bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-cell transcriptomics reveal a unique memory-like NK cell subset that accumulates with ageing and correlates with disease severity in COVID-19
Authors: Guo Chuang , Wu Mingming , Huang Beibei , Zhao Rui , Jin Linlin , Fu Binqing , Wang Ping , Wang Dongyao , Zheng Meijuan , Fang Jingwen , Wei Haiming , Qu Kun , Ni Fang
Published: May 2022

Background

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that mediate antitumour and antiviral responses. However, very little is known about how ageing influences human NK cells, especially at the single-cell level.

Methods

We applied single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) to human lymphocytes and NK cells from 4 young and 4 elderly individuals and then analysed the transcriptome data using Seurat. We detected the proportion and phenotype of NK cell subsets in peripheral blood samples from a total of 62 young and 52 elderly healthy donors by flow cytometry. We also used flow cytometry to examine the effector functions of NK cell subsets upon IFN-α/IL-12+IL-15/K562/IL-2 stimulation in vitro in peripheral blood samples from a total of 64 young and 63 elderly healthy donors. We finally studied and integrated single-cell transcriptomes of NK cells from 15 young and 41 elderly COVID-19 patients with those from 12 young and 6 elderly healthy control individuals to investigate the impacts of ageing on NK cell subsets in COVID-19 disease.

Results

We discovered a memory-like NK subpopulation (NK2) exhibiting the largest distribution change between elderly and young individuals among lymphocytes. Notably, we discovered a unique NK subset that was predominantly CD52+ NK2 cells (NK2.1). These memory-like NK2.1 cells accumulated with age, exhibited proinflammatory characteristics, and displayed a type I interferon response state. Integrative analyses of a large-cohort COVID-19 dataset and our datasets revealed that NK2.1 cells from elderly COVID-19 patients are enriched for type I interferon signalling, which is positively correlated with disease severity in COVID-19.

Conclusions

We identified a unique memory-like NK cell subset that accumulates with ageing and correlates with disease severity in COVID-19. Our results identify memory-like NK2.1 cells as a potential target for developing immunotherapies for infectious diseases and for addressing age-related dysfunctions of the immune system.
Effects of different kinds of anti-Alzheimer’s disease drugs on cognitive improvement: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis of phase III clinical trials
Authors: Lyu Diyang , Gong Min , Zhang Yong , Lyu Xuanxin
Published: May 2022

Background

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and dysfunction of independent living ability, with huge economic and healthy burden worldwide. However, there is still a lack of effective long-term drugs to improve cognitive function and reduce or halt disease progression. Phase III clinical trials of anti-AD drugs based on different hypotheses were in the pipeline, and this protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine what is the most effective direction for the development of drugs on cognitive improvement.

Methods/design

We will search the following literature databases for eligible studies from inception to December 2021: Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, PubMed MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Google Scholar,ClinicalTrials.govregistration platform, and the AlzForum website will also be searched for additional studies. Studies will be included irrespective of publication status or language. Phase III clinical trials reporting on the effect of anti-AD drugs on participants with AD will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen the hit articles and identify phase III clinical trials, extract data, and assess the quality of each study individually. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2 (RoB 2) will be used to assess the risk of bias. For each kind of drugs based on the corresponding hypothesis, we will compare the study design and demographic features of the clinical trials and include appropriate studies in the network meta-analysis. The primary outcomes will be the indicators of cognitive improvement. The secondary outcomes will be activities of daily living, neuroimaging changes, biomarkers, and safety. Through network meta-analysis, we will suggest the hypothesis that most likely to improve cognitive function and provide the ranks of all kinds of drugs. We will give recommendation grade of each comparison using the Confidence In Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMa) tool.

Discussion

This study will provide helpful evidence for further drug development and clinical practice for treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROCRD42021251507
The trace of $u\in W^{1,1}_{\mathrm{loc}}(\Omega )\bigcap L^{\infty}(\Omega )$ and its applications
Authors: Zhan Huashui
Published: May 2022

This paper is concerned with the well-posedness problem of a doubly degenerate parabolic equation with variable exponents. By the parabolically regularized method, the existence of local solution is proved. Moreover, the trace of $u\in W^{1,1}_{0}(\Omega )$
u
∈

W
0

1
,
1

(
Ω
)
is generalized to $u\in W^{1,1}_{\mathrm{loc}}(\Omega )\bigcap L^{\infty}(\Omega )$
u
∈

W
loc

1
,
1

(
Ω
)
⋂

L
∞

(
Ω
)
in a rational way. Then, a partial boundary value condition matching up with the stability theorem is found.
Socio-psychedelic imaginaries: envisioning and building legal psychedelic worlds in the United States
Authors: Schwarz-Plaschg Claudia
Published: May 2022

After decades of criminalization, psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and LSD are experiencing their comeback in science and Western culture more broadly. While psychedelic plants and fungi have a long history of use in Indigenous cultures, the Western prohibitionist reality instantiated around 1970 has stigmatized psychedelics as medically useless and a threat to society. Yet studies are increasingly demonstrating their potential to treat widespread mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety in combination with psychotherapy. Most of this research is currently taking place in the US, where additionally decriminalization and legalization efforts and religious exemptions have paved the way to make psychedelics legally accessible. Based on 3 years of ethnographic research in the US (both in-person and virtual), this article explores contemporary US-American socio-psychedelic imaginaries, i.e., collective visions articulated and enacted to reintegrate psychedelics legally and responsibly into society. Four socio-psychedelic imaginaries are identified, described, and interpreted: the biomedicalization imaginary, decriminalization imaginary, legalization imaginary, and sacramental imaginary. These imaginaries diverge and converge around several politics: politics of access, politics of responsibility, politics of naming, politics of assimilation and social change, and politics of epistemic credibility. Contemporary socio-psychedelic imaginaries are co-evolving, mutually shaping, and amplifying each other. Together they function as societal corrective to the politically motivated prohibition of psychedelics. Although enacted by humans, the radical imagination expressed in socio-psychedelic imaginaries has its roots in human-psychedelics entanglements.
Acute axon damage and demyelination are mitigated by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) therapy after experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: Radomski Kryslaine L. , Zi Xiaomei , Lischka Fritz W. , Noble Mark D. , Galdzicki Zygmunt , Armstrong Regina C.
Published: May 2022

Damage to long axons in white matter tracts is a major pathology in closed head traumatic brain injury (TBI). Acute TBI treatments are needed that protect against axon damage and promote recovery of axon function to prevent long term symptoms and neurodegeneration. Our prior characterization of axon damage and demyelination after TBI led us to examine repurposing of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), an FDA-approved inhibitor of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels. 4-AP is currently indicated to provide symptomatic relief for patients with chronic stage multiple sclerosis, which involves axon damage and demyelination. We tested clinically relevant dosage of 4-AP as an acute treatment for experimental TBI and found multiple benefits in corpus callosum axons. This randomized, controlled pre-clinical study focused on the first week after TBI, when axons are particularly vulnerable. 4-AP treatment initiated one day post-injury dramatically reduced axon damage detected by intra-axonal fluorescence accumulations in Thy1-YFP mice of both sexes. Detailed electron microscopy in C57BL/6 mice showed that 4-AP reduced pathological features of mitochondrial swelling, cytoskeletal disruption, and demyelination at 7 days post-injury. Furthermore, 4-AP improved the molecular organization of axon nodal regions by restoring disrupted paranode domains and reducing Kv1.2 channel dispersion. 4-AP treatment did not resolve deficits in action potential conduction across the corpus callosum, based on ex vivo electrophysiological recordings at 7 days post-TBI. Thus, this first study of 4-AP effects on axon damage in the acute period demonstrates a significant decrease in multiple pathological hallmarks of axon damage after experimental TBI.
An important component to investigating STEM persistence: the development and validation of the science identity (SciID) scale
Authors: Lockhart Mary Elizabeth , Kwok Oi-Man , Yoon Myeongsun , Wong Raymond
Published: May 2022

Background

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) influence almost every aspect of our daily lives. However, despite the high demand for STEM occupational talent, the STEM pipeline continues leaking, with less than one-sixth of high school students pursuing STEM majors and only 50% of entering STEM college majors matriculating into STEM fields. Science identity has been identified as the most powerful predictor of high school students pursuing an undergraduate STEM major as reported by Chang (Machine learning approach to predicting STEM college major choice, American Educational Research Association (AERA), San Francisco, 2020). Though the construct is gaining lots of attention, it remains largely ill-defined, not operationalized at the high school level, and not based upon traditional identity theory. The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument that measures high school students’ science identity, the Science Identity (SciID) Scale.

Results

Subject experts and a small group of high school students provided content validation for the proposed scale. Exploratory factor analysis revealed an optimal two-factor solution, reflecting the traditional two-dimensions of identity theory: Exploration and Commitment. Cronbach’s alpha revealed good internal consistency for both factors. Finally, structural equation modeling confirmed the convergent validity of the instrument with the external variables of science achievement and science career interest. Furthermore, the divergent validity between science identity and science self-concept was also confirmed.

Conclusions

Initial results indicate that the SciID Scale is a valid and reliable instrument that accurately measures a high school student’s standing on this construct. The soundness of this instrument will enable policy makers and practitioners to design more effective intervention programs aimed at cultivating high school students’ science identity.
An experiment of health services and additional microcredit in 128 villages of Bangladesh
Authors: Becker Stan , Amin Ruhul , Chakraborty Nirali , Zimmerman Linnea
Published: May 2022

Background

Studies in the literature have found mixed results on the effect of microcredit on health outcomes. Of the five previous experimental studies that included microcredit and a health intervention, three reported no significant changes in health status or behaviors. The purpose of this study was to test for marginal and interactive effects of increased microcredit and provision of basic health services.

Methods

This study had a 4-celled experimental design in 128 villages in rural Bangladesh. For villages in one cell, an additional microcredit worker was assigned. For those in a second cell, a health assistant visited households each month, provided simple medicines and announced a satellite clinic held monthly in each village. For a third cell, both interventions were combined, and villages in a fourth cell served as control. A baseline survey was completed and a follow-up survey was done three years later. Outcome measures were food security, contraceptive use, having a trained birth attendant at last birth, and measles immunization.

Results

Comparison of follow-up with baseline levels of the four outcome measures (for 3787 households (96% completeness) and 3687 women (94% completeness)) showed significant improvement in food security in all study arms and a significant increase in trained birth attendant at last birth in the health services villages. Due to confusion within Grameen Bank about which workers would provide the additional microcredit work, that intervention was poorly implemented so in multivariate analyses, the data for that intervention arm were grouped with data from the control arm. Logistic regression with values of the outcomes at follow-up as dependent variable and study arm and women’s schooling as covariates showed no significant effects of either separate or grouped study arms.

Conclusion

Two of the three health behaviors showed no significant changes over time but having a trained birth attendant at last delivery did increase significantly in the health services arm. Therefore, community health education can sometimes be effective in promoting healthy behaviors.

Trial registration

This was a field trial rather than a clinical trial, so trial registration was unnecessary.
Generic, efficient and isochronous Gaussian sampling over the integers
Authors: Sun Shuo , Zhou Yongbin , Ji Yunfeng , Zhang Rui , Tao Yang
Published: May 2022

Gaussian sampling over the integers is one of the fundamental building blocks of lattice-based cryptography. Among the extensively used trapdoor sampling algorithms, it is ineluctable until now. Under the influence of numerous side-channel attacks, it is still challenging to construct a Gaussian sampler that is generic, efficient, and resistant to timing attacks. In this paper, our contribution is three-fold. First, we propose a secure, efficient exponential Bernoulli sampling algorithm. It can be applied to Gaussian samplers based on rejection samplings. We apply it to FALCON, a candidate of round 3 of the NIST post-quantum cryptography standardization project, and reduce its signature generation time by 13–14%. Second, we develop an isochronous Gaussian sampler based on rejection sampling. Our Algorithm can securely sample from Gaussian distributions with different standard deviations and arbitrary centers. We apply it to PALISADE (S&P 2018), an open-source lattice-based cryptography library. During the online phase of trapdoor sampling, the running time of the G-lattice sampling algorithm is reduced by 44.12% while resisting timing attacks. Third, we improve the efficiency of the COSAC sampler (PQC 2020). The new COSAC sampler is 1.46x–1.63x faster than the original and has the lowest expected number of trials among all Gaussian samplers based on rejection samplings. But it needs a more efficient algorithm sampling from the normal distribution to improve its performance.
Artificial intelligence in knee arthroplasty: current concept of the available clinical applications
Authors: Batailler Cécile , Shatrov Jobe , Sappey-Marinier Elliot , Servien Elvire , Parratte Sébastien , Lustig Sébastien
Published: May 2022

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) is defined as the study of algorithms that allow machines to reason and perform cognitive functions such as problem-solving, objects, images, word recognition, and decision-making. This study aimed to review the published articles and the comprehensive clinical relevance of AI-based tools used before, during, and after knee arthroplasty.

Methods

The search was conducted through PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases from 2000 to 2021 using the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA).

Results

A total of 731 potential articles were reviewed, and 132 were included based on the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. Some steps of the knee arthroplasty procedure were assisted and improved by using AI-based tools. Before surgery, machine learning was used to aid surgeons in optimizing decision-making. During surgery, the robotic-assisted systems improved the accuracy of knee alignment, implant positioning, and ligamentous balance. After surgery, remote patient monitoring platforms helped to capture patients’ functional data.

Conclusion

In knee arthroplasty, the AI-based tools improve the decision-making process, surgical planning, accuracy, and repeatability of surgical procedures.
Potential DNA methylation biomarkers for the detection of clear cell renal cell carcinoma identified by a whole blood-based epigenome-wide association study
Authors: Ohmomo Hideki , Komaki Shohei , Sutoh Yoichi , Hachiya Tsuyoshi , Ono Kanako , Arai Eri , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Yoshida Teruhiko , Kanai Yae , Asahi Koichi , Sasaki Makoto , Shimizu Atsushi
Published: May 2022

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the fourteenth most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 4% of all cancers. More than 70% of RCC are clear cell RCC (ccRCC). To date, no reliable biomarkers for the detection of ccRCC have been identified. The aim of this study was to identify blood-based DNA methylation (DNAm) markers for the early detection and treatment of ccRCC.

Results

To identify ccRCC-associated DNAm markers, we performed targeted bisulfite sequencing (TB-seq) and an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) using whole blood-derived DNA from 50 ccRCC patients and 50 healthy controls in the discovery phase. EWAS was performed using a linear regression model. The analysis was adjusted for age, sex, and the estimated cell-type composition. In the replication phase, the accuracy of the identified ccRCC-associated CpGs was verified in 48 independent ccRCC patients and 48 healthy controls. We identified six ccRCC-associated hypomethylated CpGs in PCBD2/MTND4P12 in the discovery phase (p < 1.75 × 10−8); four were reproducible in the replication phase (p < 2.96 × 10−8). The sum of the DNAm levels at the six CpGs was a valid indicator of ccRCC both in the discovery phase (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC-ROC] = 0.922) and in the replication phase (AUC-ROC = 0.871). Moreover, the results of cis-expression quantitative methylation analysis suggested that the DNAm levels of the ccRCC-associated CpGs affect the gene expression of transcription factor 7 (TCF7) and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (VDAC1), which are involved in cancer progression.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified six ccRCC-associated CpGs in PCBD2/MTND4P12 by EWAS using blood-based DNA. We found that the DNAm levels of the six CpGs in PCBD2/MTND4P12 may be a potential biomarker for early ccRCC detection, but the value as a biomarker needs to be investigated in future studies.
Seismic Soundoff: Building a volcano early warning system — A GWB story
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: May 2022

This episode features Katrin Sieron and Blake Weissling discussing their Geoscientists without Borders (GWB) project on Pico de Orizaba — the highest volcano in Mexico. Sieron and Weissling provide an overview of their project, highlight their accomplishments, and reflect on the legacy of their work. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/14727 .
Evaluation of an Appropriate Standard Hydrogen Electrode Potential for Computing Redox Potentials of Catechins with Density Functional Theory
Authors: Duan Lian , Takano Yu , Shigeta Yasuteru
Published: May 2022

Catechins are the main constituents in tea and have attracted attention because of their antioxidant properties. In this letter, to compute accurate redox potentials for catechins, an appropriate standard hydrogen electrode potential, ESHE, for catechins was evaluated by a linear fitting of experimental pKa and computed Gibbs energy difference upon deprotonation. The redox potentials of seven tea catechins were computed with the evaluated ESHE values, showing a good agreement with the experimental redox potentials of catechins by about 0.1 V.
Discharge Capacity and Energy Density in Gluconic Acid and Saccharides Fuel Cells
Authors: Kaneto Keiichi , Uto Sadahito
Published: May 2022

Discharge capacities in glucose and saccharides/KOH fuel cells using PEDOT:PSS, PtRu and SWCNT composite anode revealed more than 12e− transfer for the electrooxidations. The gluconic acid (reaction product of glucose) fuel cell showed the power density 15 mW cm−2 being a half of the glucose, and 10e− transfer. These results indicated the multi-electron cascade oxidation of glucose via gluconic acid. The energy density of glucose was 803 Wh kg−1, corresponding to 18% of the theoretical 24e− oxidation.
The handling of individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness by the justice system
Authors: Więcek-Durańska Anna , Malewicz-Sawicka Maryla
Published: May 2022

Przestępczość osób chorujących psychicznie jest zagadnieniem bardzo trudnym. Z jednej bowiem strony mamy do czynienia z naruszeniem jakiegoś dobra, działaniem szkodliwym, powodującym cierpienie oraz stratę (fizyczną, ekonomiczną, moralną) po stronie osób pokrzywdzonych (społeczeństwa). Z drugiej strony, osoby chorujące psychicznie traktowane są przez wymiar sprawiedliwości w nieco inny sposób, co oznacza, że nie ponoszą odpowiedzialności w takim samym zakresie i na takich samych zasadach jak osoby zdrowe. W literaturze przedmiotu zwraca się uwagę, na problem rosnącej liczby przestępstw popełnianych przez osoby chore psychicznie. Według danych międzynarodowych szacunki dotyczące występowania chorób psychicznych wśród populacji więziennej stanowią coraz bardziej nieproporcjonalną liczbę osób w więzieniach na całym świecie. Według danych szacunkowych nawet co czwarty skazany może mieć rozpoznanie choroby psychicznej. Warto zwrócić uwagę na wskaźniki recydywy osób chorych psychicznie, gdyż są one również wyższe w ogólnej populacji recydywistów. U przestępców z rozpoznaniem choroby psychicznej wskaźnik recydywy wynosi w granicach od 60 do 80 procent. Celem niniejszego artykułu było pokazanie sytuacji osób z rozpoznaniem choroby psychicznej w Polsce. Odnosząc się do dostępnych danych statystycznych oraz badań międzynarodowych.
Level of Personality Functioning Scale-Brief Form 2.0: Validity and reliability of the Polish adaptation
Authors: Łakuta Patryk , Cieciuch Jan , Strus Włodzimierz , Hutsebaut Joost
Published: May 2022

Cel pracy

W badaniu dokonano oceny właściwości psychometrycznych polskiej adaptacji krótkiego formularza do oceny poziomu funkcjonowania osobowości (Level of Personality Functioning Scale – Brief Form 2.0; LPFS–BF 2.0), pozwalającego na pomiar nasilenia nieprawidłowości funkcjonowania w sferach intrapsychicznej (self) i interpersonalnej, zgodnie z wytycznymi dla diagnozy zaburzeń osobowości w Sekcji III DSM-5.

Metoda

Badanie przeprowadzono w grupie nieklinicznej (N = 242 dorosłych; 52,9% kobiet; Mwiek = 30,63 lat; SDwiek = 11,81 lat). Do oszacowania trafności wykorzystano Inwentarz Osobowości PID-5 (Personality Inventory for DSM-5), Inwentarz Osobowości PiCD (Personality Inventory for ICD-11), Inwentarz AC (Agency-Communion-Inventory), oraz kwestionariusz MHC-SF (Mental Health Continuum–Short Form).

Wyniki

Potwierdzono zasadność dwuczynnikowej struktury narzędzia pozwalającej na rzetelny pomiar dwóch zmiennych latentnych, odnoszących się do funkcjonowania w sferze intrapsychicznej i interpersonalnej. Analizy wykazały teoretycznie oczekiwane zależności LPFS-BF 2.0 z ogólnym wskaźnikiem nasilenia patologii osobowości, dysfunkcjonalnymi cechami osobowości, dobrostanem psychicznym oraz wymiarami sprawczości i wspólnotowości. Ponadto, przeprowadzone analizy dostarczyły danych świadczących o trafności przyrostowej narzędzia w stosunku do pięciu patologicznych cech z PID-5 w przewidywaniu dobrostanu.

Wnioski

Polska adaptacja LPFS–BF 2.0 jest dobrym psychometrycznie i spójnym z podstawami teoretycznymi narzędziem, pozwalającym na charakterystykę nieprawidłowości w sferach intrapsychicznej i interpersonalnej, zgodnie z konceptualizacją zawartą w Sekcji III DSM-5. W przyszłości powinna zostać przeprowadzona replikacja badań w próbach klinicznych.
Implications of Data Anonymization on the Statistical Evidence of Disparity
Authors: Xu Heng , Zhang Nan
Published: May 2022

Research and practical development of data-anonymization techniques have proliferated in recent years. Yet, limited attention has been paid to examine the potentially disparate impact of privacy protection on underprivileged subpopulations. This study is one of the first attempts to examine the extent to which data anonymization could mask the gross statistical disparities between subpopulations in the data. We first describe two common mechanisms of data anonymization and two prevalent types of statistical evidence for disparity. Then, we develop conceptual foundation and mathematical formalism demonstrating that the two data-anonymization mechanisms have distinctive impacts on the identifiability of disparity, which also varies based on its statistical operationalization. After validating our findings with empirical evidence, we discuss the business and policy implications, highlighting the need for firms and policy makers to balance between the protection of privacy and the recognition/rectification of disparate impact.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.
Bilateral Trade with Multiunit Demand and Supply
Authors: Loertscher Simon , Marx Leslie M.
Published: May 2022

We study a bilateral trade problem with multiunit demand and supply and one-dimensional private information. Each agent geometrically discounts additional units by a constant factor. We show that when goods are complements, the incentive problem—measured as the ratio of second-best to first-best social surplus—becomes less severe as the degree of complementarity increases. In contrast, if goods are substitutes and each agent’s distribution exhibits linear virtual types, then this ratio is a constant. If the bilateral trade setup arises from prior vertical integration between a buyer and a supplier, with the vertically integrated firm being a buyer facing an independent supplier, then the ratio of second-best to first-best social surplus is, in general, not monotone in the degree of complementarity when products are substitutes and is increasing when products are complements. Extensions to profit maximization by a market maker and a discrete public good problem show that the broad insight that complementarity of goods mitigates the incentive problem generalizes to these settings.

This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.

Funding: Financial support from the Samuel and June Hordern Endowment, the University of Melbourne Faculty of Business & Economics [Eminent Research Scholar Grant], and the Australian Research Council [Grant DP200103574] is acknowledged.
Does What Happens in the ED Stay in the ED? The Effects of Emergency Department Physician Workload on Post-ED Care Use
Authors: Soltani Mohamad , Batt Robert J. , Bavafa Hessam , Patterson Brian W.
Published: May 2022

Problem definition: We study the effects of emergency department (ED) physician workload on healthcare system utilization after the patient leaves the ED. Further, we explore the mediating effects of care intensity in the ED on post-ED care use. Academic/practical relevance: ED crowding has been a pressing concern in healthcare systems in the United States and other developed countries. As such, many researchers have studied its effects on outcomes within the ED. In contrast, we present novel results regarding the impacts of ED crowding on system performance outside the ED—specifically, on post-ED care utilization. Methodology: We utilize a data set assembled from more than four years of microdata from a large U.S. hospital and exhaustive billing data in an integrated health system. We use count models and instrumental variable analyses to answer the proposed research questions. Results: We find that there is an increasing concave relationship between ED physician workload and post-ED care use. When ED workload increases from its fifth percentile to the median, the number of post-discharge care events (i.e., medical services) for patients who are discharged home from the ED increases by 5%, and it is stable afterward. Further, we identify physician test-ordering behavior as a mechanism for this effect; when the physician is busier, she responds by ordering more tests for less severe patients. We document that this “extra” testing generates “extra” post-ED care utilization for these patients. Managerial implications: This paper contributes new insights on how physician and patient behaviors under ED crowding impact a previously unstudied system performance measure: post-ED care utilization. Our findings suggest that prior studies estimating the cost of ED crowding underestimate the true effect, as they do not consider the “extra” post-ED care utilization.

Funding: Support for this research was provided by the University of Alberta Endowment Fund for the Future: Support for the Advancement of Scholarship, Canadian Utilities Faculty Fellowship, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education with funding from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. Brian Patterson’s contribution to this research was supported by funding from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) [Grant K08HS024558]. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the AHRQ.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.1110 .
Association between endurance of the trunk extensor muscles and balance performance in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Flora Sofia , Cruz Joana , Tavares Ana , Ferreira Joana , Morais Nuno
Published: May 2022

Background/Aims

Previous research has disregarded the performance of the extensor muscle group of the trunk in balance control. The main purpose of this exploratory study was to assess the association between balance performance and endurance of the trunk extensor muscles in older adults, considering possible co-factors such as age and body mass index.

Methods

A correlational and predictive cross-sectional study was conducted with 61 community dwelling older adults (women n=45) with a mean age of 71 years (± standard deviation 6 years), and a mean body mass index of 28.1 kg/m2 (± standard deviation ± 4.7 kg/m2). The Berg Balance Scale was used to assess balance performance and Trunk Extensor Endurance Test to assess muscle endurance. Spearman's correlation coefficients (ρ) and single and multiple regression analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.

Results

The largest correlations were found between the Berg Balance Scale score and Trunk Extensor Endurance Test (ρ=0.41, P=0.001) and body mass index (ρ=−0.36, P=0.005). Muscle endurance alone predicted ~10% of the Berg Balance Scale score (R2=0.10, P=0.015). When combined with body mass index, it accounted for ~19% (R2=0.19, P=0.002). Adding the remaining variable (age) to the previous model increased the prediction by ~3% (R2=0.22, P=0.002).

Conclusions

Muscle endurance and body mass index significantly predicted (~19%) balance performance in older adults. Because these are modifiable factors, they should be routinely included in the screening of balance performance in older adults and addressed accordingly in preventive or rehabilitation programmes.
Facial aesthetic treatments in East Asian populations
Authors: Samizadeh Souphiyeh
Published: May 2022

Most published studies on surgical and non-surgical cosmetic facial procedures focus on Caucasians. With increasing popularity and requests for medical aesthetic treatments from patients of various ethnicities, there is a need for aesthetic practitioners to broaden their understanding of anatomical differences, ideals of beauty and cultural differences among different ethnicities. With the East Asian diaspora numbering tens of millions and the continued development of that region, any aesthetic practitioner will likely need to treat an East Asian patient. East Asians are keen on surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments to enhance their beauty and seek treatments in Asia and abroad. There are many differences between Caucasians and East Asians, including the structural architecture of the face, attitudes and standards regarding beauty and patterns and rates of facial ageing. For an optimal consultation process, treatment planning and outcome, these fundamental differences should be understood by aesthetic practitioners.
Pectin Stabilized/Capped Ferromagnetic Co3O4 Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Efficacy: A Greener Approach
Authors: RANA POONAM , Banerjee Kamalika , Sharma Saurabh , Sharma Rajni
Published: May 2022

The preparation of Co3O4 nanoparticles using thermal decomposition and their characterization by various physicochemical studies is being reported here. The focus is on the use of pectin as a capping/stabilizing agent and heading the methodology towards greener pathway, single pot and cost effective technique. The characterizations were done by using UV-Visible, FTIR, SEM, TEM and XRD analysis which confirmed the formation of nanoparticles. The FTIR spectrum revealed the presence of pectin along with the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were found to be stable at pH 5.5 as evaluated by their zeta potential analysis. The magnetic measurements (VSM) revealed their ferromagnetic behavior. These nanoparticles indicated effective antimicrobial potency against six different strains of bacteria.
To Facile the Study of Structural, Morphological Properties of Novel, Synthesised Nano Particles of Indium Doped Ni-Co Ferrite
Authors: Jayshree. S Patil , Umakant. B Chanshetti , Charushila. B Pawar
Published: May 2022

Sol-gel technique is used for synthesis of Ni0.5Co0.5InxFe2-xO4. (x=0.0,0.10,0.075,0.050,0.025) characterized by utilizing. The pre-arranged example sintering temperature is affirmed by TGA. The pre-arranged examples Sintering at 600Oc at 4 hrs. The Single-phase cubic spinel was affirmed by utilizing the X-beam diffraction (XRD) examination. The underlying boundary like cross lattice constant, porosity, x-beam thickness, hopping length, and so on, were estimated by utilizing the XRD information. The lattice constant (a) expanded from 8.347 to 8.378 Å. The X-beam thickness 5.385 to 5.518 g/cm3 expanded. The floor morphology affirmed through examining SEM. The cation conveyance proposes that Co2+, Ni2+, In3+ show a mobility towards the octahedral-B site, Fe3+ debris are arbitrarily circulated at the tetrahedral-A and octahedral-B site. The Fourier transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) of the Ni-Co ferrite framework have been broke down the ingestion power tops both tetrahedral (υ1) and octahedral (υ2) increments with expanding the In3+ particles.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Yttrium oxide nanoparticles: Bioavailability and Targeting of Breast Tumors
Authors: G.Myvizhi G.Myvizhi , S.K.Krishna S.K.Krishna
Published: May 2022

Herein, we demonstrate synthesis of Yttrium Oxide (yttria) nanoparticles of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 M concentrations by hydrothermal method and characterized using various techniques. Powder XRD analysis showed that the as-prepared nanoparticles have cubic Y2O3 structure with an average crystallite diameter of 34-58 nm. SEM micrographs depicted that agglomerated yttria nanoparticles of different morphological properties and particles in size. The occurrence of metal Oxide is affirmed using FTIR and EDX analysis. The Yttrium Oxide nanoparticles showed better antimicrobial activity against ADCP declared harmful bacteria pathogens such as E. Coli, S. paratyphi, S. aureus, and S. pyogenes. Further, the yttrium oxide nanoparticles revealed better anticarcinogenic activity against MCF-7 cell line with IC50 value 47.07 μg/ml. From these findings, the nanoparticles of Y2O3 are candidates to be used as potential alternatives in antitumor therapy.
Effect of Li Electrolyte on Structural, Morphological and Thermal Properties of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Polyethylene glycol (PEG) Polymer blend Thin Films
Authors: Ramana K. Venkata , Sekhar M. Chandra , A.R. Subrahmanyam A.R. Subrahmanyam , Reddy V. Madhusudhana , Reddy M. Ravindar , Reddy T. Ramesh
Published: May 2022

PVDF polymer, LiClO4 salt doped PVDF polymer electrolyte, PVDF/PEG polymer blend and LiClO4 salt doped PVDF/PEG polymer blend electrolyte thin films prepared via solution cast method further these prepared thin films undergone with different characterization techniques i.e. XRD, FTIR, SEM and DSC. XRD and SEM results confirmed that reduction in crystalline nature of PVDF polymer in the presence of PEG polymer and LiClO4 salt. FTIR spectra results revealed that complexation/interaction of LiClO4 salt with polymers. Shifting of glass transition temperature (Tg) and disappearance of melting temperature(Tm) on the DSC curves of PEG and LiClO4 salt doped thin films was observed, which indicated that thermal stability and reduction in crystalline nature of thin films. These results confirmed that LiClO4 salt doped PVDF/PEG thin films may offer higher ionic conductivity for the fabrication of electrochemical cell.
Assessment of River Water Quality During a Religious Mass Bathing Festival at Sangam, Prayagraj
Authors: Lall Anurag Samson , Chattree Amit , Thomas Tarence , Khan Saima Habib , Pandey Avinash Kumar , Mani Jyoti Vandana
Published: May 2022

Sangam, the confluence point of sacred Indian rivers Ganga and Yamuna, is an important site for different religious and cultural events. Surface water was collected from Sangam during the religious mass bathing festival, Kumbh Mela, from 10 January to 9 February, 2020 and the samples were investigated for 10 selected physicochemical parameters including chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO). BOD and DO exceeded the recommended BIS permissible limits. Mass bathing significantly altered 6 of the parameters (p < 0.05). The overall weighted arithmetic water quality index (WQI) during the sampling period was 80.07, indicating very poor quality of the river water. The mean WQI during the bath days (95.65 ± 19.84) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that for non-bath days (64.49 ± 14.65). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the observed WQI values were significantly explained by the parameters COD, DO and BOD.
A Study on the Effect of Lawsone as Complexing Agent in the Electroless Zn-P Deposition
Authors: Thabassoom H. Asia , F. Femina F. Femina , Florence J. Felicita , R. Kanmani R. Kanmani , Infant Joice J. Amala
Published: May 2022

The effect of Lawsonia inermis Linn Leaf extract on electroless deposition of Zinc-P alloy on mild steel is studied in alkaline solutions. The effect of experimental processing parameters on the deposition rate is investigated during electroless plating. The bath compositions and operating conditions are optimized. The results obtained show the inclusion rate of electroless Zn-P alloy coating is found to be increased by increasing the volume of additives from 0.5ml to 1.5ml. Structured UV - A significant spectroscopic absorption rate is taken to ensure the presence of Lawsone in the binary complex in the alkaline bath. In the absence of a complexing agent, additive Lawsone develops more features and levels of arrangement. It offers the idea of changing sodium citrate with Lawsone. The effect of Lawsone as a complex agent on Zn-P electroless coating is tested by SEM, EDAX, AFM, XRD and corrosion studies. The corrosion efficiency of electroless Zn-P coating is assessed by polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
p-Toluene-sulfonic Acid-catalyzed One-pot, Three-component Synthesis of 4-(4-(Piperidin-1-yl)phenyl)-2-Thioxo-1,2,3,4Tetrahydro-5H-Chromeno[4,3-d]Pyrimidin-5-One
Authors: Thabet Hamdy Khamees , Ubeid Mustafa Turki , Abu Shuheil Mohamed Yousef , Imran Mohd
Published: May 2022

Here we communicate a method for the synthesis of 4-(4-(piperidin-1-yl)phenyl)-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5H-chromeno[4,3-d]pyrimidin-5-one in one step. The compound was prepared by reacting 4-hydroxy-coumarin, 4-piperidinobenzaldehye, and thiourea in a catalytic quantity of p-toluenesulfonic acid. The novelty of the compound was checked by Sci-finder. The compound was analyzed by NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C), and mass spectrometry. The computational studies indicate that the synthesized compound possesses suitable physicochemical properties, drug-likeliness features, and good oral bioavailability.
Natural Fibre based Biocomposites and Their Applications (Brief Review)
Authors: Nigrawal Archana , Z Haque Fozia
Published: May 2022

The rising environmental and ecological awareness has motivated hard work in support of growth of new pioneering resources for a variety of end-use application. Polymeric composites prepared from natural resources, occupied substantial research awareness from the last upcoming years. In this paper a summarized effort that includes the vicinity of biocomposites, majority of the category of eco-friendly polymers, natural fibres, highlighted with production techniques and properties of these composites are discussed. A variety of interface alteration methods were included to advance the fibre–matrix bond resultant in the improvement of different characteristics of the bio based composites. This paper conclude that the bio based composites constitute a promising field in polymeric composites that increase awareness for applications in various fields ranges from vehicle to the construction industries.
Synthesis, FTIR, NMR, Mass spectral, X-ray crystallographic and Thermal Studies of Hg(II) Complex of N, N-dimethylbiguanide
Authors: Krishan Bal , Md. Tawkir Md. Tawkir , Sharma Nidhi
Published: May 2022

Metal chelate of antidiabetic drug is synthesized and characterized by using various spectroscopic tools like elemental analyses, IR, NMR, mass spectra, thermal analyses (TGA) and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. The nonvariation conductometric titration method indicated the ionic nature of the complex and LM2 structure type. Complex was assigned tetrahedral geometry based on the spectral data and was found to have chemical formula [(C4H10N5)(HgCl)2] (Scheme-I). Crystallographic parameters have been calculated from powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The thermal and kinetic behaviour of the complex has been studied using Thermogravimetric analysis, which indicates that water molecules of crystallization together with anions are removed in the first step. Calculation of thermodynamic parameters has been done and their relative thermal stabilities of the complex is also discussed. Thermal stability and activation energy have been calculated by F.C and S.W methods. F.C method and TG curves have been used to determine thermodynamic specification viz. free energy change (ΔF), entropy change (ΔS).
Extracts of Senna sophera (L.) Roxb., Syzygium cumuni, and Annona squamosa Linn. as Biopesticides against Army Worm (Spodoptera exigua) Larvae
Authors: E. Casamina Camille Joy , F. Reyes Darwin
Published: May 2022

Pests are one of the constraints in agricultural crops, such as the army worm (Spodoptera exigua), that is considered as one of the most harmful pests in the vegetative phase. In this work, ethanolic leaf extracts of common plants Senna sophera (L.) Roxb., Syzygium cumuni, and Annona squamosa Linn. in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, Philippines were prepared and the phytochemical constituents were detected. Direct spraying of the extracts was done to test the effectiveness of the biopesticides. Results showed that the extracts have varying effectivity as biopesticide against Spodoptera exigua and can be related to the chemical constituents present in the extracts. Considering the results from this investigation, the easy availability and effectiveness of these natural pesticides can be developed as alternatives to conventional synthetic pesticides.
Adsorption Isotherm Study of Crystal violet dye onto Biochar Prepared from Agriculture Waste
Authors: Jadhav Shridhar K. , R. Thorat Sanjaykumar
Published: May 2022

In the present investigation, crystal violet dye adsorption on biochar was prepared from the banana stem (Musa Acuminata) to know its capacity for adsorption of colour dyes from synthetic aqueous solution. The banana stem biochar (BSB) was prepared using pyrolysis method at 3500C and 4500C. The characterization was carried out to know its morphology and chemical composition using scanning electron microscopy for BSB-350 and BSB-450. Present work was carried out to examined surface characteristics and the batch experiment parameters such as pH, contact time, concentration and amount of dose which depends on adsorption kinetic model Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin Radakovich. In our findings, it shows maximum adsorption of crystal violet dye on BSB 350 - 208.33mg/g and BSB 450 - 153.50mg/g which reveals that adsorption of dyes by using biochar is a cost-effective, environment-friendly practice and will be helpful to reduce pollutant from industrial effluent treatment plant. (ETP).
Analysis of Ambazari Lake Water of Nagpur City, Maharastra, India
Authors: Salahuddin Salahuddin , Husain Intazar
Published: May 2022

One of the essential requirements of human species is water. The present manuscript deals with the contemplation of Ambazari lakelet. Ambazari Lake water is degraded as abundant discharge of tarnished things after hunky-dory operation to annihilate malicious commixtures. Water condition analyzes as well as reconsiders and has performed considering multifarious physico-chemical characteristics. The particular contents are: Potential of hydrogen, Electric Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Phosphate, Suspended Solid, Nitrate and Coliforms consequently. Correlation coefficients between attributes and Clustering are accomplished to cognize the nearness of the attributes. The obtained values of each attributes has compared with the standard values set by the World Health Organization(WHO) .The results attained show that most of the attributes does not satisfy the permissible limit recommended by WHO. Hence the lake water is not suitable for drinking purposes.
Efeito de duas substâncias atrativas no comportamento alimentar, limiar de discriminação e longevidade de adultos de Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Joachim-Bravo Iara Sordi , Amorim Francismare Oliveira de
Published: May 2022

A mosca-das-frutas, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824), é considerada uma das pragas agrícolas economicamente mais importantes, causando danos a vários tipos de frutas. Os carboidratos e os ácidos são substâncias comuns encontradas nos hospedeiros de C. capitata e atuam fornecendo energia e estimulando a oviposição, respectivamente, além de serem fagoestimulantes. Este trabalho visou avaliar comparativamente a influência das substâncias atrativas (sacarose e ácido cítrico) em adultos de uma população criada em laboratório, verificando os seguintes parâmetros: comportamento de seleção de dietas (fagoestimulação); limiar de discriminação; e longevidade. Na comparação entre os sexos, machos e fêmeas mostraram comportamento seletivo similar em relação às diferentes substâncias atrativas, porém as fêmeas apresentaram limiar de discriminação maior que os machos para as duas substâncias atrativas. Ambos os sexos tiveram longevidade similar quando criados com a mesma dieta. Os resultados  evidenciaram que a sacarose é preponderante na garantia da longevidade e também participa como regulador na quantidade de dieta ingerida pelos adultos, ao contrário do ácido cítrico que não teve influência em nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados.