bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology of P2X3‐immunoreactive basket‐like afferent nerve endings surrounding serosal ganglia and close relationship with vesicular nucleotide transporter‐immunoreactive nerve fibers in the rat gastric antrum
Authors: Hirakawa Masato , Yokoyama Takuya , Yamamoto Yoshio , Saino Tomoyuki
Published: July 2021

We previously reported P2X3 purinoceptor (P2X3)‐expressing vagal afferent nerve endings with large web‐like structures in the subserosal tissue of the antral lesser curvature, suggesting that these nerve endings were one of the vagal mechanoreceptors. The present study investigated the morphological relationship between P2X3‐immunoreactive nerve endings and serosal ganglia in the rat gastric antrum by immunohistochemistry of whole‐mount preparations using confocal scanning laser microscopy. P2X3‐immunoreactive basket‐like subserosal nerve endings with new morphology were distributed laterally to the gastric sling muscles in the distal antrum of the lesser curvature. Parent axons ramified into numerous nerve fibers with pleomorphic flattened structures to form basket‐like nerve endings, and the parent axons were originated from large net‐like structures of vagal afferent nerve endings. Basket‐like nerve endings wrapped around the whole serosal ganglia, which were characterized by neurofilament 200 kDa‐immunoreactive neurons with or without neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity and S100B‐immunoreactive glial cells. Furthermore, basket‐like nerve endings were localized in close apposition to dopamine beta‐hydroxylase‐immunoreactive sympathetic nerve fibers immunoreactive for vesicular nucleotide transporter. These results suggest that P2X3‐immunoreactive basket‐like nerve endings associated with serosal ganglia are the specialized ending structures of vagal subserosal mechanoreceptors in order to increase the sensitivity during antral peristalsis, and are activated by ATP from sympathetic nerve fibers and/or serosal ganglia for the regulation of mechanoreceptor function.
A deep neural network and random forests driven computer vision framework for identification and prediction of metanil yellow adulteration in turmeric powder
Authors: Mandal Dipankar , Chatterjee Arpitam , Tudu Bipan
Published: July 2021

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a popular food ingredient which is widely used in powdered form. Despite different food and medicinal advantages it is often adulterated. Metanil yellow (MET) is one such synthetic chemical which can be easily mixed with turmeric powder and such mixing is difficult to detect. This paper presents a computer vision framework using the potential of deep neural network towards detection of MET adulteration in turmeric powder and random forests regressor to predict the possible amount of adulterant. An in‐house database consisting of features from turmeric images of five variants of pure and adulterated turmeric powder has been used for experimentations. A new frequency domain annular‐mean filter‐based feature extraction has been used. The results show the potential of the presented method that can perform with more than 98% accuracy in both identification and prediction tasks. The reported technique can be considered as a motivating step towards development of a non‐invasive and low‐cost mobile device towards food adulteration detection in future.
Signal processing for a reverse‐GPS wildlife tracking system: CPU and GPU implementation experiences
Authors: Rubinpur Yaniv , Toledo Sivan
Published: July 2021

We present robust high‐performance implementations of signal‐processing tasks performed by a high‐throughput wildlife tracking system called ATLAS. The system tracks radio transmitters attached to wild animals by estimating the time of arrival of radio packets to multiple receivers (base stations). Time‐of‐arrival estimation of wideband radio signals is computationally expensive, especially in acquisition mode (when the time of transmission is not known, not even approximately). These computations are a bottleneck that limits the throughput of the system. We developed a sequential high‐performance CPU implementation of the computations a few years back, and more recently a GPU implementation. Both strive to balance performance with simplicity, maintainability, and development effort, as most real‐world codes do. The article reports on the two implementations and carefully evaluates their performance. The evaluations indicates that the GPU implementation dramatically improves performance and power‐performance relative to the sequential CPU implementation running on a desktop CPU typical of the computers in current base stations. Performance improves by more than 50X on a high‐end GPU and more than 4X with a GPU platform that consumes almost 5 times less power than the CPU platform. Performance‐per‐Watt ratios also improve (by more than 16X), and so do the price‐performance ratios.
Galectin‐3 and CD117 immunocytochemistry in the diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid lesions: A pilot study
Authors: Dixit Sonali , Diwaker Preeti , Wadhwa Neelam , Arora Vinod K.
Published: July 2021

Background

Indeterminate thyroid lesions have always been a grey zone in the field of thyroid cytopathology. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) has emerged as a promising tool to correctly classify these indeterminate thyroid lesions into benign and malignant. Hence we planned to assess a panel of immune markers in the diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid lesions consisting of Galectin‐3, considered positive for malignancy and CD117 which is positive in benign follicular epithelial cells and negative in malignant lesions.

Methods

All the thyroid aspirates reported as indeterminate lesions over a period of 3 years were evaluated. Galectin‐3 and CD117 immunocytochemistry was done in 50 alcohol fixed Pap stained smears of AUS/FLUS, FN/SFN and SM category lesions. The expression of both immune markers was assessed by semi‐quantitative method and ICC score was calculated.

Result

Of 50 indeterminate lesions, 29 were positive for Galectin‐3 and 21 were negative. CD117 was positive in 19 cases and rests 31 were negative. With the use of this ICC panel 29/30 indeterminate lesions in which histopathological correlation was available could be recategorized correctly into benign and malignant. The combined sensitivity and specificity of Galectin‐3 and CD117 for categorising the indeterminate lesions into malignant category was 100%.

Conclusion

The combined use of positive and negative immune markers for thyroid malignancy increases the sensitivity and specificity of ICC to categorise the indeterminate thyroid lesions into benign and malignant. In cases with discordant ICC results we propose that inclusion of one additional positive and/or negative marker may resolve the diagnostic dilemma.
Heat and mass transfer in an unsteady squeezed Casson fluid flow with novel thermophysical properties: Analytical and numerical solution
Authors: Obalalu Adebowale M.
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the heat and mass transfer in an unsteady squeezing flow between parallel plates under the influence of novel variable diffusivity. In most of the literature, it is believed that the thermophysical properties of the fluid are unchanged. However, this present study bridges this gap by assuming that viscosity, conductivity, and diffusivity are all temperature‐dependent. Physically, an appropriate analysis of thermophysical variables in such a system is required to achieve the best performance for effective heat and mass transfer processes. The equations controlled were first nondimensional and then simplified by a similarity transformation to ordinary nonlinear differential equations. The present study provides a fast convergent method on finite parallel plates, namely, the optimal homotopy analysis method (OHAM) and spectral collocation method (SCM) are used to analyze the fluid flow, heat, and mass transport. The graphical and table understanding is given via an error table and flow behavior of physical parameters. The result reveals that the SCM is more accurate than OHAM. However, the method employed in this paper offers excellent convergence solutions with good accuracy. The solution convergence is also discussed. In this type of problem, squeeze numbers play an important role and the rise in the squeezing parameter increases the fluid temperature.
Development of the Bone Phenotype and microRNA Profile in Adults With Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor‐Related Protein 5–High Bone Mass (LRP5‐HBM) Disease
Authors: Lauterlein Jens‐Jacob Lindegaard , Gossiel Fatma , Weigl Moritz , Eastell Richard , Hackl Matthias , Hermann Pernille , Bollerslev Jens , Frost Morten
Published: July 2021

Pathogenic variants in the Wnt‐pathway co‐receptor low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor‐related protein 5 (LRP5) cause high bone mass (LRP5‐HBM) due to insensitivity to the endogenous antagonist of Wnt‐signaling. Although indicating incessant progression of BMD and biomarkers reflecting bone formation, this has not been confirmed in individuals with LRP5‐HBM. We investigated how the LRP5‐HBM bone phenotype changes with age in adults and is associated with quantitative changes of bone turnover markers and bone‐related microRNAs (miRNAs) in the circulation. Whole body, lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck areal BMD (aBMD) and radial and tibial bone microarchitecture and geometry were assessed using DXA and HR‐pQCT scans of 15 individuals with LRP5‐HBMT253I (11 women; median age 51 years; range, 19 to 85 years) with a time interval between scans of 5.8 years (range, 4.9 to 7.6 years). Fasting P1NP and CTX were measured in 14 LRP5‐HBMT253I individuals and age‐, sex‐, and body mass index (BMI)‐matched controls, and 187 preselected miRNAs were quantified using qPCR in 12 individuals and age‐, sex‐, and BMI‐matched controls. DXA and HR‐pQCT scans were assessed in subjects who had reached peak bone mass (aged >25 years, n = 12). Femoral neck aBMD decreased by 0.8%/year (p = 0.01) and total hip by 0.3%/year, and radial volumetric BMD (vBMD) increased 0.3%/year (p = 0.03). Differences in bone turnover markers at follow‐up were not observed. Compared to controls, 11 of the 178 detectable miRNAs were downregulated and none upregulated in LRP5‐HBM individuals, and five of the downregulated miRNAs are reported to be involved in Wnt‐signaling. Bone loss at the hip in LRP5‐HBM individuals demonstrates that the bone phenotype does not uniformly progress with age. Differentially expressed miRNAs may reflect changes in the regulation of bone turnover and balance in LRP5‐HBM individuals. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Adsorptive purification of volatile methyl siloxanes in a digester biogas stream
Authors: Aydın Kızılkaya Yağmur Meltem , Uyak Vedat
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Siloxanes, one of the various impurity contaminants contained in biogas, comprise a group of volatile organic silicon compounds that pose a major obstacle to biogas application as a consequence of their potential to severely damage energy conversion equipment. Therefore, volatile methyl siloxanes (VMSs) need to be effectively removed from biogas before application.

RESULTS

The concentration profile of octamethlytrisiloxane (L3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) in a biogas were determined. Then in order to investigate the adsorption characteristics of these three siloxane compounds, two commercial granular activated carbons (ACs) were tested for the removal of L3, D4 and D5 in a dynamic adsorption column using biogas streams. The observed concentrations of L3, D4 and D5 in the wastewater treatment plant biogas were 0.62 ± 0.20, 3.07 ± 0.66 and 4.67 ± 1.02 mg m−3, respectively. The best adsorption capacities of L3, D4 and D5 were calculated as 4, 22 and 107 mg g−1, respectively, in real biogas.

CONCLUSION

The adsorption capacity of AC2 was found to be higher than AC1 adsorbents for each siloxane compounds studied. Although the elemental and physical structure of the ACs were similar, and AC1's surface area was higher than AC2, AC2 was more effective in siloxane removal due to high mesoporosity causing excess Van der Waals interaction. The relatively higher mesoporous volume and lower rate of mesh size of AC2 resulted in higher adsorption of siloxane compounds. The order of the breaking points was determined as L3 < D4 < D5 in both AC types. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Molecular evaluation of five different isolation methods for extracellular vesicles reveals different clinical applicability and subcellular origin
Authors: Veerman Rosanne E. , Teeuwen Loes , Czarnewski Paulo , Güclüler Akpinar Gözde , Sandberg AnnSofi , Cao Xiaofang , Pernemalm Maria , Orre Lukas M. , Gabrielsson Susanne , Eldh Maria
Published: July 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly tested as therapeutic vehicles and biomarkers, but still EV subtypes are not fully characterised. To isolate EVs with few co‐isolated entities, a combination of methods is needed. However, this is time‐consuming and requires large sample volumes, often not feasible in most clinical studies or in studies where small sample volumes are available. Therefore, we compared EVs rendered by five commonly used methods based on different principles from conditioned cell medium and 250 μl or 3 ml plasma, that is, precipitation (ExoQuick ULTRA), membrane affinity (exoEasy Maxi Kit), size‐exclusion chromatography (qEVoriginal), iodixanol gradient (OptiPrep), and phosphatidylserine affinity (MagCapture). EVs were characterised by electron microscopy, Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, Bioanalyzer, flow cytometry, and LC‐MS/MS. The different methods yielded samples of different morphology, particle size, and proteomic profile. For the conditioned medium, Izon 35 isolated the highest number of EV proteins followed by exoEasy, which also isolated fewer non‐EV proteins. For the plasma samples, exoEasy isolated a high number of EV proteins and few non‐EV proteins, while Izon 70 isolated the most EV proteins. We conclude that no method is perfect for all studies, rather, different methods are suited depending on sample type and interest in EV subtype, in addition to sample volume and budget.
Repeat virological and serological profiles in hospitalized patients initially tested by nasopharyngeal RT‐PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Reich Noah , Lowe Christopher F. , Puddicombe David , Matic Nancy , Greiner Jesse , Simons Janet , Leung Victor , Chu Terry , Naik Hiten , Myles Nick , Burns Laura , Romney Marc G. , Ritchie Gordon , Champagne Sylvie , Dooley Kent , Sekirov Inna , Stefanovic Aleksandra
Published: July 2021

Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SARS‐CoV‐2 is the mainstay of COVID‐19 diagnosis, yet there are conflicting reports on its diagnostic performance. Wide ranges of false‐negative PCR tests have been reported depending on clinical presentation, the timing of testing, specimens tested, testing method, and reference standard used. We aimed to estimate the frequency of discordance between initial nasopharyngeal (NP) PCR and repeat NP sampling PCR and serology in acutely ill patients admitted to the hospital. Panel diagnosis of COVID‐19 infection is further utilized in discordance analysis. Included in the study were 160 patients initially tested by NP PCR with repeat NP sampling PCR and/or serology performed. The percent agreement between initial and repeat PCR was 96.7%, while the percent agreement between initial PCR and serology was 98.9%. There were 5 (3.1%) cases with discordance on repeat testing. After discordance analysis, 2 (1.4%) true cases tested negative on initial PCR. Using available diagnostic methods, discordance on repeat NP sampling PCR and/or serology is a rare occurrence.
Sequential MAVS and MyD88/TRIF signaling triggers anti‐viral responses of tick‐borne encephalitis virus‐infected murine astrocytes
Authors: Ghita Luca , Breitkopf Veronika , Mulenge Felix , Pavlou Andreas , Gern Olivia Luise , Durán Verónica , Prajeeth Chittappen Kandiyil , Kohls Moritz , Jung Klaus , Stangel Martin , Steffen Imke , Kalinke Ulrich
Published: July 2021

Tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is typically transmitted upon tick bite and can cause meningitis and encephalitis in humans. In TBEV‐infected mice, mitochondrial antiviral‐signaling protein (MAVS), the downstream adaptor of retinoic acid‐inducible gene‐I (RIG‐I)‐like receptor (RLR) signaling, is needed to induce early type I interferon (IFN) responses and to confer protection. To characterize the brain‐resident cell subset that produces protective IFN‐β in TBEV‐infected mice, we isolated neurons, astrocytes, and microglia from mice and exposed these cell types to TBEV in vitro. Under such conditions, neurons showed the highest percentage of infected cells, whereas astrocytes and microglia were infected to a lesser extent. In the supernatant (SN) of infected neurons, IFN‐β was not detectable, while infected astrocytes showed high and microglia low IFN‐β expression. Transcriptome analyses of astrocytes implied that MAVS signaling was needed early after TBEV infection. Accordingly, MAVS‐deficient astrocytes showed enhanced TBEV infection and significantly reduced early IFN‐β responses. Nevertheless, at later time points, moderate amounts of IFN‐β were detected in the SN of infected MAVS‐deficient astrocytes. Transcriptome analyses indicated that MAVS deficiency negatively affected the induction of early anti‐viral responses, which resulted in significantly increased TBEV replication. Treatment with MyD88 and TRIF inhibiting peptides reduced only late IFN‐β responses of TBEV‐infected WT astrocytes and blocked entirely IFN‐β responses of infected MAVS‐deficient astrocytes. Thus, upon TBEV exposure of brain‐resident cells, astrocytes are important IFN‐β producers showing biphasic IFN‐β induction that initially depends on MAVS and later on MyD88/TRIF signaling.
Species co‐occurrence shapes spatial variability in plant diversity–biomass relationships in natural rangelands under different grazing intensities
Authors: Sanaei Anvar , Sayer Emma J. , Saiz Hugo , Yuan Zuoqiang , Ali Arshad
Published: July 2021

Grazing can alter plant species interactions in natural rangelands, which in turn might influence the productivity of the ecosystem but we do not fully understand how spatial variability in plant diversity‐biomass relationships are modulated by grazing intensity. Here, we hypothesized that plant species co‐occurrence in rangelands is mainly driven by niche segregation due to grazing and heterogeneity in local resources, and that grazing, therefore, modulates diversity–biomass relationships. We tested our hypothesis across 35 rangeland sites in Iran, using a species co‐occurrence index to assess plant spatial aggregation within each site. At each site, we measured aboveground biomass, plant diversity, topography, soil nutrients, and three levels of grazing intensity. High spatial segregation of plant communities (low species co‐occurrence) was found at heavily grazed sites, whereas greater spatial aggregation (high species co‐occurrence) was found on low and moderate grazed sites, showing varied associational patterns of species with grazing intensity. Soil nutrients increased with grazing intensity and spatial segregation of plant communities was greater at sites with high soil nutrient concentrations, indicating that grazing intensity influences the spatial heterogeneity of plant communities via nutrients deposited in urine and feces. Declining plant biomass with grazing intensity was related to a strong decline in graminoid species diversity, which suggests that the diversity‐biomass relationship is influenced by selective grazing of palatable species. The relationships between species co‐occurrence and biomass or plant diversity suggest non‐random patterns in species co‐occurrences with grazing intensity, which could be the result of competition driven by high livestock grazing intensity. We, therefore, suggest that rangeland stocking rates should be managed properly to maintain rangeland production while promoting plant diversity.
Founder of ‘revolutionary’ cognitive behavior therapy turns 100
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2021

Aaron T. Beck, M.D., globally recognized as the father of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), celebrated his 100th birthday July 18, the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, where he is co‐founder and president emeritus, announced.
Abdominal versus robotic sacral colpopexy: A detailed analysis of outcomes
Authors: McFerrin Coleman , Pilkington James E. , Pilet Haley , Frilot Clifton F. , Gomelsky Alex
Published: July 2021

Aims

Although abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) is considered the gold standard for surgical repair of vaginal vault prolapse, the open surgical approach has significant morbidity. We aim to compare anatomic and functional outcomes in women receiving either robotic‐assisted sacral colpopexy (RSC) or ASC for post‐hysterectomy prolapse.

Methods

We present a retrospective chart review of all women who underwent ASC and RSC at our institution and had 12‐month follow‐up (FU). Pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP‐Q) staging was assessed both preoperatively and postoperatively. Perioperative and demographic details were collected from the medical records.

Results

One hundred twenty four women underwent RSC (mean age 63, median FU 16 months). Those in the ASC group (n = 144) were statistically younger (mean age 60) and had longer FU (median 60 months). Both median day of successful voiding trial and discharge day significantly favored RSC. There were no Clavien Grade IV/V complications for either procedure and three RSC procedures were converted to ASC. Both approaches were associated with a significant improvement in POP‐Q stage at FU, with few women requiring additional surgery. Overall, 76% of women in each group were dry from stress urinary incontinence. Improvement in storage and emptying indices, dyspareunia, and quality of life measures was observed after both approaches.

Conclusion

RSC demonstrates good support of significant vaginal vault prolapse at medium term FU, with shorter hospital stays and low complication rates. Close FU after RSC over a longer period will be needed to fully assess durability of both functional and anatomic outcomes.
The dopamine D2 agonist quinpirole impairs frontal mismatch responses to sound frequency deviations in freely moving rats
Authors: Inaba Hiroyoshi , Namba Hisaaki , Kida Satoshi , Nawa Hiroyuki
Published: July 2021

Aim

A reduced mismatch negativity (MMN) response is a promising electrophysiological endophenotype of schizophrenia that reflects neurocognitive impairment. Dopamine dysfunction is associated with symptoms of schizophrenia. However, whether the dopamine system is involved in MMN impairment remains controversial. In this study, we investigated the effects of the dopamine D2‐like receptor agonist quinpirole on mismatch responses to sound frequency changes in an animal model.

Methods

Event‐related potentials were recorded from electrocorticogram electrodes placed on the auditory and frontal cortices of freely moving rats using a frequency oddball paradigm consisting of ascending and equiprobable (ie, many standards) control sequences before and after the subcutaneous administration of quinpirole. To detect mismatch responses, difference waveforms were obtained by subtracting nondeviant control waveforms from deviant waveforms.

Results

Here, we show the significant effects of quinpirole on frontal mismatch responses to sound frequency deviations in rats. Quinpirole delayed the frontal N18 and P30 mismatch responses and reduced the frontal N55 MMN‐like response, which resulted from the reduction in the N55 amplitude to deviant stimuli. Importantly, the magnitude of the N55 amplitude was negatively correlated with the time of the P30 latency in the difference waveforms. In contrast, quinpirole administration did not clearly affect the temporal mismatch responses recorded from the auditory cortex.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the disruption of dopamine D2‐like receptor signaling by quinpirole reduces frontal MMN to sound frequency deviations and that delays in early mismatch responses are involved in this MMN impairment.
Nonlinear optimal control for multi‐DOF robotic manipulators with flexible joints
Authors: Rigatos Gerasimos , Abbaszadeh Masoud
Published: July 2021

A main problem in the control of flexible‐joint robots and in the precise positioning of their end‐effector, is synchronization between the turn angles of the robots' joints and the turn angles of the motors that provide actuation to these joints. In this article, a nonlinear optimal (H‐infinity) control method is proposed for multi‐DOF robotic manipulators with flexible joints. The dynamic model of these robotic manipulators is shown to be underactuated and to satisfy differential flatness properties. The state‐space description of these robots undergoes approximate linearization around a temporary operating point which is recomputed at each iteration of the control method. The linearization procedure makes use of first‐order Taylor‐series expansion and relies on the computation of Jacobian matrices. For the approximately linearized model of these multi‐DOF robotic systems an H‐infinity feedback controller is designed. This controller stands for the solution of the robots' optimal control problem under model uncertainty and external disturbances. The computation of the controller's feedback gain requires the solution of an algebraic Riccati equation, which is performed again at each time‐step of the control algorithm. The stability properties of the control scheme are proven trough Lyapunov analysis. First, it is confirmed that the controller satisfies the H‐infinity tracking performance criterion which ascertains its robustness. Moreover, it is proven that the control loop is globally asymptotically stable. Finally, to implement sensorless control for such robotic systems the H‐infinity Kalman Filter is used as a robust state estimator. The proposed control method for multi‐DOF robotic manipulators with flexible joints retains the advantages of linear optimal control, that is fast and accurate tracking of its reference setpoints under moderate variations of the control inputs.
Public willingness to engage in backyard conservation in New Zealand: Exploring motivations and barriers for participation
Authors: Woolley Christopher K. , Hartley Stephen , Nelson Nicola J. , Shanahan Danielle F.
Published: July 2021

Citizen science and participatory conservation offer benefits to urban wildlife and help foster human–nature relationships in cities. To optimize conservation and social outcomes it is important that initiatives appeal to participants of a wide range of sociodemographic backgrounds. However, this can be challenging when motivation and willingness to undertake activities are influenced by socioecological context. In New Zealand, where control of invasive mammalian predators is a predominant strategy for conservation, trapping of rodents and mustelids has become a popular form of backyard conservation.

To understand how the appeal of pest trapping compares with that of other conservation activities, we investigated relationships between sociodemographic characteristics of participants and willingness to undertake three different backyard conservation activities (trapping of pest mammals, monitoring of pest mammals and monitoring of native animals). We also examined barriers and motivations for participating in these activities.

Willingness to engage in pest trapping was generally higher than that of the other activities, and although willingness scores for all activities were related to respondents’ connection to nature, this relationship was weaker for pest trapping than for monitoring activities. Willingness was also positively related to nature dose for all three activities. Concern for the environment was the only significant motivator of participation for all three activities while social interaction, contributing to community and enhancing one's ego were positively related to willingness for the monitoring activities only.

The more general appeal of pest trapping may reflect its more tangible outcomes for conservation or the additional benefits it offers participants through removal of domestic pests.

Understanding why some activities appeal across a wide sociodemographic spectrum may allow improved project design that maximizes participant recruitment. By encouraging participation of a wide range of people, such activities could provide an opportunity for people to become more connected with nature.
Low fetal fraction in obese women at first trimester cell‐free DNA based prenatal screening is not accompanied by differences in total cell‐free DNA
Authors: Shree Raj , Kolarova Teodora R. , MacKinnon Hayley J. , Hedge Jaclynne M. , Vinopal Elena , Ma Kimberly K. , Lockwood Christina M. , Chandrasekaran Suchitra
Published: July 2021

Objective

Reasons for first trimester noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) test failure in obese women remain elusive. As dilution from maternal sources may be explanatory, we determined the relationship between obesity, fetal fraction (FF), and total cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) using our NIPS platform.

Methods

We assessed differences in first trimester (≤14 weeks) FF, indeterminate rate, and total cfDNA between obese (n = 518) and normal‐weight women (n = 237) after exclusion of confounders (anticoagulation, autoimmunity, aneuploidy) and controlling for covariates.

Results

Fetal fraction was lower, and the indeterminate rate higher, in obese compared to controls (9.2% ± 4.4 vs. 12.5% ± 4.5, p < 0.001 and 8.4 vs. 1.7%, p < 0.001, respectively), but total cfDNA was not different (92.0 vs. 82.1 pg/µl, p = 0.10). For each week, the FF remained lower in obese women (all p < 0.01) but did not increase across the first trimester for either group. Obesity increased the likelihood of indeterminate result (OR 6.1, 95% CI 2.5, 14.8; p < 0.001) and maternal body mass index correlated with FF (β −0.27, 95% CI −0.3, −0.22; p < 0.001), but not with total cfDNA (β 0.49, 95% CI −0.55, 1.53; p = 0.3).

Conclusions

First trimester obese women have persistently low FF and higher indeterminate rates, without differences in total cfDNA, suggesting placental‐specific mechanisms versus dilution from maternal sources as a potential etiology.
Increased nuchal translucency after low‐risk noninvasive prenatal testing: What should we tell prospective parents?
Authors: Kelley Joanne , McGillivray George , Meagher Simon , Hui Lisa
Published: July 2021

Three decades ago, the observation that first trimester fetuses with excess fluid accumulation at the back of the neck were more likely to be aneuploid, gave rise to a new era of prenatal screening. The nuchal translucency (NT) measurement in combination with serum biomarkers and maternal age, resulted in the first trimester combined screening (FTCS) program. The introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) over the past decade has introduced the option for parents to receive highly sensitive and specific screening information for common trisomy from as early as 10 weeks gestation, altering the traditional pathway FTCS pathway. The retention of the 11–13‐week NT ultrasound remains important in the detection of structural anomalies; however, the optimal management of pregnancies with a low‐risk NIPT result and an isolated increased NT measurement in an era of advanced genomic testing options is a new dilemma for clinicians. For parents, the prolonged period between the initial diagnosis in first trimester, and prognostic information at each successive stage of investigations up to 22–24 weeks, can be emotionally challenging. This article addresses the common questions from parents and clinicians as they navigate the uncertainty of having a fetus diagnosed with an increased NT after a low‐risk NIPT result and presents suggested approaches to management.
Exploring the structure of time‐correlated model errors in the ECMWF data assimilation system
Authors: Bonavita Massimo
Published: July 2021

Model errors are increasingly seen as a fundamental performance limiter in both Numerical Weather Prediction and Climate Prediction simulations run with state‐of‐the‐art Earth‐system digital twins. This has motivated recent efforts aimed at estimating and correcting the systematic, predictable components of model error in a consistent data assimilation framework. While encouraging results have been obtained with a careful examination of the spatial aspects of the model error estimates, less attention has been devoted to the time correlation aspects of model errors and their impact on the assimilation cycle. In this work we employ a Lagged Analysis Increment Covariance (LAIC) diagnostic to gain insight in the temporal evolution of systematic model errors in the ECMWF operational data assimilation system, evaluate the effectiveness of the current weak constraint 4D‐Var algorithm in reducing these types of errors and, based on these findings, start exploring new ideas for the development of model error estimation and correction strategies in data assimilation.
Integrated Addressable Dynamic Droplet Array (aDDA) as Sub‐Nanoliter Reactors for High‐Coverage Genome Sequencing of Single Yeast Cells
Authors: Li Chunyu , Gong Yanhai , Wang Xixian , Xu Jian , Ma Bo
Published: July 2021

An addressable dynamic droplet array (aDDA) is presented that combines the advantages of static droplet arrays and continuous‐flow droplet platforms. Modular fabrication is employed to create a self‐contained integrated aDDA. All the sample preparation steps, including single‐cell isolation, cell lysis, amplification, and product retrieval, are performed in sequence within a sub‐nanoliter (≈300 pL) droplet. Sequencing‐based validation suggests that aDDA reduces the amplification bias of multiple displacement amplification (MDA) and elevates the percentage of one‐yeast‐cell genome recovery to 91%, as compared to the average of 26% using conventional, 20 µL volume MDA reactions. Thus, aDDA is a valuable addition to the toolbox for high‐genome‐coverage sequencing of single microbial cells.
Constructing Precise Coordination of Nickel Active Sites on Hierarchical Porous Carbon Framework for Superior Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Xue Hui , Li Wan‐lu , Sun Jing , Guo Niankun , Song Tianshan , Dong Hongliang , Zhang Jiangwei , Ge Xin , Zhang Wei , Wang Qin
Published: July 2021

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with specific coordination environment are expected to be efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, NiN4C10 coordination site is constructed through encapsulating Ni2+ into the cavity of ZIF‐8 as a self‐sacrificing precursor and anchoring it on 3D N‐doped carbon frameworks. The NiN4C10 catalyst shows excellent ORR activity and stability, with a high half‐wave potential (0.938 V vs RHE), which is currently the best performances in Ni‐based SACs. The remarkable performance with high ORR activity in alkaline solution is attributed to the single‐atom nickel active sites with faster electron transport and suitable electronic structure. Moreover, the power density of zinc‐air battery assembled by NiN4C10 as cathode is 47.1% higher than that of the commercial Pt/C. This work not only provides a facile method to prepare extremely active Ni‐based SACs, but also studies the intrinsic mechanism toward the oxygen reduction reaction under alkaline condition.
Neubewertung des Nutzlastmodells für Parkhäuser
Authors: Funke Alexander , Kemper Frank , Feldmann Markus
Published: July 2021

Grundsätzlich sind die Nutzlasten für Parkhäuser von den Entwicklungen des Fahrzeugbestands betroffen – die durchschnittliche Erneuerungsrate von Fahrzeugen ist viel höher als diejenige der Gebäudestrukturen. Tatsächlich nahm das mittlere Betriebsgewicht von Personenkraftwagen in den letzten Jahrzehnten zu. Folglich ist eine regelmäßige Überprüfung und gegebenenfalls auch eine Aktualisierung der Nutzlastmodelle für Parkhäuser sinnvoll. Die vorliegende Studie bezieht umfangreiche Daten ein, die neu erhoben wurden, und wirft einen genauen Blick auf die Bestimmung der charakteristischen Nutzlast. Neben eigenen Lastmessungen wurden auch die statistischen Daten des aktuellen deutschen Fahrzeugbestands sowie die Auslastungszahlen von zahlreichen Parkhäusern berücksichtigt. Die für die Bestimmung charakteristischer Werte benötigte Extremwertanalyse wurde anhand von Monte‐Carlo‐Simulationen unter Berücksichtigung einer realistischen Laststrukturübertragung für verschiedene Tragwerkssysteme durchgeführt. Basierend auf der vorgestellten Studie konnte eine Nutzlastempfehlung für Parkhäuser erarbeitet werden, die nicht nur für die aktuelle Fahrzeugpopulation, sondern auch für eine bis in das Jahr 2030 prognostizierte Zukunftspopulation sicher ist. Das Ergebnis ist, dass trotz des erwarteten Anstiegs der zukünftigen Fahrzeuggewichte die Lastempfehlungen in der Größenordnung der bisherigen Regelungen gültig bleiben können.
Adaptive Output Feedback Control Design with Adaptive Parallel Feedforward Compensator and Feedforward Input via Kernel Method for Nonlinear System
Authors: Akaike Kota , Mizumoto Ikuro
Published: July 2021

It is well recognized that an adaptive output feedback control based on almost strictly positive real‐ness (ASPR) or output feedback strictly passivity (OFSP) property of the system has strong robustness with respect to disturbances and uncertainty. However, most practical systems do not have such properties. In order to realize an augmented ASPR system for designing adaptive output feedback controller, a kind of adaptive parallel feedforward compensator (PFC) design schemes have been proposed for linear systems. In this paper, we propose an adaptive PFC design scheme by Kernel method for nonlinear systems and provide output feedback passivity based adaptive output feedback control for nonlinear systems. The effectiveness of the proposed method will be confirmed through numerical simulations. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Using Digital Tools to Engage in Collaborative Data‐Based Decision‐Making
Authors: Puccioni Jaime , Desir Sarahlee
Published: July 2021

Given that our current educational context has required many educators to utilize online instruction in some capacity over the past year, the purpose of this paper is to describe how literacy specialists and teachers can use digital tools to remotely engage in data‐based decision‐making within a collaborative professional learning community. Digital tools enable teachers to engage in meaningful asynchronous and synchronous collaborative activities online. Drawing upon our experience as literacy teacher educators, we describe our process of using digital tools to teach literacy specialists and educators how to take part in and facilitate professional learning communities (PLC) engaging in the cycle of data based decision making.
Paul Richard Manning
Authors: Viner Bradley , Duncanson Graham , Whipp Chris , Lane David
Published: July 2021

A dedicated general practitioner through and through.
Computational aspects of stable distributions
Authors: Nolan John P.
Published: July 2021

Stable distributions are a class of probability distributions that generalize the normal distribution. They are the only possible limits of normalized sums of independent, identically distributed terms, so sums of a large number of such terms have to approach a stable law. The non‐Gaussian stable distributions have heavy tails with infinite variance, and can be skewed. In most cases, there are no known formulas for the density or cumulative distribution function of these laws, so using them in practice requires significant computational methods. This paper explains some of the computations used to make stable laws useful in practical problems.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Statistical Graphics and Visualization

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Algorithms

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Maximum Likelihood Methods
Morphological Features of Aortic Arch Predicting the Risk for Acute Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Sun Likun , Li Xin , Li Quanming , Li Ming , He Hao , Wang Tun , Li Jiehua , Shu Chang
Published: July 2021

Background

The purpose of the study is to elucidate the changes in aortic morphological parameters and identify the specific geometric risk factors associated with aTBAD.

Methods

A total of 167 patients in aTBAD group and 196 subjects in control group were enrolled in the study. The aortic morphological data were retrospectively analyzed by 3mensio Vascular software. The aortic morphological parameters include diameter, length, angulation, tortuosity and the type of aortic arch. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to identify the significant predictors associated with the angulation, tortuosity and aortic arch type. The predictive capacity of the models was evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The diameters in the ascending aorta and aortic arch and the lengths in the ascending aorta and total aorta were significantly greater in aTBAD group. Besides, the angulation of the ascending aorta and aortic arch in aTBAD group increased significantly. The tortuosity of aortic arch and total aorta was significantly higher in aTBAD group. The prevalence of type III arch in aTBAD group was significantly higher than that in the controls. Multivariable models demonstrated that aortic arch angulation, tortuosity and type III arch were independent geometric predictors of aTBAD occurrence. Based on the ROC analysis, AUC of the risk prediction models was 0.977, 0.958 and 0.945, respectively.

Conclusions

Besides the enlargement of the ascending aorta and aortic arch, incremental aortic arch angulation, tortuosity and type III arch configuration are valuable geometric risk factors that could enhance aTBAD incidence.
Heyde syndrome: prevalence and outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Waldschmidt Lara , Drolz Andreas , Heimburg Paula , Goßling Alina , Ludwig Sebastian , Voigtländer Lisa , Linder Matthias , Schofer Niklas , Reichenspurner Hermann , Blankenberg Stefan , Westermann Dirk , Conradi Lenard , Kluwe Johannes , Seiffert Moritz
Published: July 2021

Background

Heyde syndrome (HS) is known as the association of severe aortic stenosis (AS) and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) from angiodysplasia. Data on the prevalence of HS and results after TAVI remain scarce.

Methods

2548 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI for the treatment of AS from 2008 to 2017 were evaluated for a history of GIB and the presence of HS. The diagnosis of HS was defined as a clinical triad of severe AS, a history of recurrent GIB, and an endoscopic diagnosis of angiodysplasia. These patients (Heyde) were followed to investigate clinical outcomes, bleeding complications and the recurrence of GIB and were compared to patients with GIB unrelated to HS (Non-Heyde).

Results

A history of GIB prior to TAVI was detected in 190 patients (7.5%). Among them, 47 patients were diagnosed with HS (1.8%). Heyde patients required blood transfusions more frequently compared to Non-Heyde patients during index hospitalization (50.0% vs. 31.9%, p = 0.03). Recurrent GIB was detected in 39.8% of Heyde compared to 21.2% of Non-Heyde patients one year after TAVI (p = 0.03). In patients diagnosed with HS and recurrent GIB after TAVI, the rate of residual ≥ mild paravalvular leakage (PVL) was higher compared to those without recurrent bleeding (73.3% vs. 38.1%, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

A relevant number of patients undergoing TAVI were diagnosed with HS. Recurrent GIB was detected in a significant number of Heyde patients during follow-up. A possible association with residual PVL requires further investigation to improve treatment options and outcomes in patients with HS.

Graphic abstract
Activity of the adrenomedullin system to personalise post-discharge diuretic treatment in acute heart failure
Authors: Kozhuharov Nikola , Ng Leong , Wussler Desiree , Strebel Ivo , Sabti Zaid , Hartmann Oliver , Eltayeb Mohamed , Squire Iain , Nowak Albina , Rieger Max , Martin Jasmin , Michou Eleni , Stefanelli Sabrina , Puelacher Christian , Shrestha Samyut , Belkin Maria , Zimmermann Tobias , Lopez-Ayala Pedro , Struck Joachim , Bergmann Andreas , Mebazaa Alexandre , Blet Alice , Gualandro Danielle Menosi , Breidthardt Tobias , Mueller Christian
Published: July 2021

Background

Quantifying the activity of the adrenomedullin system might help to monitor and guide treatment in acute heart failure (AHF) patients. The aims were to (1) identify AHF patients with marked benefit or harm from specific treatments at hospital discharge and (2) predict mortality by quantifying the adrenomedullin system activity.

Methods

This was a prospective multicentre study. AHF diagnosis and phenotype were centrally adjudicated by two independent cardiologists among patients presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnoea. Adrenomedullin system activity was quantified using the biologically active component, bioactive adrenomedullin (bio-ADM), and a prohormone fragment, midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM). Bio-ADM and MR-proADM concentrations were measured in a blinded fashion at presentation and at discharge. Interaction with specific treatments at discharge and the utility of these biomarkers on predicting outcomes during 365-day follow-up were assessed.

Results

Among 1886 patients with adjudicated AHF, 514 patients (27.3%) died during 365-day follow-up. After adjusting for age, creatinine, and treatment at discharge, patients with bio-ADM plasma concentrations above the median (> 44.6 pg/mL) derived disproportional benefit if treated with diuretics (interaction p values < 0.001). These findings were confirmed when quantifying adrenomedullin system activity using MR-proADM (n = 764) (interaction p values < 0.001). Patients with bio-ADM plasma concentrations above the median were at increased risk of death (hazard ratio 1.87, 95% CI 1.57–2.24; p < 0.001). For predicting 365-day all-cause mortality, both biomarkers performed well, with MR-proADM presenting an even higher predictive accuracy compared to bio-ADM (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Quantifying the adrenomedullin’s system activity may help to personalise post-discharge diuretic treatment and enable accurate risk-prediction in AHF.