bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security Smells in Ansible and Chef Scripts
Authors: Rahman Akond , Rahman Md Rayhanur , Parnin Chris , Williams Laurie
Published: January 2021

Context:
Security smells are recurring coding patterns that are indicative of security weakness and require further inspection. As infrastructure as code (IaC) scripts, such as Ansible and Chef scripts, are used to provision cloud-based servers and systems at scale, security smells in IaC scripts could be used to enable malicious users to exploit vulnerabilities in the provisioned systems.
Goal:
The goal of this article is to help practitioners avoid insecure coding practices while developing infrastructure as code scripts through an empirical study of security smells in Ansible and Chef scripts.
Methodology:
We conduct a replication study where we apply qualitative analysis with 1,956 IaC scripts to identify security smells for IaC scripts written in two languages: Ansible and Chef. We construct a static analysis tool called Security Linter for Ansible and Chef scripts (SLAC) to automatically identify security smells in 50,323 scripts collected from 813 open source software repositories. We also submit bug reports for 1,000 randomly selected smell occurrences.
Results:
We identify two security smells not reported in prior work: missing default in case statement and no integrity check. By applying SLAC we identify 46,600 occurrences of security smells that include 7,849 hard-coded passwords. We observe agreement for 65 of the responded 94 bug reports, which suggests the relevance of security smells for Ansible and Chef scripts amongst practitioners.
Conclusion:
We observe security smells to be prevalent in Ansible and Chef scripts, similarly to that of the Puppet scripts. We recommend practitioners to rigorously inspect the presence of the identified security smells in Ansible and Chef scripts using (i) code review, and (ii) static analysis tools.
Reproducible Research: A Retrospective
Authors: Peng Roger D. , Hicks Stephanie C.
Published: January 2021

Advances in computing technology have spurred two extraordinary phenomena in science: large-scale and high-throughput data collection coupled with the creation and implementation of complex statistical algorithms for data analysis. These two phenomena have brought about tremendous advances in scientific discovery but have raised two serious concerns. The complexity of modern data analyses raises questions about the reproducibility of the analyses, meaning the ability of independent analysts to recreate the results claimed by the original authors using the original data and analysis techniques. Reproducibility is typically thwarted by a lack of availability of the original data and computer code. A more general concern is the replicability of scientific findings, which concerns the frequency with which scientific claims are confirmed by completely independent investigations. Although reproducibility and replicability are related, they focus on different aspects of scientific progress. In this review, we discuss the origins of reproducible research, characterize the current status of reproducibility in public health research, and connect reproducibility to current concerns about the replicability of scientific findings. Finally, we describe a path forward for improving both the reproducibility and replicability of public health research in the future.
Expanding Implementation Research to Prevent Chronic Diseases in Community Settings
Authors: Mazzucca Stephanie , Arredondo Elva M. , Hoelscher Deanna M. , Haire-Joshu Debra , Tabak Rachel G. , Kumanyika Shiriki K. , Brownson Ross C.
Published: January 2021

Chronic disease prevention continues to be inadequate, overall and in achieving health equity, in spite of the many evidence-based practices and policies (EBPPs) available to address risk behaviors such as unhealthful eating, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use. Although clinical settings are needed for EBPPs that involve medical procedures such as immunization or early detection, dissemination of EBPPs can be effective in a variety of settings such as schools and childcare centers, worksites, social service organizations, and religious organizations. More implementation research is needed to meet challenges of effective application of EBPPs in such community settings, in which primary missions, capacity, cultures, and values do not focus on health services delivery. To address health equity, consideration of social and economic contexts of people reached in these settings is essential. This review presents lessons learned from past studies to guide future implementation research and practice across diverse settings and geographies.
On the Electrochemical Thermodynamics of Minor Components in Molten Salt Mixtures
Authors: Fitzhugh R. L. , Clark A. D. , Nickerson S. D. , Memmott M. J. , Harb J. N.
Published: January 2021

Molten salt mixtures have important applications in, for example, industrial metallurgical processes, energy storage for solar plants, and the development of advanced nuclear reactor systems. Several unanswered questions in these systems involve the thermodynamics of minor components in the molten salt solution. Consequently, we examine molten salt systems using electrochemical thermodynamics, published experimental data, and atomistic simulations to accurately characterize interactions between a minor component and the base salt for multiple salts. The utility of an infinite dilution reference state is demonstrated and used to characterize the range over which solute-solvent interactions dominate over solute-solute interactions for minor components. Under such conditions, the activity is readily defined and cell potential can be easily determined as a function of concentration with use of an appropriate standard potential. Experimental data show that reactions can proceed at very different potentials in different salt melts, and molecular dynamics simulations are used to quantify differences between salts. Simulations show that the chemical potential of an anion varies between melts as influenced by the different cations present in each melt. Hence, attempts to use a common reference reaction for different salt mixtures are at best an approximation. Simulations also demonstrate that solute-solute interactions become significant at lower concentrations if the minor component includes an anion that is different from that of the base salt. This work helps to enhance our understanding of the behavior of minor components in molten salts, which is important for the development of future energy technologies.
Oxygen Permeation Resistances and Routes in Nanoscale Ionomer Thin Film on Platinum Surface
Authors: Fan Linhao , Wang Yun , Jiao Kui
Published: January 2021

Understanding the O2 permeation resistance and its dependence on the material structure in an ionomer thin film on a platinum surface is vital for the electrocatalyst performance at low platinum loading in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this study, the ionomer film nanostructure and O2 permeation resistances and routes at different water contents are investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The MD model is reasonably validated, and simulation results show that the ionomer film contains three regions according to their structures. The dense layer with a tight arrangement of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) chains in the ionomer-Pt interface (Region I) has a density ∼1.5–2 times higher than that in the bulk-like ionomer (Region II). The overall O2 permeation resistance increases with decreasing water content and the ionomer-Pt interface plays a dominant role in the O2 resistance due to its high-density structure. The study on O2 permeation routes shows that O2 mainly permeates via the water sites in the ionomer-Pt interface and thus a lower resistance is present at higher water contents. In the bulk-like ionomer, O2 mainly permeates via small cavities at low water contents and the large interfacial areas between water clusters and PFSA frameworks at high water contents.
Review—Novel Carbon Nanomaterials Based Flexible Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Zan Xiaoli , Bai Hongwei
Published: January 2021

Recently, flexible electrochemical biosensors have been attracting more and more attentions throughout the world both in academia and industry, because of its leading role in the development of efficient, miniaturized, rapid and user-friendly device towards health monitoring, environmental microsense systems and defense systems. Herein, we shine a light on the advances in flexible electrochemical biosensors by tracking the developments of novel carbon nanomaterials based smart device design and versatile applications. Particularly, the flexible electrochemical biosensors either with supported substrates or free-standing are summarized. We start from retrospection on the outlook of the field and highlight the direction of flexible electrochemical biosensors in the areas of healthcare, security and environmental monitoring. And then we review the recently developed fabrication approaches with discussing the state-of-art findings for each category. It is believed that the flexible electrochemical biosensors will play a more and more pivotal role in the emergent body sensor networks arena with the fast development of carbon nanomaterials and smart devices design.
On the Optimization of Core-Shell Hybrid Cathode Materials for Extreme Fast-Charging: First Principles Computational Insights
Authors: Mou Rownak J. , Yao Koffi P.C.
Published: January 2021

Core–shell and core-gradient hybrid cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries display enhanced rate capability over their homogeneous counterparts. The apparent enhancement of transport is explained herein as resulting from advective flow of Li+ from the higher free-energy core towards the lower free-energy shell compositions. First-principles analysis of a planar model of these hybrid structures concludes that the inbuilt free-energy gradient enhances the Li+ de-intercalation process by reducing the average overpotential during extreme fast-charging. Analysis of representative LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2∣∣LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2 core/shell reveals: (i) an optimal components ratio exists that maximizes storage capacity during fast-charging and (ii) components should be selected with appreciably large chemical potential difference between the core and shell to further exploit the free-energy gradient effects provided volume ratios are optimized against the potential gradient. In the case of NCM811∣∣NCM424 studied herein, a balanced (ca. 40/60 vol.%) structure appears optimal. This finding indicates that the shell must not necessarily be confined to a thin chemically-protective coating; higher relative volumes of the lower free-energy shell may provide performance benefits at high-rates. The presented insights will serve towards optimizing and developing high capacity, more rate capable core–shell particles for extreme fast charging batteries.
Theory of Transport in Highly Concentrated Electrolytes
Authors: Schammer Max , Horstmann Birger , Latz Arnulf
Published: January 2021

Ionic liquids are promising candidates for novel electrolytes as they possess large electrochemical and thermodynamic stability and offer a high degree of tunability. As purely-ionic electrolyte without neutral solvent they exhibit characteristic structures near electrified interfaces and in the bulk, both being described theoretically via separate frameworks and methodologies. We present a holistic continuum theory applying to both regions. This transport theory for pure ionic liquids and ionic liquids-mixtures allows the systematic description of the electrolyte evolution. In particular, dynamic bulk-transport effects and interfacial structures can be studied. The theory is thermodynamically consistent and describes multi-component solutions (ionic liquids, highly concentrated electrolytes, water-in-salt electrolytes). Here, we give a detailed derivation of the theory and focus on bulk transport processes of ionic liquids as appearing in electrochemical cells. In addition, we validate our framework for a zinc-ion battery based on a mixture of ionic-liquid and water as electrolyte.
Temperature-Swing Synthesis of Large-Size Single-Crystal LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 Cathode Materials
Authors: Qian Guannan , Li Zhiyuan , Meng Dechao , Liu Jia-bing , He Yu-Shi , Rao Qunli , Liu Yijin , Ma Zi-Feng , Li Linsen
Published: January 2021

Single-crystal lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide (SC-NMC) has recently emerged as a promising battery cathode material due to its outstanding cycle performance and mechanical stability over the tradional polycrystalline NMC. It is favorable to further increase the grain size of SC-NMC particles to achieve a higher volumetric energy density and minimize surface-related degradations. However, the preparation of large-size yet high performance SC-NMC particles faces a challenge in choosing a suitable temperature for sintering. High temperature promotes grain growth but induces cation mixing that negatively impacts the electrochemical performance. Here we report a temperature-swing sintering (TSS) strategy with two isothermal stages that fulfils the needs for grain growth and structural ordering sequentially. A high-temperature sintering is first used for a short period of time to increase grain size and then the reaction temperature is lowered and kept constant for a longer period of time to improve structural ordering and complete the lithiation process. SC-LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 materials prepared via TSS exhibit large grain size (∼4 μm), a low degree of cation mixing (∼0.9%), and outperform the control samples prepared by the conventional sintering method. This work highlights the importance of understanding the process-structure-property relationships and may guide the synthesis of other SC Ni-rich cathode materials.
Polysilicon Field Effect Transistor Biosensor for the Detection of Cardiac Troponin-I (cTnI)
Authors: Prajesh Rahul , Goyal Vinay , Kakkar Saloni , Sharma Jyayasi , Alam M. A. , Maurya Ranjan Kumar , Bhalla Vijayender , Agarwal Ajay
Published: January 2021

A highly sensitive and robust polysilicon Field Effect transistor (SiFET) has been developed for the detection of an gold standard biomarker of myocardial infarction (AMI) Cardiac Troponin I (cTnI). This paper reports a polysilicon FET device integrated with a thin film of gold layer as a gate terminal which is biofunctionalized with specific cTnI binding single stranded DNA receptor aptamer to detect cTnI. The reported SiFET is fabricated using standard microfabrication unit processes. The detailed characterization of reported device is performed and thoroughly discussed at different stages of device development. The assessment of bio-interface is also studied using various surface characterization techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Contact angle measurements. The experimental results showed the significant response for cTnI concentration as low as 0.1 ng ml−1 for label free detection.
Porous Silicon Skeleton as Catalysts for Hydrocarbon Decomposition at Low Temperature Synthesis of Graphene Nanocomposites
Authors: Tynyshtykbayev K. , Spitas Ch. , Kostas K. , Insepov Z.
Published: January 2021

The energy of low-temperature synthesis of graphene on the surface of nanoporous silicon (nc-PS) is considered. It was shown that the energy of low-temperature synthesis of graphene on nc-PS is due to the excess energies of the nanocrystal surface, the interfaces of the nanocrystal nc-Si/c-Si monocrystal matrix, and the free dangling bonds of silicon atoms of nanoscale silicon grains in the skeleton of porous silicon. This opens up a new perspective for the development of methods for the low-temperature synthesis of graphene without metal catalysts for the decomposition of carbon precursors, including the use of the ALD (atomic layer deposition) method.
First-Principles Calculation of Defect Properties on Copper Doped KTaO3 Crystal
Authors: Zhang Hua-Di , Yang Lie-Kun , Qiu Cheng-Cheng , Liu Bing , Li Jing , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Hu Yan-Yan , Wei Lei , Lv Xian-Shun , Wang Xu-Ping
Published: January 2021

A first-principles calculation is applied to perform a study of the Cu: KTaO3 system. The defect formation energy, the doping induced lattice distortion and the electronic structure properties have been calculated. The defect formation energy found that Cu is prefer to substitute K (CuK) at corresponding defect charge state +3(

Cu

K

3
+

), +1(

Cu

K

1
+

) and 0 (

Cu

K

0

) with Fermi energy increase; The doping of Cu leads to an obvious distortion of the oxygen octahedron, along with the change of ionic bond characteristics; Further research on electronic structure shows that the doped Cu atom mainly occupies the top of the valence band, resulting in the decrease of the band gap.
Gastric ablation as a novel technique for modulating electrical conduction in the in vivo stomach
Authors: Aghababaie Zahra , Paskaranandavadivel Niranchan , Amirapu Satya , Chan Chih-Hsiang Alexander , Du Peng , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Farrugia Gianrico , Beyder Arthur , O’Grady Gregory , Cheng Leo K. , Angeli-Gordon Timothy R.
Published: January 2021

This study presents gastric ablation as a new method for modulating slow wave activation and propagation in vivo, by creating localized electrical conduction blocks in the stomach, validated by high-resolution electrical mapping and histological tissue analysis. The results define the effective energy dose range for creating conduction blocks, while maintaining the mucosal and submucosal integrity, and demonstrate the electrophysiological effects of ablation. In future, gastric ablation can now be translated toward disrupting dysrhythmic slow wave activation.
Small dendritic synapses enhance temporal coding in a model of cochlear nucleus bushy cells
Authors: Koert Elisabeth , Kuenzel Thomas
Published: January 2021

We modeled dendritic inputs from the auditory nerve that spherical bushy cells of the cochlear nucleus receive. Dendritic inputs caused both tonic depolarization and modulation of the membrane potential at the input frequency. This improved the rate, entrainment, and temporal precision of output action potentials. Our simulations suggest a role for small dendritic inputs in auditory processing: they modulate the efficacy of the main input supporting temporal precision and fidelity in these central auditory neurons.
A Data-Driven Scalable Method for Profiling and Dynamic Analysis of Shared Mobility Solutions
Authors: Toader Bogdan , Moawad Assaad , Hartmann Thomas , Viti Francesco
Published: January 2021

The advent of Internet of Things will revolutionise the sharing mobility by enabling high connectivity between passengers and means of transport. This generates enormous quantity of data which can reveal valuable knowledge and help understand complex travel behaviour. At the same time, it challenges analytics platforms to discover knowledge from data in motion (i.e., the analytics occur in real time as the event happens), extract travel habits, and provide reliable and faster sharing mobility services in dynamic contexts. In this paper, a scalable method for dynamic profiling is introduced, which allows the extraction of users’ travel behaviour and valuable knowledge about visited locations, using only geolocation data collected from mobile devices. The methodology makes use of a compact representation of time-evolving graphs that can be used to analyse complex data in motion. In particular, we demonstrate that using a combination of state-of-the-art technologies from data science domain coupled with methodologies from the transportation domain, it is possible to implement, with the minimum of resources, the next generation of autonomous sharing mobility services (i.e., long-term and on-demand parking sharing and combinations of car sharing and ride sharing) and extract from raw data, without any user input and in near real time, valuable knowledge (i.e., location labelling and activity classification).
Formation of H3O+ in the Ionization and Fragmentation of Ethanol Induced by Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Ma Chao , Zhou Jiaqi , Wang Enliang , Yang Tao , Xu Zhongfeng , Jia Shaokui , Dorn Alexander , Ren Xueguang
Published: January 2021

The single ionization and dissociation of ethanol molecules induced by low-energy electrons (E0 = 90 eV) are investigated using multiparticle coincident momentum spectroscopy. By detecting two outgoing electrons (e1 and e2) and one fragment ion in coincidence, we obtain the energy deposition (E0 − E1 − E2) during electron ionization of the molecule, i.e., the binding energy spectra, for production of the different ionic fragments C2H5OH+, C2H4OH+, COH+, and H3O+. These data allow us to study the ionization channels for different ionic products. In particular, we focus on H3O+ as a product of double hydrogen migration. It is found that this channel mainly originates from the ionization of outer-valance orbitals (3a″,10a′, 2a″, 9a′, 8a′, 1a″, and 7a′). Additionally, there are minor contributions from the inner-valence orbitals such as 6a′, 5a′, and 4a′. Quantum chemistry calculations show two fragmentation pathways: concerted and sequential processes for formation of H3O+.
Aiding Traffic Prediction Servers through Self‐Localization to Increase Stability in Complex Vehicular Clustering
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar , Md Noor Rafidah , Alroobaea Roobaea , Talha Muhammad , Ahmed Zaheed , Habiba Umm-e- , Ali Ihsan
Published: January 2021

The integration of cellular networks and vehicular networks is complex and heterogeneous. Synchronization among vehicles in heterogeneous vehicular clusters plays an important role in effective data sharing and the stability of the cluster. This synchronization depends on the smooth exchange of information between vehicles and remote servers over the Internet. The remote servers predict road traffic patterns by adopting deep learning methods to help drivers on the roads. At the same time, local data processing at the vehicular cluster level may increase the capabilities of remote servers. However, global positioning system (GPS) signal interruption, especially in the urban environment, plays a big part in the detritions of synchronization among the vehicles that lead to the instability of the cluster. Instability of connections is a major hurdle in developing cost‐effective solutions for deriving assistance and route planning applications. To solve this problem, a self‐localization scheme within the vehicular cluster is proposed. The proposed self‐localization scheme handles GPS signal interruption to the vehicle within the cluster. A unique clustering criterion and a synchronization mechanism for sharing traffic information system (TIS) data among multiple vehicles are developed. The developed scheme is simulated and compared with existing known approaches. The results show the better performance of our proposed scheme over others.
Impact of Peracetic Acid on the Dynamic Cyclic Fatigue of Heat-Treated Nickel-Titanium Rotary Endodontic Instrument
Authors: Al-Nasrawi Suhad Jabbar Hamed , Ayad Jaber Zuha , Talib Al-Quraine Nibrass , Imhemed Aljdaimi Abtesam , Jabbar Abdul-Zahra Al-Hmedat Sattar , Zidan Saleh , Haider Julfikar
Published: January 2021

Peracetic acid (PAA) is widely used as a sterilizing/disinfecting agent, and, in endodontics, it has been introduced as a promising irrigant in root canal treatment. It has been used at different concentrations to achieve various functions. However, endodontic instruments in contact with PAA of a certain concentration may affect their fatigue resistance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of PAA on the cyclic fatigue resistance of three commercial heat-treated nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files. Three types of heat-treated NiTi rotary files were selected: One Curve (OC), ProTaper Gold (PTG), and Wave One Gold (WOG). Each type was divided into three subgroups (n = 6 for each file type): (1) untreated instruments; (2) files immersed in 0.002% PAA; and (3) files immersed in 0.35% PAA. The performance of each file type was tested in a simulated canal. The number of cycles to fracture (NCF) was determined to assess cyclic fatigue resistance of the files. Independent sample t-test was applied to compare each treated file within a subgroup with its respective control group, and one-way ANOVA was used for comparison among the main groups. All types of tested files revealed a significant decline in the cyclic fatigue resistance after exposure to 0.002% PAA except the PTG (

P
=
0.209

). After exposure of the files to a higher concentration (0.35% PAA), a dramatic reduction was demonstrated by all the groups. Before and after exposure of the files to PAA, PTG displayed the highest cyclic fatigue resistance, followed by the WOG, while the OC showed the lowest resistance. Exposure of heated-treated NiTi files to PAA in a relatively high or low concentration adversely affects the cyclic fatigue resistance. The PTG files demonstrated the best performance among the tested types and can be disinfected with 0.002% PAA for clinical purpose.
Determination and Pharmacokinetics of Omeprazole Enantiomers in Human Plasma and Oral Fluid Utilizing Microextraction by Packed Sorbent and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ahmed Hytham , Wahbi Abdel-Aziz , Elmongy Hatem , Amini Ahmad , Koyi Hirsh , Branden Eva , Abdel-Rehim Mohamed
Published: January 2021

In the present work, the determination of omeprazole (OME) enantiomers in oral fluid and plasma samples was carried out utilizing microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A chiral column with cellulose-SB phase was used for the first time for enantiomeric separation of OME with an isocratic elution system using 0.2% ammonium hydroxide in hexane-ethanol mixture (70 : 30, v/v) as the mobile phase. OME enantiomers were determined utilizing a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in positive ion mode (ESI+) monitoring mass transitions: m/z 346.3 ⟶ 198.0 for OME and m/z 369.98 ⟶ 252.0 for internal standard. The limits of detection and quantification of the present method for both enantiomers were 0.1 and 0.4 ng/mL, respectively. The method validation provided good accuracy and precision. The matrix effect factor was less than 5%, and no interfering peaks were observed. The interday precision values ranged from 2.2 to 7.5 (%RSD), and the accuracy of determinations varied from −9.9% to 8.3%. In addition, the pharmacokinetics (PK) of omeprazole enantiomers in healthy subjects after a single oral dose was investigated. (S)-Enantiomers showed higher levels than (R)-enantiomers throughout 24 h. It was found that the mean maximum concentrations of (R)- and (S)-omeprazole in plasma samples were about two times higher than in oral fluid.
Admissibility Analysis and Controller Design for Discrete Singular Time-Delay Systems Embracing Uncertainties in the Difference and Systems’ Matrices
Authors: Huang Chih-Peng
Published: January 2021

This paper mainly investigates the admissibility analysis and the admissibilizing controller design for the uncertain discrete singular system with delayed state. Based on Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability theory, an original admissibility condition for the nominal singular delay system is first presented. By involving the uncertainties in both difference and system matrices simultaneously, we devote to analyzing the robust admissibility for the regarded uncertain discrete singular system with delayed state. Furthermore, by hiring the state feedback control law, we further discuss the admissibilizing controller design for the resulting closed-loop system. Since all the derived criteria are expressed in terms of strict linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) or parametric LMIs, we thus can handily verify them via current LMI solvers. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and validity of the proposed approach.
Desafíos para la igualdad de género en tiempos de pandemia
Authors: Mandiola Marcela
Published: January 2021

La posición desmejorada de la mujer en el mundo del trabajo es una realidad reconocida y documentada en nuestro país. Las cifras y los estudios abundan insistiendo en brechas, inequidades y variadas formas de injusticia que dañan la participación de las mujeres en lo laboral y, con ello, el desempeño de las organizaciones y los resultados productivos y económicos en general. Datos actualizados documentan que las mujeres en Chile seguimos teniendo una menor participación en el mundo del trabajo, 41,2% versus el 63,1% de los varones (INE, 2020). Continuar leyendo...
La vuelta a clases con el COVID-19
Authors: De Elejalde Ramiro
Published: January 2021

La pérdida de las clases presenciales en los colegios a causa del COVID-19 es uno de los hechos más importantes del año que termina. Hoy, los principales perjudicados son los niños y su familia. Mañana, lo será el país que va a ser más pobre y desigual. Continuar leyendo...
The Role of Keratin-8 and Keratin-18 Polymorphisms and Protein Levels in the Occurrence and Progression of Vocal Leukoplakia
Authors: Yang Yue , Zhou Jian , He Peijie , Wu Haitao
Published: January 2021

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and tissue protein level of keratin-8/18 and the occurrence and progression of vocal leukoplakia. Methods: The case-control study enrolled 158 patients with vocal leukoplakia, 326 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), and 268 healthy controls, which were tested for genotype analysis with keratin-8 and keratin-18 gene polymorphisms using pyrosequencing. The tissue protein expression levels of keratin-8 and keratin-18 were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Results: The keratin-8 SNP RS1907671 showed an obvious increased risk for vocal leukoplakia (OR 1.56, p = 0.002), while the other SNPs (RS2035875, RS2035878, RS4300473) were tested as protective factors for vocal leukoplakia and LSCC (OR <1, p < 0.05). In keratin-18 SNP test, both RS2070876 and RS2638526 polymorphisms demonstrated decreased risks for vocal leukoplakia and LSCC (OR <1, p < 0.05). The protein levels of keratin-8 and keratin-18 in vocal leukoplakia group were significantly higher than those of the LSCC group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Keratin-8 and keratin-18 polymorphisms and protein levels are associated with the occurrence and progression of vocal leukoplakia.
Gliomatosis Cerebri Growth Pattern: Association of Differential First-Line Treatment with Overall Survival in WHO Grade II and III Gliomas
Authors: Divé Iris , Steidl Eike , Wagner Marlies , Filipski Katharina , Burger Michael C. , Franz Kea , Harter Patrick N. , Bähr Oliver , Fokas Emmanouil , Herrlinger Ulrich , Steinbach Joachim P.
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Gliomatosis cerebri (GC) is defined by diffuse, widespread glial tumor growth affecting three or more cerebral lobes. Previous studies in gliomas found no distinct histological or molecular GC subtype, yet the presence of GC is associated with worse median overall survival (OS). Here, we explored whether differing therapeutic strategies in first-line treatment could account for this. Methods: From our University Cancer Center database, 47 patients with histological diagnosis of WHO grade II or III glioma and GC imaging pattern were identified. GC criteria were confirmed by independent review. Patients with WHO grade II or III glioma with non-GC pattern served as control cohort (n = 343). Results: Within the GC patient cohort, lower WHO grade, mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) status, and absence of contrast enhancement were associated with better OS. Compared to the control cohort, patients with GC had significantly shorter OS independent of histological diagnosis or IDH1 mutation status. Patients with GC preferentially received chemotherapy alone (62 vs. 18%), and less frequently radiochemotherapy (21 vs. 27%). OS was significantly shorter in the GC cohort compared to the non-GC cohort both for chemotherapy (3.9 vs. 7.6 years, p = 0.0085) and for combined radiochemotherapy (1.1 vs. 8.4 years, p < 0.0001). However, when only patients who received biopsy plus chemotherapy were analyzed, the differences lost statistical significance (3.5 vs. 6.6 years, p = 0.196). Conclusion: We found major differences in the selection of first-line therapies of GC versus non-GC patients. Our results suggest that these differences may partly account for the worse prognosis of GC patients.
Morphological Abnormalities in the Basal Ganglia of Dystonia Patients
Authors: Bai Xi , Vajkoczy Peter , Faust Katharina
Published: January 2021

Objective: The pathophysiology of dystonia is poorly understood. As opposed to secondary forms of dystonia, primary dystonia has long been believed to lack any neuroanatomical substrate. During trajectory planning for DBS, however, conspicuous T2-hyperinstensive signal alterations (SA) were registered within the target region, even in young patients, where ischemia is rare. Methods: Fifty MRIs of primary dystonia patients scheduled for DBS were analyzed. Total basal ganglia (BG) volumes, as well as proportionate SA volumes, were measured and compared to 50 age-matched control patients. Results: There was a 10-fold preponderance of percentaged SA within the globus pallidus (GP) in dystonia patients. The greatest disparity was in young patients <25 years. Also, total BG volume differences were observed with larger GP and markedly smaller putamen and caudate in the dystonia group. Conclusions: BG morphology in primary dystonia differed from a control population. Volume reductions of the putamen and caudate may reflect functional degeneration, while volume increases of the GP may indicate overactivity. T2-hyperintensive SA in the GP of young primary dystonia patients, where microvascular lesions are highly unlikely, are striking. Their pathogenic role remains unclear.
Correlation of Fractional Limb Volume Measurements with Neonatal Morphometric Indices
Authors: Cinar Hatice Burcu , Sezik Mekin
Published: January 2021

Objectives: Fractional thigh volume (TVol) and fractional arm volume (AVol) measurements by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound can reveal valuable information on fetal soft tissue development. However, it is not clear whether TVol or AVol provides better estimates of fetal body proportion and adiposity, independent of routine two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound biometry. The primary objective of the current study was to determine the correlations between fractional limb volumes (FLVs) and neonatal anthropometric parameters. Design: In this cross-sectional study, fetal FLVs were obtained within 24 h before term delivery from 40 medically and obstetrically uncomplicated pregnancies scheduled for elective cesarean section. TVol and AVol were determined using offline software. Postnatal morphometric data including birth weight; crown-heel, arm, and leg lengths; head, abdominal, mid-thigh, and mid-arm circumferences; and anterior thigh, biceps, and subscapular skinfold thicknesses were obtained. Pearson and partial correlation analyses were used to determine the relationships across antenatal volume calculations and neonatal indices. Correlation coefficients (r) were calculated. Results: Mean maternal age, BMI, and parity were 29.1 ± 5.4 years, 29.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2, and 1.0 ± 1.3, respectively. AVol showed moderate correlations with most of the neonatal parameters, including mid-thigh circumference (r = 0.683), mid-arm circumference (r = 0.627), birth weight (r = 0.583), head circumference (HC, r = 0.560), and abdominal circumference (r = 0.542). However, TVol was weakly related to only some of the indices. After controlling for gestational age, maternal age, BMI, parity, and 2D ultrasound biometry, TVol was no longer associated with any of the parameters, while AVol was independently correlated with mid-thigh (r = 0.724) and mid-arm circumference (r = 0.560), birth weight (r = 0.502), ponderal index (r = 0.402), HC (r = 0.382), biceps (r = 0.384), and subscapular skinfold thickness (r = 0.350). Limitations: The current design includes limited number of pregnancies with only scheduled cesarean deliveries. Neonatal percent body fat was not calculated, and air-displacement plethysmography was not used to assess neonatal body composition. The study population was Caucasian with a relatively high maternal BMI, which may limit extrapolation of the results to other settings. Conclusions: AVoL measurements by 3D ultrasound before delivery are significantly correlated with most of the neonatal morphometric indices, independent of maternal characteristics and 2D biometric parameters. AVol may have advantages over TVol for assessing limb soft tissue development in term fetuses. Future research can focus on feasibility and predictive ability of AVol measurements in prospective studies that include serial biometry over time.
Improving Neonatal and Maternal Outcome by Inducing Mild Labor before Elective Cesarean Section: The Lacarus Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wellmann Sven , Manegold-Brauer Gwendolin , Fischer Tina , Schäffer Leonhard , Gaertner Vincent D. , Malfertheiner Sara Fill , Burkhardt Tilo
Published: January 2021

Background: Newborns delivered by elective cesarean section (CS) are at higher respiratory risk than those delivered vaginally or by CS proceeded by labor (secondary CS). The oxytocin challenge test (OCT) induces uterine contractions that trigger the release of fetal hormones regulating lung fluid clearance during transition from the uterine to an air-breathing environment. Objectives: The aim is to summarize current evidence and outline the Lacarus trial protocol. Methods: Literature review informed the design of a randomized placebo-controlled multicenter trial of OCT preceding elective CS in 1,450 women with a singleton pregnancy due for CS at >35 weeks gestation, without preceding contractions, rupture of the membranes, or antenatal steroids. OCT comprises the infusion of oxytocin 5 IU/500 mL Ringer lactate at a rate of 12 mL/h, doubling every 10 min until inducing 5 uterine contractions per 15-min interval. The primary endpoint is the occurrence of neonatal respiratory morbidity within 24 h after birth. Secondary endpoints include biochemical and physiological parameters of fetal and maternal well-being, such as breastfeeding rate and fetal plasma copeptin concentrations. Conclusion: This is the first trial to test the hypothesis that oxytocin-induced contractions before elective CS is a promising application of physiologic principles gleaned from natural birth to improve neonatal and maternal outcomes.
Impact of Preexisting Cognitive Impairment and Race/Ethnicity on Functional Outcomes Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Sawyer Russell P. , Yim Eunji , Coleman Elisheva , Demel Stacie L. , Sekar Padmini , Woo Daniel
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose:

In intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), preexisting cognitive impairment has been identified as a risk factor for increased mortality and morbidity. However, previous studies examined predominantly White populations; therefore, the prevalence and effect of preICH cognitive impairment has not been studied in a multiethnic cohort. This limits the generalizability of previous findings. We sought to investigate the role of preexisting cognitive impairment in a multiethnic population on short-term mortality and functional outcomes after ICH.

Methods:

Patients with ICH were prospectively enrolled as cases for the GERFHS III (Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Hemorrhagic Stroke) Study and the Ethnic/Racial Variations of ICH (ERICH) Study. Cognitive impairment before ICH was defined as positive history of dementia or treatment with donepezil, galantamine, memantine, or rivastigmine on chart abstraction or baseline interview. Specific outcomes—modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months (0–2 versus ≥3), Barthel Index score (<100 versus 100) at 3 months, and withdrawal of care—were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Propensity score matching and analysis was done because of imbalances between cognitively impaired and cognitively intact groups.

Results:

Of the 3537 cases of ICH, 304 patients had cognitive impairment predating ICH. Cognitively impaired subjects were more likely to experience withdrawal of care during hospitalization, and for survivors, greater disability (modified Rankin Scale score of ≥3) and lower Barthel scores after ICH. After propensity score matching, preexisting cognitive impairment was associated with a lower modified Rankin Scale at 3 months in the White, Black, and Hispanic subgroups.

Conclusions:

Preexisting cognitive impairment was associated with loss of independence 3-month post-ICH, when matching for risk factors of cognitive impairment, in the White, Black, and Hispanic subgroups. This suggests that preexisting cognitive impairment has a negative effect in obtaining functional independence following ICH, irrespective of race/ethnicity.
Biblical Seductresses
Authors: Weiss Shira
Published: January 2021

Within the texts of the Bible, there are seductresses who are portrayed as resisting the patriarchal values of biblical society by employing their feminine wiles to manipulate powerful males. These women sacrifice their own virtue by taking initiative in sexually daring acts and subordinating their victim of seduction to further their pursuits. Numerous female biblical figures are praised after utilizing their feminine weapons to achieve their ends; however, these seducers, some of whom are married, engage in questionable means. Since the Bible does not render an explicit evaluation, I aim to investigate such seductive behavior in an effort to assess the conduct of biblical seductresses and illuminate the role of women depicted in the Bible. A close reading of the texts and an examination of rabbinic interpretations of episodes in which Lot’s daughters, Tamar, Jael, Ruth and Esther each perform seductive acts can be used as a resource to further support contemporary feminist readings which justify biblical female characters’ use of morally dubious means to accomplish noble aims.
Staurosirella paranaensis sp. nov., a new epiphytic freshwater diatom (Bacillariophyceae) from the Paraná River floodplain, Brazil, South America
Authors: OSÓRIO NICOLLI C. , ECTOR LUC , RODRIGUES LILIANA , WETZEL CARLOS E.
Published: January 2021

A new diatom species, Staurosirella paranaensis, is described only from epiphytic samples on the macrophyte Eichhornia azurea in a lake from the Upper Paraná River Floodplain in Brazil. Description of the new taxon is based on morphological characteristics observed using light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species is characterized by short elliptic valves with an axial area narrowly lanceolate, sometimes giving the impression of having a zig-zag form due the alternating nature of the striae. The lineolate striae, running uninterrupted from valve face to mantle. Spines are solid, thin, spatulate with two prominences at the top, located at the costae. Apical pore fields are inconspicuous, located at both apices and equally developed on both valves. Girdle elements variable in number, open, lacking pores, ligulated, and with valvocopula being much larger. The species previously identified in the region as the “catch-all” taxon “Staurosirella (Staurosira) pinnata” is placed in the genus Staurosirella based on the striae bearing well-developed internal vimines delimiting typically long areolae. Comparisons with similar species ascribed to the genus Staurosirella are provided to highlight the peculiar characteristics of S. paranaensis.
Symplocos mohananii sp. nov. (Symplocaceae) from the Western Ghats of Kerala, India
Authors: STEPHAN JEYAMARY , FRITSCH PETER W. , AKHIL RAJKUMAR
Published: January 2021

A new species of Symplocos (Symplocaceae), Symplocos mohananii of S. sect. Lodhra, is described on the basis of material collected from the Ponmudi Hills in the Western Ghats region of India. The species is distinguished from all other species of S. sect. Lodhra by the presence of 9–12 corolla lobes arranged in two whorls. It is otherwise similar morphologically to S. complanata, S. macrophylla, S. pyrifolia and S. racemosa but differs by having shallowly crenate-serrate leaf margins, two unequal bracteoles and a pubescent style from the base to the apex. Information on the phenology, distribution and conservation status of the new species is provided, along with colour photographs and illustrations.
Taxonomic review of Polynema (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) in Australia and New Zealand, with descriptions of eight new species
Authors: TRIAPITSYN SERGUEI V.
Published: January 2021

Two Australian species of Polynema Haliday (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), P. (Polynema) draperi Girault and P. (Polynema) editha Girault, are redescribed, as is the Australasian and Oriental P. (Dorypolynema) mendeli Girault; the previously unknown female of P. draperi and male of P. editha are also described. One new species group, the draperi group, is newly defined in P. (Polynema), in which eight new species are described: P. (Polynema) aristokratka sp. n. (New Zealand), P. (Polynema) baronessa sp. n. (New Zealand), P. (Polynema) grafinya sp. n. (New Zealand), P. (Polynema) imperatrix sp. n. (Australia), P. (Polynema) koroleva sp. n. (New Zealand), P. (Polynema) markiza sp. n. (New Zealand), P. (Polynema) princessa sp. n. (Australia), and P. (Polynema) rangatira sp. n. (New Zealand). Keys to the two treated subgenera of Polynema, both sexes of the world species of P. (Dorypolynema Hayat & Anis), and to females of the 10 described P. (Polynema) species in Australia and New Zealand are given. Taxonomic notes are provided for the Afrotropical species Polynema (Dorypolynema) mboroense (Risbec), comb. n. from Acmopolynema Ogloblin, whose previously unknown female is described, and for the Australian species Palaeoneura frater (Girault), comb. n. from Polynema.
A new species of Trimma (Pisces: Gobiidae) from western Thailand, north-eastern Indian Ocean
Authors: WINTERBOTTOM RICHARD
Published: January 2021

A new species of Trimma is described from the islands just off the Thailand coast near Phuket. Trimma ukkriti n.sp. lacks scales on the cheek and opercle, but has ctenoid scales in the midline of the nape, has an elongate second spine of the first dorsal fin which reaches posteriorly to between the base of the spine and the base of the 4th ray of the second dorsal fin when adpressed, 19–20 pectoral-fin rays with 6–13 branched rays in the middle of the fin, an unbranched 5th pelvic-fin ray, which is 48–67% the length of the 4th ray, a U-shaped interorbital trench with no fleshy median ridge, a poorly developed postorbital trench ending at the 5th papilla in row p (which has 6 papillae in total), and row c beneath the eye consists of 6 papillae. When live and freshly collected, the species is very similar in appearance to T. okinawae and T. readerae, with orange to red spots on the head and body.
A new mesopterous species of the genus Phryganogryllacris (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae: Hyperbaeninae) from Shandong, China
Authors: YIN ZI-XU , WANG GUO-LI , SHEN ZI-HAO
Published: January 2021

Phryganogryllacris laoshanica sp. nov. is described from Shandong, China. The new species is the first mesopterous species belonging to the genus Phryganogryllacris. Types of the new species in this paper are deposited in Shanghai Entomological Museum, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Dependence of Resistivity on Thickness of Vacuum Deposited Copper Thin Films
Authors: Sarma Shrutidhara
Published: January 2021

In depth understanding of resistivity of metals is of utmost importance for optimizing circuit designs and electrical systems. In this study, we investigated the relation between film thickness (in the range of 25−350 nm) and film resistivity of Cu thin films, with respect to
thin film temperature sensors. The films were deposited in a vacuum deposition chamber over pyrex substrates and the film resistances were measured using 4 point probe technique. The empirical relationship established by Lacy has been used along with our experimental results in order to calculate
the constants relating the filmsubstrate compatibility, which influences the change of resistivity with thickness.