bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)‐Metal Interactions on the Electrochemical Reduction Pathways of HMF on Various Metal Electrodes
Authors: Lee Dong Ki , Kubota Stephen R. , Janes Aurora N. , Bender Michael T. , Woo Jongin , Schmidt J. R. , Choi Kyoung‐Shin
Published: August 2021

5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which can be derived from lignocellulosic biomass, is an important platform molecule that can be used to produce valuable biofuels and polymeric materials. Electrochemical reduction of HMF is of great interest as it uses water as the hydrogen source and achieves desired reduction reactions at room temperature and ambient pressure. Hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis are two important reactions for reductive HMF conversion. Therefore, elucidating key characteristics of electrocatalysts that govern the selectivity for hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis is critical in rationally developing efficient and selective electrocatalysts. In this study, combined experimental and computational investigations are used to demonstrate how the adsorption energy of HMF on metal surfaces and the resulting changes in the intramolecular bond lengths of adsorbed HMF directly impact the reduction pathways of HMF. These results make it possible to rationally understand a general trend in the behaviors observed when using various metal electrodes for HMF reduction.
Pyrimidine‐Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework and its Cobalt Complex as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhao Yuxiang , Yang Yingjie , Xia Tian , Tian Hao , Li Yongpeng , Sui Zhuyin , Yuan Ning , Tian Xinlong , Chen Qi
Published: August 2021

A pyrimidine‐modified covalent organic framework (COF‐Pyr) was designed to be synthesized via the Povarov reaction. The nitrogen atom on the pyrimidine showed excellent coordination ability to metal ions. Their stable metal composite material (Co@COF‐Pyr) exhibited remarkable performance for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 1.0 m KOH aqueous solution. The overpotential was 450 mV at 10 mA cm−2. The Co@COF‐Pyr with large specific surface area (392 m2 g−1) and regular crystal structure provided free passage for H2O to move and make them fully contact with the uniformly dispersed cobalt ions on the surface. Thus, the turnover frequency of Co@COF‐Pyr was 0.1 s−1 at the overpotential of 370 mV, which was higher than most reported OER catalysts. This work provided a new way to design and prepare nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic functionalized COFs. They can be combined with metal ions to expand the application of COFs in the field of electrocatalysis.
A novel pinwheel fractal multiband antenna design using particle swarm optimization for wireless applications
Authors: Manikandan Palanivel , Sivakumar Pothiraj
Published: August 2021

A novel multiband pinwheel fractal antenna with monopole configuration is proposed. The pinwheel fractal antenna has been fabricated on a commercially available FR4 substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm. This paper proposes a novel pinwheel antenna with a 50% reduction in the dimension of width with a reduced level of return loss. The proposed antenna has multiband characteristics covering the bands of GSM (900 MHz), DCS (1710 GHz), PCS (1900 MHz), UMTS (1920 MHz), and WLAN (2.4–5.9 GHz) applications. The projected antenna resonates at multiple frequencies with acceptable antenna gain and directivity. The proposed antenna design is optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The parametric studies and the design rule for the proposed fractal have been reported. The prototypes of the proposed multiband antenna have been demonstrated. The measured and simulated results ensure the multi‐resonance characteristics and authorize the projected design method and gratify the necessities of handheld wireless communication systems. The performance analysis proves that the proposed novel pinwheel antenna provides reduced return loss.
Design and fabrication of compact triangular multiband microstrip patch antenna for C‐ and X‐band applications
Authors: Chinnagurusamy Balamurugan , Perumalsamy Marichamy , Thankamony Sarasam Arun Samuel
Published: August 2021

Modern portable communication devices require a compact antenna with superior performance and lower weight and size. The design and development of such a compact size antenna are a significant challenge for researchers. This proposed work compact slot‐based triangular patch antenna to work at the multiple resonance frequencies from 5 to 10 GHz using FR4 substrate is presented. The proposed antenna is simulated using High‐Frequency Structural Simulator (HFSS 2020R1). Simulated and fabricated antenna test results show that the proposed antenna can be suitably employed for the portable wireless transceivers in C and X bands. It has been inferred from the fabricated and measured results that the proposed slot‐based triangular patch antenna achieves the peak gain of 8 dBi and has excellent impedance matching properties such that return loss S11 is less than −10 dB and VSWR value is significantly closer to 1 at all the resonance frequencies.
An LSTM‐based cell association scheme for proactive bandwidth management in 5G fog radio access networks
Authors: Manzoor Sanaullah , Mian Adnan Noor , Mazhar Suleman
Published: August 2021

Cellular networks are evolving into dynamic, dense, and heterogeneous networks to meet the unprecedented traffic demands which introduced new challenges for cell resource management. To address this, various cell association schemes have been proposed. However, the current schemes ignore users' mobility information, and as a result, their cell admission and bandwidth allocation policy are reactive. In order to enable proactive bandwidth management in emerging 5G fog access radio networks (FRANs), we proposed a novel mobility‐aware cell association scheme (MACA) that exploits user's mobility and downlink rate demand information to associate it with the maximum rate offering cell. In MACA, the mobility prediction model consists of long‐short‐term memory (LSTM)‐based neural network that considers joint information of unique cell identification numbers with the corresponding sojourn times and predicts the user's most probable next cell. Later, the underlying future cell assignment is formulated as a convex problem and solved using the Lagrangian dual decomposition method and compared the proposed framework performance with Semi‐Markov, deep neural network (DNN), and MaxRSRP‐based cell association approaches in terms of the next cell prediction accuracy, the impact of downlink rate allocation, and user satisfaction percentage. MACA scheme is trained using two publicly available pedestrian datasets. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme performs significantly better than the other schemes and yields the average next cell prediction accuracy of 93.42%, 1.63 times higher downlink rates, and 56.8%users satisfied with the allocated bandwidth.
Atypical cells in fine needle aspiration biopsies of pancreas: Causes, work‐up, and recommendations for management
Authors: HooKim Kim , Reid Michelle D.
Published: August 2021

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is a sensitive and specific method for diagnosing cancer in solid pancreatic masses. However, some cases receive indeterminate atypical diagnoses, which creates management dilemmas. In the 2014 Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) standardized guidelines for pancreatobiliary cytology, specimens in the “Atypical” category show a spectrum of architectural and/or cellular changes beyond normal or reactive, but, quantitatively or qualitatively, insufficient for classification as neoplastic (benign/other), suspicious or positive for malignancy. Implementation of the PSC system decreased atypical diagnoses, particularly for cystic lesions, and redistributed many cases into benign and neoplastic categories. Because no set cytologic criteria exist for the “Atypical” category there is wide variability in its use, and its frequency ranges from 0%–16% (mean 6%). It consists of a heterogeneous mix of cases that occur because of preanalytic, lesion‐specific (low cellularity, necrosis, cystic, reactive and premalignant changes), to pathologist‐dependent factors (experience, expertise, training and institutional case volume). Outcomes of atypical diagnoses in solid pancreatic masses range from benign to premalignant and malignant and include reactive atypia in pancreatitis, well differentiated adenocarcinoma, and non‐ductal malignancies. The associated risk of malignancy (ROM) ranges from 28%–100%, with an overall intermediate ROM in large‐scale studies. Cytopathologists and institutions should monitor and keep their personal and/or laboratory's atypical rates low by judiciously using rapid onsite evaluation, ancillary studies, consensus or expert review, as well as correlation with clinical and radiologic findings. Early repeat EUS‐FNA is indicated for unresolved cases.
Predicting range shifts of Davidia involucrata Ball. under future climate change
Authors: Long Teng , Tang Junfeng , Pilfold Nicholas W. , Zhao Xuzhe , Dong Tingfa
Published: August 2021

Understanding and predicting how species will respond to climate change is crucial for biodiversity conservation. Here, we assessed future climate change impacts on the distribution of a rare and endangered plant species, Davidia involucrate in China, using the most recent global circulation models developed in the sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC6). We assessed the potential range shifts in this species by using an ensemble of species distribution models (SDMs). The ensemble SDMs exhibited high predictive ability and suggested that the temperature annual range, annual mean temperature, and precipitation of the driest month are the most influential predictors in shaping distribution patterns of this species. The projections of the ensemble SDMs also suggested that D. involucrate is very vulnerable to future climate change, with at least one‐third of its suitable range expected to be lost in all future climate change scenarios and will shift to the northward of high‐latitude regions. Similarly, at least one‐fifth of the overlap area of the current nature reserve networks and projected suitable habitat is also expected to be lost. These findings suggest that it is of great importance to ensure that adaptive conservation management strategies are in place to mitigate the impacts of climate change on D. involucrate.
Extrusion‐Based 3D‐Printed Supercapacitors: Recent Progress and Challenges
Authors: Yan Xiao , Tong Yueyu , Wang Xinzhong , Hou Feng , Liang Ji
Published: August 2021

Supercapacitors have been regarded as promising power supplies for future electronics due to their high power density, superior stability, easy integration, and safety. Extrusion‐based three‐dimensional printing technologies hold promise to satisfy the demands for integrated and flexible supercapacitors because of their highly versatile manufacturing process. In this review article, a comprehensive and timely review of these state‐of‐the‐art technologies is presented. We start with a brief introduction of fundamental concepts of supercapacitors, including energy storage mechanisms and device structures. Then, the latest progress of extrusion‐based three‐dimensional printing technologies (e.g., fused deposition modeling, inkjet printing, and direct ink writing) along with their applications for manufacturing supercapacitors is summarized. The choice of printable materials (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes, metal oxides, and MXenes), printing process, and the resulted electrochemical performances of supercapacitors are especially emphasized. Finally, the development of extrusion‐based three‐dimensional printing supercapacitors is summarized, with existing challenges diagnosed, possible solutions proposed, and future outlooks forecasted. We hope this review can offer insights to further improve the performance of three‐dimensional‐printed supercapacitors for practical applications.
Reactivities of quercetin and metallo‐quercetin with superoxide anion radical and molecular oxygen
Authors: Lewis Tyra , Wallace William , Peterson Finlay Dingman , Rafferty Steven , Martic Sanela
Published: August 2021

This work describes the differential quenching of molecular oxygen and superoxide anion radical (O2˙–) by (metallo)‐quercetin (QCR) complexes. The in situ complexes were more reactive with molecular oxygen than preformed complexes. By adjusting the potential range, it was determined that Cu2+ complexes exhibited similar superoxide anion radical (O2˙–) quenching ability as free QCR. The Fe3+ complexes were less reactive than free QCR or Cu2+ complexes. The data indicate that metal ions significantly modulated reactivity of QCR with O2˙– or molecular oxygen, and may regulate antioxidant activity and reactive oxygen species levels in a complex biological setting.
Developing an attack detection framework for wireless sensor network‐based healthcare applications using hybrid convolutional neural network
Authors: Subasini C. A. , Karuppiah S. P. , Sheeba Adlin , Padmakala S.
Published: August 2021

Attack detection is the major issue in healthcare‐based wireless sensor networks (H‐WSNs). Due to their low processing speed, very low storage space, poor attack detection rate, longer deployment time, poor communication range, and reduced energy, H‐WSNs are subjected to difficult implementation and have their own limitations. To tackle these issues, we have presented a hybrid deep learning model using convolutional neural network and long short term memory (HDMCL) for attack detection in H‐WSN. This research is divided into three steps: preprocessing, dimensionality reduction, and classification (attack detection). At first, the raw input data (patient's health data) is preprocessed using the one‐hot encoding method. Next, the modified Huber independent component analysis based squirrel search algorithm (MHICA‐SSA) effectively reduces the data dimensionality in which the MHICA‐SSA is the amalgamation of both modified Huber independent component analysis and squirrel search algorithm. The novel algorithm designed overcomes the complexities associated with existing techniques such as the curse of dimensionality problem, improves the parameter interpretation, minimizes the time and storage space, minimizes space complexity, and enhances the attack detection accuracy of the convolutional neural network‐based long short‐term memory (CNN‐LSTM). After that, the deep learning CNN‐LSTM model is utilized for normal, black hole, and gray hole attack detection. The NS2.34 network simulator implements the proposed work thereby the proposed work efficiency is validated using different performance measures such as packet delivery ratio, false alarm rate, network lifetime, energy consumption, throughput, attack detection time, and rate. The proposed work performance is evaluated using different existing methods such as fish swarm optimization based particle swarm optimization, intelligent opportunistic routing algorithm, Jensen‐Shannon divergence‐based independent component analysis, and radio frequency identification based WSN. The throughput of the proposed work is increased up to 3.2 times and the network lifetime is increased up to 4 times when compared to the existing techniques.
How does carer management style influence the performance of activities of daily living in people with dementia?
Authors: Camino Julieta , Kishita Naoko , Bregola Allan , Rubinsztein Judy , Khondoker Mizanur , Mioshi Eneida
Published: August 2021

Introduction

People with Dementia (PwD)'s performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) has been associated with apathy, cognitive deficits, carers' depression and burden. However, it is not known if the carers' management style affects ADL performance, particularly alongside PwD's cognitive deficits and apathy. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the contribution of intrinsic (cognition, apathy) and extrinsic (carer management styles) dementia factors to ADL performance.

Methods

PwD (n = 143) were assessed on global cognition (ACE‐III); apathy (CBI‐R); ADLs (Disability Assessment for Dementia‐DAD). Carers' (n = 143) criticism, encouragement and active‐management styles were assessed with the Dementia Management Strategy Scale (DMSS). Multiple linear regression analysis investigated contributions of carer styles, cognition, apathy (independent variables) on ADLs (dependent variable).

Results

The best model explaining the variance of the DAD scores included cognition (β = 0.413, t(142) = 4.463, p = 0.001), apathy (β = –0.365, t(142) = –5.556, p = 0.001), carer criticism (β = –0.326, t(142) = –2.479, p = 0.014) and carer encouragement styles (β = 0.402, t(142) = 2.941, p = 0.004) accounting for 40% of the variance of the DAD scores.

Conclusions

This novel study demonstrated that PwD's level of apathy and the carer's use of criticism negatively affected ADL performance while PwD's cognitive abilities and carer encouragement style improved ADL performance. These findings have critical implications for the development of novel multi‐component non‐pharmacological interventions to maintain function and delay disease progression in dementia, as well as direct relevance to current carers and families.
The challenges of achieving timely diagnosis and culturally appropriate care of people with dementia from minority ethnic groups in Europe
Authors: Gove Dianne , Nielsen Thomas Rune , Smits Carolien , Plejert Charlotta , Rauf Mohammed Akhlak , Parveen Sahdia , Jaakson Siiri , Golan‐Shemesh Daphna , Lahav Debi , Kaur Ripaljeet , Herz Michal Karen , Monsees Jessica , Thyrian Jochen René , Georges Jean
Published: August 2021

In a just society, everyone should have equal access to healthcare in terms of prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and care. Europe is a multicultural society made up of people who identify with a wide range of ethnic groups. Many older people from minority ethnic groups also have a direct migration background. Several studies have shown that there is a lack of equity in relation to dementia diagnoses and care because equal opportunities do not necessarily translate into equal outcomes. An expert ethics working group led by Alzheimer Europe has produced an extensive report on this issue, a policy brief and a guide for health and social care workers. In this brief summary, the authors/members of the expert working group present some of the key challenges and recommendations for healthcare clinicians striving to provide timely diagnosis and good quality care and treatment to people with dementia from all ethnic groups.
The structure of hippocampal circuitry relates to rapid category learning in humans
Authors: Schlichting Margaret L. , Gumus Melisa , Zhu Teresa , Mack Michael L.
Published: August 2021

Prior work suggests that complementary white matter pathways within the hippocampus (HPC) differentially support the learning of specific versus general information. In particular, while the trisynaptic pathway (TSP) rapidly forms memories for specific experiences, the monosynaptic pathway (MSP) slowly learns generalities. However, despite the theorized significance of such circuitry, characterizing how information flows within the HPC to support learning in humans remains a challenge. We leveraged diffusion‐weighted imaging as a proxy for individual differences in white matter structure linking key regions along with TSP (HPC subfields CA3 and CA1) and MSP (entorhinal cortex and CA1) and related these differences in hippocampal structure to category learning ability. We hypothesized that learning to categorize the “exception” items that deviated from category rules would benefit from TSP‐supported mnemonic specificity. Participant‐level estimates of TSP‐ and MSP‐related integrity were constructed from HPC subfield connectomes of white matter streamline density. Consistent with theories of TSP‐supported learning mechanisms, we found a specific association between the integrity of CA3–CA1 white matter connections and exception learning. These results highlight the significant role of HPC circuitry in complex human learning.
Fluid flow characteristics and convective heat transfer improvement on a gas turbine blade
Authors: Farooq Arshad , Hussain Shafqat , Li Xiang‐sheng , Khan Maham A.
Published: August 2021

The flow field features and heat transfer enhancement are investigated on a gas turbine blade by applying the jet impingement cooling method. The distribution of the flow field and the Nusselt number (Nu) was determined on the targeted surface in the cooling channel. The injection holes of different shapes, such as circular, square, and rectangular were considered. The Reynolds numbers (Re) of the airflow in the range of 2000–5000 and aspect ratios of 0.5–2 were particularly focused. The flow vortices and recirculation in the cooling channel and their influence on the heat transfer enhancement were analyzed in detail under different airflow and geometric conditions. Decreasing the ratio of the distance between jet‐to‐target plate to the diameter of the jet orifice (H/d) increased the heat transfer rate and produced high‐intensity vortices and recirculation zones. It was noticed that the formation and generation of vortices and recirculation have important effects on the convective heat transfer rate at the impingement surface. Local Nusselt number, formation of complex vortices, and airflow recirculation in the cooling channel decreased with the increase in the distance between the jet hole and the targeted surface. It was found that with the increase in the Reynolds number of the jet, heat transfer between cold airflow and the targeted surface increased. Moreover, it was observed that the cooling performance of the round and square jet holes was better than the rectangular holes.
Liver tumor segmentation from computed tomography images using multiscale residual dilated encoder‐decoder network
Authors: Tummala Bindu Madhavi , Barpanda Soubhagya Sankar
Published: August 2021

In this paper, an encoder‐decoder‐based architecture, which segments liver tumors with a two‐step training process is proposed. Accurate liver tumor segmentation from CT images is still a major problem that impacts the diagnosis process. Heterogeneous densities, shapes, and unclear boundaries make tumor extraction challenging. First, the proposed network segments the liver, and then tumors are extracted from the liver ROIs. We have scaled down the images into different resolutions at each scale and applied normal convolutions along with the dilations and residual connections to capture broad conceptual information without data loss. MDICE, a combined loss function is used to enhance the learning capability and the 3D‐IRCADb1 dataset is considered for training and testing because of its tumor complexities. The segmentation quality metrics DICE, MDICE are analyzed on the 3D‐IRCADb1 dataset and obtained 0.98 and 0.65 accuracies per case for liver and tumor segmentation respectively, and found improvement over U‐Net and other variants.
Evaluation of synthetic canal lining materials in South Texas over 18 years—Final results and conclusions*
Authors: Bonaiti Gabriele , Fipps Guy
Published: August 2021

Since 1999, irrigation districts in Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, and Maverick Counties in South Texas have been experimenting with an assortment of canal lining materials installed in about 40 km of earthen and concrete canals. In 2005, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service initiated a programme to track the long‐term effectiveness and durability of these materials and to document installation and maintenance procedures which will help ensure good performance. Each lining project was periodically inspected to document the effects of such factors as weather, animals, intentional and unintentional vandalism, farm machinery traffic, and normal irrigation district operational and maintenance activities. Evaluation forms were developed to document observations during inspections. The forms consisted of three elements: a general project description, a district operations questionnaire, and a field observation and rating survey. During inspection, the size and locations of holes and tares in the lining materials were identified, along with the most probable causes of the problems found. In this paper, we summarize results and provide recommendations on liner installation and maintenance obtained from evaluations which span about 18 years of material age. The lining systems which performed the best were synthetic liners overlaid with concrete.
Population characteristics, use, and spending on sole‐source, off‐patent drugs among commercial insurance members in the United States—An analysis of outpatient claims data at a single health plan
Authors: Alpern Jonathan D. , Vazquez‐Benitez Gabriela , DeFor Terese A. , Stauffer William M. , Shahriar Arman A. , Kodet Amy J. , Pawloski Pamala A. , Dehmer Steven P.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Large price increases of off‐patent drugs with one manufacturer are common in the US due to the monopoly power afforded to single manufacturers. Little is known about the patients using these drugs, including the prevalence of use or the cost to patients and health systems.

Objective

To analyze patient characteristics, prevalence of use, and spending on sole‐source off‐patent drugs among a commercially‐insured population in 2017.

Methods

We evaluated the prevalence of use of sole‐source off‐patent drugs overall and use of sole‐source off‐patent drugs with large price increases according to member demographic characteristics and medical conditions. We calculated total and out‐of‐pocket spending per member and total and out‐of‐pocket spending on all sole‐source off‐patent drug fills. We evaluated by insurance status, a drug's history of a large price increase, and drug classification. We determined the top ten sole‐source off‐patent drugs by highest overall spending.

Results

Use of sole‐source off‐patent drugs was observed in 9% of patients. Use was more common among adults with chronic medical conditions, whereas use of drugs with large price increases was rare. Out‐of‐pocket spending was highest among Medicare‐insured patient. Insulin accounted for a disproportionate share of total spending.

Conclusion

Sole‐source off‐patent drug use among patients with chronic medical conditions was common, suggesting these populations are vulnerable to future price increases. Policies that promote manufacturer competition and limit out‐of‐pocket spending for these drugs, particularly insulin, are likely to benefit patients.
The murburn precepts for cellular ionic homeostasis and electrophysiology
Authors: Manoj Kelath Murali , Bazhin Nikolai , Tamagawa Hirohisa
Published: August 2021

Starting from the basic molecular structure and redox properties of its components, we build a macroscopic cellular electrophysiological model. We first present a murburn purview that could explain ion distribution in bulk‐milieu/membrane‐interface and support the origin of trans‐membrane potential (TMP) in cells. In particular, the discussion focuses on how cells achieve disparity in the distribution of monovalent and divalent cations within (K+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+) and outside (Na+ > K+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+). We explore how TMP could vary for resting/graded/action potentials generation and project a model for impulse conduction in neurons. Outcomes based on murburn bioenergetic equilibriums leading to solubilization of ion‐pairs, membrane's permittivity, protein channels' fluxes, and proteins’ innate ability to bind/adsorb ions selectively are projected as the integral rationale. We also provide experimental modalities to ratify the projections.
Merlin functions as a critical regulator in Staphylococcus aureus‐induced osteomyelitis
Authors: Zhou Zubin , Chen Yuanliang , Min Hong Sung , Wan Yongbai , Shan Haojie , Lin Yiwei , Xia Wenyang , Yin Fuli , Jiang Chaolai , Yu Xiaowei
Published: August 2021

Merlin is known as a tumor suppressor, while its role in osteomyelitis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of Merlin in Staphylococcus aureus‐induced osteomyelitis and its underlying mechanisms. S. aureus‐induced osteomyelitis mouse model was established in Merlinfl/flLyz2cre/+ and Merlinfl/flLyz2+/+ mice. Bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated and stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Bioassays, including quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), Western blot analysis, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, were conducted to determine the levels of target genes or proteins. Immunoprecipitation was applied to determine the interactions between proteins. DCAF1fl/fl mice were further crossed with Lyz2‐Cre mice to establish myeloid cell conditional knockout mice (DCAF1fl/flLyz2cre/+). It was found that the level of Merlin was elevated in patients with osteomyelitis and S. aureus‐infected BMDMs. Merlin deficiency in macrophages suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines and ameliorated the symptoms of osteomyelitis induced by S. aureus. Merlin deficiency in macrophages also suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines in BMDMs induced by LPS. The inhibitory effects of Merlin deficiency on the inflammatory response were associated with DDB1‐Cul4‐associated factor 1 (DCAF1). In summary, Merlin deficiency ameliorates S. aureus‐induced osteomyelitis through the regulation of DCAF1.
Evaluation of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy in the diagnosis of extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Tan Lina , Huang Jian , Zhang Yuezhong , Zeng Liyue , Tong Xiaoliang , Gao Lihua , Zeng Jinrong
Published: August 2021

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare cutaneous malignancy that most commonly affects the apocrine glands of older men and women. Because it is associated with other cancers, early diagnosis and evaluation are needed. This study is to evaluate the value of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in diagnosing EMPD. A total of 73 patients with clinically suspicious diagnosis of EMPD were enrolled in this study, and the RCM device imaged their lesions. Moreover, 67 patients underwent skin biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. We retrospectively analyzed the results of RCM and histological diagnosis and then evaluated the RCM value of biopsy‐confirmed lesions. Based on the RCM image analysis, 54 of 73 (74.0%) patients were diagnosed with EMPD. Of all 67 biopsied lesions, 52 (77.6%) were EMPD. Then, we analyzed the RCM characteristics of 52 cases of biopsy‐confirmed EMPD, compared their RCM image characteristics of three different lesions of EMPD, and further concluded the key points of EMPD under RCM microscopy based on the 52 EMPD cases. Finally, we focused on the differential diagnosis of EMPD from other skin diseases. RCM showed great diagnostic value in diagnosing EMPD.
Influence of environmental temperature on mouth‐form plasticity in Pristionchus pacificus acts through daf‐11‐dependent cGMP signaling
Authors: Lenuzzi Maša , Witte Hanh , Riebesell Metta , Rödelsperger Christian , Hong Ray L. , Sommer Ralf J.
Published: August 2021

Mouth‐form plasticity in the nematode Pristionchus pacificus has become a powerful system to identify the genetic and molecular mechanisms associated with developmental (phenotypic) plasticity. In particular, the identification of developmental switch genes that can sense environmental stimuli and reprogram developmental processes has confirmed long‐standing evolutionary theory. However, how these genes are involved in the direct sensing of the environment, or if the switch genes act downstream of another, primary environmental sensing mechanism, remains currently unknown. Here, we study the influence of environmental temperature on mouth‐form plasticity. We find that environmental temperature does influence mouth‐form plasticity in most of the 10 wild isolates of P. pacificus tested in this study. We used one of these strains, P. pacificus RSA635, for detailed molecular analysis. Using forward and reverse genetic technology including CRISPR/Cas9, we show that mutations in the guanylyl cyclase Ppa‐daf‐11, the Ppa‐daf‐25/AnkMy2, and the cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel Ppa‐tax‐2 eliminate the response to elevated temperatures. Together, our study indicates that DAF‐11, DAF‐25, and TAX‐2 have been co‐opted for environmental sensing during mouth‐form plasticity regulation in P. pacificus.
Relationship between the presence of primary care physicians and health‐related quality of life
Authors: Yokokawa Daiki , Ohira Yoshiyuki , Ikegami Akiko , Shikino Kiyoshi , Tsukamoto Tomoko , Noda Kazutaka , Uehara Takanori , Ikusaka Masatomi
Published: August 2021

Background

The supply of primary care physicians is associated with better health outcomes and a lower total cost of health services. However, the effect of the presence or absence of primary care physicians on health‐related quality of life (QOL) is unknown. We comparatively investigated the health‐related QOL of ordinary citizens according to the presence or absence of a primary care physician.

Methods

We conducted an observational cross‐sectional study using a propensity score analysis. A questionnaire on health‐related QOL (SF‐36v2, age, gender, presence or absence of a primary care physician, and chronic disease status) was mailed to 2200 individuals identified through stratified random sampling. We used propensity scores to compensate for covariates and analyzed three component SF‐36 summary scores and subscale scores of the “primary care physician” and “no primary care physician” groups.

Results

Valid responses were received from 1095 individuals (49.8%). The “primary care physician group” comprised 653 individuals (59.6%). The physical health component scores of the “primary care physician group” were significantly lower than those of the “no primary care physician group,” and the “mental health component” scores were significantly higher (p = 0.032, p = 0.009). For the subscales, scores for “vitality” and “mental health” were significantly higher in the “primary care physician group” (p = 0.014, p = 0.018).

Conclusions

Patients who had a primary care physician with whom they could comfortably consult at any time had a high mental health component score, and low physical health component score in the health‐related QOL.
Output convergence at sector level across Indian states: Evidence from weak sigma and club convergence analysis
Authors: Akram Vaseem , Ali Jabir
Published: August 2021

The study assesses the per capita output (PCO) convergence hypothesis across 33 Indian states/Union‐Territories at the aggregate and sectoral level by using weak‐sigma and clustering‐algorithm convergence tests for the period of 2011–2012 to 2018–2019. Results from the weak‐sigma convergence test show mixed evidence. This suggests that Indian states are not converging to single steady‐state. Further, results revealed the existence of multiple club‐convergence at aggregate and sectoral level after applying the clustering‐algorithm test. Results also show that the service sector is converging faster than the industry and agriculture sectors. Our findings recommend that sector‐specific policies need to be adopted to boost the aggregate PCO at club level.
One‐year Follow‐up Results of the Optimal Thromboprophylaxis in Elderly Chinese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (ChiOTEAF) registry
Authors: Guo Yutao , Wang Hao , Kotalczyk Agnieszka , Wang Yutang , Lip Gregory Y.H. ,   the ChiOTEAF Registry Investigators
Published: August 2021

Background

The high prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the very elderly population (aged >80 years) might be underestimated. The elderly are at increased risk of both fatal stroke and bleeding. The Optimal Thromboprophylaxis in Elderly Chinese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (ChiOTEAF) registry provides contemporary management strategies among the elderly Chinese patients in the new era of non‐vitamin K antagonists.

Objective

To present the 1‐year follow‐up data from the ChiOTEAF registry, focusing on the use of antithrombotic therapy, rate vs. rhythm control strategies, and determinants of mortality and stroke.

Methods

The ChiOTEAF registry analyzed consecutive AF patients presenting in 44 centers from 20 Chinese provinces from October 2014 to December 2018. Endpoints of interest were mortality, thromboembolism, major bleedings, cardiovascular comorbidities, and hospital re‐admissions.

Results

Of the 7077 patients enrolled at baseline, 657 patients (9.3%) were lost to the follow‐up and 435 deaths (6.8%) occurred. The overall use of anticoagulants remains low, approximately 38% of the entire cohort at follow‐up, with similar proportions of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and non‐vitamin K antagonists (NOACs). Antiplatelet therapy was used in 38% of the entire cohort at follow‐up, and more commonly among high‐risk patients (41%). Among those on a NOAC at baseline, 22.4% switched to antiplatelet therapy alone after one year.

Independent predictors of stroke/transient ischemic attack/peripheral embolism and/or mortality were age, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, prior ischemic stroke, dementia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusions

The ChiOTEAF registry provides contemporary data on AF management, including stroke prevention. The poor adherence of NOACs and common use of antiplatelet in these high‐risk elderly population calls for multiple comorbidities management.
Acute and severe trabecular bone loss in a rat model of critical illness myopathy
Authors: Gugala Zbigniew , Cacciani Nicola , Klein Gordon L. , Larsson Lars
Published: August 2021

Prolonged mechanical ventilation for critically ill patients with respiratory distress can result in severe muscle wasting with preferential loss of myosin. Systemic inflammation triggered by lung mechanical injury likely contributes to this myopathy, although the exact mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that muscle wasting following mechanical ventilation is accompanied by bone loss. The objective was to determine the rate, nature, and extent of bone loss in the femora of rats ventilated up to 10 days and to relate the bone changes to muscle deterioration. We have developed a rat model of ventilator‐induced muscle wasting and established its feasibility and clinical validity. This model involves pharmacologic paralysis, parenteral nutrition, and continuous mechanical ventilation. We assessed the hindlimb muscle and bone of rats ventilated for 0, 2, 5, 8, and 10 days. Routine histology, microCT, and biomechanical evaluations were performed. Hindlimb muscles developed changes consistent with myopathy, whereas the femurs demonstrated a progressive decline in trabecular bone volume, mineral density, and microarchitecture beginning Day 8 of mechanical ventilation. Biomechanical testing showed a reduction in flexural strength and stiffness on Day 10. The bone changes correlated with the loss of muscle mass and myosin. These results demonstrate that mechanical ventilation leads to progressive trabecular bone loss parallel to muscle deterioration. The results of our study suggest that mechanically ventilated patients may be at risk of compromised bone integrity and muscle weakness, predisposing to post‐ventilator falls and fractures, thereby warranting interventions to prevent progressive bone and muscle decline.
Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasonography for Evaluation of Osteoarthritis of Ankle Joint: Comparison With Radiography, Cone‐Beam CT, and Symptoms
Authors: Nevalainen Mika T. , Pitkänen Milla‐Maaria , Saarakkala Simo
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To determine the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography (US) for evaluation of the ankle joint osteoarthritic (OA) changes. Cone‐beam computed tomography (CT) was used as the gold standard and US performance was compared with conventional radiography (CR). As a secondary aim, associations between the imaging findings and ankle symptoms were assessed.

Methods

US was performed to 51 patients with ankle OA. Every patient had prior ankle CR and underwent cone‐beam CT during the same day as US examination. On US, effusion/synovitis, osteophytes, talar cartilage damage, and tenosynovitis were evaluated. Comparison to respective imaging findings on CR and cone‐beam CT was then performed. Single radiologist blinded to other modalities assessed all the imaging studies. Symptoms questionnaire, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), was available for 48 patients.

Results

US detected effusion/synovitis of the talocrural joint with 45% sensitivity and 90% specificity. For the detection of anterior talocrural osteophytes, US sensitivity was 78% and specificity 79%. For the medial talocrural osteophytes, they were 39 and 83%, and for the lateral talocrural osteophytes 54 and 100%, respectively. Considering cartilage damage of the talus, US yielded a low sensitivity of 18% and high specificity of 97%. Overall, the performance of US was only moderate and comparable to CR. The imaging findings showed only weak associations with ankle symptoms.

Conclusions

The ability of US to detect ankle OA is only moderate. Interestingly, performance of CR also remained moderate. The associations between imaging findings and WOMAC score seem to be weak in ankle OA.
Ligand coordination sphere effect of Schiff base cis‐dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes in selective catalytic oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Liu Haiwen , Zhuo Zihan , Zhang Yan , Wei Hang , Zhang Wenxin , Li Tong , Mao Zuodong , Wang Weili
Published: August 2021

Several cis‐dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes with Schiff bases‐derived ligands were synthesized and fully characterized. The catalytic performances of these complexes were tested in the alcohol oxidation under solvent‐free condition using H2O2 as oxidant giving high results. The influence of the oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen atom within the coordination sphere around the molybdenum center was studied (S > N > O). From this study, we suggest that there exists a relationship between the electronegativity of the atom and the catalytic performance in alcohol oxidation.
Root biomechanical properties of Chrysopogon zizanioides and Chrysopogon nemoralis for soil reinforcement and slope stabilisation
Authors: Phan Trung Nghia , Likitlersuang Suched , Kamchoom Viroon , Leung Anthony Kwan
Published: August 2021

Plant root reinforcement in soil bioengineering has gained increasing interest as a means of sustainable and environmentally friendly soil reinforcement and stabilisation. While Chrysopogon zizanioides is widely distributed in tropical regions worldwide and has been advocated for use in slope stabilisation and soil erosion control, C. nemoralis is normally distributed in mountainous areas in Southeast Asian countries, and its potential to reinforce soil has rarely been explored in the soil bioengineering literature. With the importance of root properties in soil bioengineering, this study was carried out to provide a comprehensive dataset of root biomechanical properties, morphological traits, and root reinforcement of these two contrasting vetiver species. A series of experiments, including root observation with a rhizobox system, uniaxial tensile test, and direct shear test, was performed. Results showed that Young's modulus and diameter of C. nemoralis roots were almost 1.4‐ and 1.3‐times greater than those of C. zizanioides roots (p < 0.05). By contrast, no significant difference between the two vetiver species was observed in terms of tensile strength, 'side' root area ratio (RARS), and root orientation (p > 0.05). The diameter–strength (R2 = 0.55–0.56, p < 0.05) and diameter–modulus relationships (R2 = 0.51–0.6, p < 0.05) of both species were consistent with negative power‐law models. Conversely, their diameter–orientation relationship followed a linear model (R2 = 0.85–0.89; p > 0.05). The soil shear strength in terms of cohesion greatly increased in the presence of the roots of C. nemoralis (Δc = 4.9 kPa) and C. zizanioides (Δc = 4.4 kPa). Therefore, C. nemoralis could be an alternative to C. zizanioides in soil bioengineering applications.
Optimization of electromyographic endotracheal tube electrode position by UEScope for monitored thyroidectomy
Authors: Huang Jui‐Mei , Hsu Chun‐Dan , Wu Sheng‐Hua , Kuo Yi‐Wei , Huang Tzu‐Yen , Wu Che‐Wei , Lu I‐Cheng
Published: August 2021

Objective

Proper position of an electromyographic (EMG) endotracheal tube within the larynx plays a key role in functional electrophysiologic intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) in thyroid surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a portable video‐assisted intubation device (UEScope) to verify the optimal placement of an EMG tube.

Methods

A retrospective study enrolled 40 consecutive patients who underwent monitored thyroidectomies. After positioning the patient for surgery, an anesthesiologist performed tracheal intubation with UEScope and checked the position of the tube at the proper depth without rotation to the vocal cords. The main outcome measured was the proper EMG tube position, free from further adjustment. The secondary outcomes assessed were the percentage of available initial vagal stimulation (V1) signals.

Results

All tracheal intubations were successful at first attempt. Proper EMG tube placement without position adjustment was found in 97.5% of the patients. Tube withdrawal was required in a male patient. All patients obtained detectable V1 signals; the lowest and median V1 amplitude was 485 and 767 μV as a reference value, respectively.

Conclusion

The UEScope is a valuable and reliable tool for placing an EMG tube and confirming its position during monitored thyroidectomy. In addition, further tube adjustment might be waived in most cases when the anesthesiologist placed the EMG tube after patient positioning for surgery. Routine use of video‐assisted intubation devices is highly recommended.

Level of Evidence

4.
Compulsion and reactance: Why do some green consumers fail to follow through with planned environmental behaviors?
Authors: Hinsch Christian , Tang Yihui (Elina) , Lund Donald J.
Published: August 2021

Some green consumers fail to follow through with planned environmental behaviors (EB), despite claiming intent to do so. The current research draws on reactance theory to shed light on this paradox at the intersection of environmentalism, sustainability, and green marketing. Historically, individuals have been conceptualized dichotomously as either pro or antienvironmental. Mann questions this simplistic perspective and introduces the “Wizard” and “Prophet” as environmentalist archetypes. Wizards and Prophets both engage in EB, but Wizards perceive science and technology as potential solutions, whereas Prophets believe consumption reduction is the only answer. Building upon self‐discrepancy theory and using both qualitative and quantitative data, we find support for Mann's thesis that both environmentalist archetypes exist, and both have inclinations toward EB. Furthermore, these archetypes differ in how they respond to marketing messages or other external stimuli. Whereas Prophets are stimulated and increase EB when compelled to, Wizards react negatively resulting in decreased environmental behavior. Psychological reactance moderates the mediated effect of compulsion by magnifying the effect of this path. We propose that higher levels of reactance increase the positive impact of compulsion on Prophets while amplifying the negative effect of compulsion for Wizards. Exposing Wizards to marketing communications compelling environmentalism suppresses their EB.