bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel handwritten Turkish letter recognition model based on convolutional neural network
Authors: Kabakus Abdullah Talha , Erdogmus Pakize
Published: May 2021

Convolutional neural networks have provided state‐of‐the‐art solutions for many subfields of computer vision. While there exist many studies in the literature for several languages, studies for handwritten Turkish character recognition lack in the research field. To this end, we propose a novel handwritten Turkish letter recognition model based on a convolutional neural network. Since, to the best of our knowledge, there do not exist any publicly available handwritten Turkish letters datasets, we constructed a handwritten Turkish letters dataset that consists of 25,875 samples. To compare the performance of the proposed model with the related work, three state‐of‐the‐art models, namely, VGG19, InceptionV3, and Xception, were utilized through the transfer learning technique. When these models were evaluated on the handwritten Turkish letter dataset, the proposed model's accuracy was calculated as high as 96.07% which was higher than the benchmark models. To measure the generalization ability of the proposed model, it was evaluated on a gold standard dataset, namely, EMNIST, and has achieved an accuracy of 80.54% which was higher than the benchmark models. Finally, the proposed model was trained and evaluated on the EMNIST dataset and it has achieved an accuracy of 94.61% which outperformed the related work.
Revealing the Multi‐Electron Reaction Mechanism of Na3V2O2(PO4)2F Towards Improved Lithium Storage
Authors: Yin Yameng , Pei Cunyuan , Liao Xiaobin , Xiong Fangyu , Yang Wei , Xiao Biaobiao , Zhao Yan , Ren Zijie , Xu Longhua , An Qinyou
Published: May 2021

Na3V2O2(PO4)2F (NVOPF) as an attractive electrode material has received much attention based on the one‐electron reaction of V4+/V5+. However, the electrochemical reactions involving lower vanadium valences were not investigated till now. Herein, a composite of graphene decorated nanosheet‐assembled NVOPF microflowers (NVOPF/G) was synthesized and the multi‐electron reaction of NVOPF/G was conducted by controlling the operation voltage windows. The reaction mechanism, structural changes, and vanadium valences during the insertion/extraction of Li ions (from 2 to 6) were elucidated clearly by in‐situ X‐ray diffraction and ex‐situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Theoretical computations also revealed the Li‐ion locations in the structure of NaV2O2(PO4)2F. Due to the additional redox couple of V3+/V4+, NVOPF/G displayed a much higher initial capacity of 183.3 mAh g−1 in the wider voltage window of 1.0–4.8 V than that of 2.5–4.8 V (129.3 mAh g−1). Moreover, excellent Li‐storage performance of NVOPF/G at a lower voltage (≤2.5 V) with the active reaction of V2+/V3+/V4+ was obtained for the first time, demonstrating the high potential of NVOPF/G as an anode material for Li ion storage.
Modelling the relationship between continuously measured glucose and electrocardiographic data in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Charamba Beatrice , Liew Aaron , Coen Eileen , Newell John , O’Brien Timothy , Wijns William , Simpkin Andrew J.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with earlier onset of cardiovascular disease. Recent evidence has found hyperglycaemia appears to play a greater role in this association among T1DM compared to T2DM. This study investigates the relationship between glucose and QTc (a key cardiovascular measure) using data from continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) and glucose monitors.

Methods

Seventeen adults with T1DM were recruited at a clinical facility in Ireland. A continuous glucose monitoring system was fitted to each participant that measured glucose every 5 min for 7 days. The participants simultaneously wore a vest with sensors to measure 12‐lead ECG data every 10 min for 7 days. Area under the glucose curve (AUC), proportion of time spent in hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, and mean daily absolute deviation of glucose were calculated. Mixed effects ANOVA and functional regression models were fitted to the data to investigate the aggregate and time‐dependent association between glucose and QTc.

Results

All participants were male with an average age of 52.5 (SD 3.8) years. Those with neuropathy had a significantly higher mean QTc compared to their counterparts. Mean QTc was significantly longer during hyperglycaemia. There was a significant positive association between QTc and time spent in hyperglycaemia. A negative association was found between QTc and time spent in hypoglycaemia. A functional model suggested a positive relationship between glucose and QTc at several times during the 7‐day follow‐up.

Conclusion

This study used sensor technology to investigate, with high granularity, the temporal relationship between glucose and ECG data over one week. QTc was found to be longer on average during hyperglycaemia.
Proteomic profiling for detection of early‐stage heart failure in the community
Authors: Cauwenberghs Nicholas , Sabovčik František , Magnus Alessio , Haddad Francois , Kuznetsova Tatiana
Published: May 2021

Aims

Biomarkers may provide insights into molecular mechanisms underlying heart remodelling and dysfunction. Using a targeted proteomic approach, we aimed to identify circulating biomarkers associated with early stages of heart failure.

Methods and results

A total of 575 community‐based participants (mean age, 57 years; 51.7% women) underwent echocardiography and proteomic profiling (CVD II panel, Olink Proteomics). We applied partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) and a machine learning algorithm [eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)] to identify key proteins associated with echocardiographic abnormalities. We used Gaussian mixture modelling for unbiased clustering to construct phenogroups based on influential proteins in PLS‐DA and XGBoost. Of 87 proteins, 13 were important in PLS‐DA and XGBoost modelling for detection of left ventricular remodelling, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and/or left atrial reservoir dysfunction: placental growth factor, kidney injury molecule‐1, prostasin, angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2, galectin‐9, cathepsin L1, matrix metalloproteinase‐7, tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily members 10A, 10B, and 11A, interleukins 6 and 16, and α1‐microglobulin/bikunin precursor. Based on these proteins, the clustering algorithm divided the cohort into two distinct phenogroups, with each cluster grouping individuals with a similar protein profile. Participants belonging to the second cluster (n = 118) were characterized by an unfavourable cardiovascular risk profile and adverse cardiac structure and function. The adjusted risk of presenting echocardiographic abnormalities was higher in this phenogroup than in the other (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

We identified proteins related to renal function, extracellular matrix remodelling, angiogenesis, and inflammation to be associated with echocardiographic signs of early‐stage heart failure. Proteomic phenomapping discriminated individuals at high risk for cardiac remodelling and dysfunction.
Prevalence and clinical outcomes of dystrophin‐associated dilated cardiomyopathy without severe skeletal myopathy
Authors: Restrepo‐Cordoba Maria A. , Wahbi Karim , Florian Anca R. , Jiménez‐Jáimez Juan , Politano Luisa , Arad Michael , Climent‐Paya Vicente , Garcia‐Alvarez Ana , Hansen Rasmus B. , Larrañaga‐Moreira José M. , Kubanek Milos , Lopes Luis R. , Ros Andrea , Jurcut Ruxandra , Rasmussen Torsten B. , Ruiz‐Guerrero Luis , Pribe‐Wolferts Regina , Palomino‐Doza Julian , Bilinska Zofia , Rodríguez‐Palomares José F. , Van Loon Rosa L.E. , Basurte Elorz María Teresa , Quarta Giovanni , Robledo Iñarritu Maria , Verdonschot Job A.J. , Stojkovic Tanya , Shomanova Zornitsa , Bermudez‐Jimenez Francisco , Palladino Alberto , Freimark Dov , García‐Álvarez Maria I. , Jorda Paloma , Dominguez Fernando , Ochoa Juan Pablo , Girolami Francesca , Brugada Ramon , Meder Benjamin , Barriales‐Villa Roberto , Mogensen Jens , Laforêt Pascal , Yilmaz Ali , Elliott Perry , Garcia‐Pavia Pablo ,   for the European Genetic Cardiomyopathies Initiative Investigators (see online supplementary Appendix S1)
Published: May 2021

Aims

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) associated with dystrophin gene (DMD) mutations in individuals with mild or absent skeletal myopathy is often indistinguishable from other DCM forms. We sought to describe the phenotype and prognosis of DMD associated DCM in DMD mutation carriers without severe skeletal myopathy.

Methods and results

At 26 European centres, we retrospectively collected clinical characteristics and outcomes of 223 DMD mutation carriers (83% male, 33 ± 15 years). A total of 112 individuals (52%) had DCM at first evaluation [n = 85; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 34 ± 11.2%] or developed DCM (n = 27; LVEF 41.3 ± 7.5%) after a median follow‐up of 96 months (interquartile range 5–311 months). DCM penetrance was 45% in carriers older than 40 years. DCM appeared earlier in males and was independent of the type of mutation, presence of skeletal myopathy, or elevated serum creatine kinase levels. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) occurred in 22% individuals with DCM, 18% developed end‐stage heart failure and 9% sudden cardiac death or equivalent. Skeletal myopathy was not associated with survival free of MACE in patients with DCM. Decreased LVEF and increased left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter at baseline were associated with MACE. Individuals without DCM had favourable prognosis without MACE or death during follow‐up.

Conclusions

DMD‐associated DCM without severe skeletal myopathy is characterized by incomplete penetrance but high risk of MACE, including progression to end‐stage heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. DCM onset is the major determinant of prognosis with similar survival regardless of the presence of skeletal myopathy.
Natural history and prognostic significance of iron deficiency and anaemia in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Graham Fraser J. , Masini Gabriele , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Cleland John G.F. , Greenlaw Nicola , Friday Jocelyn , Kazmi Syed , Clark Andrew L.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Iron deficiency (ID) and anaemia are common in heart failure; less is known about changes over time.

Methods and results

We investigated prevalence, incidence and resolution of ID and anaemia in 906 patients with chronic heart failure (median age 73 (65–79) years, 70% men, 51% with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction) 1 year apart. ID was defined as serum iron ≤13 µmol/L and anaemia as haemoglobin <13.0 g/dL for men or <12.0 g/dL for women. FAIR‐HF criteria for ID were also considered. At baseline, 10% had anaemia without ID, 23% had ID without anaemia, 20% had both, and 47% had neither. Percentages changed little over 1 year, but 157 (30%) patients had new‐onset ID, 104 (16%) new‐onset anaemia, whilst ID resolved in 173 (44%) and anaemia in 63 (23%). Compared to those who remained iron replete (iron >13 µmol/L), mortality was higher in those with persistent or incident ID at 1 year [hazard ratio (HR) 1.81 (1.23–2.67), and HR 1.40 (0.91–2.14), respectively] in multivariable models (P = 0.02). Compared to persistent ID, resolution of ID was associated with a lower mortality [HR 0.61 (0.44–0.86); P = 0.004]. Changes in ID defined by FAIR‐HF criteria were not similarly associated with mortality. Anaemia was associated with a poor outcome even if it resolved.

Conclusions

The prevalence and incidence of ID and anaemia are high in chronic heart failure but so is the rate of resolution. Persistent or incident ID, defined by a serum iron ≤13 µmol/L, is associated with higher mortality and resolution of ID with lower mortality.
Dosing of losartan in men versus women with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: the HEAAL trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Konstam Marvin A. , McMurray John J.V. , Butler Javed , Girerd Nicolas , Rossignol Patrick , Sharma Abhinav , Voors Adriaan A. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Packer Milton , Zannad Faiez
Published: May 2021

Aims

In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), guidelines recommend up‐titration of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptors blockers (ARBs) to the maximum tolerated dose. However, some studies suggest that women might need lower doses of ACEi/ARBs than men to achieve similar treatment benefit.

Methods and results

The HEAAL trial compared low vs. high dose of losartan. We reassessed the efficacy and safety of high‐ vs. low‐dose in men vs. women using Cox models and machine learning algorithms. The mean age was 66 years and 30% of patients were women. Men appeared to have benefited more from high‐dose than from low‐dose losartan, whereas women appeared to have responded similarly to low and high doses [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) comparing high‐ vs. low‐dose losartan for the composite outcome of all‐cause death or all‐cause hospitalization: 0.89 (0.81–0.98) in men and 1.10 (0.95–1.28) in women; interaction P = 0.018]. Female sex clustered along with older age, ischaemic heart failure, New York Heart Association class III/IV, and estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min. Patients with these features had a poorer response to high‐dose losartan. Subgroup analyses supported no benefit from high‐dose losartan in patients with poorer kidney function and severe heart failure symptoms.

Conclusions

Compared with men, women might need lower doses of losartan to achieve similar treatment benefit. However, beyond sex, other factors (e.g. kidney function, age, and symptoms) may influence the response to high‐dose losartan, suggesting that sex‐based subgroup findings may be biased by other confounders.
Photoelectrochemical Sensor for Isoniazid: Application in Drugs Used in the Treatment of Tuberculosis
Authors: Nascimento Botelho Chirlene , Pavão e Pavão Daniele , Santos Damos Flávio , de Cássia Silva Luz Rita
Published: May 2021

The present work describes the development of a photoelectrochemical sensor based on titanium dioxide, cadmium telluride quantum dots and the tris (2,2′‐bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) chloride complex for detection of Isoniazid (INH). The Ru(bpy)32+/CdTe‐QDs/TiO2/FTO photoelectrochemical platform was characterized by scanning electrochemical microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and amperometry. The photoelectrochemical sensor presented two linear ranges for INH concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 150 μmol L−1 and 150 to 1270 μmol L−1, with a theoretical detection limit of 0.02 μmol L−1. The sensor was successfully applied for the determination of INH in drugs samples used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
On Direct Injection of Supercritical Water into Spark Ignition Engines as a Strategy for Heat Recovery
Authors: Cantiani Antonio , Viggiano Annarita , Magi Vinicio
Published: May 2021

A novel heat recovery strategy for internal combustion engines is proposed. The aim is to recover thermal energy from the engine exhaust gases and through cylinder walls to heat pressurized water to supercritical conditions and to directly inject such supercritical water into the combustion chamber. Herein, this strategy is applied to a spark ignition, four‐stroke, port fuel injection engine. An in‐house solver, which includes a heat exchanger model, has been developed to conduct numerical simulations of the apparatus. At first, the engine model has been validated by comparing the results with experimental measurements. Then, a parametric analysis has been conducted to maximize the engine efficiency by varying the injection start timing, the injector diameter, and the water/fuel ratio. A single‐objective genetic algorithm has been used to select the optimal set of such parameters. Finally, a multiobjective genetic algorithm has been used to maximize the engine efficiency and minimize the exhaust gas–water heat exchanger size. The results show that the proposed approach may lead to a significant increase in the engine efficiency, up to about 12%.
Wide Potential CO2‐to‐CO Electroreduction Relies on Pyridinic‐N/Ni–Nx Sites and Its Zn–CO2 Battery Application
Authors: Zeng Zipeng , Mohamed Aya Gomaa Abdelkader , Zhang Xiang , Wang Yaobing
Published: May 2021

Although metal–N‐doped carbons are promising electrocatalysts for CO2‐to‐CO conversion due to their high conversion efficiency and current density, their commercial application is still challenging due to their narrow potential/current range. In general, a wide potential/current electrocatalyst is in high demand for industrial CO2 electrocatalysis. Controllable strategy to tune N configurations toward pyridinic‐enriched metal–Nx active sites is attractive. The synergetic effect of the ability of pyridinic N to capture Lewis acidic CO2 and the characteristics of Ni–N active sites to inhibit the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) can achieve a wide potential window, which has high practical value. Herein, the well‐chosen precursors resulting in a pyridinic‐enriched Ni–Nx site can selectively catalyze CO2 toward CO generation in aqueous media with a high Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 100% with an overpotential of 680 mV. Continuous CO FE > 90% was recorded under a wide range of potentials without decay. Motivated by its practical characteristics in CO2 electrocatalysts, a Zn–CO2 battery is assembled achieving a CO2–CO conversion efficiency of more than 90% in a wide discharge current window. Therefore, the results highlight that pyridinic‐enriched Ni–Nx holds great promise as simultaneous CO‐selective electrocatalyst by suitably tuning M–N configurations as new perspective strategy.
Relationships between intraoral ultrasonographic and histopathological findings in patients with tongue cancer
Authors: Konishi Masaru , Sakamoto Shinnichi , Ogawa Ikuko , Yoshioka Yukio , Ono Shigehiro , Kakimoto Naoya
Published: May 2021

Background

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationships between histopathological and intraoral ultrasonographic (IUS) findings in patients with tongue cancer.

Methods

IUS and histopathological findings in 46 patients with tongue cancer were considered for this study. We assessed the relationships between IUS findings regarding tumor thickness, margin type, border type, and internal echo intensity; internal/peripheral Doppler findings; and muscle invasion and histopathological findings regarding tumor thickness, differentiation, Yamamoto–Kohama (YK)‐classification grade, blood vessel invasion, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, and muscle invasion.

Results

Statistical associations were found between the following findings: between thickness determined through IUS measurement and that determined through histopathological measurement, between the IUS findings regarding tumor margin and border types and the histopathologically determined YK‐classifications grades, and between a Doppler image of the internal area of tongue lesions and lymphatic invasion.

Conclusions

IUS findings may be used to predict histopathological findings about tumor thickness and YK‐classification grades.
The jaw‐dropping costs of oral cavity cancer malpractice
Authors: Wong Amanda , Zhu Daniel , Tong Jane Y. , Ko Andrew , Tham Tristan , Kraus Dennis
Published: May 2021

Background

Medical litigation is different than it was 20 years ago due to changes in health care. This study provides an updated analysis of oral cavity malpractice litigation from the past two decades (2000–2010 and 2011–2019).

Methods

Verdict reviews from the Westlaw database were analyzed from January 2000 to August 2019. Data were collected and analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

Results

Sixty‐five lawsuits were evaluated across 24 states. Failure to diagnose was the most common allegation in both decades. Adjusting for inflation, the average amount awarded from 2000 to 2010 was $1 721 068 and $3 925 504 from 2011 to 2019.

Conclusions

There has been a significant rise in allegations of failure to biopsy and failure to refer (p < 0.05). In addition, while award amounts appear different between decades, the difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.248). Education should focus on early diagnosis, biopsy, and referral to physicians who routinely care for this patient population.
Measurement of factor strength: Theory and practice
Authors: Bailey Natalia , Kapetanios George , Pesaran M. Hashem
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes an estimator of factor strength and establishes its consistency and asymptotic distribution. The estimator is based on the number of statistically significant factor loadings, taking multiple testing into account. Both cases of observed and unobserved factors are considered. The small sample properties of the proposed estimator are investigated using Monte Carlo experiments. It is shown that the proposed estimation and inference procedures perform well and have excellent power properties, especially when the factor strength is sufficiently high. Empirical applications to factor models for asset returns show that out of 146 factors recently considered in the finance literature, only the market factor is truly strong, while all other factors are at best semi‐strong, with their strength varying considerably over time. Similarly, we only find evidence of semi‐strong factors using a large number of US macroeconomic indicators.
Characterization of toxicological effects of complex nano‐sized metal particles using in vitro human cell and whole blood model systems
Authors: Elfsmark Linda , Ekstrand‐Hammarström Barbro , Forsgren Nina , Lejon Christian , Hägglund Lars , Wingfors Håkan
Published: May 2021

Metal oxide fumes form at high temperatures, for instance, during welding or firing ammunition. Inhalation exposure to high levels of airborne metal oxide particles can cause metal fume fever, cardiovascular effects, and lung damage in humans, but the associated underlying pathological mechanisms are still not fully understood. Using human alveolar epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, and whole blood model systems, we aimed to elucidate the short‐term effects of well‐characterized metal particles emitted while firing pistol ammunition. Human lung epithelial cells exposed to gunshot smoke particles (0.1–50 μg/ml) produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 8 (IL‐8), granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF)) that activate and recruit immune cells. Particles comprising high copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) content activated human endothelial cells via a non‐ROS‐mediated mechanism that triggered immune activation (IL‐8, GM‐CSF), leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM‐1)), and secretion of regulators of the acute‐phase protein synthesis (interleukin 6 (IL‐6)). In human whole blood, metal oxides in gunshot smoke demonstrated intrinsic properties that activated platelets (release of soluble cluster of differentiation 40 ligand (sCD40L), platelet‐derived growth factor B‐chain homodimer(PDGF‐BB), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A)) and blood coagulation and induced concomitant release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines from blood leukocytes that further orchestrate thrombogenesis. The model systems applied provide useful tools for health risk assessment of particle exposures, but more studies are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of metal fume fever and to evaluate the potential risk of long‐term cardiovascular diseases.
Toxic effects of nanomaterials for health applications: How automation can support a systematic review of the literature?
Authors: Halamoda‐Kenzaoui Blanka , Rolland Etienne , Piovesan Jacopo , Puertas Gallardo Antonio , Bremer‐Hoffmann Susanne
Published: May 2021

Systematic reviews of the scientific literature can be an important source of information supporting the daily work of the regulators in their decision making, particularly in areas of innovative technologies where the regulatory experience is still limited. Significant research activities in the field of nanotechnology resulted in a huge number of publications in the last decades. However, even if the published data can provide relevant information, scientific articles are often of diverse quality, and it is nearly impossible to manually process and evaluate such amount of data in a systematic manner. In this feasibility study, we investigated to what extent open‐access automation tools can support a systematic review of toxic effects of nanomaterials for health applications reported in the scientific literature. In this study, we used a battery of available tools to perform the initial steps of a systematic review such as targeted searches, data curation and abstract screening. This work was complemented with an in‐house developed tool that allowed us to extract specific sections of the articles such as the materials and methods part or the results section where we could perform subsequent text analysis. We ranked the articles according to quality criteria based on the reported nanomaterial characterisation and extracted most frequently described toxic effects induced by different types of nanomaterials. Even if further demonstration of the reliability and applicability of automation tools is necessary, this study demonstrated the potential to leverage information from the scientific literature by using automation systems in a tiered strategy.
Neighborhood structural characteristics, perceived neighborhood environment, and problem behaviors among at‐risk adolescents
Authors: Yoon Miyoung
Published: May 2021

Neighborhood environment has been linked to behavioral outcomes in adolescence. The current study examined two potential mediators (i.e., perceived social capital, perceived neighborhood disorder) in the association between neighborhood structural characteristics (i.e., neighborhood disorganization) and problem behaviors (i.e., externalizing behavior, substance use) among at‐risk adolescents with prenatal substance exposure. The study sample included 350 15‐year‐old adolescents recruited at birth. Adolescents' addresses were linked to census tract data. Neighborhood structural characteristics were not directly associated with adolescent problem behaviors in the presence of perceived social capital and neighborhood disorder. Greater neighborhood disorganization was associated with lower levels of perceived social capital, which was related to greater perceived neighborhood disorder, and then problem behaviors. The findings suggest that community practice needs to focus on subjective perceptions of neighborhoods when developing intervention programs on problem behaviors among at‐risk adolescents.
Investigation of microstructure and dissimilar materials connection patterns of mantis shrimp saddle
Authors: Zhao Qian , Chang Yanjiao , Lin Zhaohua , Zhang Zhihui , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan
Published: May 2021

The microstructure and dissimilar materials connection patterns of mantis shrimp saddle were investigated. The outer layer with layered helical structure and inner layer with slablike laminae structure constructed the microstructure characteristics of saddle. The merus and membrane were characterized by layered structure. The lamina of saddle connected the corresponding lamina in merus and membrane, building the continuous and smooth coupling connection patterns. The entitative “hard‐hard” and “hard‐soft” transitions of dissimilar materials at micro level enhanced the steady transmit of driven force. The saddle exhibited high mechanical strength. With the increase of in‐situ tensile displacement, the number of fractured fragments on saddle outer layer surface increased, which subjected to tensile load and defused the damage in the form of mineralized surface fragmentation. In the inner part of saddle, the fracture of mineralized laminae and crack deflection mechanisms bore the tensile load influence. The combination of microstructure with high mechanical strength and continues micro lamina connection endowed the concise dissimilar materials connection and efficient elastic energy storage property of saddle, which can be treated as the bionic models for design and preparation of fiber reinforced resin composite, hyperelastic material and so on.
Unveiling spatial variability in herbicide soil sorption using Bayesian digital mapping
Authors: Giannini‐Kurina Franca , Hang Susana , Rampoldi Ariel E. , Paccioretti Pablo , Balzarini Mónica
Published: May 2021

Regional mapping herbicide sorption to soil is essential for risk assessment. However, conducting analytical quantification of adsorption coefficient (Kd) in large‐scale studies is too costly; therefore, a research question arises on goodness of Kd spatial prediction from sampling. The application of a spatial Bayesian regression (BR) is a newer technique in agricultural and natural resources sciences that allows converting spatially discrete samples into maps covering continuous spatial domains. The objective of this work was to unveil herbicide sorption to soil at a landscape scale by developing a predictive BR model. We integrated a large set of ancillary soil and climate covariables from sites with Kd measurements into a spatial mixed model including site random effects. The models were fitted using glyphosate and atrazine Kds, determined in 80 and 120 sites, respectively, from central Argentina. For model assessment, measurements of global and point‐wise prediction errors were obtained by cross‐validation; residual variability was estimated by bootstrap to compare BR with regression kriging. Results showed that the BR spatial predictions outperformed regression kriging. The glyphosate Kd model (root mean square prediction error, 13% of the mean) included aluminum oxides, pH, and clay content, whereas the atrazine Kd model strongly depended on soil organic carbon and clay and on climatic variables related to water availability (root mean square prediction error, 27%). Spatial modeling of a complex edaphic process as herbicide sorption to soils enhanced environmental interpretations. An efficient approach for spatial mapping provides a modern perspective on the study of herbicide sorption to soil.
Clinical characteristics of sarcopenia in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis
Authors: Saeki Chisato , Kanai Tomoya , Nakano Masanori , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Torisu Yuichi , Saruta Masayuki , Tsubota Akihito
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim

Sarcopenia frequently develops in patient with liver cirrhosis (LC). Ethanol reduces muscle protein synthesis and accelerates proteolysis. However, the relationship between heavy alcohol consumption and sarcopenia remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and prevalence of sarcopenia among patients with alcoholic LC (ALC) in real‐world clinical settings.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 181 patients with LC. Heavy alcohol consumption was defined as >60 g/day. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Japan Society of Hepatology criteria.

Results

Among the 181 patients, 64 (35.4%) were diagnosed with ALC. Patients with ALC were younger (median, 61.5 vs 72.0 years; P < 0.001) and had a lower prevalence of sarcopenia (18.8 vs 32.5%; P = 0.048) than those with non‐ALC. Conversely, the former had a higher prevalence of Child–Pugh class B/C (P = 0.015), higher total bilirubin (P = 0.017), and lower prothrombin time (P < 0.001) than the latter. The prevalence of sarcopenia increased alongside advancing age in patients with ALC (P = 0.007). Multivariate analysis identified older age (but not disease stage/liver function reserve and alcohol consumption) as an independent factor associated with sarcopenia (P = 0.002) in patients with ALC.

Conclusion

Patients with ALC were younger and had a lower prevalence of sarcopenia, despite advanced disease stage/impaired liver function reserve, compared to those with non‐ALC in real‐world clinical settings. However, older age was strongly associated with sarcopenia, even in patients with ALC. There was no significant influence of heavy alcohol consumption on the development of sarcopenia.
The synaptic blocker botulinum toxin A decreases the density and complexity of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the adult mouse hippocampus
Authors: Chacon‐De‐La‐Rocha Irene , Fryatt Gemma L. , Rivera Andrea D. , Restani Laura , Caleo Matteo , Gomez‐Nicola Diego , Butt Arthur M.
Published: May 2021

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are responsible for generating oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the CNS. Life‐long myelination is promoted by neuronal activity and is essential for neural network plasticity and learning. OPCs are known to contact synapses and it is proposed that neuronal synaptic activity in turn regulates their behavior. To examine this in the adult, we performed unilateral injection of the synaptic blocker botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) into the hippocampus of adult mice. We confirm BoNT/A cleaves SNAP‐25 in the CA1 are of the hippocampus, which has been proven to block neurotransmission. Notably, BoNT/A significantly decreased OPC density and caused their shrinkage, as determined by immunolabeling for the OPC marker NG2. Furthermore, BoNT/A resulted in an overall decrease in the number of OPC processes, as well as a decrease in their lengths and branching frequency. These data indicate that synaptic activity is important for maintaining adult OPC numbers and cellular integrity, which is relevant to pathophysiological scenarios characterized by dysregulation of synaptic activity, such as age‐related cognitive decline, Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
A common genetic variant in fatty acid amide hydrolase is linked to alterations in fear extinction neural circuitry in a racially diverse, nonclinical sample of adults
Authors: Zabik Nicole L. , Iadipaolo Allesandra S. , Marusak Hilary A. , Peters Craig , Burghardt Kyle , Rabinak Christine A.
Published: May 2021

Poor fear extinction learning and recall are linked to the development of fear‐based disorders, like posttraumatic stress disorder, and are associated with aberrant activation of fear‐related neural circuitry. This includes greater amygdala activation during extinction learning and lesser hippocampal and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) activation during recall. Emerging data indicate that genetic variation in fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH C385A; rs324420) is associated with increased peripheral endocannabinoid (eCB) levels and lesser threat‐related amygdala reactivity. Preclinical studies link increased eCB signaling to better extinction learning and recall, thus FAAH C385A may protect against the development of trauma‐related psychopathology by facilitating extinction learning. However, how this FAAH variant affects fear extinction neural circuitry remains unknown. In the present study, we used a novel, immersive‐reality fear extinction paradigm paired with functional neuroimaging to assess FAAH C385A effects on fear‐related neural circuitry and conditioned fear responding (US expectancy ratings, subjective units of distress, and skin conductance responding) in healthy adults from an urban area (Detroit, MI; N = 59; C/C = 35, A‐carrier = 24). We found lesser amygdala activation in A‐allele carriers, compared to C/C homozygotes, during early extinction recall. Likewise, we found lesser dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and greater hippocampus activation in early extinction learning in A‐carriers compared to C/C homozygotes. We found no effects of FAAH C385A on vmPFC activation or behavioral fear indices. These data support and extend previous findings that FAAH genetic variation, associated with increased eCB signaling and subsequent enhanced fear extinction, may predict individual differences in successful fear learning.
Effects of infrared light laser therapy on in vivo and in vitro periodontitis models
Authors: da Cruz Galhardo Camargo Gabriela Alessandra , de Oliveira Barbosa Lucas Mota , Stumbo Milla Bonecini , Thurler Júnior Julio Cesar , da Costa Gabriella Ribeiro Machado , Domingos‐Vieira Andréa de Castro , Pascoal Vinicius D'Avila Bitencourt , Robbs Bruno Kaufmann , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu , de Araujo Olga Maria Oliveira , Capelo Luciane Portas
Published: May 2021

Background

This study evaluated the effects of infrared light laser therapy (ILLT) on ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), histology, fibroblast migration, and viability analysis.

Methods

Forty‐eight rats were randomly distributed into three groups: control (no periodontitis), PDC (periodontitis without laser therapy), and PD+L (periodontitis with laser therapy). Periodontitis was induced by ligature placement for 4 weeks. The 12‐week‐old rats (baseline) were subjected to laser treatment and euthanized 30 days after. After treatment, the mandibular first molars were prepared for micro‐CT scanning, and histological sections were assessed as to the cementoenamel junction, alveolar bone crest, and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell infiltration. In vitro assays were carried out to examine NIH/3T3 fibroblast viability after laser therapy.

Results

Migration and cell viability assays revealed that the ILLT maintained fibroblast cell viability with 4 J/cm2, reaching 100% healing. The control group (at baseline and 30 days) presented a statistically significant difference from the PDC group at 30 days in terms of distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone crest (CEJ‐ABC). The PD+L group showed a statistically substantial difference from the PDC group at 30 days in terms of trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), degree of anisotropy (DA), and closed porosity percentage (Po%).

Conclusion

ILLT seemed to preserve the bone structure in the in vivo periodontitis induction model at 30 days and did not reduce cell viability or increase fibroblast migration in vitro. The ILLT provides positive effects on mandibular bone microstructure.
Surgical reconstructive treatment for infraosseous peri‐implantitis defects with a submerged healing approach: A prospective controlled study
Authors: Wen Shih‐Cheng , Barootchi Shayan , Huang Wen‐Xia , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: May 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the reconstructive potential of a submerged healing approach for the treatment of infraosseous peri‐implantitis defects.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of peri‐implantitis were recruited. Implant suprastructures were removed before the surgical treatment, which included implant surface and defect detoxification using implantoplasty, air‐power driven devices, and locally delivered antibiotics. The augmentation procedure included a composite bone graft and a non‐resorbable membrane followed by primary wound coverage and a submerged healing of 8 months, at which point membranes were removed, and peri‐implant defect measurements were obtained as the primary outcome. Secondary endpoints included assessment of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and probing depth (PD) reductions.

Results

Thirty implants in 22 patients were treated. A significant clinical bone gain of 3.22 ± 0.41 mm was observed at 8 months. Radiographic analysis also showed an average gain of 3.47 ± 0.41 mm. Three months after installment of new crowns, final PD measures showed a significant reduction compared to initial examinations and a significant reduction in bleeding on probing compared to examinations at the pre‐surgical visit.

Conclusions

Reconstruction of infraosseous peri‐implantitis defects is feasible with thorough detoxification of implant sites, and a submerged regenerative healing approach.
How do water table drawdown, duration of drainage, and warming influence greenhouse gas emissions from drained peatlands of the Zoige Plateau?
Authors: Xue Dan , Chen Huai , Zhan Wei , Huang Xinya , He Yixin , Zhao Chuan , Zhu Dan , Liu Jianliang
Published: May 2021

Alpine peatlands on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau are an important soil carbon pool and are extremely sensitive to global change. Duration of drainage and water table drawdown accelerate peatland degradation because the soil changes from an anaerobic to aerobic environment, and climate warming exacerbates this shift. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of drainage on microbial characteristics and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as identify the factors mediating those effects. This study also analyzed whether warming increases the variability of GHG emissions. Watertable drawdown exerted greater influence on microbial communities than duration of drainage did. Watertable drawdown significantly increased the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Basidiomycota, and changes in soil microbiota correlated with differences in GHG emissions across three water‐table treatments. Longer drainage was associated with lower GHG emission; watertable drawdown decreased emissions of CO2 and CH4, but increased emission of N2O. In addition, high temperature increased CO2 emission by 75% and N2O emission by 42%, without significantly affecting CH4 emission. Structural equation modelling showed that microbes, especially prokaryotes (r = 0.79, p < 0.05 for all), were the primary factor affecting GHG emissions from drained peatlands. Overall, this study indicates that the watertable exerts a greater effect on GHG emissions than duration of drainage, and that warming increases variability of GHG emissions.
Smart Microgels from Unconventional Acrylamides
Authors: Hannappel Yvonne , Wiehemeier Lars , Dirksen Maxim , Kottke Tilman , Hellweg Thomas
Published: May 2021

In the present study, smart responsive microgels are synthesized from a series of alternative monomers, which are less common in micro‐ and nanogel research. Their swelling behavior is studied by means of photon correlation spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, these monomers are used to make copolymer microgels. In line with previous results for such copolymer particles the present work observes linear changes of the volume phase transition temperatures of the microgels as a function of the microgel composition. The presented systems allow to realize a broad range of transition temperatures, which is potentially interesting for applications in sensing, actuation, and drug delivery.
Two‐Distinct Polymer Ubiquitin Conjugates by Photochemical Grafting‐From
Authors: Burridge Kevin M. , Parnell Ryan F. , Kearns Madison M. , Page Richard C. , Konkolewicz Dominik
Published: May 2021

Protein‐polymer bioconjugates present a way to make enzymes more efficient and robust for industrial and medicinal applications. While much work has focused on mono‐functional conjugates, that is, conjugates with one type of polymer attached such as poly(ethylene glycol) or poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide), there is a practical interest in gaining additional functionality by synthesizing well‐defined bifunctional conjugates in a hetero‐arm star copolymer architecture with protein as the core. Using ubiquitin as a model protein, a synthetic scheme is developed to attach two different polymers (oligo(ethylene oxide) methacrylate and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) directly to the protein surface, using orthogonal conjugation chemistries and grafting‐from by photochemical living radical polymerization techniques. The additional complexity arising from attempts to selectively modify multiple sites led to decreased polymerization performance and indicates that initiators for continuous activator regeneration atom transfer radical polymerization and reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization are not well‐suited to bifunctional bioconjugates applications under the studied conditions. Nonetheless, the polymerization conditions preserve the native fold of the ubiquitin and enable production of a hetero‐arm star protein‐polymer bioconjugate.
Meeting numbers and pseudopowers
Authors: Matet Pierre
Published: May 2021

We study the role of meeting numbers in pcf theory. In particular, Shelah's Strong Hypothesis is shown to be equivalent to the assertion that for any singular cardinal σ of cofinality ω, there is a size collectionQof countable subsets of σ with the property that for any infinite subsetaof σ, there is a member ofQmeetingain an infinite set.
A Biomarker for Benign Adult Familial Myoclonus Epilepsy: High‐Frequency Activities in Giant Somatosensory Evoked Potentials
Authors: Tojima Maya , Hitomi Takefumi , Matsuhashi Masao , Neshige Shuichiro , Usami Kiyohide , Oi Kazuki , Kobayashi Katsuya , Takeyama Hirofumi , Shimotake Akihiro , Takahashi Ryosuke , Ikeda Akio
Published: May 2021

Background

Benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy (BAFME) is one of the diseases that cause cortical myoclonus (CM) with giant somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). There are no useful diagnostic biomarkers differentiating BAFME from other CM diseases.

Objective

To establish reliable biomarkers including high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) with giant SEPs for the diagnosis of BAFME.

Methods

This retrospective case study included 49 consecutive CM patients (16 BAFME and 33 other CM patients) who exhibited giant P25 or N35 SEPs. SEPs were processed by a band‐pass filter of 400–1000 Hz to analyze HFOs. Clinical and SEP findings were compared between (1) BAFME and other CM groups and (2) patients with presence and absence of P25‐HFOs (HFOs superimposed on giant P25). The diagnostic power of each factor for BAFME was calculated.

Results

All 16 BAFME patients showed SEP P25‐HFOs with significantly higher occurrence (P < 0.0001) compared with that of other CM groups. The presence of P25‐HFOs significantly correlated with a BAFME diagnosis (P < 0.0001) and high SEP P25 and N35 amplitudes (P = 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively). BAFME was reliably diagnosed using P25‐HFOs with high sensitivity (100%), specificity (87.9%), positive predictive value (80%), and negative predictive value (100%), demonstrating its superiority as a diagnostic factor compared to other factors.

Conclusions

P25‐HFOs with giant SEPs is a potential biomarker for BAFME diagnosis. P25‐HFOs may reflect cortical hyperexcitability partly due to paroxysmal depolarizing shifts in epileptic neuronal activities and higher degrees of rhythmic tremulousness than those in ordinary CM. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Flipping the adult natural resources classroom to build community and learn in nature
Authors: Janke Adam
Published: May 2021

Adult‐focused natural resources education is critical amid widespread challenges related to water quality, biodiversity declines, and climate change. Extension educators are poised to make impactful advances in natural resource education among adult learners when equipped with educational tools that improve knowledge and build connections among peers. The Mater Conservationist Program in Iowa sought to address this educational need through a flipped‐classroom learning model evaluated in this report. Participants (n = 174) enrolled in 11 offerings of the program completed a multi‐week educational curriculum that combined online instruction by university educators with in‐person instruction led by local natural resources professionals and extension educators in a flipped classroom model. The approach ensured a standardized educational experience across the state but allowed for tailored, locally‐focused education through in‐person instruction on topics most important or relevant to local natural resource issues. Participants completing a post‐course evaluation indicated widespread satisfaction (91% extremely or somewhat satisfied) in all three program elements – online instruction, in‐person instruction, and networking opportunities. Participant self‐assessed knowledge increased in each module topic between 2.8 and 3.8 points on a 10‐point scale (P < .001). Participants declared an intent to apply lessons from the class on over 30,000 acres of land they owned or had influence over across a diversity of land use contexts found in the state. The flipped classroom model facilitated deep learning but also important experiences in nature and networking among peer learners and professionals that should translate to improved community engagement in critical areas of natural resources stewardship.