bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the effect of lockdown timing as a COVID-19 control measure in countries with differing social contacts
Authors: Oraby Tamer , Tyshenko Michael G. , Maldonado Jose Campo , Vatcheva Kristina , Elsaadany Susie , Alali Walid Q. , Longenecker Joseph C. , Al-Zoughool Mustafa
Published: February 2021

The application, timing, and duration of lockdown strategies during a pandemic remain poorly quantified with regards to expected public health outcomes. Previous projection models have reached conflicting conclusions about the effect of complete lockdowns on COVID-19 outcomes. We developed a stochastic continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) model with eight states including the environment (SEAMHQRD-V), and derived a formula for the basic reproduction number, R0, for that model. Applying the $${R}_{0}$$

R
0

formula as a function in previously-published social contact matrices from 152 countries, we produced the distribution and four categories of possible $${R}_{0}$$

R
0

for the 152 countries and chose one country from each quarter as a representative for four social contact categories (Canada, China, Mexico, and Niger). The model was then used to predict the effects of lockdown timing in those four categories through the representative countries. The analysis for the effect of a lockdown was performed without the influence of the other control measures, like social distancing and mask wearing, to quantify its absolute effect. Hypothetical lockdown timing was shown to be the critical parameter in ameliorating pandemic peak incidence. More importantly, we found that well-timed lockdowns can split the peak of hospitalizations into two smaller distant peaks while extending the overall pandemic duration. The timing of lockdowns reveals that a “tunneling” effect on incidence can be achieved to bypass the peak and prevent pandemic caseloads from exceeding hospital capacity.
A multipurpose machine learning approach to predict COVID-19 negative prognosis in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Fernando Timoteo , de Oliveira Tiago Almeida , Teixeira Cristiane Esteves , Batista Andre Filipe de Moraes , Dalla Costa Gabriel , Chiavegatto Filho Alexandre Dias Porto
Published: February 2021

The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a challenge for clinical decision-making and the effective allocation of healthcare resources. An accurate prognostic assessment is necessary to improve survival of patients, especially in developing countries. This study proposes to predict the risk of developing critical conditions in COVID-19 patients by training multipurpose algorithms. We followed a total of 1040 patients with a positive RT-PCR diagnosis for COVID-19 from a large hospital from São Paulo, Brazil, from March to June 2020, of which 288 (28%) presented a severe prognosis, i.e. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, use of mechanical ventilation or death. We used routinely-collected laboratory, clinical and demographic data to train five machine learning algorithms (artificial neural networks, extra trees, random forests, catboost, and extreme gradient boosting). We used a random sample of 70% of patients to train the algorithms and 30% were left for performance assessment, simulating new unseen data. In order to assess if the algorithms could capture general severe prognostic patterns, each model was trained by combining two out of three outcomes to predict the other. All algorithms presented very high predictive performance (average AUROC of 0.92, sensitivity of 0.92, and specificity of 0.82). The three most important variables for the multipurpose algorithms were ratio of lymphocyte per C-reactive protein, C-reactive protein and Braden Scale. The results highlight the possibility that machine learning algorithms are able to predict unspecific negative COVID-19 outcomes from routinely-collected data.
bFGF and collagen matrix hydrogel attenuates burn wound inflammation through activation of ERK and TRK pathway
Authors: Chakrabarti Srijita , Mazumder Bhaskar , Rajkonwar Jadab , Pathak Manash Pratim , Patowary Pompy , Chattopadhyay Pronobesh
Published: February 2021

Burn injuries are most challenging to manage since it causes loss of the integrity of large portions of the skin leading to major disability or even death. Over the years, hydrogels are considered as a significant delivery system for wound treatment because of several advantages over other conventional formulations. We hypothesized that the bFGF-collagen-AgSD incorporated hydrogel formulation can accelerate the rate of burn healing in animal model and would promote fibroblast cell proliferation. Neovascularization and re-epithelialization is a hall mark of burn wound healing. In the present study, histopathological investigation and scanning electron microscopy of skin tissue of Wistar rats showed almost complete epithelialisation after 16 days in the treatment group. The developed hydrogel showed significantly accelerated wound closure compared with a standard and control group. The faster wound closure resulted from increased re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation because of the presence of collagen and growth factor. Expressions of proteins such as TrkA, p- TrkA, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, NF-kβ, and p-NF-kβ involved in nerve growth factor (NGF) signalling pathway were analysed by western blot. All the findings obtained from this study indicated that the hydrogel can be considered as a promising delivery system against second degree burn by faster healing.
Systemic stress test model for shared portfolio networks
Authors: Vodenska Irena , Dehmamy Nima , Becker Alexander P. , Buldyrev Sergey V. , Havlin Shlomo
Published: February 2021

We propose a dynamic model for systemic risk using a bipartite network of banks and assets in which the weight of links and node attributes vary over time. Using market data and bank asset holdings, we are able to estimate a single parameter as an indicator of the stability of the financial system. We apply the model to the European sovereign debt crisis and observe that the results closely match real-world events (e.g., the high risk of Greek sovereign bonds and the distress of Greek banks). Our model could become complementary to existing stress tests, incorporating the contribution of interconnectivity of the banks to systemic risk in time-dependent networks. Additionally, we propose an institutional systemic importance ranking, BankRank, for the financial institutions analyzed in this study to assess the contribution of individual banks to the overall systemic risk.
Mutational processes in cancer preferentially affect binding of particular transcription factors
Authors: Liu Mo , Boot Arnoud , Ng Alvin W. T. , Gordân Raluca , Rozen Steven G.
Published: February 2021

Protein binding microarrays provide comprehensive information about the DNA binding specificities of transcription factors (TFs), and can be used to quantitatively predict the effects of DNA sequence variation on TF binding. There has also been substantial progress in dissecting the patterns of mutations, i.e., the "mutational signatures", generated by different mutational processes. By combining these two layers of information we can investigate whether certain mutational processes tend to preferentially affect binding of particular classes of TFs. Such preferential alterations of binding might predispose to particular oncogenic pathways. We developed and implemented a method, termed "Signature-QBiC", that integrates protein binding microarray data with the signatures of mutational processes, with the aim of predicting which TFs’ binding profiles are preferentially perturbed by particular mutational processes. We used Signature-QBiC to predict the effects of 47 signatures of mutational processes on 582 human TFs. Pathway analysis showed that binding of TFs involved in NOTCH1 signaling is strongly affected by the signatures of several mutational processes, including exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, toll-like-receptor signaling pathways are also vulnerable to disruption by this exposure. This study provides a novel overview of the effects of mutational processes on TF binding and the potential of these processes to activate oncogenic pathways through mutating TF binding sites.
Plasma acylcarnitines and risk of lower-extremity functional impairment in older adults: a nested case–control study
Authors: Caballero Francisco Félix , Struijk Ellen A. , Lana Alberto , Buño Antonio , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Lopez-Garcia Esther
Published: February 2021

Elevated concentrations of acylcarnitines have been associated with higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between L-carnitine and acylcarnitine profiles, and 2-year risk of incident lower-extremity functional impairment (LEFI). This case–control study is nested in the Seniors-ENRICA cohort of community-dwelling older adults, which included 43 incident cases of LEFI and 86 age- and sex- matched controls. LEFI was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery. Plasma L-carnitine and 28 acylcarnitine species were measured. After adjusting for potential confounders, medium-chain acylcarnitines levels were associated with 2-year incidence of LEFI [odds ratio per 1-SD increase: 1.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 2.64; p = 0.02]. Similar results were observed for long-chain acylcarnitines [odds ratio per 1-SD increase: 1.70; 95% confidence interval: 1.03, 2.80; p = 0.04]. Stratified analyses showed a stronger association between medium- and long-chain acylcarnitines and incidence of LEFI among those with body mass index and energy intake below the median value. In conclusion, higher plasma concentrations of medium- and long-chain acylcarnitines were associated with higher risk of LEFI. Given the role of these molecules on mitochondrial transport of fatty acids, our results suggest that bioenergetics dysbalance contributes to LEFI.
Influence of embedding media on the accuracy of working length determination by means of apex locator: an ex vivo study
Authors: Wolf Thomas Gerhard , Krauß-Mironjuk Anna , Wierichs Richard Johannes , Briseño-Marroquín Benjamín
Published: February 2021

The aim of this research was to determine ex vivo the influence on accuracy of five different embedding media, for investigative and educational purposes, and one electronic apex locator. 110 human extracted mature roots of permanent single-rooted human teeth were used. The roots were embedded in alginate, stick sponge, 2% agar–agar and 6% and 12% gelatin. The actual working length to the physiological foramen was determined under a stereo-microscope (16 ×) and the electronic working lengths with the Elements Diagnostic Unit and a K-file ISO 10. The accuracy ranges of the accumulated measurements, when allowing a ± 0.5 mm tolerance, went from 98.2% (6% and 12% gelatin), 93.7% (alginate), 92.8% (2% agar–agar) to 91.7% (sponge). The exact measurements at the physiological foramen ranged from 80.0% (6% gelatin), 76.5% (2% agar–agar), 71.8% (12% gelatin), 68.2% (alginate) to 64.5% (sponge). Although relatively seldom (n = 24), measurements with deviations of more than ± 0.5 mm were also observed; thus, the accuracy of the working length determination results per se can be considered as clinically acceptable. The results of this research allow a recommendation of the investigated embedding media for electronic working length determination models for educational and research purposes in endodontics.
Surface wave manipulation by plasmonic metasurface based on mode resonance
Authors: Guo Baoshan
Published: February 2021

We proposed a method to manipulate the surface waves with a deep subwavelength metasurface by applying resonators with interfering mode resonance. The simulation results demonstrate that a single deep subwavelength obstructed groove can effectively control the propagation of surface terahertz (THz) waves by a small step increase (< 1/20 λ) of the depth or a slight change of refractive index (Δn = 0.1). The surface waves transmitted and reflected by the single groove can be controlled periodically by increasing the groove depth or refractive index with a high efficiency owing to the mode resonance between surface spoof plasmonics modes and groove cavity modes. The generated circle resonance mode provides a new idea for the development of THz devices. Importantly, the transmitted or reflected intensity of the surface wave is also enhanced by the Mode resonance. It is a simple and effective method to operate surface THz waves and manufacture more compact integrated optical devices in deep subwavelength scale.
Hospital-level variation in follow-up strategies after percutaneous coronary intervention, revealed in health claims data of Korea
Authors: Roh Jae-Hyung , Sohn Jihyun , Lee Jae-Hwan , Kwon In-Sun , Lee Hanbyul , Yoon Yong-Hoon , Kim Minsu , Kim Yong-Giun , Park Gyung-Min , Lee Jong-Young , Park Jae-Hyeong , Yang Dong Heon , Park Hun Sik
Published: February 2021

This study sought to determine hospital variation in the use of follow-up stress testing (FUST) and invasive coronary angiography (FUCAG) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The claims records of 150,580 Korean patients who received PCI in 128 hospitals between 2008 and 2015 were analyzed. Patient were considered to have undergone FUST and FUCAG, when these testings were performed within two years after discharge from the index hospitalization. Hierarchical generalized linear and frailty models were used to evaluate binary and time-to-event outcomes. Hospital-level risk-standardized FUCAG and FUST rates were highly variable across the hospitals (median, 0.41; interquartile range [IQR], 0.27–0.59; median, 0.22; IQR, 0.08–0.39, respectively). The performances of various models predicting the likelihood of FUCAG and FUST were compared, and the best performance was observed with the models adjusted for patient case mix and individual hospital effects as random effects (receiver operating characteristic curves, 0.72 for FUCAG; 0.82 for FUST). The intraclass correlation coefficients of the models (0.41 and 0.68, respectively) indicated that a considerable proportion of the observed variation was related to individual institutional effects. Higher hospital-level FUCAG and FUST rates were not preventive of death or myocardial infarction. Increased repeat revascularizations were observed in hospitals with higher FUCAG rates.
Introduced ant species occupy empty climatic niches in Europe
Authors: Arnan Xavier , Angulo Elena , Boulay Raphaël , Molowny-Horas Roberto , Cerdá Xim , Retana Javier
Published: February 2021

Exploring shifts in the climatic niches of introduced species can provide significant insight into the mechanisms underlying the invasion process and the associated impacts on biodiversity. We aim to test the phylogenetic signal hypothesis in native and introduced species in Europe by examining climatic niche similarity. We examined data from 134 ant species commonly found in western Europe; 130 were native species, and 4 were introduced species. We characterized their distribution patterns using species records from different databases, determined their phylogenetic relatedness, and tested for a phylogenetic signal in their optimal climatic niches. We then compared the introduced species’ climatic niches in Europe with their climatic niches in their native ranges and with the climatic niches of their closest relative species in Europe. We found a strong phylogenetic signal in the optimal climatic niches of the most common ant species in Europe; however, this signal was weak for the main climatic variables that affect the distributions of introduced versus native species. Also, introduced species occupied different climatic niches in Europe than in their native ranges; furthermore, their European climatic niches did not resemble those of their closest relative species in Europe. We further discovered that there was not much concordance between the climatic niches of introduced species in their native ranges and climatic conditions in Europe. Our findings suggest that phylogenetics do indeed constrain shifts in the climatic niches of native European ant species. However, introduced species would not face such constraints and seemed to occupy relatively empty climatic niches.
Differences in clinical and imaging characteristics between p16-positive non-smokers and p16-positive smokers or p16-negative patients in oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Trinh Jean-Michel , Thomas Jacques , Salleron Julia , Henrot Philippe
Published: February 2021

The eighth edition of the TNM classifies oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) depending on p16 status. Some imaging features are reportedly associated more frequently with p16-positive (P16+) OSCC than p16-negative (p16−) OSCC. However, classical risk factors such as tobacco use were not specifically considered when assessing these imaging features. We aimed to evaluate whether P16+ OSCCs have different epidemiological, clinical, prognostic and imaging features depending on smoking status, and to compare P16+ and p16− groups. A retrospective study of data from 85 patients with P16+ OSCC (41 non-smokers, 44 smokers) and 36 with p16− OSCC from 2011 to 2020 was carried out, assessing epidemiological data, clinical aspects of the tumour and presence of adenopathy. Staging was assessed according to the seventh and eighth editions of the TNM. Compared with P16+ OSCC non-smokers, P16+ OSCC smokers had tumours that were less well-defined (36.6% vs 77.8%, p < 0.001), more ulcerated (85.4% vs 44.4%, p < 0.001) and more necrotic (53.7% vs 25%, p = 0.012). There was also less downstaging from N2 or N3 of the seventh edition of the TNM to N1 of the eighth edition for smokers than non-smokers (22.7% vs 43.9%, p = 0.042). Compared with p16− tumours, more P16+ tumours had well-defined contours (55.8% vs 22.2%, p = 0.001), were exophytic (89.6% vs 72.2%, p = 0.023), less necrotic (40.3% vs 80.6%, p < 0.001), less ulcerated (97.2% vs 66.2%, p = 0.006) and involved less muscle tissue (26.0% vs 47.2%, p = 0.027).P16+ OSCCs of smokers show clinical, imaging and prognostic differences with P16+ OSCCs of non-smokers.
Insufficient transparency of statistical reporting in preclinical research: a scoping review
Authors: Gosselin Romain-Daniel
Published: February 2021

Non-transparent statistical reporting contributes to the reproducibility crisis in life sciences, despite guidelines and educational articles regularly published. Envisioning more effective measures for ensuring transparency requires the detailed monitoring of incomplete reporting in the literature. In this study, a systematic approach was used to sample 16 periodicals from the ISI Journal Citation Report database and to collect 233 preclinical articles (including both in vitro and animal research) from online journal content published in 2019. Statistical items related to the use of location tests were quantified. Results revealed that a large proportion of articles insufficiently describe tests (median 44.8%, IQR [33.3–62.5%], k = 16 journals), software (31%, IQR [22.3–39.6%]) or sample sizes (44.2%, IQR [35.7–55.4%]). The results further point at contradictory information as a component of poor reporting (18.3%, IQR [6.79–26.7%]). No detectable correlation was found between journal impact factor and the quality of statistical reporting of any studied item. The under-representation of open-source software (4.50% of articles) suggests that the provision of code should remain restricted to articles that use such packages. Since mounting evidence indicates that transparency is key for reproducible science, this work highlights the need for a more rigorous enforcement of existing guidelines.
Filament dynamics in planar chemical gardens
Authors: Rocha Luis A. M. , Cartwright Julyan H. E. , Cardoso Silvana S. S.
Published: February 2021

Modelling describes oscillatory dynamics of precipitate filaments; growth of an ensemble of filaments is a self-organized dispersion mechanism.
Gas-phase synthesis of corannulene – a molecular building block of fullerenes
Authors: Zhao Long , Doddipatla Srinivas , Kaiser Ralf I. , Lu Wenchao , Kostko Oleg , Ahmed Musahid , Tuli Lotefa Binta , Morozov Alexander N. , Howlader A. Hasan , Wnuk Stanislaw F. , Mebel Alexander M. , Azyazov Valeriy N. , Mohamed Rana K. , Fischer Felix R.
Published: February 2021

Corannulene can be formed through molecular mass growth processes in circumstellar envelopes.
In silico screening of drug candidates for thermoresponsive liposome formulations
Authors: Balouch Martin , Šrejber Martin , Šoltys Marek , Janská Petra , Štěpánek František , Berka Karel
Published: February 2021

In silico methodology for compound suitability for liposomal formulation has been developed. Water–lipid partitioning and permeation of candidate compounds from the DrugBank were calculated, and the most appropriate targets validated experimentally.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Design and circuit simulation of nanoscale vacuum channel transistors”’ by R. Forbes, Nanoscale Adv., 2020, 2, DOI: 10.1039/D0NA00687D
Authors: Xu Ji , Qin Yaling , Shi Yongjiao , Shi Yutong , Yang Yang , Zhang Xiaobing
Published: February 2021

Focus on the simulation results of structural parameters and circuit behavior of nanoscale vacuum transistors.
An electrochemical immunosensor modified with titanium IV oxide/polyacrylonitrile nanofibers for the determination of a carcinoembryonic antigen
Authors: Aslan Sema
Published: February 2021

A highly sensitive electrochemical carcinoembryonic antigen immunosensor based on TiO2np/polyacrylonitrile nanofibers electrospun on the surface of the discharged battery coal electrode.
Preferential water remediation of cationic dyes using structurally engineered novel organoselenium based self-assembled constructs
Authors: Brar Surinder K. , Kumar Sanjeev , Bhasin Aman K. K. , Bhasin K. K. , Sharma Rohit K.
Published: February 2021

Selenide derivatives of the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridyl heterocyclic system have been investigated for their potential to generate novel and diverse self-assembled architectures for preferential water remediation of cationic dyes.
Paracetamol and other acetanilide analogs as inter-molecular hydrogen bonding assisted diamagnetic CEST MRI contrast agents
Authors: Chakraborty Subhayan , Peruncheralathan S. , Ghosh Arindam
Published: February 2021

Paracetamol and a few other acetanilide derivatives show diaCEST property through formation of inter-molecular hydrogen bonding mediated molecular chains or sheets.
Interplay of structural dynamics and electronic effects in an engineered assembly of pentacene in a metal–organic framework
Authors: Haldar Ritesh , Kozlowska Mariana , Ganschow Michael , Ghosh Samrat , Jakoby Marius , Chen Hongye , Ghalami Farhad , Xie Weiwei , Heidrich Shahriar , Tsutsui Yusuke , Freudenberg Jan , Seki Shu , Howard Ian A. , Richards Bryce S. , Bunz Uwe H. F. , Elstner Marcus , Wenzel Wolfgang , Wöll Christof
Published: February 2021

Pentacene assembled into 1D arrays using a metal–organic framework (MOF) approach. This cofacial packing motif, which is not present in pentacene bulk, shows an interesting interplay of band-like and hopping-type transport.
A moisture balanced antibacterial dressing loaded with lysozyme possesses antibacterial activity and promotes wound healing
Authors: Xiao Ling , Ni Wenqiang , Zhao Xiaohong , Guo Yicheng , Li Xue , Wang Fan , Luo Gaoxing , Zhan Rixing , Xu Xisheng
Published: February 2021

An antibacterial moisture balanced dressing is designed to fight infection and promote wound healing.
Lithium compound catalyzed deoxygenative hydroboration of primary, secondary and tertiary amides
Authors: Bisai Milan Kumar , Gour Kritika , Das Tamal , Vanka Kumar , Sen Sakya S.
Published: February 2021

A very simple and readily accessible lithium compound has been employed to catalyze the hydroboration of tertiary, secondary, and primary amides to the corresponding amines.
Simultaneous improvement of kinetics and thermodynamics based on SrF2 and SrF2@Gr additives on hydrogen sorption in MgH2
Authors: Shukla Vivek , Bhatnagar Ashish , Verma Satish K. , Pandey Anant P. , Vishwakarma Alok K. , Srivastava Pankaj , Yadav T. P. , Srivastava O. N.
Published: February 2021

Schematic diagram of the de/rehydrogenation of MgH2–(MgF2 + SrH2)@Gr.
Cross β-alkylation of primary alcohols catalysed by DMF-stabilized iridium nanoparticles
Authors: Kobayashi Masaki , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Suzuki Takeyuki , Obora Yasushi
Published: February 2021

A simple method for the cross β-alkylation of linear alcohols with benzyl alcohols in the presence of DMF-stabilized iridium nanoparticles was developed. Furthermore, a highly effective catalyst-recycling process was also developed.
Correction: Nafion film transport properties in a low-Pt PEM fuel cell: impedance spectroscopy study
Authors: Reshetenko Tatyana , Kulikovsky Andrei
Published: February 2021

Correction for ‘Nafion film transport properties in a low-Pt PEM fuel cell: impedance spectroscopy study’ by Tatyana Reshetenko et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 38797–38806, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07794D.
General surface grafting strategy-derived carbon-modified graphitic carbon nitride with largely enhanced visible light photocatalytic H2evolution coupled with benzyl alcohol oxidation
Authors: Wang Haifei , Zhang Jihua , Jin Xu , Wang Xiaoqi , Zhang Fu , Xue Jierui , Li Yapeng , Li Jianming , Zhang Genqiang
Published: February 2021

A general surface grafting strategy followed byin situcarbonization was developed to prepare the carbon-modified g-C3N4with robustly enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity for H2evolution coupled with benzyl alcohol oxidation.
Simultaneous detection of reciprocal interactions between calmodulin, Ca2+ and molecular targets: a focus on the calmodulin-RyR2 complex
Authors: Dell'Orco Daniele
Published: February 2021

In a recent issue of Biochemical Journal, Brohus et al. (Biochem. J.476, 193–209) investigated the interaction between the ubiquitous intracellular Ca2+-sensor calmodulin (CaM) and peptides that mimic different structural regions of the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) at different Ca2+ concentrations. For the purpose, a novel bidimensional titration assay based on changes in fluorescence anisotropy was designed. The study identified the CaM domains that selectively bind to a specific CaM-binding domain in RyR2 and demonstrated that the interaction occurs essentially under Ca2+-saturating conditions. This study provides an elegant and experimentally accessible framework for detailed molecular investigations of the emerging life-threatening arrhythmia diseases associated with mutations in the genes encoding CaM. Furthermore, by allowing the measurement of the equilibrium dissociation constant in a protein–protein complex as a function of [Ca2+], the methodology presented by Brohus et al. may have broad applicability to the study of Ca2+ signalling.
Telefitting of Nucleus Cochlear Implants: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Takano Kenichi , Kaizaki Aya , Kimura Ayami , Nomura Kazuaki , Yamazaki Norikazu , Shintani Tomoko , Himi Tetsuo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to describe the recommended equipment and procedures required for successful telefitting, based on our experience, document and evaluate patient satisfaction with telefitting, and assess its clinical usefulness and address the existing issues.

Method

Twenty (seven children and 13 adults) individuals who lived far from cochlear implant (CI) centers and who were Nucleus CI users underwent conventional face-to-face fitting and telefitting. We examined the participants' subjective satisfaction and cost and time saved with the telefitting experience.

Results

The telefitting sessions lasted for an average of 16 min. Majority of the participants responded positively to the telefitting experience. Eighty percent (16/20) of the participants were satisfied with the new procedure, and 85% of them agreed to use telefitting again.

Conclusions

The results of our feasibility study suggest that telefitting was well received by CI users and is a viable alternative to local MAPping, even in young children with CIs. Although there are some limitations in terms of adaptability, telefitting could be an effective means of delivering CI service to remote locations.
Comparative Effects of Picture Symbol With Paired Text and Text-Only Augmentative and Alternative Communication Representations on Communication From Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Holyfield Christine
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Technology features that maximize communicative benefit while minimizing learning demands must be identified and prioritized to amplify the efficiency and effectiveness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention. Picture symbols with paired text are a common representation feature in AAC systems for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are preliterate, yet little research about their comparative benefit exists.

Method

Four school-age children with ASD and limited speech who were preliterate participated in two single-subject studies. In one study, communication of high imageability words (e.g., nouns) on an AAC app during a book-reading activity was compared across two representation conditions: picture symbols with paired text and text only. In the second study, communication of low imageability words (e.g., verbs) was compared. Both studies had baseline, intervention, generalization, and maintenance phases.

Results

Prior to intervention, participants communicated across both representation conditions at low rates except two participants who were relatively successful using picture symbol with paired text representations of high imageability words. In response to intervention, all participants demonstrated increases in communication across representation conditions and maintained the increases. Participants demonstrated generalization in the text-only representation condition.

Conclusions

Children with ASD who were preliterate acquired communication at comparable rates regardless of whether an AAC app utilized picture symbol with paired text or text-only representation. Therefore, while larger scale research is needed, clinicians and technology developers could consider increasing the use of text in AAC representation given the inherent value associated with learning to recognize written words.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13661357
Telehealth for Dysphagia Across the Life Span: Using Contemporary Evidence and Expertise to Guide Clinical Practice During and After COVID-19
Authors: Malandraki Georgia A. , Arkenberg Rachel Hahn , Mitchell Samantha S. , Malandraki Jaime Bauer
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Our aim was to critically review recent literature on the use of telehealth for dysphagia during the COVID-19 pandemic and enhance this information in order to provide evidence- and practice-based clinical guidance during and after the pandemic.

Method

We conducted a rapid systematized review to identify telehealth adaptations during COVID-19, according to peer-reviewed articles published from January to August 2020. Of the 40 articles identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Full-text reviews were completed by three raters, followed by qualitative synthesis of the results and description of practical recommendations for the use of telehealth for dysphagia.

Results

Seven articles were guidelines articles, three were editorials, and one was a narrative review. One article focused on telehealth and dysphagia during COVID-19. The remaining 10 mentioned telehealth in varying degrees while focusing on dysphagia management during the pandemic. No articles discussed pediatrics in depth. The most common procedure for which telehealth was recommended was the clinical swallowing assessment (8/11), followed by therapy (7/11). Six articles characterized telehealth as a second-tier service delivery option. Only one article included brief guidance on telehealth-specific factors, such as legal safeguards, safety, privacy, infrastructure, and facilitators.

Conclusions

Literature published during the pandemic on telehealth for dysphagia is extremely limited and guarded in endorsing telehealth as an equivalent service delivery model. We have presented prepandemic and emerging current evidence for the safety and reliability of dysphagia telemanagement, in combination with practical guidelines to facilitate the safe adoption of telehealth during and after the pandemic.
Improving Dimensional Change Card Sort Performance of Preschoolers With Developmental Language Disorder: Effects of Two Task Variations
Authors: Kapa Leah L.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This research note addresses whether task administration variations can improve Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) performance in preschoolers with developmental language disorder (DLD).

Method

Participants included preschoolers with DLD who failed the standard DCCS, which is characterized by inability to switch from one card sorting rule to a new rule. After an approximately 2.5-month delay, participants were retested on the DCCS in one of three conditions: repeating standard administration, participants labeling relevant card dimensions, or briefly removing target cards before the switch.

Results

Children in both the labeling and target removal conditions scored significantly higher on the second administration relative to the first. However, comparing across conditions, participants in the target removal condition scored higher on the second DCCS compared to participants in the standard and labeling conditions, which did not differ from each other.

Conclusions

DCCS performance of preschoolers with DLD can be improved by changing task administration. The most effective change is increasing the salience of the switch to the new sorting rule, as opposed to directing children's attention via their own labeling behavior.
Pulse energy distribution for RRAT J0139+33 according to observations at the 111 MHz frequency
Authors: Brylyakova E. A. , Tyul’bashev S. A.
Published: February 2021

Using five-year-monitoring observations, we carried out a blind search for pulses for rotating radio transient (RRAT) J0139+33 and PSR B0320+39. At the interval ±1.5m of the time corresponding to the source passing through the meridian, we detected 39377 individual pulses for the pulsar B0320+39 and 1013 pulses for RRAT J0139+33. The share of registered pulses from the total number of observed periods for the pulsar B0320+39 is 74%, and for the transient J0139+33 it is 0.42%. The signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for the strongest registered pulses is, approximately, the following: S/N = 262 (for B0320+39) and S/N = 154 (for J0139+33). We obtained distributions of the number of detected pulses in S/N units for the pulsar and for the rotating transient. The distributions could be approximated with lognormal and power dependences. For the B0320+39 pulsar, the dependence is lognormal, and it turns into a power dependence at high values of S/N; and for RRAT J0139+33, the distribution of pulses by energy is described by a broken (bimodal) power dependence with an exponent of about 0.4 and 1.8 (S/N ≤ 19 and S/N ≥ 19). We did not detect a regular (pulsar) emission of J0139+33. Analysis of the obtained data suggests that RRAT J0139+33 is a pulsar with giant pulses.
Multi-wavelength observations and modelling of a quiescent cloud LDN1512
Authors: Saajasto Mika , Juvela Mika , Lefèvre Charlène , Pagani Laurent , Ysard Nathalie
Published: February 2021

Context. Light scattering at near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths has been used to study the optical properties of the interstellar dust grains, but these studies are limited by the assumptions on the strength of the radiation field. On the other hand, thermal dust emission can be used to constrain the properties of the radiation field, although this is hampered by uncertainty about the dust emissivity.

Aims. Combining light scattering and emission studies allows us to probe the properties of the dust grains in detail. We wish to study if current dust models allow us to model a molecular cloud simultaneously in the NIR and far-infrared (FIR) wavelengths and compare the results with observations. Our aim is to place constraints on the properties of the dust grains and the strength of the radiation field.

Methods. We present computations of dust emission and scattered light of a quiescent molecular cloud LDN1512. We use NIR observations covering the J, H, and KS bands, and FIR observations between 250 and 500 μm from the Herschel space telescope. We constructed radiative transfer models for LDN1512 that include an anisotropic radiation field and a three-dimensional cloud model.

Results. We are able to reproduce the observed FIR observations, with a radiation field derived from the DIRBE observations, with all of the tested dust models. However, with the same density distribution and the assumed radiation field, the models fail to reproduce the observed NIR scattering in all cases except for models that take into account dust evolution via coagulation and mantle formation. The intensity from the diffuse interstellar medium like, dust models can be increased to match the observed one by reducing the derived density, increasing the intensity of the background sky and the strength of the radiation field between factors from two to three. We find that the column densities derived from our radiative transfer modelling can differ by a factor of up to two, compared to the column densities derived from the observations with modified blackbody fits. The discrepancy in the column densities is likely caused because of a temperature difference between a modified blackbody fit and the real spectra. The difference between the fitted temperature and the true temperature could be as high as ΔT = +1.5 K.

Conclusions. We show that the observed dust emission can be reproduced with several different assumptions about the properties of the dust grains. However, in order to reproduce the observed scattered surface brightness, dust evolution must be taken into account.
Chemical compositions of five Planck cold clumps
Authors: Wakelam V. , Gratier P. , Ruaud M. , Le Gal R. , Majumdar L. , Loison J.-C. , Hickson K. M.
Published: February 2021

Aims. Interstellar molecules form early in the evolutionary sequence of interstellar material that eventually forms stars and planets. To understand this evolutionary sequence, it is important to characterize the chemical composition of its first steps.

Methods. In this paper, we present the result of a 2 and 3 mm survey of five cold clumps identified by the Planck mission. We carried out a radiative transfer analysis on the detected lines in order to put some constraints on the physical conditions within the cores and on the molecular column densities. We also performed chemical models to reproduce the observed abundances in each source using the gas-grain model Nautilus.

Results. Twelve molecules were detected: H2CO, CS, SO, NO, HNO, HCO+, HCN, HNC, CN, CCH, CH3OH, and CO. Here, CCH is the only carbon chain we detected in two sources. Radiative transfer analyses of HCN, SO, CS, and CO were performed to constrain the physical conditions of each cloud with limited success. The sources have a density larger than 104 cm−3 and a temperature lower than 15 K. The derived species column densities are not very sensitive to the uncertainties in the physical conditions, within a factor of 2. The different sources seem to present significant chemical differences with species abundances spreading over one order of magnitude. The chemical composition of these clumps is poorer than the one of Taurus Molecular Cloud 1 Cyanopolyyne Peak (TMC-1 CP) cold core. Our chemical model reproduces the observational abundances and upper limits for 79–83% of the species in our sources. The ‘best’ times for our sources seem to be smaller than those of TMC-1, indicating that our sources may be less evolved and explaining the smaller abundances and the numerous non-detections. Also, CS and HCN are always overestimated by our models.
The Fornax3D project: Assembly histories of lenticular galaxies from a combined dynamical and population orbital analysis
Authors: Poci A. , McDermid R. M. , Lyubenova M. , Zhu L. , van de Ven G. , Iodice E. , Coccato L. , Pinna F. , Corsini E. M. , Falcón-Barroso J. , Gadotti D. A. , Grand R. J. J. , Fahrion K. , Martín-Navarro I. , Sarzi M. , Viaene S. , de Zeeuw P. T.
Published: February 2021

In order to assess the impact of the environment on the formation and evolution of galaxies, accurate assembly histories of such galaxies are needed. However, these measurements are observationally difficult owing to the diversity of formation paths that lead to the same present-day state of a galaxy. In this work, we apply a powerful new technique in order to observationally derive accurate assembly histories through a self-consistent combined stellar dynamical and population galaxy model. We present this approach for three edge-on lenticular galaxies from the Fornax3D project – FCC 153, FCC 170, and FCC 177 – in order to infer their mass assembly histories individually and in the context of the Fornax cluster. The method was tested on mock data from simulations to quantify its reliability. We find that the galaxies studied here have all been able to form dynamically-cold (intrinsic vertical velocity dispersion σz ≲ 50 km s−1) stellar disks after cluster infall. Moreover, the pre-existing (old) high angular momentum components have retained their angular momentum (orbital circularity λz > 0.8) through to the present day. Comparing the derived assembly histories with a comparable galaxy in a low-density environment – NGC 3115 – we find evidence for cluster-driven suppression of stellar accretion and merging. We measured the intrinsic stellar age–velocity-dispersion relation and find that the shape of the relation is consistent with galaxies in the literature across redshift. There is tentative evidence for enhancement in the luminosity-weighted intrinsic vertical velocity dispersion due to the cluster environment. But importantly, there is an indication that metallicity may be a key driver of this relation. We finally speculate that the cluster environment is responsible for the S0 morphology of these galaxies via the gradual external perturbations, or ‘harassment’, generated within the cluster.
Obstacles to the Development of BIM in China's Prefabricated Construction: A Decision-making Test and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) Model
Authors: Ma Yanan , Shen Qiong , Tian Lei
Published: February 2021

With the continuous progress of the time, technology is also developing rapidly, among which Building Information Modeling (BIM) has also become a hot topic in prefabricated constructions. Previous research has made it clear that BIM can promote the development of prefabricated construction. However, in practical applications, BIM technology has not been well developed in prefabricated construction. In order to find out the obstacles to the development of BIM technology in China's prefabricated construction, and identify the relationship between obstacles, this study identified 20 obstacles through literature review. This study used the Decision-making Test and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) model to get the importance of each obstacle and the causality between them, and provides a solution to the development of BIM technology in China to promote the development of BIM technology in new construction methods.
The Effect of University Context on Academics' Engagement with Industry
Authors: Zhao Zhiyan , Chen Zhi
Published: February 2021

Drawing on the theory of planned behavior, this study investigates the impact of academics' perception of university context on their engagement with industry via the mediation of academics' intention to industrial collaborations. The third mission and supportive policy were put forward as two university influence factors. From analysis results of 564 questionnaire responses, we found that academics' perception of university context had significant effect on academic engagement. In addition, the relationship between university mission, supportive policy and academics' industrial engagement were partially mediated by academics' intention to industrial collaboration.
Psychometric Performance of Prosocial Tendencies Measure for Undergraduates in Guangdong Province
Authors: Hou Yongmei , Zheng Zhongyi , Zheng Que
Published: February 2021

Objective: To analyze the psychometric performance of Prosocial Tendencies Measure (PTM) for undergraduates in Guangdong province. Methods: Stratified random sampling method was used to select 1109 undergraduates from 10 colleges in Guangdong province.PTM was used to investigate them. Cronbach's α coefficient and split-half reliability were used to analyze the internal consistency of the questionnaire.Convergent validity, discriminant validity and factor analysis were used to evaluate its structural validity. Celling and floor effect were used to analyze its sensitivity. Results: Cronbach's α coefficient of the total questionniar was 0.94 and cronbach's α coefficient of 6 dimensions were 0.82~0.87, which met with the requirements of the group comparison. Spearman - Brown split-half coefficient of the total questionniar was 0.95, and the split half reliability of 6 dimensions were 0.83~0.88. The calibration success rate of convergent validity and discriminant validity of the 6 dimensions were all 100%. One component obtained from 23 items which cumulative variance contribution rate was 82.31%. The total score and scores of 6 dimensions were all positive skew distribution, with floor effect in 6 dimensions. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of PTM for undergraduates in Guangdong was valid and reliable.
R&D Investment and Patent Application: The Effects of Internationalization and Ownership
Authors: Boadu Francis , Tang Hongjuan , Xie Yu
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether research and development (R&D) investment, degree of internationalization (DOI), and ownership structure affect the patent application of enterprises in an emerging market. Using a firm-level data from 242 China's information and communication technology (ICT) and automobile manufacturing listed companies on Shanghai and Shenzhen A- stock exchanges market from 2011 to 2015, our empirical results demonstrate that: (1) the degree of internationalization of enterprises has a positive facilitating influence on the correlation among corporate R&D investment and a patent application; (2) the state-owned ownership negatively moderates the R&D investment-patent application link, and (3) international expansion can adequately compensate for the efficiency disadvantages of R&D investment and patent application engender by state ownership. Besides, the study discovered and explained an exciting phenomenon and bring forth important enlightenment to enterprises in the emerging economies to improve resource utilization efficiency and achieve technical ability to catch up.
Empirical Research on the Influence of International Crude Oil price fluctuation on Russian Exchange Rate
Authors: Li Qingyao
Published: February 2021

Oil is a kind of basic energy and has close relationship with the financial markets. Russia is the world crude oil exporter, whose rich energy resources make the country tend to invest in energy industry and make policies for it. This has led to the fact that its national economic structure is too simplified and its economy is heavily dependent on the oil industry. The total oil exports for Russia each year account for up to forty percent of its fiscal revenues. The economic characteristics of Russia and the fluctuation of international crude oil price greatly influence the macroeconomic changes of a country and therefore the exchange rate will make a change too. So this paper, will explore the relationship between the international oil price and Russian exchange rate and the degree of the influence between each other. The paper will select international crude oil price as exogenous variables and take the Russian currency as endogenous variables to establish VAR model. In view of the conclusion, this paper points out the drawbacks of Russia's current economic development, and finally puts forward reasonable and effective suggestions from the aspects of exchange rate system and economic structure.