bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astrophysical parameters and dynamical evolution of open clusters: NGC 2587, Collinder 268 and Melotte 72, and Pismis 7
Authors: Çakmak Hikmet , Güneş Orhan , Karataş Yüksel , Bonatto Charles
Published: September 2021

We determined astrophysical and dynamical parameters of the open clusters (OCs) NGC 2587, Collinder 268 (Col 268), Melotte 72 (Mel 72), and Pismis 7 from Gaia DR2 photometric/astrometric data and a new technique, fitCMD. fitCMD provides (Z, Age(Gyr)) as (0.025, 0.45) for NGC 2587, (0.0025, 0.5) for Col 268, (0.011, 1.25) for Mel 72, and (0.008, 1.00) for Pismis 7, respectively. As compared to Gaia DR2 distances, the obtained photometric distances from fitCMD provide somewhat close distances. For NGC 2587 and Mel 72, both distances are in good concordance. Except for NGC 2587, the ages of the remaining OCs are higher than their relaxation times, which suggests that they are dynamically relaxed. NGC 2587 did not undergo dynamical evolution. Mel 72 and Pismis 7 with relatively flat MF slopes indicate signs of a somewhat advanced dynamical evolution, in the sense that they appear to have lost a significant fraction of their low‐mass stars to the field. Pismis 7's negative/flat mass function slope indicates that its high mass stars slightly outnumber its low mass ones. Given its mild dynamical evolution, the high mass stars move toward the central region, while low‐mass stars are continually being lost to the field. Col 268 presents small dimensions, which suggest a primordial origin. The outer parts of Mel 72 and Pismis 7—with large cluster radii expand with time, while Mel 72's core contracts because of dynamical relaxation.
Work and well‐being: Vocational activity trajectories in young adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Clarke Elaine B. , Sterrett Kyle , Lord Catherine
Published: September 2021

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience limited social connectedness, difficulty living independently, and other poor outcomes at high rates. Vocational activities, including employment and postsecondary education, are associated with increased positive outcomes and subjective well‐being in typical adults. This study identified vocational activity trajectory groups in adults with ASD, examined change in these trajectories from ages 18 to 28, and compared levels of parent‐ and self‐report subjective well‐being across trajectory groups. One hundred fifty‐one adults with ASD were drawn from an ongoing longitudinal study. Data on psychosocial outcomes and vocational activities were compiled from parent‐report demographic forms. Vocational activities were scored using the vocational index (VDI). There was no significant effect of age on the slope of vocational trajectories (p = 0.787). Participants in the Independent Activities group had significantly higher parent‐report happiness factor scores than participants in the No Activities group (F [3, 107] = 3.56, p = 0.017) and significantly higher self‐report happiness factor scores than participants in the Volunteer Activities group (F [2, 35] = 6.46, p = 0.004). The Independent Activities group was also significantly more likely to have at least one social contact (X2 [3, 118] = 10.54, p = 0.014), however, there was no difference in trajectories groups in the likelihood of living independently (X2 [3, 120] = 1.71, p = 0.634). The results of this study indicate vocational activities in young adults with ASD are stable across time. In the current sample, participation in independent vocational activities was associated with increased levels of subjective well‐being.
Design and implementation of virtual laboratory for a microgrid with renewable energy sources
Authors: Guo Liping , Vengalil Madhav , Abdul Nauman Moiz Mohammed , Wang Kezhou
Published: September 2021

Growing demand for energy consumption worldwide has led to an increase in carbon emissions, which have significant effects on climate change. There is an urgent need for clean and renewable energy sources. However, most renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, have very high initial costs, especially when used as a principal source. Distributed power generation using solar and wind power provides an effective solution to reduce the dependency on conventional power generation and to increase the reliability and quality of power systems. A mixture of distributed energy generation systems and loads can then be connected to form a microgrid. Virtual and remote laboratories are becoming widely accepted to conduct experiments in higher education. A virtual laboratory is especially suitable for the renewable energy‐based microgrid to overcome cost, space, and time restrictions. In this paper, the design and implementation of a web‐based virtual laboratory for a microgrid with renewable energy sources is presented. The virtual laboratory was developed using LabVIEW, Microsoft.Net Core, and Matlab/Simulink. Innovative courseware was developed around the virtual laboratory and used in several engineering technology courses to teach topics, including solar and wind power, dc‐dc converters, battery management, and microgrid. The assessment shows that the virtual laboratory greatly increased students awareness, interest, and knowledge in renewable energy. It provided an interactive and convenient tool for students to experiment with renewable energy and microgrid.
Learning and individual differences in skilled competency‐based performance: Using a course planning and learning tool as an indicator for student success
Authors: Gyll Sean P. , Hayes Heather
Published: September 2021

Competency‐based institutions eager to improve student outcomes would be wise to consider research‐based measures, such as a course planning and learning tool (CPLT), as one step in the student life cycle. Recent research has indicated which assessment practices tend to be most successful in an online competency‐based environment while hinting at which specific study characteristics are likely to lead to superior performance. Our objective was to develop a more successful and scientifically measurable process than any other method that currently exists by reducing the gap between the uncertainty and subjective randomness that currently detracts from educating students and increasing institutions' ability to engage with students in a meaningful manner. We investigated students' prior Knowledge, Confidence level in completing the course, and Experience with course content, and their relationship to the use of online Learning Resources, frequency of Formative Assessment Practice, Formative Assessment Performance, frequency of Course Mentor interactions, and Course Pace. Results showed that students' Knowledge, Confidence, and Experience have notably different impacts on study behavior and performance outcomes. Specifically, students with higher Knowledge perform well despite less studying, students with higher Confidence also perform well, but students with high Experience struggle more with the course material and performance. Implications for academic planning in an asynchronous environment are discussed.
A Self‐immolative Molecular Beacon for Amplified Nucleic Acid Detection**
Authors: Roth Magdalena , Seitz Oliver
Published: September 2021

Fluorogenic hybridization probes allow the detection of RNA and DNA sequences in homogeneous solution. Typically, one target molecule activates the fluorescence of a single probe molecule. This limits the sensitivity of nucleic acid detection. Herein, we report a self‐immolative molecular beacon (iMB) that escapes the one‐target/one‐probe paradigm. The iMB probe includes a photoreductively cleavable N‐alkyl‐picolinium (NAP) linkage within the loop region. A fluorophore at the 5’‐end serves, on the one hand, as a reporter group and, on the other hand, as a photosensitizer of a NAP‐linker cleavage reaction. In the absence of target, the iMB adopts a hairpin shape. Quencher groups prevent photo‐induced cleavage. The iMB opens upon hybridization with a target, and both fluorescent emission as well as photo‐reductive cleavage of the NAP linker can occur. In contrast to previous chemical amplification reactions, iMBs are unimolecular probes that undergo cleavage leading to products that have lower target affinity than the probes before reaction. Aided by catalysis, the method allowed the detection of 5 pm RNA target within 100 min.
The Resource‐Energy Nexus as a Key Factor for Circular Economy
Authors: Schmidt Mario
Published: September 2021

The extraction of raw materials is associated with energy input and CO2 emissions. What is obvious for extraction from mining, however, also applies to recycling. Mostly, recycling is preferred for reasons of climate protection or because of the geological scarcity of raw materials, which is controversially discussed. While in mining, the declining ore grade is a driver for the energy demand, in case of recycling it is the dissipation of materials into products or waste. As concentration decreases, the effort required also increases disproportionately. The “closing the loop” metaphor of Circular Economy is therefore inappropriate in its stricter meaning. It is rather about optimizing the overall system and finding the optimal recycling rate. However, first, it must be clarified what the political goals for Circular Economy are.
Combining ranking information from different sources in ranked‐set samples
Authors: Ozturk Omer , Kravchuk Olena
Published: September 2021

This article considers a ranked‐set sample (RSS) with multiple ranking methods. The RSS data have K
sets of ranks, each of which leads to a different estimator. We provide a weighted estimator that combines ranking information from these K sets of ranks. The weights are computed from the agreement scores of the ranking methods. We show that the new estimator provides substantial improvement over a balanced RSS estimator. The new estimator is applied to seed emergence data from a field experiment in agricultural research.
Visualizing Correlation Regions: The Case of the Ammonia Crystal
Authors: Ramírez‐Palma David , Landeros‐Rivera Bruno , Genoni Alessandro , Cortés‐Guzmán Fernando , Contreras‐García Julia
Published: September 2021

We resort to X‐ray constrained wavefunctions in order to separately analyze crystal field and correlation effects in ammonia. With this aim in mind, we compare the electron density and the amount of electron localization in different molecular regions derived from three different calculations: the isolated molecule, the solid‐state and the X‐ray constrained wavefunctions. While the crystal field effects lead to a contraction (localization) of electron pairs, the introduction of correlation as a correction from the experimental density leads to a compensating effect that diffuses back again the electron pairs. We have also compared the effect on the most widely used methods in solid state, HF and DFT, showing that (as in molecules) correlation has well differenciated effects, with DFT overdelocalizing. It is now well known that approximate functionals have errors in the density reconstruction and in the energy estimation. Resorting to experimental densities thus allows expanding the separation of the errors in the functional and the density in solid state, where correlated wavefunctions are not easily available.
Multi‐observer methods for estimating uncertain species identification
Authors: Hoekman Steven T.
Published: September 2021

Species identification typically is assumed certain in population ecology. However, partial identification (to lowest certain taxon) and misidentification (collectively “uncertain identification”) have pervaded surveys. Consequent bias in occupancy and abundance estimates impairs inference and decision‐making, but methods for estimating uncertain identification and remedying its effects have required restrictive assumptions or utilized artificial cues. I present likelihood‐based multi‐observer methods for estimating uncertain identification during surveys enumerating individuals, assess performance via simulation study, demonstrate application to line transects, and provide recommendations for use and further development. Methods typically employ three or more independent observers using one or more observation methods. Species identity is a latent state, and discrepancies in species classifications of the same individuals or groups enable estimation of uncertain identification and true species composition of detected individuals. Because complete or certain classifications are not required for any observer, methods uniquely befit surveys for free‐ranging, unmarked animals. Methods permit arbitrary numbers of species and observation states, multi‐species groups, covariates, and distinct uncertain identification for each species, observer, and observation state. Innovative technologies for acquiring recorded observations (e.g., digital media of survey observations) complement methods by enabling post hoc classifications by independent observers and enhanced species identification (e.g., replays, magnification, spectrograms). Using multi‐observation methods (MOM), classifications by observers at sampling sites are supplemented with classifications from recorded observations by additional observers. Alternatively, recorded observations can be acquired solely via technology (e.g., unmanned aerial systems, autonomous recording units). Multi‐observation methods enable supplementing automated classifications (e.g., machine learning) with classifications by humans, while single‐observation methods allow classifications by multiple human observers. Simulations demonstrated good model performance and robustness, except to high un‐modeled heterogeneity in misidentification. Minimizing misidentification and other practical steps enhance precision and accuracy of results. I applied MOM to line transects for two genusBrachyramphusmurrelet species by photographing a sample of detected groups. Post hoc classifications from photographs by three independent observers had lower misidentification and partial identification (0.6%, 9%) vs. experienced observers at survey sites (3.2%, 23%). Integrating multi‐observer methods with other methods (e.g., distance sampling,N‐mixture models) enables estimation of occupancy or abundance accounting for uncertain detection and identification.
Shortening of time‐to‐peak left ventricular pressure rise (Td) in cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Odland Hans Henrik , Villegas‐Martinez Manuel , Ross Stian , Holm Torbjørn , Cornelussen Richard , Remme Espen W. , Kongsgard Erik
Published: September 2021

Aims

We tested the hypothesis that shortening of time‐to‐peak left ventricular pressure rise (Td) reflect resynchronization in an animal model and that Td measured in patients will be helpful to identify long‐term volumetric responders [end‐systolic volume (ESV) decrease >15%] in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods

Td was analysed in an animal study (n = 12) of left bundle‐branch block (LBBB) with extensive instrumentation to detect left ventricular myocardial deformation, electrical activation, and pressures during pacing. The sum of electrical delays from the onset of pacing to four intracardiac electrodes formed a synchronicity index (SI). Pacing was performed at baseline, with LBBB, right and left ventricular pacing and finally with biventricular pacing (BIVP). We then studied Td at baseline and with BIVP in a clinical observational study in 45 patients during the implantation of CRT and followed up for up to 88 months.

Results

We found a strong relationship between Td and SI in the animals (R = 0.84, P < 0.01). Td and SI increased from narrow QRS at baseline (Td = 95 ± 2 ms, SI = 141 ± 8 ms) to LBBB (Td = 125 ± 2 ms, SI = 247 ± 9 ms, P < 0.01), and shortened with biventricular pacing (BIVP) (Td = 113 ± 2 ms and SI = 192 ± 7 ms, P < 0.01). Prolongation of Td was associated with more wasted deformation during the preejection period (R = 0.77, P < 0.01). Six patients increased ESV by 2.5 ± 18%, while 37 responders (85%) had a mean ESV decrease of 40 ± 15% after more than 6 months of follow‐up. Responders presented with a higher Td at baseline than non‐responders (163 ± 26 ms vs. 121 ± 19 ms, P < 0.01). Td decreased to 156 ± 16 ms (P = 0.02) with CRT in responders, while in non‐responders, Td increased to 148 ± 21 ms (P < 0.01). A decrease in Td with BIVP to values similar or below what was found at baseline accurately identified responders to therapy (AUC 0.98, P < 0.01). Td at baseline and change in Td from baseline was linear related to the decrease in ESV at follow‐up. All‐cause mortality was high among six non‐responders (n = 4), while no patients died in the responder group during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Prolongation of Td is associated with cardiac dyssynchrony and more wasted deformation during the preejection period. Shortening of a prolonged Td with CRT in patients accurately identifies volumetric responders to CRT with incremental value on top of current guidelines and practices. Thus, Td carries the potential to become a biomarker to predict long‐term volumetric response in CRT candidates.
Association of high serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor levels with risk of adverse events in cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Kobayashi Yuta , Sato Takuma , Nagai Toshiyuki , Hirata Kenji , Tsuneta Satonori , Kato Yoshiya , Komoriyama Hirokazu , Kamiya Kiwamu , Konishi Takao , Omote Kazunori , Ohira Hiroshi , Kudo Kohsuke , Konno Satoshi , Anzai Toshihisa
Published: September 2021

Aims

Although soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL‐2R) is a potentially useful biomarker in the diagnosis and evaluation of disease severity in patients with sarcoidosis, its prognostic implication in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is unclear. We sought to investigate whether sIL‐2R was associated with clinical outcomes and to clarify the relationship between sIL‐2R levels and disease activity in patients with CS.

Methods and results

We examined 83 consecutive patients with CS in our hospital who had available serum sIL‐2R data between May 2003 and February 2020. The primary outcome was a composite of advanced atrioventricular block, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, heart failure hospitalization, and all‐cause death. Inflammatory activity in the myocardium and lymph nodes was assessed by 18F‐fluorideoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography. During a median follow‐up period of 2.96 (IQR 2.24–4.27) years, the primary outcome occurred in 24 patients (29%). Higher serum sIL‐2R levels (>538 U/mL, the median) were significantly related to increased incidence of primary outcome (P = 0.037). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that a higher sIL‐2R was independently associated with an increased subsequent risk of adverse events (HR 3.71, 95% CI 1.63–8.44, P = 0.002), even after adjustment for significant covariates. sIL‐2R levels were significantly correlated to inflammatory activity in lymph nodes (r = 0.346, P = 0.003) but not the myocardium (r = 0.131, P = 0.27).

Conclusions

Increased sIL‐2R is associated with worse long‐term clinical outcomes accompanied by increased systemic inflammatory activity in CS patients.
Implementing a material planning and control method for special nutrition in a Brazilian public hospital
Authors: Alemsan Najla , Tortorella Guilherme Luz , Vergara Alejandro Francisco Mac Cawley , Rodriguez Carlos Manuel Taboada , Staudacher Alberto Portioli
Published: September 2021

This study aims to (i) propose a demand forecast model for special nutrition materials in the context of health services, and (ii) comparatively evaluate three inventory management and control systems (periodic review, continuous review and mixed) for special nutrition materials. For that, we carried out a case study in a Brazilian public teaching hospital where data and information collection were conducted over a span of 22 months (from January 2018 and were consolidated until October 2019). A six‐step approach was followed to propose the demand forecasting models and, later, evaluate the inventory control systems for special nutrition materials. Results indicate that if the organization implements the proposed inventory management method, there could be savings of up to 33% in the stock values managed by the healthcare organization. This research shows the planning and control of special nutrition materials in an integrated manner. Demand forecasting methods have been combined with inventory management to promote systemic improvements to healthcare organization.
Investigation of porosity significance on an Oldroyd‐B fluid flow transport between parallel plates: Closed form solution
Authors: Sunder Ram Mutnuri , Shravani Kasarla , Shamshuddin MD , Salawu Sulyman O.
Published: September 2021

The current work focuses on the analytical investigation of the laminar flow of Oldroyd‐B fluid between parallel plates influenced by the inner surface of the plates with porous lining. The Oldroyd‐B fundamental equation is featured to energize the realistic captivation of dilute polymeric solutions in parallel plates. Furthermore, the transport of momentum energy is controlled by the significant influence of the porous medium. The flow mechanics of transport through the parallel plates is developed utilizing nondimensional variables' coupled system of higher‐order equations, transformed into partial order from partial models with appropriate nondimensionalities. The altered equations are computed analytically by the usage of linear partial differential equations with the constant coefficients method through MATLAB software. The noteworthy impact of different parameters like Reynolds number, pressure gradient, material parameters related to relaxation and retardation, permeability parameter, and time parameter is observed along the flow rate and velocity in clear and porous region distributions graphically. Variation of thickness with total velocity has been displayed through tables. It is examined through graphical discussion that low Reynolds number values accomplish maximum velocity in both cases. Material parameters relaxation and retardation show opposite in nature irrespective of porous and nonporous cases. The flow rate in the absence of porosity significantly upsurges within the bounded domain, that is, as values of pressure gradient increase, the flow rate is enhanced. The observation aligned well with various reports and the impact of pressure gradient on a fluid. It is noticed that the fluid motion for the unsteady case is higher and gradually increases as the time parameter grows, and shows opposite trends as compared to the case of the porous medium. Finally, the presence of porous medium has manifested an impact on the flow field.
Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy efficacy in reducing physiological response to emotional stimuli in patients with bipolar I disorder and the intermediate role of cognitive reactivity
Authors: Docteur Aurélie , Gorwood Philip , Mirabel‐Sarron Christine , Kaya Lefèvre Héline , Sala Loretta , Duriez Philibert
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the impact of Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for bipolar disorders on emotional responses by using skin conductance recording, and to investigate a mediating or predictive effect of cognitive reactivity.

Methods

Sixty‐seven patients with bipolar disorder were assessed at baseline, pre‐MBCT and post‐MBCT. After answering inventories regarding depression and dysfunctional attitudes, they were instructed to focus on emotional pictures from the International Affective Pictures System while electrodermal recording.

Results

For a subgroup of patients having a significant change of the electrodermal response, MBCT reduced dysfunctional attitudes and the amplitude of the physiological response to negative stimuli. Findings also show that lower dysfunctional attitudes at baseline predicted a larger reduction of physiological reactivity.

Conclusions

MBCT could decrease patient's reactivity to negative stimuli by decreasing its physiological component, which is coherent with its aim to facilitate disengaging from affective stimuli. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved and how this could translate in reducing the risk of relapse.
A pilot study investigating the efficacy of brief, phone‐based, behavioral interventions for burnout in graduate students
Authors: Fang Caitlin M. , McMahon Kibby , Miller Melissa L. , Rosenthal Mark Zachary
Published: September 2021

Objective

This pilot study tested the efficacy of two brief, phone‐administered, behavioral interventions derived from behavioral activation in reducing burnout among doctoral students.

Methods

Sixty‐six doctoral students demonstrating current high burnout were randomly assigned to one of three intervention conditions: (1) Reward: increasing pleasant, rewarding behaviors, (2) Approach: approaching important goals that they have been avoiding, or (3) Control: monitoring only.

Results

Results indicated that doctoral students treated with the approach intervention reported significantly lower burnout compared to participants in the control condition immediately after the intervention and at a 1‐week follow‐up. Results also suggested that students in the approach intervention also reported higher well‐being compared to students in the control condition.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that this approach intervention is an effective treatment for school burnout for doctoral students that can be delivered remotely through phone and web technology.
Hepatic stellate cells in the injured liver: Perspectives beyond hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Ezhilarasan Devaraj
Published: September 2021

Over the last two decades, our understanding of the pathological role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in fibrotic liver disease has increased dramatically. As HSCs are identified as the principal collagen‐producing cells in the injured liver, several experimental and clinical studies have targeted HSCs to treat liver fibrosis. However, HSCs also play a critical role in developing nonfibrotic liver diseases such as cholestasis, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this review exclusively focuses on the role of activated HSCs beyond hepatic fibrosis. In cholestasis conditions, elevated bile salts and bile acids activate HSCs to secrete collagen and other extracellular matrix products, which cause biliary fibrosis and cholangitis. In the chronically injured liver, autocrine and paracrine signaling from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells activates HSCs to induce portal hypertension via endothelin‐1 release. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), activated HSCs are the major source of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF). The crosstalk between activated HSC/CAF and tumor cells is associated with tumor cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, and chemoresistance. In TME, activated HSCs convert macrophages to tumor‐associated macrophages and induce the differentiation of dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes to regulatory DCs and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, respectively. This differentiation, in turn, increases T cells proliferation and induces their apoptosis leading to reduced immune surveillance in TME. Thus, HSCs activation in chronically injured liver is a critical process involved in the progression of cholestasis, portal hypertension, and liver cancer.
Differences in genetic counseling student responses to intense patient affect: A study of students in North American programs
Authors: Keppers Rachel , McCarthy Veach Patricia , Schema Lynn , LeRoy Bonnie S. , MacFarlane Ian M.
Published: September 2021

Research indicates genetic counseling patients often experience intense emotions. No studies, however, have investigated how genetic counseling students respond to patient affect. This survey study investigated student responses to patient emotions and select factors affecting their responses. One‐hundred fifty‐one genetic counseling students in North American programs wrote a response to each of three hypothetical prenatal scenarios, identical except for the patient affect expressed (anger, fear, or sadness). They also completed measures of empathy tendency and tolerance of negative affect and demographic questions. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), used to analyze the effects of major study variables on the types of responses given by participants, was significant. Follow‐up univariate ANCOVAs indicated small to moderate effect sizes for student clinical experience, race/ethnicity, and relationship status within and across scenarios. For example, as number of patients counseled increased, participants used more feeling reflections and fewer self‐involving statements. There were no significant differences in responses due to empathy tendency or affect tolerance. Most common responses were information provision and feeling reflections for the Anger scenario, information provision for the Fear scenario, and influencing responses for the Sadness scenario. Responses to each scenario typically involved multiple thoughts (range: 1–14; means ranged from 3.25 in the Sadness scenario to 3.62 in the Fear scenario). Most students (82%) reported the Anger scenario was the most difficult. Thematic analysis of reasons a scenario was difficult yielded four themes: Discomfort with situation/emotion, Positive countertransference, Uncertain how to respond, and Negative countertransference. Findings that clinical experience affects how participants responded to patient affect support the essential role of applied experience. Findings also support training and supervision to help genetic counseling students in North America learn ways to respond to strong patient emotions and recognize and manage countertransference.
Effect of mortality from COVID‐19 on inpatient outcomes
Authors: Phillips Matthew C. , Sarff Laura , Banerjee Josh , Coffey Chase , Holtom Paul , Meurer Steve , Wald‐Dickler Noah , Spellberg Brad
Published: September 2021

When hospitals first encountered coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), there was a dearth of therapeutic options and nearly 1 in 3 patients died from the disease. By the summer of 2020, as deaths from the disease declined nationally, multiple single‐center studies began to report declining mortality of patients with COVID‐19. To evaluate the effect of COVID‐19 on hospital‐based mortality, we searched the Vizient Clinical Data Base for outcomes data from approximately 600 participating hospitals, including 130 academic medical centers, from January 2017 through December 2020. More than 32 million hospital admissions were included in the analysis. After an initial spike, mortality from COVID‐19 declined in all regions of the country to under 10% by June 2020 and remained constant for the remainder of the year. Despite this, inpatient, all‐cause mortality has increased since the beginning of the pandemic, even those without respiratory failure. Inpatient mortality has particularly increased in elderly patients and in those requiring intubation for respiratory failure. Since June 2020, COVID‐19 kills one in every 10 patients admitted to the hospital with this diagnosis. The addition of this new disease has raised overall hospital mortality especially those who require intubation for respiratory failure.
The first Italian outbreak of SARS‐CoV‐2 B.1.1.7 lineage in Corzano, Lombardy
Authors: Messali Serena , Campisi Giovanni , Giovanetti Marta , Ciccozzi Massimo , Caruso Arnaldo , Caccuri Francesca
Published: September 2021

In December 2020, Italy experienced the first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) B.1.1.7 lineage. In January 2021, we identified 21 cases of this variant in Corzano, defining the first outbreak of SARS‐CoV‐2 B.1.1.7 lineage in Italy. The high transmissibility of the B.1.1.7 variant represented an important benefit for the virus, which became rapidly dominant on the territory. Containment measures induced the epidemic curve onto a decreasing trajectory underlining the importance of appropriate control and surveillance for restraint of virus spread.

Highlights The first Italian outbreak of SARS‐CoV‐2 B.1.1.7 lineage occurred in Lombardy in January 2021. The outbreak originated by a single introduction of the B.1.1.7 lineage. The genomic sequencing revealed, for the first time, the presence of the V551F mutation in the B.1.1.7 lineage in Italy. Surveillance, prompt sequencing and tracing efforts were fundamental to identify and to quickly contain the outbreak.
Hippocampal and striatal volumes correlate with spatial memory impairment in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Glikmann‐Johnston Yifat , Mercieca Emily‐Clare , Carmichael Anna M. , Alexander Bonnie , Harding Ian H. , Stout Julie C.
Published: September 2021

Spatial memory impairments are observed in people with Huntington's disease (HD), however, the domain of spatial memory has received little focus when characterizing the cognitive phenotype of HD. Spatial memory is traditionally thought to be a hippocampal‐dependent function, while the neuropathology of HD centers on the striatum. Alongside spatial memory deficits in HD, recent neurocognitive theories suggest that a larger brain network is involved, including the striatum. We examined the relationship between hippocampal and striatal volumes and spatial memory in 36 HD gene expansion carriers, including premanifest (n = 24) and early manifest HD (n = 12), and 32 matched healthy controls. We assessed spatial memory with Paired Associates Learning, Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, and the Virtual House task, which assesses three components of spatial memory: navigation, object location, and plan drawing. Caudate nucleus, putamen, and hippocampal volumes were manually segmented on T1‐weighted MR images. As expected, caudate nucleus and putamen volumes were significantly smaller in the HD group compared to controls, with manifest HD having more severe atrophy than the premanifest HD group. Hippocampal volumes did not differ significantly between HD and control groups. Nonetheless, on average, the HD group performed significantly worse than controls across all spatial memory tasks. The spatial memory components of object location and recall of figural and topographical drawings were associated with striatal and hippocampal volumes in the HD cohort. We provide a case to include spatial memory impairments in the cognitive phenotype of HD, and extend the neurocognitive picture of HD beyond its primary pathology within the striatum.
Bioremediation of industrial effluents: A synergistic approach
Authors: Nagda Adhishree , Meena Mukesh , Shah Maulin P.
Published: September 2021

Industrial wastewater consists of inorganic and organic toxic pollutants that pose a threat to environmental sustainability. The organic pollutants are a menace to the environment and life forms than the inorganic substances and pose teratogenic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and other serious detrimental effects on the living entities, moreover, they have a gene‐altering effect on aquatic life forms and affect the soil fertility and quality. Removal of varying effluents having recalcitrant contaminants with conventional treatment technologies is strenuous. In contrast to physical and chemical methods, biological treatment methods are environmentally friendly, versatile, efficient, and technically feasible with low operational costs and energy footprints. Biological treatment is a secondary wastewater treatment system that utilizes the metabolic activities of microorganisms to oxidize or reduce inorganic and organic compounds and transform them into dense biomass, which later can be removed by the sedimentation process. Biological treatment in bioreactors is an ex situ method of bioremediation and provides the benefits of continuous monitoring under controlled parameters. This paper attempts to provide a review of bioremediation technologies discussing most concerning widespread bioreactors and advances used for different industrial effluents with their comparative merits and limitations.
Targeted molecular characterization of external auditory canal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Basura Gregory J. , Smith Joshua D. , Ellsperman Susan , Bhangale Apurva , Brenner John Chad
Published: September 2021

Hypothesis

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the external auditory canal (EAC) may harbor unique genomic alterations that may explain aggressive behavior and differentiate these tumors from cutaneous SCCs of other subsites.

Background

EAC SCCs arise in a non‐ultraviolet‐exposed region of the head and neck, are often locally aggressive and may metastasize to lymph nodes or distant sites. The genomic alterations underlying cutaneous SCC of other sites are well‐documented; however, mutational profiles of EAC SCC are less well characterized and may contribute to the unique anatomic site, high rates of recurrence and tumor spread. We performed targeted sequencing of a cohort of primary EAC SCCs to identify recurring and potentially targetable genomic alterations.

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded specimens of 7 EAC SCCs and subjected to targeted DNA sequencing using a 227‐gene panel. Somatic alterations and gene copy number alterations were annotated using our validated, in‐house bioinformatics pipelines.

Results

In our EAC SCCs, we found recurrent alterations in TP53 and genes of receptor tyrosine kinase (eg, EGFR, FGFR) and PI3K pathways (eg, PIK3CA), similar to cutaneous SCCs of other head and neck sites. We also observed a high frequency of telomerase reverse transcriptase amplification and DNA methyltransferase 1 alterations, both of which are rarely observed in cutaneous SCCs of other sites.

Conclusion

These data represent the first step toward precise molecular characterization of EAC SCCs that may lead to an enhanced understanding of tumor biology and modernized precision medicine approaches for unique tumors.

Level of Evidence: NA
Poly(glycerol sebacate)‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol)/Gelatin Hybrid Hydrogels as Biocompatible Biomaterials for Cell Proliferation and Spreading
Authors: Chang Chun‐Wei , Yeh Yi‐Cheun
Published: September 2021

Synthetic polymers have been widely employed to prepare hydrogels for biomedical applications, such as cell culture, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. However, the activity of cells cultured in the synthetic polymer‐based hydrogels faces the challenges of limited cell proliferation and spreading compared to cells cultured in natural polymer‐based hydrogels. To address this concern, a hybrid hydrogel strategy is demonstrated by incorporating thiolated gelatin (GS) into the norbornene‐functionalized poly (glycerol sebacate)‐co‐polyethylene glycol (Nor_PGS‐co‐PEG, NPP) network to prepare highly biocompatible NPP/GS_UV hydrogels after the thiol‐ene photo‐crosslinking reaction. The GS introduces several desirable features (i.e., enhanced water content, enlarged pore size, increased mechanical property, and more cell adhesion sites) to the NPP/GS_UV hydrogels, facilitating the cell proliferation and spreading inside the network. Thus, the highly biocompatible NPP/GS_UV hydrogels are promising materials for cell encapsulation and tissue engineering applications. Taken together, the hybrid hydrogel strategy is demonstrated as a powerful approach to fabricate hydrogels with a highly friendly environment for cell culture, expanding the biomedical applications of hydrogels.
Novel combination of indicators to compare the corrosion behaviors of Al, Al–Li alloy 2A97, and other Al alloys
Authors: Niu Jintao , Liu Zhanqiang , Qiao Yang , Wang Xiangyu , Chen Hongtang
Published: September 2021

Al–Li alloys have higher mechanical properties and are more lightweight than pure aluminum and other aluminum alloys. The element lithium is highly active; therefore, it is necessary to evaluate corrosion behaviors of Al–Li alloys. However, the existed methods and indicators that compare their corrosion properties are hard to characterize the continuous variations of corrosion performances with time. The potentiostatic polarization measurement is first proposed to compare corrosion resistances of Al, Al–Li alloy 2A97, and Al alloys 2024, 6061, 7050 in this study. Polarization current densities of these materials are measured. Then, equivalent resistances and charges amounts are respectively derived by Ohm's law and integration. Mass losses of these materials are calculated with Faraday's law. Measured current densities and three derived indicators above are applied to compare corrosion behaviors of these materials. Comparative results indicate that alloy 2A97 possesses the best corrosion property at the initial corrosion stage. During steady corrosion processes, the corrosion resistance of alloy 2A97 is better than those of alloys 2024, 6061, and Al except alloy 7050.
Metagenomic strategies identify diverse integron‐integrase and antibiotic resistance genes in the Antarctic environment
Authors: Antelo Verónica , Giménez Matías , Azziz Gastón , Valdespino‐Castillo Patricia , Falcón Luisa I. , Ruberto Lucas A. M. , Mac Cormack Walter P. , Mazel Didier , Batista Silvia
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study is to identify and analyze integrons and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in samples collected from diverse sites in terrestrial Antarctica. Integrons were studied using two independent methods. One involved the construction and analysis of intI gene amplicon libraries. In addition, we sequenced 17 metagenomes of microbial mats and soil by high‐throughput sequencing and analyzed these data using the IntegronFinder program. As expected, the metagenomic analysis allowed for the identification of novel predicted intI integrases and gene cassettes (GCs), which mostly encode unknown functions. However, some intI genes are similar to sequences previously identified by amplicon library analysis in soil samples collected from non‐Antarctic sites. ARGs were analyzed in the metagenomes using ABRIcate with CARD database and verified if these genes could be classified as GCs by IntegronFinder. We identified 53 ARGs in 15 metagenomes, but only four were classified as GCs, one in MTG12 metagenome (Continental Antarctica), encoding an aminoglycoside‐modifying enzyme (AAC(6´)acetyltransferase) and the other three in CS1 metagenome (Maritime Antarctica). One of these genes encodes a class D β‐lactamase (blaOXA‐205) and the other two are located in the same contig. One is part of a gene encoding the first 76 amino acids of aminoglycoside adenyltransferase (aadA6), and the other is a qacG2 gene.
Emergent behaviors of a thermodynamic Cucker‐Smale flock with a time‐delay on a general digraph
Authors: Cho Hangjun , Dong Jiu‐Gang , Ha Seung‐Yeal
Published: September 2021

We present emergent flocking dynamics of a thermodynamic Cucker‐Smale (TCS) flock on a general digraph with spanning trees under the effect of communication time‐delays. The TCS model describes a temporal evolution of mechanical and thermodynamic observables such as position, velocity and temperature of CS particles. In this paper, we study how variations in mechanical and thermodynamic variables can decay to zero along a time‐independent network with position dependent weights from initial state configuration. For this, we provide a sufficient framework for a mechanical and thermodynamical flocking in terms of initial configuration, network topology, and system parameters. We also present several numerical examples and compare them with analytical results.
Pointwise convergence along a tangential curve for the fractional Schrödinger equation with 0 < m < 1
Authors: Yuan Jiye , Zhao Tengfei
Published: September 2021

In this article, we study the pointwise convergence problem about solution to the fractional Schrödinger equation with 0 < m < 1 along a tangential curve and estimate the capacitary dimension of the divergence set. We extend the results of Cho and Shiraki (2021) for the case m > 1 to the case 0 < m < 1, which is sharp up to the endpoint.
Catfish 2020, A Clear Vision of the Future
Authors: Porath Mark T. , Kwak Thomas J. , Neely Ben C. , Shoup Daniel E.
Published: September 2021

The Third International Catfish Symposium was held in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2020 and provided another milestone to gauge advances in knowledge related to conservation and management of these valuable fishes. Attendees from 29 states and 4 countries gathered to communicate research and information on the conservation, ecology, and management of the world’s catfishes. During 3 d of technical sessions and workshops, 74 oral presentations and 17 posters were shared with 198 attending fisheries professionals. Plenary and oral presentations were recorded and are available online (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNt7ZV05DLWoe4qJO798Pw/videos), aligning with the symposium theme of “Communicating Catfish Science.” Technical sessions explored current research and management issues that included population demographics, introduced catfish populations, sampling methods, harvest management, human dimensions, conservation, habitat use and movement, biology, and aging methods. Ultimately, 38 manuscripts were peer reviewed and published as this special issue of the North American Journal of Fisheries Management. Interest in catfish science, as gauged by publications in six peer-reviewed fisheries journals, has grown steadily since a 1910 catfish aquaculture article appeared in the Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. Biology and ecology topics became prominent in the 1970s and 1980s, while articles on techniques and fisheries management have grown steadily through 2020. Ecology, fisheries management, and techniques were the most published topics in the three international catfish symposia. Future research and management efforts will continue similar work but also seek to address the expanding role of catfish as invasive species and a better understanding of the ecology and conservation of small-bodied native catfish. Among the greatest challenges will be adapting current tools and identifying future knowledge gaps as we experience a changing climate. This will require an enhanced understanding of transforming ecosystems and advanced adaptive management applications. The decadal occurrence of a dedicated symposium has served to summarize progress and focus future efforts to advance catfish science.
Biopolymer hydroxyapatite composite materials: Adding fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy to the characterization toolkit
Authors: Easter Quinn T.
Published: September 2021

Biopolymers are frequently used due to their sourcing from renewable resources, widespread abundance, and cheap procurement costs. When combined with hydroxyapatite (HA), these materials are often used as restorative materials by general and oral health care providers and in veterinary medicine due to their unique properties of mimicking their biological congeners. When designing the next generation of restorative materials, it will be critical to understand the interactions between biopolymers and HA on micron and submicron length scales, which will require expanding the characterization toolkit. Fluorescence microscopy is one powerful tool for investigating materials on these length scales. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), a technique that measures the fluorescence lifetime of fluorophores based on local environments, could be used to observe the structural properties of materials. In this review, FLIM is discussed as an addition to the characterization toolkit for its potential to provide unique insights into biocomposite material structure‐property relationships. Additional topics include structure‐property processing relationships, imaging and metrology technique advances, and the ability of FLIM to complement these techniques. Overall, this review complements the literature by providing a new methodology to uncover previously unknown information through microscopy.