bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using random forest analysis to identify student demographic and high school‐level factors that predict college engineering major choice
Authors: Tan Li , Main Joyce B. , Darolia Rajeev
Published: June 2021

Background

Given the importance of engineers to a nation's economy and potential innovation, it is imperative to encourage more students to consider engineering as a college major. Previous studies have identified a broad range of high school experiences and demographic factors associated with engineering major choice; however, these factors have rarely been ranked or ordered by relative importance.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This study leveraged comprehensive, longitudinal data to identify which high school‐level factors, including high school characteristics and student high school experiences as well as student demographic characteristics and background, rank as most important in terms of predictive power of engineering major choice.

Design/Method

Using data from a nationally representative survey, the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, and the random forest method, a genre of machine learning, the most important high school‐level factors in terms of predictive power of engineering major choice were ranked.

Results

Random forest results indicate that student gender is the most important variable predicting engineering major choice, followed by high school math achievement and student beliefs and interests in math and science during high school.

Conclusions

Gender differences in engineering major choice suggest wider ranging cultural phenomena that need further investigation and systemic interventions. Research findings also highlight two other areas for potential interventions to promote engineering major choice: high school math achievement and beliefs and interests in math and science. Focusing interventions in these areas may lead to an increase in the number of students pursuing engineering.
Another form of undermatching? A mixed‐methods examination of first‐year engineering students' calculus placement
Authors: Inkelas Karen K. , Maeng Jennifer L. , Williams Aaron L. , Jones Jason S.
Published: June 2021

Background

A strong calculus foundation is essential to undergraduate engineering success. However, some students may be self‐selecting to begin their mathematics sequence in a lower‐level calculus course than their prior achievement and aptitude would suggest is appropriate (i.e., undermatch).

Purpose

This study examined (a) the relationship between engineering students' academic outcomes and first‐year calculus course taken, (b) the extent to which first‐year engineering students select calculus courses appropriate for their prior mathematics achievement and background, and (c) students' rationales for calculus course selection.

Design/Method

The study used a mixed‐methods approach consisting of quantitative t‐test, multiple regression, and classification decision tree model analyses of student records of (a) first‐year engineering students from 2009 to 2016 (n = 2689) at a highly selective public research university and (b) qualitative focus groups of 95 undergraduate engineering students in 2017–2018.

Results

Students who begin their math sequence in Calculus I had lower graduating grade point averages, longer time‐to‐degree, and were less likely to major in popular engineering fields than those who started in Calculus II. Of first‐year undergraduates, 18.4% undermatched their choice of calculus course. Students' rationales for choosing a particular calculus course included (a) prior achievement, (b) recommendations from others, and (c) self‐confidence.

Conclusions

Results suggest that undermatching the choice of first calculus course may lead to negative consequences for students' STEM pathways even at a highly selective engineering school. These results hold implications for practice, especially in terms of advising at the high school and college levels.
Spectroscopic, density functional theoretical study, molecular docking, andin vitrostudies based on anticancer activity studies againstA549lung cancer cell line of diphenylhydantoin adsorbed onAuNPssurface
Authors: Shyni V. , Leenaraj D. R. , Ittyachan Reena , Joseph Lynnette , Sajan D.
Published: June 2021

The optimized geometry, FT‐Raman, FT‐IR, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, UV‐Vis spectra, frontier molecular orbital analysis, molecular electrostatic potential analysis, and local and global reactivity descriptors of diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and diphenylhydantoin@AuNPs(DPHA) molecule have been investigated with the help of density functional theory method (B3LYP/6‐31++G [d,p] together with LANL2DZ) and was compared and analyzed with the corresponding experimental data in order to identify their structural and bonding features responsible for their bioactivity.In‐silico(molecular docking) biological activity screening of the molecules together with thein‐vitro(SERS and MTT assay) analysis confirms the anticancer activity of DPH and DPHA molecules. The results of the structure‐activity studies and bioactivity studies signify that the DPHA molecule is more active than the DPH molecule against lung cancer.
Cortical Bone Mechanical Assessment via Free Water Relaxometry at 3 T
Authors: Talebi Mahsa , Abbasi‐Rad Shahrokh , Malekzadeh Malakeh , Shahgholi Mohamad , Ardakani Ali A. , Foudeh Kimia , Rad Hamidreza S.
Published: June 2021

Background

Investigation of cortical bone using magnetic resonance imaging is a developing field, which uses short/ultrashort echo time (TE) pulse sequences to quantify bone water content and to obtain indirect information about bone microstructure.

Purpose

To improve the accuracy of the previously proposed technique of free water T1 quantification and to seek the relationship between cortical bone free water T1 and its mechanical competence.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Twenty samples of bovine tibia bone.

Field Strength/Sequences

3.0 T; ultra‐fast two‐dimensional gradient echo, Radio frequency‐spoiled three‐dimensional gradient echo.

Assessment

Cortical bone free water T1 was quantified via three different methods: inversion recovery (IR), variable flip angle (VFA), and variable repetition time (VTR). Signal‐to‐noise ratio was measured by dividing the signal of each segmented sample to background noise. Segmentation was done manually. The effect of noise on T1 quantification was evaluated. Then, the samples were subjected to mechanical compression test to measure the toughness, yield stress, ultimate stress, and Young modulus.

Statistical Tests

All the statistical analysis (Shapiro–Wilk, way analysis of variance, paired t test, Pearson correlation, and Bland–Altman plot) were done using SPSS.

Results

Significant difference was found between T1 quantification groups (P < 0.05). Average T1 of each quantification method differed significantly after adding noise (P < 0.05). VFA‐T1 values significantly correlated with toughness (r = −0.68, P < 0.05), ultimate stress (r = −0.71, P < 0.05), and yield stress (r = −0.62, P < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between VTR‐T1 values and toughness (P = 0.07), ultimate stress (P = 0.47), yield stress (P = 0.30), and Young modulus (P = 0.39).

Data Conclusion

Pore water T1 value is associated with bone mechanical competence, and VFA method employing short‐TE pulse sequence seems a superior technique to VTR method for this quantification.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

1
Extreme winds and fire weather in coastal Santa Barbara County,CA: An observational analysis
Authors: Zigner Katelyn , Carvalho Leila M. V. , Jones Charles , Duine Gert‐Jan
Published: June 2021

Coastal Santa Barbara (SB) County in Southern California, characterized by a Mediterranean climate and complex topography, is a region prone to downslope windstorms that create critical fire weather conditions and rapidly spread wildfires. The Santa Ynez Mountains, oriented from east to west, rise abruptly from the coast, separating air masses from the ocean and the Santa Ynez Valley. The juxtaposition of these geographic features generates spatiotemporally variable wind regimes. This study analyzes diurnal‐to‐seasonal wind cycles and extremes in this region using hourly data from eight weather stations and four buoys for the period 1998–2019. Data from a vertical wind profiler at the Santa Barbara airport in Goleta, CA was extracted from August 2016 to September 2020. Air temperature, dew point temperature, and the Fosberg fire weather index are examined at land stations. We show that cycles in wind speed vary spatiotemporally; mountain (valley and coastal) stations exhibit a pronounced semiannual (annual) cycle, and wind maxima is observed during the evening (afternoon) at mountain (valley and coastal) stations. Differences in wind speed percentiles were evident among stations, particularly at and above the 75th percentile. Strong winds recorded at buoys were significantly correlated (betweenr = 0.3–0.5) to land stations. However, cross‐correlational analysis did not reveal any temporal lags between mountain stations and buoys. Distributions of temperature and dew point during extreme winds differed between east and west mountain stations. Significant fire weather conditions were most frequent at mountain stations in Refugio and Montecito, with 5% occurrence in the spring and over 3% occurrence in fall. Weaker summertime winds lowered fire weather conditions at Montecito in the summer.
Transition to peptide‐based diet improved enteral nutrition tolerance and decreased healthcare utilization in pediatric home enteral nutrition
Authors: Mohamed Elfadil Osman , Steien Dana B. , Narasimhan Ramya , Velapati Saketh R. , Epp Lisa , Patel Ishani , Patel Jalpan , Hurt Ryan T. , Mundi Manpreet S.
Published: June 2021

Background

Home enteral nutrition (HEN) use continues to increase in children unable to meet nutritional needs through oral intake. Some patients do not tolerate standard polymeric formula (SPF), which may lead to malnutrition. Use of peptide‐based diet (PBD) has demonstrated benefits in adults, however there remains a paucity of data in pediatric population.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records of children receiving HEN between October 2015 and October 2019 was conducted. Nutrition, tolerance, and healthcare utilization was tracked through May 2020. Children receiving PBD as initial formula or transitioned to PBD from SPF were included. Our objective was to assess gastrointestinal tolerance and impact on healthcare utilization in children receiving PBD.

Results

During study period, 30 children (mean age, 9 ± 5.44 years; 20 of 30 [66.7%] male) utilized PBDs. Twenty‐one patients started PBD directly with malnutrition as primary indication. Nine patients transitioned from SPF to PBD, most often due to intolerance of SPF (66%). After transition to PBD, no symptoms were reported in 6 of 9 (66.7%) patients, and symptoms of SPF intolerance resolved in 4 of 9 (44.5%) patients. Healthcare utilization declined significantly after transition to PBD, including mean numbers of emergency room visits (0.78 ± 1.09 to 0.11 ± 0.33; P = .025), provider visits (1.67 ± 1.32 to 0.56 ± 0.73; P = .007), and phone calls (1.22 ± 1.39 to 0.33 ± 0.50; P = .026).

Conclusions

PBD is well tolerated and can result in significant reduction in healthcare utilization in children intolerant to SPF.
Homeostasis effects of fermented Maillard reaction products by Lactobacillus gasseri 4M13 in dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis mice
Authors: Jeong Yu‐Jin , Kim Da Hyun , Lee Kwang‐Won
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to increase worldwide. Multiple factors, including diet, loss of the intestinal barrier function, and imbalance of the immune system can cause IBD. A balanced diet is important for maintaining a healthy bowel and preventing IBD from occurring. The effects of probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri‐fermented Maillard reaction products (MRPs) prepared by reacting whey protein with galactose on anti‐inflammation and intestinal homeostasis were investigated in this study, which compared MPRs and probiotics separately.

RESULTS

In an animal colitis model induced by 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), FWG administration alleviated colon length loss and maintained intestinal immune system homeostasis as reflected by down‐regulated interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α output, and metallopeptidase‐9, and epithelial barrier balance as reflected by up‐regulated occludin, E‐cadherin, and zonula occludens‐1 production in the colon. Furthermore, the expression of splenic cytokines such as IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐10 was up‐regulated in the FWG‐treated mice in a comparable amount to the control group to ensure the balance of immune responses.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the use of FWG protects the intestines from colitis caused by DSS and maintains immune balance. FWG increased antioxidant enzyme activity, increased intestinal permeability, and regulated the balance of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in the intestines and spleen. Continued intake of FWG can alleviate IBD symptoms through the preservation of mucosal immune responses, epithelial junction and homeostasis through the regulated splenic cytokines. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nutritional composition changes in bell pepper as affected by the ripening stage of fruits at harvest or postharvest storage and assessed non‐destructively
Authors: Kasampalis Dimitrios S , Tsouvaltzis Pavlos , Ntouros Konstantinos , Gertsis Athanasios , Gitas Ioannis , Moshou Dimitrios , Siomos Anastasios S
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Nutritional quality in bell pepper is related to the ripening stage of the fruit at harvest and postharvest storage. Its determination requires time‐consuming, tissue‐destructive, analytical laboratory techniques. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ripening stage and of postharvest storage period on fruit nutritional quality, and whether it is feasible to develop reliable models for assessing the nutritional components in peppers using non‐destructive methods. The dry matter, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, phenolics, chlorophylls, carotenoids and the total antioxidant capacity were determined in bell pepper fruits at six ripening stages, from green to full red, during storage at 10 °C for 8 days. Color, chlorophyll fluorescence, visible/near infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy, red‐green‐blue (R‐G‐B) and red‐green‐near infrared (R‐G‐NIR) digital imaging were tested for assessing the nutritional quality of peppers.

RESULTS

The nutritional composition was mainly affected by the ripening stage of bell pepper fruits at harvest and only to a small degree by the storage period. Indeed, the more advanced ripening stage of fruit at harvest resulted in superior nutritional quality. Most of the non‐destructive techniques reliably predicted the internal quality of the fruit. The genetic algorithm (GA), the variable importance in projection (VIP) scores, and the variable inflation factor (VIF) tests identified nine distinct regions and four specific wavelengths on the whole visible/NIR electromagnetic spectrum that exhibited the most significant effect in the assessment of the nutritional components.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to predict individual nutritional components in bell pepper fruit reliably and non‐destructively, and irrespective of the ripening stage of fruits at harvest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Crystallization of struvite‐K from pumpkin wastes
Authors: Atalay Sema , Sargin Idris , Arslan Gulsin
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Use of slow‐release fertilizers derived from biological sources is important in sustainable agricultural development. Struvite‐K (KMgPO4·6H2O) is magnesium potassium phosphate mineral that has high potential for use as fertilizer in agriculture. Struvite‐K is particularly suitable for slow‐release fertilizer systems since struvite‐K crystals are sparingly soluble in water. Seeds of pumpkin Cucurbita pepo L. are recovered and consumed as food, but the remaining pulp has no economic value.

RESULTS

The present study evaluated the feasibility of struvite‐K crystals recovery from pyrolysis products of pumpkin wastes. In the study C. pepo pulp was decomposed at high temperatures and potassium was extracted from the residue and then crystalized from the solution by addition of NaH2PO4·2H2O and MgCl2·6H2O salts. Struvite‐K was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray (SEM‐EDX) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed pumpkin wastes can be evaluated as source of potassium and 80% of potassium could be recovered as struvite‐K crystals, which have a potential use as a slow‐release mineral fertilizer for sustainable agriculture operations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The quantra hemostasis analyzer compared to thromboelastography (TEG) in the surgical oncologic population: A prospective observational trial
Authors: Idowu Olakunle , Ifeanyi‐Pillette Ifey , Owusu‐Agyemang Pascal , Holmes Allen , Kwater Piotr , Jackson Timothy , Mena Gabriel , Lasala Javier , Heir Jagtar Singh
Published: June 2021

Background

Management of coagulopathy during major oncologic surgery can be multifactorial and challenging. Viscoelastic assays (VEAs) can be useful in providing vital data about the mechanism of coagulopathy in these dynamic circumstances.

Objectives

A prospective nonrandomized observational study with the aim of describing the coagulation parameters of patients undergoing major oncologic surgery using the Quantra® and TEG® 5000 systems. Our secondary objectives included the correlation between Quantra and TEG parameters, and the times to result for both technologies.

Methods

This study included 74 adults undergoing oncologic surgery with an anticipated blood loss of more than 500 ml. For each subject, whole blood samples for each device were collected at multiple points perioperatively for comparison.

Results

Correlation coefficients between Quantra and TEG parameters were 0.8 and above, indicating a very strong correlation (p < .001). Correlation coefficients between conventional laboratory tests and Quantra ranged from 0.74 to 0.83, indicating a moderate correlation (p < .001). The mean time to obtain results and total processing time was shorter for Quantra in comparison to TEG.

Conclusions

Quantra parameters strongly correlated with TEG parameters; however, Quantra parameters were available in shorter amount of time as it is specifically designed as a closed point of care device.
Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate in Cirrhosis Using Creatinine‐Based and Cystatin C–Based Equations: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Singapura Prianka , Ma Tsung‐Wei , Sarmast Naveed , Gonzalez Stevan A. , Durand François , Maiwall Rakhi , Nadim Mitra K. , Fullinwider John , Saracino Giovanna , Francoz Claire , Sartin Rebecca , Trotter James F. , Asrani Sumeet K.
Published: June 2021

Accurate estimation of kidney function in cirrhosis is crucial for prognosis and decisions regarding dual‐organ transplantation. We performed a systematic review/meta‐analysis to assess the performance of creatinine‐based and cystatin C (CysC)–based eGFR equations compared with measured GFR (mGFR) in patients with cirrhosis. A total of 25 studies (n = 4565, 52.0 years, 37.0% women) comprising 18 equations met the inclusion criteria. In all GFR equations, the creatinine‐based equations overestimated GFR (standardized mean difference, SMD, 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31‐0.71) and CysC‐based equations underestimated GFR (SMD, −0.3; 95% CI, −0.60 to −0.02). Equations based on both creatinine and CysC were the least biased (SMD, −0.14; 95% CI, −0.46 to 0.18). Chronic kidney disease–Epi–serum creatinine–CysC (CESC) was the least biased but had low precision and underestimated GFR by −3.6 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (95% CI, −17.4 to 10.3). All equations significantly overestimated GFR (+21.7 mL/minute/1.73 m2; 95% CI, 17.7‐25.7) at GFR <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2; of these, chronic kidney disease–Epi–CysC (10.3 mL/minute/1.73 m2; 95% CI, 2.1‐18.4) and GFR Assessment in Liver Disease (12.6 mL/minute/1.73 m2; 95% CI, 7.2‐18.0) were the least biased followed by Royal Free Hospital (15 mL/minute/1.73 m2; 95% CI, 5.5‐24.6) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease 6 (15.7 mL/minute/1.73 m2; 95% CI, 10.6‐20.8); however, there was an overlap in the precision of estimates, and the studies were limited. In ascites, overestimation of GFR was common (+8.3 mL/minute/1.73 m2; 95% CI, −3.1 to 19.7). However, overestimation of GFR by 10 to 20 mL/minute/1.73m2 is common in patients with cirrhosis with most equations in ascites and/or kidney dysfunction. A tailored approach is required especially for decisions regarding dual‐organ transplantation.
FOR TOMORROW's LEADERS, A SOCIAL AGENDA IS AS IMPORTANT AS A BUSINESS PLAN
Authors: Frederick Wayne A. I.
Published: June 2021

The author, the 17th president of Howard University, the well‐known historically Black college and university (HBCU), in Washington, DC, discusses the need for more diversity in the leadership of our cities and institutions. He also notes the “multiple unequal worlds coexisting within the borders of our nation's capital.” He discusses the racial disparities regarding COVID‐19, and the interconnection between the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement. He asserts that “we cannot grapple with health care disparities without also tackling the ways in which systemic racism have infected the medical establishment with negative biases about African‐American patients.” In broadening today's crises to how leadership responds nationwide, Dr. Frederick says that these “leaders must embrace diversity as a means of avoiding country‐wide crisis and enhancing national prosperity.” He points to the role of his own institution in leading the future: “Howard plays an outsized role in cultivating Black leaders and cultivating greater diversity and inclusion. More Black undergraduate students who enroll in medical schools and pursue a Ph.D. in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field come from Howard than any other institution. Howard is also a leader in training African‐American dentists, pharmacists and many other professions.”
Thickness Effect on the Properties of 4% Mn‐Doped ZnO Thin Films Grown by Sol‐Gel Spin Coating Deposition
Authors: Boukhari Ammar , Deghfel Bahri , Mahroug Abdelhafidh , Amari Rabie , Selmi Noureddine , Mohamad Ahmad Azmin
Published: June 2021

In this study, the thickness effect of 4% Mn‐doped ZnO thin films on structural, optical, and morphological properties is investigated. The films are deposited on a glass substrate using the sol‐gel spin coating method. Phase analysis indicates that all films have a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a high preferential c‐axis orientation. All structural parameters are significantly influenced by the thickness variations. The optical analysis reveals that transmittance and band gap energy decrease with thickness. A red shift of the absorption edge is noticed. The surface morphology shows a good uniformity for all ZnO films. The surface roughness of the samples increases with film thicknesses. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra show a UV peak at 388 nm with two blue peaks at 438  and 475 nm and a weak green emission peak at 525 nm. A lower PL intensity is noticed by increasing the thickness. The obtained results exhibit similarities in behavior as other methods.
Firm innovation and ultimate control mechanism: Case of emerging market
Authors: Shaikh Ruqia , Li Zhiqiang , Wang Xiaoli , Nazir Muhammad Rizwan
Published: June 2021

This study analyzes the effect of control enhancing mechanisms (CEMs) on a firm's innovation activities. In the light of conflicting theoretical prophecies on the role of ultimate control, we analyze the ownership concentration by examining the cash flow and control rights deviation which embolden ultimate owners to expropriate. Empirical evidence suggests that CEMs have a negative effect on core and base innovation, although the effect is severe in intermediate aged firms and largest sized firms. These findings are robust in different specifications and have significant implications for policymakers.
Fucose as a Cleavage Product of 2’Fucosyllactose Does Not Cross the Blood‐Brain Barrier in Mice
Authors: Rudloff Silvia , Kuntz Sabine , Borsch Christian , Vazquez Enrique , Buck Rachael , Reutzel Martina , Eckert Gunter Peter , Kunz Clemens
Published: June 2021

Scope

To further examine the role of the human milk oligosaccharide 2’fucosyllactose (2´FL) and fucose (Fuc) in cognition. Using 13C‐labeled 2’FL,thestudy previously showed in mice that 13C‐enrichment of the brain is not caused by 13C1‐2´FL itself, but rather by microbial metabolites. Here, the study applies 13C1‐Fuc in the same mouse model to investigate its uptake into the brain.

Methods and Results

Mice received 13C1‐Fuc via oral gavage (2 mmol 13C1‐Fuc/kg‐1 body weight) or intravenously (0.4 mmol/kg‐1 body weight). 13C‐enrichment is measured in organs, including various brain regions, biological fluids and excrements. By EA‐IRMS, the study observes an early rise of 13C‐enrichment in plasma, 30 min after oral dosing. However, 13C‐enrichment in the brain does not occur until 3‐5 h post‐dosing, when the 13C‐Fuc bolus has already reached the lower gut. Therefore, the researcher assume that 13C‐Fuc is absorbed in the upper small intestine but cannot cross the blood‐brain barrier which is also observed after intravenous application of 13C1‐Fuc.

Conclusions

Late 13C‐enrichment in the rodent brain may be derived from 13C1‐Fuc metabolites derived from bacterial fermentation. The precise role that Fuc or 2´FL metabolites might play in gut‐brain communication needs to be investigated in further studies.
Cardiovascular safety of vibegron, a new β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, in older patients with overactive bladder: Post‐hoc analysis of a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind comparative phase 3 study
Authors: Yoshida Masaki , Takeda Masayuki , Gotoh Momokazu , Yokoyama Osamu , Kakizaki Hidehiro , Takahashi Satoru , Masumori Naoya , Nagai Shinji , Minemura Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2021

Aims

To examine the safety and efficacy of vibegron, a new β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, in patients aged ≥65 years, with a focus on the effects on cardiovascular system and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

Methods

A post‐hoc subgroup analysis was performed of a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind comparative phase 3 study of vibegron, including those assigned to receive either vibegron 50 mg (V50), vibegron 100 mg (V100), or placebo for 12 weeks. Subjects were stratified into two subgroups based on age: a <65‐year subgroup and a ≥65‐year subgroup. Safety (changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and residual urine volume) and efficacy (changes in the numbers of micturitions, urgency episodes, urgency urinary incontinence [UUI] episodes, and the voided volume/micturition) were assessed in the subgroups treated with vibegron vs. placebo.

Results

There were no significant differences in the cardiovascular outcomes (blood pressure and pulse rate), nor in the changes in residual urine volume, between the V50/100 and placebo groups in the <65‐year or ≥65‐year subgroup after 12‐week treatment. Adverse events were slightly increased in the ≥65‐year subgroup. In the efficacy analysis, V50/100 demonstrated similar efficacy in the <65‐year and ≥65‐year subgroups; an increasing trend in the voided volume/micturition was observed in subjects aged ≥65 years compared to subjects aged <65 years.

Conclusions

Vibegron was suggested to be similarly effective in patients ≥65 and <65 years and to have minimal influence on cardiovascular parameters.
Revisiting trajectories of BMI in youth: An in‐depth analysis of differences between BMI and other adiposity measures
Authors: Sylvestre Marie‐Pierre , Ahun Marilyn N. , O'Loughlin Jennifer
Published: June 2021

Objective

Body mass index (BMI) is used to identify trajectories of adiposity in youth, but it does not distinguish fat‐ from fat‐free‐mass. There are other inexpensive measures of adiposity which might better capture fat‐mass in youth The objective of this study is to examine differences between sex‐specific trajectories of BMI and other adiposity indicators (subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness, waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio) which may better capture fat‐mass in youth.

Methods

Data come from four cycles of a longitudinal cohort of 1293 students in Montréal, Canada at ages 12, 15, 17 and 24. Group‐based trajectory models identified sex‐specific adiposity trajectories among participants with data in ≥3 cycles (n = 417 males; n = 445 females).

Results

There were six trajectory groups in males and females for all five indicators, except for waist circumference (seven) in both sexes and triceps skinfold thickness (four) and waist‐to‐height ratio (five) in females. Most trajectories indicated linear increases; only the skinfold thickness indicators identified a decreasing trajectory. While all indicators identified a trajectory with high levels of adiposity, they differed in the number and relative size of trajectories pertaining to individuals in lower half of the adiposity distribution.

Conclusion

BMI is a satisfactory indicator of adiposity in youth if the aim of the trajectory analysis is to identify youth with excess adiposity, a known risk factor for cardiometabolic outcomes in adulthood.
A silicon rubber composite with enhanced thermal conductivity and mechanical properties based on nanodiamond and boron nitride fillers
Authors: Qu Jiaying , Fan Lu , Mukerabigwi Jean Felix , Liu Cui , Cao Yu
Published: June 2021

Silicone rubber (SR) is a nonreactive and stable material that is widely applied in a wide variety of products including electrical and electronic appliances. Currently, the synthesis of SR with enhanced thermal conductivity and mechanical properties is of great significance. Herein, an improved thermal conductive SR composite was synthesized by using nanodiamond (ND) and boron nitride (BN) as composite thermal conductivity fillers to the terminal hydroxyl functional group of SR. We studied the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the composites as well as the effects of different ratios of BN and ND fillers on the properties of SR composite. The results show that the thermal conductivity of the SR composite filled with 6 phr ND and 70 phr BN was up to 0.82 W/m K, which was remarkably increased by 70.83% than that of modified by a single filler (i.e., 70 phr BN). Moreover, the SR composite prepared with dual fillers (BN‐ND) showed better thermal stability, and the maximum thermal degradation temperature that was higher than that of the composite prepared with a single filler and pure SR. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the sample indicators were found to be better than those of the currently available similar products on the market.
Outcomes of Burkitt lymphoma with bone marrow involvement or Burkitt leukemia in Chinese children
Authors: Zhu Jia , Zhen Zijun , Wang Juan , Sun Feifei , Lu Suying , Huang Junting , Zhang Yizhuo , Sun Xiaofei
Published: June 2021

Importance

Burkitt lymphoma with bone marrow involvement and Burkitt leukemia behave aggressively. Thus far, there are limited data concerning survival and toxicity in Chinese children with Burkitt lymphoma or Burkitt leukemia who have undergone treatment with the non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Münster‐90/95 (NHL‐BFM‐90/95) protocol.

Objective

To analyze outcomes and toxicity in pediatric patients who exhibit Burkitt lymphoma with bone marrow involvement or Burkitt leukemia following treatment with the NHL‐BFM‐90/95 protocol.

Methods

Patients aged <18 years with bone marrow involvement/leukemia who were treated with the NHL‐BFM‐90/95 protocol, with or without rituximab, in Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer Center from April 2004 to December 2018 were included in this retrospective analysis.

Results

Twenty‐five patients were eligible. Burkitt lymphoma with bone marrow involvement and Burkitt leukemia were present in 10 and 15 patients, respectively. Central nervous system infiltration was not observed in any patients. All patients underwent chemotherapy involving NHL‐BFM‐90/95 protocol. Six courses of treatment were administered to each patient (v‐AA‐BB‐CC‐AA‐BB‐CC). The BFM‐90/95 plus rituximab protocol was administered to 13 patients. The median follow‐up interval was 31.9 months (range, 2.5–158 months). Of the 25 patients, four died: three died of tumor progression and one died of therapy abandonment after relief of tumor lysis syndrome. The estimated 5‐year event‐free survival and overall survival rates were both 85.8% ± 5.0%.

Interpretation

Chinese pediatric patients who exhibit Burkitt lymphoma with bone marrow involvement or Burkitt leukemia can achieve optimal treatment outcomes and exhibit good tolerance when using the NHL‐BFM‐90/95 protocol.
Differential abundance proteins associated with rapid growth of etiolated coleoptiles in maize
Authors: Niu Liangjie , Huang Weili , Liu Lunyu , Xu Chenhui , Wu Xiaolin , Wang Wei
Published: June 2021

Since Charles Darwin discovered growth movements of the shoot tip (coleoptile) toward light, the grass coleoptiles have long been used as a model system to study plant growth. Rapid growth of the coleoptile is vital for successful seed germination and early seedling establishment. However, the proteome changes underlying the rapid growth of the coleoptiles are not yet clear in the model plant maize (Zea mays). In the present study, we investigated proteome changes in vivo occurring in the rapidly growing coleoptiles of maize with two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry. A quantitative comparison of the proteomes at 1.5, 3, and 5 days after germination showed significant changes in protein profiles with coleoptile growth. As a result, 31 differential abundance proteins (DAPs) representing 44 protein spots were identified, of which 21 DAPs with increased abundances were implied in growth‐related processes, including translational initiation, transcription regulation, protein and other compound synthesis, H+‐transmembrane transport and cytoskeleton organization. The selected DAPs were confirmed by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and immunoblot analysis. We suggested that the rapid growth of the coleoptile is largely due to its ability to quickly enhance relevant cellular processes, especially the increased synthesis of the growth‐related DAPs. The content of indole‐3‐acetic acid, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid decreased significantly, and the content of gibberellins first decreased and then increased during the elongation of coleoptile. This study provides new insight into the significance of proteome changes in coleoptile growth.
In Vivo Tracking of the Degradation of Mesoporous Silica through 89Zr Radio‐Labeled Core–Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Bindini Elisa , Ramirez Maria de los Angeles , Rios Xabier , Cossío Unai , Simó Cristina , Gomez‐Vallejo Vanessa , Soler‐Illia Galo , Llop Jordi , Moya Sergio E.
Published: June 2021

While mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are extensively studied as high‐potential drug delivery platforms, the successful clinical translation of these nanocarriers strongly depends on their biodistribution, biodegradation, and elimination patterns in vivo. Here, a novel method is reported to follow the in vivo degradation of MSNs by tracking a radioactive label embedded in the silica structure. Core–shell silica nanoparticles (NPs) with a dense core and a mesoporous shell are labeled with low quantities of the positron emitter 89Zr, either in the dense core or in the mesoporous shell. In vivo positron emission tomography imaging and ex vivo organ measurements reveal a remarkable difference in the 89Zr biodistribution between the shell‐labeled and the core‐labeled NPs. Release of the radiotracer from shell‐labeled NPs is used as a probe of the extent of silica dissolution, and a prompt release of the radioisotope is observed, with partial excretion already in the first 2 h post injection, and a slower accumulation in bones over time. On the other hand, when 89Zr is embedded in the nanoparticle core, the biodistribution remains largely unchanged during the first 6 h. These findings indicate that MSNs have fast, hour‐scale, degradation kinetics in vivo.
Chemical Heterointerface Engineering on Hybrid Electrode Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Li Wenbin , Song Qianqian , Li Matthew , Yuan Yifei , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Ni , Yang Zihao , Huang Jianfeng , Lu Jun , Li Xifei
Published: June 2021

The chemical heterointerfaces in hybrid electrode materials play an important role in overcoming the intrinsic drawbacks of individual materials and thus expedite the in‐depth development of electrochemical energy storage. Benefiting from the three enhancement effects of accelerating charge transport, increasing the number of storage sites, and reinforcing structural stability, the chemical heterointerfaces have attracted extensive interest and the electrochemical performances of hybrid electrode materials have been significantly optimized. In this review, recent advances regarding chemical heterointerface engineering in hybrid electrode materials are systematically summarized. Especially, the intrinsic behaviors of chemical heterointerfaces on hybrid electrode materials are refined based on built‐in electric field, van der Waals interaction, lattice mismatch and connection, electron cloud bias and chemical bond, and their combination. The strategies for introducing chemical heterointerfaces are classified into in situ local transformation, in situ growth, cosynthesis, and other strategy. The recent progress about the chemical heterointerfaces engineering specially focusing on metal‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, and Li–S batteries are introduced in detail. Furthermore, the classification and characterization of chemical heterointerfaces are briefly described. Finally, the emerging challenges and perspectives about future directions of chemical heterointerface engineering are proposed.
Seeing and attending wholes and parts
Authors: Richards Bradley ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2021

Prettyman argues that global attention to an identity crowded display entails attention to the individual items, and that in virtue of seeing the entire display, a global object, one sees the crowded items. This is a novel objection to Block's use of identity crowding as a counterexample to the necessity of attention for conscious object seeing. However, attending the whole display does not entail attending each individual (pace Prettyman). Thus, any defense of the conclusion that attention is necessary for seeing objects depends on the claim that each individual crowded item is not seen. I argue that Prettyman also fails to show that individual identity crowded items are seen, and that consequently, her argument, as it stands, does not alter the debate.
Where there's a will, there's a way…
Authors: Cordice Amber
Published: June 2021

Amber Cordice is a zoology graduate who is hoping to study veterinary medicine at Harper & Keele Veterinary School…there's just the matter of raising enough money to pay her tuition fees.
NIR‐II Fluorescence imaging for cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Ren Feng , Jiang Zhilin , Han Mengxiao , Zhang Hao , Yun Baofeng , Zhu Hongqin , Li Zhen
Published: June 2021

As the major pipeline for transporting oxygen and nutrients to living tissues, well‐ordered and functional vasculature is vital to maintain the function of organisms. The cerebrovascular disorders induced by acute or chronic diseases, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and brain tumors, could cause vascular cognitive impairment and even mortality. Due to the complication of these cerebrovascular diseases, early diagnosis and monitoring their pathological processes in real time in animal models could enlighten us with insights into early prevention and effective treatment. Over the last decade, the NIR‐II fluorescence imaging technology has been well developed in both nanofluorophores and imaging systems. For cerebrovascular disorders, the collaborative use of wide‐field imaging setup with NIR‐II nanoprobes enable arteriovenous staging, and calculation of blood flow velocity to distinguish ischemic area in TBI and stroke. The changes in molecular and cellular levels of TBI provide the guidance on the design of targeted and activatable NIR‐II nanoprobes for evaluating and monitoring the microenvironment variations. For the brain tumors, both targeted strategy and focus ultrasound sonication are efficient approaches for overcoming the blood‐brain‐barrier and brain‐tumor‐barrier for delivery of nanoprobes. Therefore, NIR‐II fluorescence imaging‐guided surgical navigation of brain tumors and resected lesions biopsy intraoperatively ensure the accuracy of surgery based on the precise definition of tumor margins. This review summarizes the recent advances in NIR‐II fluorescence imaging technology, which is mainly inclusive of well‐developed NIR‐II nanofluorophores and their applications in cerebrovascular diseases with address of its challenges and great potential in these aspects.
Canadian policy changes for alcohol‐based hand rubs during the COVID‐19 pandemic and unintended risks
Authors: Mustafa Rana , Purdy Sarah K. , Nelson Fina B. , Tse Timothy J. , Wiens Daniel J. , Shen Jianheng , Reaney Martin J. T.
Published: June 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to major changes in public policies to address supply chain disruption and escalated the price of consumer disinfectant products. To address market demands on alcohol‐based hand rubs and disinfectants, Health Canada implemented major changes to the regulations regarding composition, handling, transportation, and packaging to insure product availability. Furthermore, accelerated licensing of ingredients and packaging did not meet standard medical quality guidelines yet were authorized for manufacturing and packaging of alcohol‐based hand rubs and disinfectants. The accountability associated with these policy changes were reactive, including industry self‐reporting, consumer reporting, and Health Canada advisories and recalls that were responsive to products after they were available in the market. Nonetheless, Canadian public health policy increased hand sanitizers availability. However, some of the interim policies have raised major public health concerns associated with ethanol quality, packaging, and labeling, and enforcement of regulations. In this paper, we review the changes in the Canadian regulations amid the current pandemic and we evaluate the unintended health risks that might arise from these changes.
Nanobiotechnology‐enabled energy utilization elevation for augmenting minimally‐invasive and noninvasive oncology thermal ablation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Guo Lehang , Kong Fanlei , Duan Lixia , Li Hongyan , Fang Chao , Zhang Kun
Published: June 2021

Depending on the local or targeted treatment, independence on tumor type and minimally‐invasive and noninvasive feature, various thermal ablation technologies have been established, but they still suffer from the intractable paradox between safety and efficacy. It has been extensively accepted that improving energy utilization efficiency is the primary means of decreasing thermal ablation power and shortening ablation time, which is beneficial for concurrently improving both treatment safety and treatment efficiency. Recent efforts have been made to receive a significant advance in various thermal methods including non‐invasive high‐intensity focused ultrasound, minimally‐invasive radiofrequency and microwave, and non‐invasive and minimally‐invasive photothermal ablation, and so on. Especially, various nanobiotechnologies and design methodologies were employed to elevate the energy utilization efficiency for acquiring unexpected ablation outcomes accompanied with tremendously reduced power and time. More significantly, some combined technologies, for example, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), gaseous therapy, sonodynamic therapy (SDT), immunotherapy, chemodynamic therapy (CDT), or catalytic nanomedicine, were used to assist these ablation means to repress or completely remove tumors. We discussed and summarized the ablation principles and energy transformation pathways of the four ablation means, and reviewed and commented the progress in this field including newly developed technology or new material types with a highlight on nanobiotechnology‐inspired design principles, and provided the deep insights into the existing problems and development direction.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
A Decision-Support System for the Digitization of Circular Supply Chains
Authors: Ntalaperas Dimitris , Angelidis Iosif , Vafeiadis Giorgos , Vergeti Danai
Published: June 2021

As it has been already explained, it is very important for circular economies to minimize the wasted resources, as well as maximize the utilization value of the existing ones. To that end, experts can evaluate the materials and give an accurate estimation for both aspects. In that case, one might wonder, why is a decision support system employing machine learning necessary? While a fully automated machine learning model rarely surpasses a human’s ability in such tasks, there are several advantages in employing one. For starters, human experts will be more expensive to employ, rather than use an algorithm. One could claim that research towards developing an efficient and fully automated decision support system would end up costing more than employing actual human experts. In this instance, it is paramount to think long-term. Investing in this kind of research will create systems which are reusable, extensible, and scalable. This aspect alone more than remedies the initial costs. It is also important to observe that, if the number of wastes to be processed is more than the human experts can process in a timely fashion, they will not be able to provide their services, even if employment costs were not a concern. On the contrary, a machine learning model is perfectly capable of scaling to humongous amounts of data, conducting fast data processing and decision making. For power plants with particularly fast processing needs, an automated decision support system is an important asset. Moreover, a decision support system can predict the future based on past observations. While not always entirely spot on, it can give a future estimation about aspects such as energy required, amounts of wastes produced etc. in the future. Therefore, processing plants can plan of time and adapt to specific needs. A human expert can provide this as well to some degree, but on a much smaller scale. Especially in time series forecasting, it is interesting to note that, even if a decision support model does not predict exact values, it is highly likely to predict trends of the value increasing or decreasing in certain ranges. In the next sections, we are going to describe the four machine learning models that were developed and which compose the Decision Support System of FENIX. Section 8.1 describes how we predict the quality of the extracted materials based on features such as temperature, extruder speed, etc. Section 8.2 describes the process of extracting heuristic rules based on existing results. Section 8.3 describes how FENIX provides time-series forecasting to predict the future of a variable based on past observations. Finally, Sect. 8.4 describes the process of classifying materials based on images.