bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐reported prognostic factors in adults reporting neck or low back pain: An umbrella review
Authors: Mansell Gemma , Corp Nadia , Wynne‐Jones Gwenllian , Hill Jonathan , Stynes Siobhán , van der Windt Daniëlle
Published: April 2021

Background

Numerous systematic reviews have attempted to synthesize evidence on prognostic factors for predicting future outcomes such as pain, disability and return‐to‐work/work absence in neck and low back pain populations.

Databases and datatreatment

An umbrella review of systematic reviews was conducted to summarize the magnitude and quality of the evidence for each prognostic factor investigated. Searches were limited to the last 10 years (2008‐11th April 2018, updated 28th September 2020). A two‐stage approach was undertaken: in stage one, data on prognostic factors was extracted from systematic reviews identified from the systematic search that met the inclusion criteria. Where a prognostic factor was investigated in ≥1 systematic review and where 50% or more of those reviews found an association between the prognostic factor and one of the outcomes of interest, it was taken forward to stage two. In stage two, additional information extracted included the strength of association found, consistency of effects and risk of bias. The GRADE approach was used to grade confidence in the evidence.

Results

Stage one identified 41 reviews (90 prognostic factors), with 35 reviews (25 prognostic factors) taken forward to stage two. Seven prognostic factors (disability/activity limitation, mental health; pain intensity; pain severity; coping; expectation of outcome/recovery and fear‐avoidance) were judged as having moderate confidence for robust findings.

Conclusions

Although there was conflicting evidence for the strength of association with outcome, these factors may be used for identifying vulnerable subgroups or people able to self‐manage. Further research can investigate the impact of using such prognostic information on treatment/referral decisions and patient outcomes.
Spreader‐CDR system for efficient, reproducible, and frugal western blot
Authors: Cha You‐Rim , Sajjad Saba , Han Kyung Ho , Yoon Tae‐Sung , Shin Heung‐Seon , Kang Sunghyun
Published: April 2021

Efficient antibody incubation is a vital step for successful western blot. During the incubation, a thin antibody‐depleted layer is created around the blotting membrane, which limits antibody binding. Although the conventional batch shaking method is ineffective against it, this layer can be easily disrupted by cyclic draining and replenishing (CDR) of the antibody solution during membrane incubation. Previously, we introduced a closed and rotating cylindrical chamber as a tool to implement CDR for western blots (rCDR). A new open bucket‐style chamber was devised for easier operation and the possibility of process automation. Instead of rotation as in rCDR, rocking it back and forth achieved the CDR antibody incubation (R‐CDR). The chamber was then equipped with a spreader‐rod to facilitate the uniform movement of the antibody solution across the membrane surface. Hence, it was named spreader CDR (S‐CDR). Compared to the batch incubation method, both the S‐CDR and R‐CDR devices produced significantly enhanced signals and developed faster results. There were several additional benefits of using the spreader‐rod, which included uniform antibody binding across the membrane, reduced usage of antibodies, and the ability to recover results even from mishandled, creased membranes. The S‐CDR device ensures better blots and can be easily implemented in existing western blot protocols.
Development and validation of a forensic six‐dye multiplex assay with 29 STR loci
Authors: Qu Yiling , Tao RuiYang , Yu Huan , Yang Qi , Wang Ziwei , Tan Rui , Zhang Xiaochun , Xia Ruocheng , Xiong Lei , Xi Shihan , Wu Jun , Gao Yuzhen , Zhang Suhua , Li Chengtao
Published: April 2021

This paper describes the development and validation of a novel 31‐locus, six‐dye STR multiplex system, which is designed to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Chinese forensic database. This new assay combines 20 extended‐CODIS core loci (D3S1358, D5S818, TPOX, CSF1PO, TH01, vWA, D7S820, D21S11, D8S1179, D18S51, D16S539, D13S317, FGA, D1S1656, D2S441, D2S1338, D10S1248, D12S391, D19S433, and D22S1045), nine highly polymorphic loci in Chinese Han population (D3S3045, D6S1043, D6S477, D8S1132, D10S1435, D15S659, D19S253, Penta D, and Penta E), and two gender determining markers, amelogenin and Y‐Indel, which could amplify DNA from extracts, as well as direct amplification from substrates. To demonstrate the suitability for forensic applications, this system was validated by precision and accuracy evaluation, concordance tests, case sample tests, sensitivity, species specificity, stability, stutter calculation, and DNA mixtures, according to the guidelines described by the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) and regulations published by the China Ministry of Public Security. The validation results indicate the robustness and reliability of this new system, and it could be a potentially helpful tool for human identification and paternity testing in the Chinese population, as well as facilitating global forensic DNA data sharing.
An Effective Deep Neural Network Method for Prediction of Battery State at Cell and Module Level
Authors: Nguyen-Thoi T. , Cui Xujian , Garg Akhil , Gao Liang , Truong Tam T.
Published: April 2021

The fast and accurate prediction of the battery state used in electric vehicles plays a very important role to guarantee the safe and reliable operation of the battery during its service life. Therefore, this study proposes an effective deep neural network (DNN) method for predicting the state of charge (SOC) of the single‐cell battery and the priority of the discharge of the battery module. In the proposed method, DNN models are constructed, trained, and evaluated based on experimental datasets. The mini‐batch and dropout techniques are applied to increase the training rate and eliminate the overfitting phenomena during the training process, respectively. In addition, various optimizers and activation functions are investigated. Hyperparameters of the neural network are inspected to determine the optimal network architecture. The performance and applicability of the DNN are illustrated through two different examples. In the first example, the priority for the discharge of each of the six battery modules is predicted by the DNN. Meanwhile, the DNN is used to evaluate the charge and discharge capacities of the single‐cell battery in the second example. The predicting results of the DNN are compared with those in the literature and experimental results to demonstrate the reliability of the proposed method.
Model prediction capacity of ephemeral gully evolution in conservation tillage systems
Authors: Luquin Eduardo , Campo‐Bescós Miguel A. , Muñoz‐Carpena Rafael , Bingner Ronald L. , Cruse Richard M. , Momm Henrique G. , Wells Robert R. , Casalí Javier
Published: April 2021

Ephemeral gully (EG) erosion has an important impact on agricultural soil losses and increases field surface hydrology connectivity and transport of pollutants to nearby water bodies. Watershed models including an EG component are scarce and not yet properly evaluated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the capacity of one such tool, AnnAGNPS, to simulate the evolution of two EG formed in a conservation tillage system. The dataset for model testing included runoff measurements and EG morphological characteristics during 3 years. Model evaluation focused on EG evolution of volume, width, and length model outputs, and included calibration and testing phases and a global sensitivity analysis (GSA). While the model did not fully reproduce width and length, the model efficiency to simulate EG volume was satisfactory for both calibration and testing phases, supporting the watershed management objectives of the model. GSA revealed that the most sensitive factors were EG depth, critical shear stress, headcut detachment exponent coefficient b, and headcut detachment leading coefficient a. For EG outputs the model was additive, showing low sensitivity to interactions between the inputs. Prediction of EG spatial evolution on conservation tillage systems requires improved development of gully erosion components, since many of the processes were developed originally for traditional tillage practices or larger channel systems. Our results identify the need for future research when EG form within conservation tillage systems, in particular to study gully headcut, soil erodibility, and width functions specific to these practices.
BCALS: Blockchain‐based secure log management system for cloud computing
Authors: Ali Ahmad , Khan Abid , Ahmed Mansoor , Jeon Gwanggil
Published: April 2021

A computing environment requires a robust and comprehensive process to track and document user activities to uphold confidence in the system. Audit logs are used for this purpose to monitor the actions of administrators and users. However, these logs are vulnerable to multidimensional attacks, including modification of logs, erasability of logs, and privacy of the user. Since administrators have unprecedented access to these logs, they can modify, delete, and even destroy them. Securing these logs against malicious activities is the prime requirement of audit log management. Existing schemes have several limitations, including immutability, computational expensiveness, missing semantics, and are not verifiable. Various schemes have been proposed for this purpose, but a standard method is required to structure heterogeneous logs and their security semantically. To cope with these limitations, in this paper, we propose a Log Management System using blockchain. The proposed system will ensure audit logs' security, which will eventually strengthen users' trust in the computing environment and make it unbreachable even by the administrators. It has been evinced that our model performed better in terms of performance and features already mentioned when compared with existing schemes.
Forecasting stock return volatility using a robust regression model
Authors: He Mengxi , Hao Xianfeng , Zhang Yaojie , Meng Fanyi
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to accurately forecast stock return volatility based on a robust regression model. The robust regression model is developed by replacing the mean squared error (MSE) in the autoregressive (AR) model with the Huber loss function, and the resulting model is called the ARH model. The empirical results show that the ARH model displays significantly stronger predictive power than the AR benchmark model for different evaluation periods and forecasting horizons. From an asset allocation perspective, a mean–variance investor can obtain sizeable utility gains based on the volatility forecasts produced by the ARH model. Furthermore, we find that the superior performance of the ARH model comes from assigning small weights for the extreme values, which are mainly found during recessions and periods of high volatility. Finally, our results are robust to various settings.
Exploring the focus of future CO2 emission reduction in China's industrial sectors
Authors: Wu Qunli , Gu Shuting
Published: April 2021

Marginal abatement cost (MAC) of CO2 plays a fundamental role in formulating industry environmental policies. In this paper, we measured the MACs of energy‐related CO2 among 40 industrial sectors during 2005–2017 based on parametric directional distance function, and there were significant differences between the results. Then, industrial sectors were classified into four categories, and we found ‘low carbon intensity’ type (type I, II) has higher MACs of CO2 than ‘high carbon intensity’ type (type III, IV); under the same level of carbon intensity, industrial sectors with lower CO2 emissions have higher MACs (type I>II, type III>IV). Moreover, capital intensity, technology progress, and ownership structure have positive effects on MACs, while energy intensity and energy consumption structure are negatively correlated with MACs. The research suggests: (1) The ‘double control’ of carbon intensity and CO2 emissions is necessary, however, reducing carbon intensity is still the primary target, and CO2 emission should also be controlled appropriately at the present stage. (2) Industrial sectors in type IV should be chosen as key industrial sectors to be supervised. (3) China should consider industry characteristics and implement “common but differentiated” emission reduction policies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal design of sin taxes in the presence of nontaxable sin goods
Authors: Arnabal Luis Rodrigo
Published: April 2021

Sin good consumption entails health damage, which is in general not fully perceived by individuals, what results in its overconsumption. One way to tackle this problem is to tax these unhealthy goods. However, not all the individual choices that affect health status can be easily observed and effectively taxed by the government. This paper considers a setting where individuals can consume two types of sin goods that differ in their observability (taxability) by the government. As a benchmark, the first‐best taxes for the observable and non‐observable sin good are derived, considering homogeneous individuals. In the second‐best setting, where observability on sin good consumption is limited, the rule for the taxable sin good is shown to depend on the degree of complementarity or substitutability with the unobservable sin good. Finally, redistributional considerations are incorporated by extending the analysis to a setting where individuals differ in their wealth and in their degree of misperception of the health damage caused by sin good consumption. Policy implications are illustrated considering physical inactivity and illicit drugs as examples of non‐taxable sin goods, while alcohol, tobacco, fat and sugar account for the taxable sin goods
A scoping review of workplace wellness audit tools assessing physical activity and sedentary behaviour
Authors: Loitz Christina C. , Gorman Erin , Macridis Soultana , Vaska Marcus
Published: April 2021

Background

Regular physical inactivity and excessive sedentary behaviour are public and population health concerns. The workplace is an ideal health promotion intervention setting to support employees, particularly office workers. Workplace assessments are a critical component of workplace health promotion programming. The aim of this project was to conduct a scoping review to systematically identify and describe workplace audit tools that assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour influences, as two independent behaviours, through a social ecological lens.

Methods

Fourteen electronic databases were searched for academic literature and 69 web‐based resources were searched for grey literature in May 2017. English language workplace audit tools with items on physical activity or sedentary behaviour established in western countries were included. Key characteristics (ie, aim, type, health behaviour, validity, reliability and theory/model/framework) of the audit tools, checklists or questionnaires for office‐based workplaces were identified, described and summarised.

Results

The scoping review identified 21 relevant tools. Most tools focused on physical activity alone and did not address sedentary behaviour as a distinct behaviour. Few tools included items assessing physical activity and sedentary behaviour influences across multiple levels of the social ecological model. The most common social ecological focuses in the tools were policy and environmental influences.

Conclusions

Numerous workplace physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour audit tools were available. However, a gap was identified as tools and resources that assess and support organisational changes to influence physical activity and sedentary behaviour as two independent health behaviours across multiple social ecological levels within the workplace had not been developed.
‘There is always a way to living with illness’—Self‐management strategies reported by Chinese hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Qiu Ruolin , Schick‐Makaroff Kara , Tang Leiwen , Wang Xiyi , Zhang Qi , Ye Zhihong
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Patients living with cardiovascular diseases use different strategies to solve various problems. This study aimed to identify the category, type and specific self‐management strategies reported by hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

This is a qualitative descriptive study. Twenty‐eight individuals with cardiovascular diseases from a Cardiology Department affiliated with a school in China were recruited by purposive sampling. Face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were used. The interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, translated and analysed by using content analysis.

Results

Five self‐management strategy categories (medical and alternative therapy uptake, risk assessment and avoidance, resource seeking and utilization, maintaining normality, and optional management), and seventeen self‐management strategy types, encompassing one hundred and ten specific strategies were identified. The most commonly used self‐management strategy types were lifestyle adjustment (eleven strategies), self‐maintenance (nine strategies) and problem‐solving (nine strategies). Additionally, the most described explicit self‐management strategies were receiving family/colleague support, maintaining daily routines, monitoring symptoms and managing side effects, discussing with professionals, using medicines, and improving awareness.

Conclusion

This study identified diverse strategies reported by some Chinese cardiovascular patients. It may inform the design and development of personalized self‐management interventions for health practitioners and policymakers, helping cardiovascular patients in Chinese communities worldwide receive culture‐tailored services.
Health‐related quality of life and quality of care in pregnant and postnatal women during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A cohort study
Authors: Alaya Fátimah , Worrall Amy P. , O’Toole Fiona , Doyle Jillian , Duffy Richard M. , Geary Michael P.
Published: April 2021

Objective

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and the delivery of high‐quality care are ongoing concerns when caring for pregnant women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. We compared self‐reported HRQoL and hospital quality of care among perinatal women with and without COVID‐19.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of perinatal women attending a tertiary maternity unit during the pandemic. Eighteen women who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and 20 SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative women were recruited. Participants completed the Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12), Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation‐Outcome Measure, and Quality from the Patient's Perspective questionnaires. Mean scores were compared.

Results

Of the Non‐COVID‐19 cohort, 95% (n = 19) were Caucasian, whereas 67% (n = 12) of the COVID‐19 cohort were not Caucasian (χ2 = 16.01, P < 0.001). The mean SF‐12 for physical health in the COVID‐19 cohort had significantly lower scores (P < 0.002). There was no difference in mental health and well‐being between cohorts. The quality of care experienced was notably similar and very positive.

Conclusion

There was a significantly greater burden on physical health among pregnant women with COVID‐19. Mental health and psychological status were similar in both groups. High quality of care during a pandemic is possible to deliver in a maternity setting, irrespective of COVID‐19 status.
Is routine frozen section analysis necessary in patients with non‐endometrioid cancer or grade 3 endometrioid cancer?
Authors: Guo Qingyong , Yi Huan , Chen Xiaodan , Song Jianrong , Chen Lingsi , Zheng Xiangqin
Published: April 2021

Objective

To explore the accuracy related to type and subtype between frozen section (FS) results and final pathology results in patients with endometrial cancer and to suggest whether it should be routinely performed.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from 184 patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgery at a single center (January 2014–December 2018). FS results were compared with the final pathology results with respect to histotype, tumor grade, and depth of invasion to define the accuracy of FS analysis.

Results

Frozen section analysis was performed in 141 (76.6%) patients. The accuracy rates and κ values between the FS and final pathology results with respect to histotype, tumor grade, and depth of invasion were 87.23%, 81.15%, and 98.2% and 0.41, 0.7, and 0.9, respectively (P < 0.001). Among the 18 patients with preoperative non‐endometrioid cancer (non‐EC), six underwent FS analysis, and final pathology confirmed EC in three, of whom 75% were detected by FS analysis. Eight of 19 patients with preoperative grade 3 EC underwent FS analysis and the accuracy rate was 87.5%.

Conclusion

Intraoperative FS analysis is a reliable method that can help intraoperative decision making. It should be performed routinely in patients with non‐EC and grade 3 EC.
Surface water quality classification using data mining approaches: Irrigation along the Aladag River*
Authors: Sattari Mohammad Taghi , Feizi Hajar , Colak Muslume Sevba , Ozturk Ahmet , Ozturk Fazli , Apaydin Halit
Published: April 2021

Knowledge of water quality is an important requirement in planning, developing, and protecting water resources. Therefore, it is essential to determine the quality of water for various uses, including irrigation in different areas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of different data mining methods using water quality parameters measured in Aladag River. At the first stage, the water quality in the Aladag River in Turkey was classified by United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagrams and the Schofield 1933, Schofield 1935, and Wilcox–Magistad methods. Support vector classifier (four different kernels), k‐nearest neighbour, and decision tree methods—including Hoeffding tree, random forest, random tree, and REP tree methods were used to classify the water quality. Hydro‐chemical and hydrological parameters were used in the analysis, based on alternative scenarios. The methods were compared for accuracy based on kappa statistics and error rates. Evaluation of the data mining methods reflected the high accuracy and performance of these methods in classifying the water quality. In general, from the kernels used for the support vector classifier method, the Pearson universal kernel and from the decision trees, the REP tree provided the best results for Aladag River water quality classification. For the k‐nearest neighbour method, the best results were obtained using the four nearest neighbours and Euclidean distances.
Impacts of population growth and climate change on food production and irrigation and drainage needs: A world‐wide view*
Authors: De Wrachien Daniele , Schultz Bart , Goli Mudlagiri B.
Published: April 2021

The world population is expected to grow from 7.8 billion at present to 9.7 billion by 2050 and 10.9 billion by the end of the century. The growth is especially expected in urban areas of the countries with a low, medium, and high human development index (HDI) in Africa and Asia. Especially because of the on‐going increase in farm sizes in the rural areas of the countries with a medium, high, and very high HDI, a reduction in population in these areas may be expected. In the countries with a low HDI, this reduction is expected to start at a later stage.

Globally, prospects of increasing the gross cultivated area are limited by the decrease of suitable sites for land reclamation or large‐scale irrigation and drainage projects. Therefore, increase in food production will largely rely on a more accurate application of the crop water requirements and modernization or improved operation and maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems. These issues have to be analysed in light of the expected impacts of climate change and environmental sustainability.

This paper presents the relevant impacts of these issues on the need to increase food production and for sustainable irrigation and drainage system development and management. In light of this, the goals and objectives of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) Strategic Action Plan are presented.
Empathy and theft by finding: The intermediary role of moral emotions and norms
Authors: De Buck Ann , Pauwels Lieven J. R.
Published: April 2021

This study explores the intermediary role of anticipated shame, guilt, and norms in the association between empathy and the likelihood of a specific uncooperative act: theft by finding. Empirical evidence supports a negative association between empathy and a broad range of uncooperative behaviors. Some studies suggest that empathy reduces noncooperation via intermediary factors such as empathy and moral emotions shame and guilt. Inspired by Martin Hoffman's empathy‐based theory of moral development, we propose a testable model in which individual differences in empathic concern and perspective‐taking are positively related to anticipated guilt, shame, and conduct‐specific moral norm, which in turn reduce the likelihood of theft by finding. Data were collected from a region‐wide cross‐sectional sample of adolescents and young adults in the Dutch‐speaking part of Belgium in 2019 (N = 3591). Overall, our propositions were corroborated. Structural equation modeling suggests that empathic concern inhibits the likelihood of theft by finding via anticipated guilt–shame. The discussion focuses on a better understanding of the relationship between empathy, moral dimensions, and uncooperative choices.
Moving toward a competency‐based curriculum: Analyzing patients’ information and students’ evaluation in geriatric dentistry
Authors: Limpuangthip Nareudee , Komin Orapin , Tatiyapongpaiboon Teerawut
Published: April 2021

Objective

There is no core competency for geriatric dentistry and special patient care (GSP) in Thailand. Therefore, GSP program was developed as a knowledge‐based curriculum. This study aimed to describe the development and architecture of the GSP curriculum by analyzing patients’ information and students’ evaluation to move toward a competency‐based curriculum. Comparisons with the original GSP curriculum and future direction are discussed.

Methods

Development and architecture of the GSP curriculum were described. Information of 130 patients attending the GSP clinic, and those who participated in a maintenance recall was analyzed. Students’ evaluation was performed using a 21‐item questionnaire within seven domains based on the ASEAN University Network‐Quality Assurance (AUN‐QA) checklist. The responses were made using a five‐point ordinal scale ranging from totally agree to totally disagree.

Results

Only 50% of the patients attended a maintenance recall. Among the recalled patients, 74.2% reported emerging problems. The AUN‐QA questionnaire responses indicated that students mostly agreed with the program specification, teaching and learning approach, students’ assessment methods, student quality, and support domains. The modified curriculum was developed based on the patients’ information and students’ evaluation. The original and modified GSP curricula were compared.

Conclusions

Information analysis of the patients and students’ evaluation are essential to move a knowledge‐based curriculum for geriatric and special patient care dentistry toward a competency‐based curriculum that is appropriate for patients’ condition and serves students’ requirements. Oral health care in elderly and special care patients requires a multidisciplinary approach, and should encompass oral disease problems, behavior, and social context.
Homogenization and trends analysis of the Belgian historical precipitation time series
Authors: Bertrand Cedric , Ingels Romain , Journée Michel
Published: April 2021

Long series of climate observations are essential to understand past and present climate change. However, the study of climate change from raw instrumental data poses a number of specific problems. Firstly, any observations are likely to contain erroneous values. Secondly, measurement conditions have generally changed over time which may introduce artificial breaks in the data that do not reflect the real variations of the climate. This article presents a new dataset of quality controlled and homogenized monthly precipitation series for Belgium. After in‐depth data quality control, monthly precipitation time series have been homogenized with the HOMER software on the basis of available metadata. Homogenization results are provided for 110 series over the period 1951–2019 and for 18 series starting before 1912 including nine covering the full time period 1880–2019. The new dataset of monthly homogenized series allows us to make a robust analysis of the precipitation evolution in Belgium from 1880 to nowadays. The comparison between the average of the last 30 years (1990–2019) with that of the first 30 years (1880–1909) of the considered time period, reveals an average increase in precipitation in the order of 15.5%. However, this average representation of the increase masks important seasonal and regional differences across Belgium.
Mule Deer Migrations and Highway Underpass Usage in California, USA
Authors: Caldwell Molly R. , Klip J. Mario K.
Published: April 2021

Roadways may pose barriers to long‐distance migrators such as some ungulates. Highway underpasses mitigate wildlife‐vehicle collisions and can be an important management tool for protecting migration corridors. In northern California, 3 underpasses were built on United States Route 395 (Route 395) in Hallelujah Junction Wildlife Area (HJWA) in the 1970s for a migratory mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) herd that had been negatively affected by highway traffic. To determine whether these underpasses were still reducing mule deer mortalities >40 years after construction, we investigated deer use of the underpasses from 2006–2019 using cameras, global positioning system (GPS) collars, and roadkill records. We used occupancy models, approximations of GPS‐collared mule deer movement paths, and roadkill locations to estimate the highway crossing patterns of deer. From camera data, there was higher use of the underpasses by deer during migration (spring [Mar–Jun], fall [Oct–Dec]) than in summer (Jul–Sep), when only resident deer were present. Higher underpass usage occurred in the spring compared to fall migrations. Eleven of 21 GPS‐collared migrating mule deer crossed Route 395. We estimated 30% of the crossings (by 7 of the 11 deer) occurred south of the underpasses where deer could easily access the highway because of short (1‐m high) and deteriorating highway fencing. Roadkill data confirmed that deer‐vehicle collisions were occurring south of the underpasses and at the underpasses. This was likely due to deteriorating infrastructure at the underpasses that allows wildlife access to the highway. Overall, our study indicated that although underpasses can provide safe passage for migratory deer decades (>40 yr) after their construction, deteriorating infrastructure such as fencing and gates can lead to wildlife mortalities on highways near underpasses. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Effect of Electrode Configuration and Impulse Strength on Airway Patency in Neurostimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Pawlak Dominik , Bohorquez Dominique , König Inke R. , Steffen Armin , Thaler Erica R.
Published: April 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) has gained increasing interest for the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) can both exclude improper airway collapse patterns and visualize airway changes under stimulation. Stimulation outcome effects depend on the impulse voltage and electric field resulting from the electrode configuration of the implanted device. The effects of various combinations of voltage and electric field on DISE airway patterns in contrast to awake endoscopy are unknown.

Study Design

Cohort study.

Methods

During therapy adjustment about 6 months after implantation, patients underwent a DISE and awake endoscopy with 100% and 125% of functional voltage in three typical electrode configurations (+ – +, o – o, − – −). All videos were analyzed by two separate persons for the opening of the airway at velum, tongue base, and epiglottis level.

Results

Thirty patients showed typical demographic data. The opening effects were visible in all patients, but there were changes between different electrode configurations. Several demographic or therapeutic aspects such as obesity, OSA severity, or prior soft palate surgery were associated with changes arising from different electrode configurations, but none resulted in a consistently better airway opening.

Conclusions

In patients with poor results during the therapy adjustment, electric configuration changes can improve airway patency—an independent variable from increasing voltage. As these effects can only be seen in awake endoscopy or DISE, both endoscopies with live stimulation may be considered in cases with insufficient improvement in apnea–hypopnea index after initiation of HNS therapy.

Level of Evidence

Prospective case series; level 4. Laryngoscope, 131:2148–2153, 2021
Mainstream Cigarette Smoke Impacts the Mouse Vocal Fold Epithelium and Mucus Barrier
Authors: Erickson‐DiRenzo Elizabeth , Easwaran Meena , Martinez Joshua D. , Dewan Karuna , Sung Chih Kwang
Published: April 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Cigarette smoke (CS) is a primary risk factor for the development of numerous benign and malignant laryngeal diseases. The epithelium and mucus lining the vocal folds (VF) are the first barriers against CS. The primary objective of this study was to investigate epithelial and mucus barrier changes in the mouse laryngeal mucosa upon exposure to subacute CS. The secondary objective was to compare mucus barrier changes in mice and human smokers and nonsmokers.

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

Mice were exposed to CS for 4 weeks for 4 hours (N = 12, high dose [HD]) or 1 hour (N = 12, low dose [LD]) per day. Air‐exposed mice were used as a control group (N = 10). Larynges were harvested and VF epithelial barrier integrity was evaluated including cellular proliferation and expression of cell junctions. We also investigated mucus production by examining mucus cell area and mucin expression in mice and human smokers and nonsmokers.

Results

HD CS increased VF epithelial cellular proliferation but did not alter the expression of cell junctions. HD CS also induced hypertrophy of the mucus‐producing submucosal glands. However, only LD CS increased MUC5AC gene expression. MUC5AC staining appeared elevated in laryngeal specimens from smokers, but this was not significant as compared to nonsmokers.

Conclusions

These findings help us identify potential adaptive mechanisms to CS exposure as well as set the foundation for further study of key aspects of epithelial and mucus barrier integrity that may be implicated in laryngeal disease development following prolonged smoking.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:2530–2539, 2021
Surgical Margin Status and Survival Following Resection of Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Elsamna Samer T. , Ahsanuddin Salma , Mir Ghayoour S. , Sukyte‐Raube Donata , Fang Christina H. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is an aggressive cancer usually managed with surgical resection. This study evaluates the impact of treatment modality and positive surgical margin (PSM) on survival following resection of SNMM.

Study Design

Retrospective study of a national cancer registry.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for cases of SNMM from 2010 to 2015. Data regarding patient demographics, tumor staging, and treatment modality were obtained. Survival rates were compared by margin status: PSM, negative (NSM), and no operation (0SM) using Kaplan–Meier analysis and log rank test.

Results

A total of 446 patients met inclusion criteria. Most cases were elderly (>66 years‐old) (67.3%), female (54.3%), and white (89.5%). Cases of SNMM most commonly involved the nasal cavity (81.6%), were Stage 3 (60.0%), and underwent surgical resection at an academic center (65.0%). NSM and PSM were present in 59.0% and 26.9% of cases, respectively, while 14.1% of cases did not undergo surgical resection (0SM). Factors predictive of PSM included resection at a community hospital (OR 2.47) and Stage 4 disease (OR 2.07). The 2‐year survival rates were 72.1% (95% CI 69.4–75.4%), 36.3% (95% CI 22.0–48.9), and 16.0% (95% CI 8.2–25.4%) for NSM, PSM and 0SM, respectively. Survival was statistically significant between NSM and PSM (Log rank <0.001) but not between 0SM and PSM (Log rank = 0.062).

Conclusion

Our study emphasizes the need for NSM for SNMM as PSM did not demonstrate any significant improvement in survival when compared to 0SM. Our findings suggest that cases of SNMM are best managed at academic centers.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2429–2435, 2021
Adopting open access in an emerging country: Is gender inequality a barrier in humanities and social sciences?
Authors: Vuong Quan‐Hoang , Nguyen Huyen Thanh T. , Ho Manh‐Toan , Nguyen Minh‐Hoang
Published: April 2021

The participation of women in Vietnam's social sciences and humanities research has increased during the last several decades. However, they still face various challenges, such as the 'glass ceiling', social stereotypes, low recognition, and underrepresentation. The open‐access (OA) movement, being advocated for connecting science and community and improving scientists' visibility, offers a viable platform to increase participation of female researchers. This research investigated participation of Vietnamese women in 3,122 Social Sciences & Humanities publications during 2008–2019. Results show a rapid increase in female authors during the period, rising from 47.27% to 71.43% of articles having one or more Vietnamese female author. However, the number of women as first authors remained lower than men, with only 397 publications having a female first author. Bayesian analysis showed that although the number of coauthors was positively associated with the likelihood to publish in an OA journal, there was a negative association between Vietnamese female author participation and the likelihood to publish OA, a finding that matched the effect of female contribution from other countries. These findings hint at the gender inequality induced by cultural and socio‐economic factors, and we postulate that the influence of financial and other inequalities may limit the ability of women to take full advantage of OA publication to further their careers.
Attenuation of photosynthetically active radiation and ultraviolet radiation in response to changing dissolved organic carbon in browning lakes: Modeling and parametrization
Authors: Pilla Rachel M. , Couture Raoul‐Marie
Published: April 2021

We present and evaluate an update to the process‐based lake model MyLake that includes a time‐varying linkage between light attenuation of both photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation wavelengths to changes in dissolved organic carbon (DOC). In many parts of northeastern North America and Europe, DOC in lakes has rapidly increased, leading to reduced water transparency and increases in light attenuation. These changes alter the vertical light and heat distribution that affect vertical structuring of temperature and dissolved oxygen. We use this model update to test the responsiveness of PAR and UV attenuation to short‐term fluctuations in DOC and with a test case of long‐term browning at Lake Giles (Pennsylvania). Lake Giles has browned significantly since the late 1980s, and three decades of detailed empirical data have indicated more than a doubling of DOC concentrations, and consequent increases in PAR and UV attenuation, warming surface waters, cooling deep waters, and increasing deepwater oxygen depletion. We found that the model performance improved by 16% and 52% for long‐term trends in PAR and UV attenuation, respectively, when these coefficients respond directly to in‐lake DOC concentrations. Further, long‐term trends in surface water warming, deepwater cooling, and deepwater oxygen depletion in Lake Giles were better captured by the model following this update, and were very rapid due to its high water transparency and low DOC. Hence, incorporating a responsive link between DOC and light attenuation in lake models is key to understanding long‐term lake browning patterns, mechanisms, and ecological consequences.
Zinc(II)‐Dipicolylamine Analogs Mediated PEI1.8k/pDNA Vector: Effect of Ligand Structure on the Gene Transport Process
Authors: Jia Huiting , Wang Xindong , Chen Zhaoming , Liu Shuai , Zhou Tongtong , Zhou Hao , Guo Tianying
Published: April 2021

Zinc ion complexes of dipicolylamine analogs, due to the strong synergistic effect between the Zn2+ complex of containing polypyridine derivatives and polycations in each key step of pDNA transport, have been used as the third component to mediate polyethyleneimine with molecular weight 1.8 kDa (PEI1.8k)/DNA gene delivery system. And the effects of different structural characteristics, such as the number of pyridinamine ligands, the hydrophilic‐hydrophobicity of the adjacent groups, on the in vitro transfection performance of the ternary complex are systematically investigated. This ternary hybrid system provides an effective strategy to improve the gene delivery of cationic polymers.
The Preparation of Metal–Organic‐Framework/Boron Phosphate Hybrid Materials for Improved Performances in Proton Exchange Membranes
Authors: Hu Fuqiang , Zhong Fei , Wang Jie , Qu Ting , Ni Jing , Zheng Genwen , Gong Chunli , Liu Hai
Published: April 2021

New types of metal–organic framework based hybrid materials are designed and prepared, which involving the hybridization of various content of boron phosphate (BPO4) with the precursor of HKUST‐1. The structure of obtained HKUST‐1/BPO4 hybrid materials (HB) is fully investigated, and then applied to construct sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) based proton exchange membranes (SPEEK/HB). Owing to effective interactions between hybrid materials and SPEEK matrix, the achieved composite membranes reflect a considerable improvement in mechanical and thermal stability, oxidative stability, methanol permeation, and proton conductivity. In particular, the tensile strength of SPEEK/HB‐20 composite membrane is 41.3 MPa, which is 1.5 times higher than pristine SPEEK, and the methanol permeability reduced to one‐third of SPEEK at the same time. The SPEEK/HB‐10 displays the highest proton conductivity of 37.4 mS cm−1 at 80 °C, which is obviously higher than pristine SPEEK. These results reveal that the hybridization of HKUST‐1 with BPO4 provide a promising candidate in the modification of proton exchange membranes (PEMs), and this strategy also possess great application potential in other types of MOFs‐based hybrid materials.
Synthetic Routes to Single Chain Polymer Nanoparticles (SCNPs): Current Status and Perspectives
Authors: Alqarni Meshari A. M. , Waldron Christopher , Yilmaz Gokhan , Becer C. Remzi
Published: April 2021

Recent advances in polymer science make it possible to create single chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs), which can mimic the folding of natural macromolecules, such as protein and nucleic acid, in terms of their native and functional state. Even though considerable progress has been done during the last years, the synthesis of relatively controlled SCNPs with a good folding accuracy is still challenging due to lack of appropriate chemical synthesis techniques. Different types of SCNPs are developed with enhanced properties and used for various applications, e.g., delivery systems, imaging agents, and nanomedicine. As it is believed that SCNPs are so crucial to elucidate single chain technology, in this review, recent developments in SCNPs are discussed comprehensively according to their synthetic approaches to keep readers updated on this important research field. First, selective point folding methods are classified and highlighted, and then repeat unit folding routes are discussed with exciting examples.
Toward Smart Information Processing with Synthetic DNA Molecules
Authors: Jiang Chu , Zhang Yinan , Wang Fei , Liu Huajie
Published: April 2021

DNA, a biological macromolecule, is a naturally evolved information material. From the structural point of view, an individual DNA strand can be considered as a chain of data with its bases working as single units. For decades, due to the high biochemical stability, large information storage capacity, and high recognition specificity, DNA has been recognized as an attractive material for information processing. Especially, the chemical synthesis strategies and DNA sequencing techniques have been rapidly developed recently, further enabling encoding information with synthetic DNA molecules. Herein, recent progresses are summarized on information processing based on synthetic DNA molecules from three aspects including information storage, computation, and encryption, and proposed the challenges and future development directions.
Biocompatibility of New SiO2 Anti‐Bacterial Material Synthesized by Sol–Gel Route
Authors: Continenza Maria Adelaide , Crescente Giuseppina , Pacifico Severina , Catauro Michelina
Published: April 2021

Silica material is prepared through sol–gel route using tetramethylorthosilicate as alkoxide precursor. The material is characterized by Fourier transformed InfraRed spectroscopy, and its amorphous state is ascertained by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). The SiO2 sol–gel bio‐glass shows antibacterial activity towards the Gram‐negative Escherichia coli with a clear halo zone diameter. Furthermore, in order to assess biocompatibility, a primary fibroblast cell line is seeded on biomaterial fragments, sterilized, and directly introduced inside the culture dishes. To show the relations between biomaterial‐cultured cells, a morphological study is performed by light microscopy during all the incubation time and finally the cultures are stopped after 7, 14, and 21 days of incubation. A suitable biocompatibility of the SiO2 sol–gel bio‐glass is observed. In fact, cells maintained their conventional star shape and the monolayer stratified at the dish bottom show only minimal disruption in the biomaterial‐rubbing points, without any other morphological alteration.
Filler Content Effect on Water Uptake and Thermal Stability of Poly(3‐Hydroxybutyrate‐Co‐3‐Hydroxyhexanoate)/Microcrystalline Cellulose Biocomposites
Authors: Dehouche Nadjet , Kaci Mustapha , Idres Celia , Bruzaud Stéphane
Published: April 2021

In this study, biocomposites of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx)/cellulose microcrystalline (MCC) extracted from olive husk flour are prepared by melt compounding at various filler content ratios, i.e., 10, 20, and 30 wt%. The effect of the MCC content on the morphology, thermal stability, crystallinity, and water uptake of the PHBHHx biocomposites is investigated. The results showed that the addition of MCC to PHBHHx decreased the thermal stability of the biocomposites compared to that of neat polymer, however more pronounced at a higher filler content. This is due probably to the tendency of MCC particles to agglomerate, inducing heterogeneities and defects within the polymer matrix observed by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, both crystallinity and water uptake after 24 h of immersion increased with the filler content.