 ml HCl). The cooking‐only treatment was more successful in terms of lead reduction than the soaking‐only treatment in chelating agent‐containing solutions (either potassium tartrate or potassium citrate), though it had the same effect on cadmium reduction. Simultaneous soaking and cooking in chelating agents such as potassium tartrate and potassium citrate significantly reduced lead (reduction rate compared to control 99.43% with potassium tartrate and 98.96% with potassium citrate) and cadmium (reduction rate compared to control 95.13% with potassium tartrate and 92.77% with potassium citrate). Potassium tartrate outperforms potassium citrate in terms of lead reduction, but potassium tartrate is equivalent to potassium citrate in terms of cadmium reduction. Up to 200 ppm applicable chelating agents, sensory analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the treatments. In general, rice cookers are advised to use levels up to 200 ppm of citrate or potassium tartrate in combination in the 3‐hr rinsing period and then in the 15‐min cooking period to reduce the percentage of dangerous heavy metals, especially lead 99%–99.4% and cadmium 92.8%–95.1%.
Forecasting realized volatility: The role of implied volatility, leverage effect, overnight returns, and volatility of realized volatility
Authors: Kambouroudis Dimos S. , McMillan David G. , Tsakou Katerina
Published: July 2021

We forecast realized volatility extending the heterogeneous autoregressive model (HAR) to include implied volatility (IV), the leverage effect, overnight returns, and the volatility of realized volatility. We analyze 10 international stock indices finding that, although a simple HAR model augmented with IV (HAR‐IV) is more accurate than any HAR model excluding it, all markets support further extensions of the HAR‐IV model. More accurate forecasts are found using overnight returns in all markets except the UK, the volatility of realized volatility in the US, and the leverage effect in five markets. A value‐at‐risk exercise supports the economic significance of our findings.
Surface grafting of silica nanoparticles using 3‐aminopropyl (triethoxysilane) to improve the CO2 absorption and enhance the gas consumption during the CO2 hydrate formation
Authors: Eslami Sina , Farhangdoost Behnam , Shahverdi Hamidreza , Mohammadi Mohsen
Published: July 2021

In this study, the surface of silica nanoparticles is modified using an organosilane (APTES: 3‐aminopropyl (Triethoxysilane)). The surface‐grafted nanosilica is employed as an additive to increase the CO2 storage capacity of gas hydrate. The hydrate formation experiments are performed to measure the amounts of stored gas in the hydrate phase in the presence of various aqueous mixtures, that is, APTES, silica, and the surface‐grafted nanosilica. The experiments are implemented for APTES with volume concentrations of 0.3 and 0.5%, grafted nanosilica with mass concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, and 0.25%, and the nanosilica with mass fraction of 0.2%. The amounts of CO2 consumption, water to hydrate conversions, storage capacities, and apparent rate constants are obtained for all of the experiments. The results are compared with the formation of gas hydrate in the presence of pure water. The results indicate that the two concentrations of APTES have a slight positive effect (around 10% improvement) on the amount of CO2 consumption during the hydrate formation compared to the pure water. The surface‐grafted nanosilica leads to more CO2 consumption compared to the APTES and nanosilica for all concentrations. The maximum amount of stored CO2 and CO2 storage capacity are achieved by using surface‐grafted nanosilica with a mass fraction of 0.2%. The surface‐grafted nanosilica improves the CO2 storage about 42.6% in comparison with the pure water and 35% compared to the silica nanoparticles. Improvement of heat transfer, mass transfer, and CO2 absorption into the modified silica nanofluid results in an enhancement in the CO2 storage compared to the other mixtures. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Orexin (hypocretin) mediates light‐dependent fluctuation of hippocampal function in a diurnal rodent
Authors: Soler Joel E. , Xiong Hang , Samad Faiez , Manfredsson Fredric P. , Robison Alfred J. , Núñez Antonio A. , Yan Lily
Published: July 2021

Environmental lighting conditions play a central role in cognitive function, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Utilizing a diurnal rodent model, the Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus), we previously found that daytime light intensity affects hippocampal function in this species in a manner similar to its effects in humans. Compared to animals housed in a 12:12 h bright light–dark (brLD) cycle, grass rats kept in a 12:12 h dim light–dark (dimLD) cycle showed impaired spatial memory in the Morris water maze (MWM) and reduced CA1 apical dendritic spine density. The present study explored the neural substrates mediating the effects of daylight intensity on hippocampal function focusing on the hypothalamic orexin (hypocretin) system. First, animals housed in dimLD were treated with daily intranasal administration of orexin A peptide over five training days of the MWM task. Compared to vehicle controls, this treatment led to superior spatial memory accompanied by increased phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II α and glutamate receptor 1 within the CA1. To assess the role of hippocampal orexinergic signaling, an adeno‐associated viral vector (AAV) expressing an orexin receptor 1 (OX1R) shRNA was injected into the dorsal hippocampus targeting the CA1 of animals housed in brLD. AAV‐mediated knockdown of OX1R within the hippocampus resulted in deficits in MWM performance and reduced CA1 apical dendritic spine density. These results are consistent with the view that the hypothalamic orexinergic system underlies the modulatory role of daytime illumination on hippocampal function in diurnal mammals.
Water level induced changes of habitat quality determine fish community composition in restored and modified riverbanks of a large alpine river
Authors: Pander Joachim , Nagel Christoffer , Ingermann Hannah , Geist Juergen
Published: July 2021

Bank habitats provide important functions for riverine fish. Yet, they have been heavily modified by land use, technical flood protection measures, and hydropower installations. Fish species requiring specific habitats to complete their life cycle have strongly declined and therefore become target species of river restoration measures. This study compared abiotic conditions and fish community composition of three bank habitat types in a large alpine river, comprising different degrees of alteration compared to the natural state (concrete profile, bank riprap, and naturally restored riverbank). Significant differences in abiotic habitat characteristics such as bed material, water depth, turbidity, submerged vegetation, and temperature were detected between the three bank habitat types and sampling seasons. These water level‐dependent structural changes had the strongest effect on fish community composition as detected by distance‐based linear modeling. Small specimens between 3 and 13 cm TL and juveniles were most abundant in the restored areas, except for Lota lota, which was most abundant in the man‐made bank riprap. Target species of conservation were mostly detected in restored areas, particularly the critical young life stages of Chondrostoma nasus, Barbus barbus, and Thymallus thymallus. Water level strongly determined accessibility and suitability of bank habitats, with shallow, gravel‐dominated habitats comprising flat bank angles being most beneficial for these species. The findings of this study provide evidence for the success of bank habitat restoration in structurally impacted alpine rivers on target species of conservation. Fluctuating water levels and discharges typical for alpine rivers should be better considered in restoration planning, particularly in light of climate change, affecting the timing and amplitude of discharge in these systems.
Machine learning to analyze single‐case graphs: A comparison to visual inspection
Authors: Lanovaz Marc J. , Hranchuk Kieva
Published: July 2021

Behavior analysts commonly use visual inspection to analyze single‐case graphs, but studies on its reliability have produced mixed results. To examine this issue, we compared the Type I error rate and power of visual inspection with a novel approach—machine learning. Five expert visual raters analyzed 1,024 simulated AB graphs, which differed on number of points per phase, autocorrelation, trend, variability, and effect size. The ratings were compared to those obtained by the conservative dual‐criteria method and two models derived from machine learning. On average, visual raters agreed with each other on only 75% of graphs. In contrast, both models derived from machine learning showed the best balance between Type I error rate and power while producing more consistent results across different graph characteristics. The results suggest that machine learning may support researchers and practitioners in making fewer errors when analyzing single‐case graphs, but replications remain necessary.
Formative applications of ongoing visual inspection for trial‐based functional analysis: A proof of concept
Authors: Standish Cassandra M. , Bailey Kathryn M. , Lambert Joseph M. , Copeland Bailey A. , Banerjee Ipshita , Lamers Mallory E.
Published: July 2021

Trial‐based functional analysis (TBFA) possesses many strategic advantages which make it an ideal candidate for adoption in applied settings. Notwithstanding, some aspects of the analysis remain underdeveloped, including structured guidelines for interacting with obtained data reliably in formative and summative ways. The purpose of this study was to adapt existing ongoing visual‐inspection (OVI) criteria to match the idiosyncrasies of TBFA and then to assess their practical utility in applied settings. Thus, we first drafted OVI criteria appropriate for trial‐based FA (i.e., TB‐OVI). Then, we trained 5 caregivers to conduct TBFAs of their children's challenging behavior and to react to their data as they obtained it, using the TB‐OVI criteria as their guide. Finally, we validated interpretations of TBFA outcomes based on TB‐OVI criteria through effective intervention. Across 5 participants and 7 opportunities, function‐based interventions successfully eliminated challenging behavior.
Comparison of group 14 elements in sp3 and sp2 environment by fragment structure energy analysis
Authors: Nakamura Taiji , Uchiyama Tamotsu , Kudo Takako
Published: July 2021

To explore the characteristics of group 14 elements in sp3 and sp2 hybrid environments systematically, the concept of fragment structure energy (FSE) was proposed through ab initio molecular orbital method. A fragment in this study means a building block of molecular structure and the energy of each kind of fragments (FSE) is obtained from the total electronic energy of different size of model compounds by just a simple algebraic method. The model compounds are the hydrogen‐terminated diamond and graphene analogs as the typical compounds in the ideal sp3‐ and sp2‐environment, respectively. As a result, the sp3 environment was found to be more stable than the sp2 for all the group 14 elements (C–Pb) in the ideal hybrid environment. Furthermore, a mixing effect of carbon and heavier group 14 elements (E = Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) was investigated by comparing the E/C‐alternately mixed‐ and the pure FSEs.
A case study on a severe paranoid personality disorder client treated with metacognitive interpersonal therapy
Authors: Cheli Simone , Cavalletti Veronica , Popolo Raffaele , Dimaggio Giancarlo
Published: July 2021

Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is a severe condition, lacking specialized and empirically supported treatment. To provide the clinician with insights into how to treat this condition, we present a case study of a 61‐year‐old man with severe PPD who presented with ideas of persecution, emotionally charged hostility, and comorbid antisocial personality disorder. The client was treated with 6 months of Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy, which included: creating a shared formulation of his paranoid attitudes; trying to change his inner self‐image of self‐as‐inadequate and his interpersonal schemas where he saw the others as threatening. Guided imagery and rescripting techniques, coupled with behavioral experiments, were used to promote a change. At the end of the therapy the client reported a reliable change in general symptomatology and, specifically, in interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, and paranoid ideation; he could no longer be diagnosed as PPD and only some paranoid and antisocial characteristics remained.
Transient shifts in hydraulic retention times improve the methane production from ruminal hydrolysates of agave bagasse
Authors: Vital‐Jácome Miguel , Barragán‐Trinidad Martín , Buitrón Germán , Quijano Guillermo
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Valorization of lignocellulosic wastes such as agave bagasse from tequila industries can be enhanced using efficient biomass pretreatments. However, the next challenge requires finding the best process conditions to produce methane and remove chemical oxygen demand (COD) from the pretreatment hydrolysates. In this work, an innovative feeding strategy based on alternating hydraulic retention times (HRT) was investigated to improve methane production from ruminal hydrolysates of Agave tequilana bagasse.

RESULTS

The ruminal hydrolysate provided a substrate rich in volatile fatty acids (VFA) for direct use in the methanogenic process. The alternating feeding strategy increased the volumetric methane production rate by up to 25% (from 0.76 ± 0.05 to 0.95 ± 0.03 L CH4 L−1 d−1) compared to operating at a constant feeding rate, equivalent HRT of 15 h, and organic loading rate (OLR) of 8 g COD L−1 d−1. The alternating HRT operation improved VFA conversion without modifying the methane yield, and the COD removal was increased by 14%. The system stability, measured through the alkalinity index, was maintained during the proposed feeding strategy and after the increase in OLR.

CONCLUSION

The proposed feeding strategy is a promising tool for improving methane production from agave bagasse hydrolysates. The strategy was robust and easy to apply, which could expand its use for a wider variety of substrates. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Unusual sonographic appearance of breast cancer metastasis to the pectoralis muscle
Authors: Sim Woo Yeol , Park Noh Hyuck , Kwon Tae Jung
Published: July 2021

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. It frequently metastasizes to the lungs, liver, and bone. Breast cancer metastasis to skeletal muscles is rare. Chest wall recurrence in patients that have undergone mastectomy is the most frequent form of local recurrence, and it is generally accompanied by nodules or masses on the chest wall. Here, we describe a case of the unusual appearance of invasive lobular cancer metastasis to the pectoral muscles without discrete nodules or masses in a patient who had undergone mastectomy 12 years ago.
Positive wellbeing and resilience following adolescent victimisation: An exploration into protective factors across development
Authors: Armitage Jessica M. , Wang Rui Adele , Davis Oliver S. P. , Collard Philip , Haworth Claire M. A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Not all victims of bullying go on to develop problems with their mental health. To understand factors that may confer resilience, many have explored the moderating role of protective factors in relation to mental illness. No study to date, however, has considered moderators of adult wellbeing following victimisation. We explore 14 protective factors and test whether these promote good adult wellbeing in addition to prevent mental illness following victimisation. In doing so, we aimed to understand how positive mental health and resilience can be promoted.

Methods

Data were derived from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Participants were assessed for wellbeing and depressive symptoms at age 23, as well as victimisation in adolescence, and protective factors across development. Protective factors were categorised into individual‐, family‐ and peer‐level, and included factors like social skills, perceived school competence, and relationships with family and peers. The moderating role of the protective factors were examined using interactive regression models.

Results

Perceived scholastic competence was the only factor that mitigated some of the negative effects of victimisation. Individuals with higher perceptions of scholastic competence had higher wellbeing in adulthood than victims with lower perceptions of competence. No protective factors positively moderated life satisfaction or the risk of depressive symptoms; although findings suggest that friendships in late adolescence may be protective for individuals exposed to less frequent victimisation.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to explore a wide range of protective factors in predicting adult wellbeing following victimisation. We identify factors involved specifically in supporting wellbeing but not in reducing the risk of depression. Findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing perceptions of scholastic competence in childhood may help to support more positive wellbeing in adulthood.
A qualitative assessment of parental experiences with false‐positive newborn screening for Krabbe disease
Authors: Peterson Laiken , Siemon Amy , Olewiler Leah , McBride Kim L. , Allain Dawn C.
Published: July 2021

Numerous US states have implemented newborn screening for Krabbe disease (Krabbe NBS) as a result of legislative state mandates. While healthcare provider opinions toward Krabbe NBS have been documented, few studies have explored parental experiences and opinions regarding Krabbe NBS. Eleven families, who received a false‐positive Krabbe NBS result and received genetic counseling at an institution in central Ohio, were consented to participate in semistructured interviews. Interviews explored parents’ experiences throughout the NBS process and ascertained their opinions regarding Krabbe NBS. Three major themes emerged from thematic analysis: (1) improved understanding of the NBS process from a parent perspective, (2) the role of healthcare provider communication, and (3) the value of Krabbe NBS. Parents saw value in Krabbe NBS, despite many disclosing emotional distress and uncertainty throughout the NBS process. Parent experiences throughout the NBS process varied widely. Due to the expressed emotional distress, further research assessing effective communication during the NBS process is warranted. The researchers suggest additional NBS education for non‐genetics healthcare providers (i.e., nurses or primary care physicians) and further participation of genetic counselors in the NBS process may benefit families with a positive Krabbe NBS result.
Raman spectroscopic search for scytonemin and gloeocapsin in endolithic colonizations in large gypsum crystals
Authors: Němečková Kateřina , Culka Adam , Němec Ivan , Edwards Howell G. M. , Mareš Jan , Jehlička Jan
Published: July 2021

Rock‐dwelling microorganisms are frequently exposed to intense UV‐radiation, and thus, they synthesize specialized UV‐protective pigments. In this study, Raman microspectrometry was used for analysis of noncarotenoid UV‐protective pigments of dark‐pigmented endolithic colonization found in gypsum outcrops from three areas (Sicily, Poland and Israel). Samples were investigated using 445‐, 532‐ and 780‐nm excitation lasers. Two noncarotenoid UV‐protective pigments scytonemin and gloeocapsin were detected in all studied sites. Major Raman bands of scytonemin were found at around 1593, 1552, 1438 and 1173 cm−1. Gloeocapsin shows characteristic Raman bands similar to anthraquinone‐based parietin of lichens: at 1665, 1575, 1378, 1310 and 465 cm−1. Scytonemin and gloeocapsin are highly specific for cyanobacteria and therefore can be used as biomarkers of certain taxa of cyanobacteria. Detection of such pigments by Raman spectroscopy using three excitation wavelengths allows to gather more information about the composition of endolithic consortia using relatively fast and noninvasive methods and in their natural habitats.
Effects of phytase and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 supplementation on growth performance and bone development in weaned piglets in Ca‐ and P‐deficient dietary
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wen XiaoLu , Xiao Hao , Hou Lei , Wang Xinlei , Huang Yujian , Lin Yingcai , Zheng Chuntian , Wang Li , Jiang Zongyong
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The beneficial function of phytase and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (HyD) on the feed utilization rate has been widely investigated. However, studies concerning its influence on weaned piglets largely lag behind. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of phytase and HyD supplementation on the growth performance and bone development in weaned piglets under dietary Ca and P deficiency.

RESULTS

The results showed that dietary Ca and P deficiency decreased (P < 0.05) the content of serum P in 6–10 kg piglets, as well as reducing (P < 0.05) the contents of serum Ca and P, average daily gain (ADG), bone mineral density (BMD), breaking force (BF), bone ash and femur Ca in 10–20 kg piglets. Compared with the control group, the feed‐to‐gain ratio (F/G) of 6–10 kg piglets in the Phy group was decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the ADG, blood Ca and P, BMD, BF, bone ash, P apparent digestibility, Ca and P retention rate of 10–20 kg piglets were increased (P < 0.05). The contents of serum osteocalcin and HyD in 6–10 kg piglets and ADG were higher than in the control group (P < 0.05), as well as the contents of serum Ca and HyD in 10–20 kg piglets in the HyD treatment group. Supplementation with both Phy and HyD decreased the F/D (P < 0.05) and increased the contents of serum Ca, P and HyD in 6–10 kg piglets as well as enhancing the ADG, BMD, BF, bone ash, femur Ca and P, serum Ca and P, HyD, and the apparent digestibility and retention of Ca and P (P < 0.05) in 10–20 kg piglets. Supplementation with Phy and HyD in Ca‐ and P‐deficient dietary decreased bone resorption, and improved tight arrangement of collagen fibers and oblique fibers in weaned piglets.

CONCLUSION

These data indicated that supplementation with both 1500 U kg−1 Phy and 50 μg kg−1 HyD could enhance dietary Ca and P utilization and promote bone development in low Ca and P dietary, and supplementation with both Phy and HyD had a significant synergy effect compared to single supplement. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Biomimicry of Blue Morpho butterfly wings: An introduction to nanotechnology through an interdisciplinary science education module
Authors: Kirya Paula , Chen Eric , Achterman Marina , Eugenio Kelli , Beshir Zekaria , Ngoy Natalie , Siddique Radwanul Hasan , Cakmak Atilla Ozgur , Ashcroft Jared
Published: July 2021

Biomimicry is the practice of imitating naturally occurring bio‐designs through engineering and invention. For instance, Blue Morpho butterfly wing colors are a result of the reflection and refraction of nanostructures embedded in the wing and have inspired practical applications in nanofabrication and photonics. Interdisciplinary science educational materials have been developed that demonstrate the cross‐disciplinary aspects and biomimetic properties used in designing nano‐based devices. The unique optical properties of the Blue Morpho wing provides an excellent source of demonstrating how aspects of chemistry, biology, physics, and nanotechnology relate. Specifically, these educational tools demonstrate concepts including natural selection, chemical and physical properties, structure at the nanoscale, optical, and electromagnetic design. In addition, the engaging activities are correlated to how nanotechnology drives invention and provides students a mechanism to be introduced to the possibilities nanotechnology provides. A comprehensive combination of lab, cleanroom, and classroom activities are suggested to promote remote learning.
The additional diagnostic impact of positron emission tomography–computed tomography for lymph node metastasis from colorectal cancer: A prospective lymph node level analysis
Authors: Todate Yukitoshi , Honda Michitaka , Takada Toshihiko , Saginoya Toshiyuki , Yamaguchi Hisashi , Hamada Koichi , Nakayama Yujiro , Kawamura Hidetaka , Takano Yoshinao , Hashimoto Katsuhiko
Published: July 2021

Background

We conducted a prospective study to determine the diagnostic performance of positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET‐CT) for lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer patients.

Methods

We enrolled patients scheduled to receive curative surgery with lymph node dissection for colorectal adenocarcinoma who underwent contrast‐enhanced abdominopelvic CT and PET‐CT before surgery and who had primary lesions of cT2 or deeper. A radiologist determined the fluorodeoxyglucose uptake and the standardized uptake value (SUV) and metabolic volume (MV) to diagnose metastasis in cases with enlarged lymph nodes (≥7 mm long in minor diameter) on contrast‐enhanced CT. Two gastrointestinal surgeons intraoperatively identified target lymph nodes to assess the association between images and pathological findings. The diagnostic performance (i.e., sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values) for lymph node metastasis was determined using multilevel logistic modeling.

Results

A total of 205 colorectal cancer patients were enrolled from February 2018 to April 2020 and 194 patients were analyzed in this study. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PET‐CT were 15.3% (13.4%–17.5%), 100.0% (99.0%–100.0%), 100.0% (51.2%–100.0%), and 98.7% (98.5%–99.0%), respectively.

Conclusion

PET‐CT is a useful modality for determining the presence of metastasis in swollen lymph nodes on contrast‐enhanced CT in colorectal cancer patients.
Tympanostomies and tonsillar surgery in children during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Finland
Authors: Haapanen Marjut , Renko Marjo , Artama Miia , Manninen Iida‐Kaisa , Mattila Ville M. , Uimonen Mikko , Ponkilainen Ville , Kuitunen Ilari
Published: July 2021

Objective

To assess the impact of social restrictions due to COVID‐19 on the number of tympanostomies and tonsillar surgeries in children.

Methods

Incidences were calculated per 100 000 children for tonsillar surgery and tympanostomies in 2020 and compared to the mean incidence of referral years 2017 to 2019 by incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Median waiting times were also compared.

Results

Before the lockdown, tonsillar surgery incidence was 33.4/100000 (IRR 1.14, CI 0.76‐1.71) in February 2020. After the lockdown began, the incidence of tonsillar surgery was 1.4/100000 (IRR 0.04, CI 0.01‐0.15) in April. In June, tonsillar operation incidence started to increase (20.4 per 100 000). The incidence of tympanostomies was 81% lower (IRR 0.19, CI 0.09‐0.39) in April 2020 and 61% lower (IRR 0.39, CI 0.22‐0.69) in August 2020 than in 2017‐2019. These incidence rates remained lower all year (December 2020 IRR 0.13, CI 0.05‐0.33). Median waiting time for tonsillar surgery was 3.3 months in 2020 and 1.6 months in 2017 to 2019; P <.001, and for tympanostomies 1.3 months in 2020 and 1.0 months in 2017 to 2019, P <.001. The referral rate to otorhinolaryngology during the severest restrictions was 35% lower in April and May 2020 compared with the reference years.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the restrictions against COVID‐19 reduced the incidence rates of tonsil surgery and tympanostomies in children. Also, the lockdown and cancellations of elective operations in spring 2020 led to increased waiting times. These findings may help in preparing for future pandemics.

Level of evidence: Level 3.