bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Coping Motives are Independently Associated with Cannabis Craving Elicited by Trauma Cues
Authors: Farrelly Kyra N. , Romero‐Sanchiz Pablo , Mahu Tiberiu , Barrett Sean P. , Collins Pamela , Rasic Daniel , Stewart Sherry H.
Published: July 2021

Cannabis use is common among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although its use can ultimately worsen PTSD outcomes. Cannabis‐use coping motives may help explain the PTSD–cannabis relationship. Frequent pairing of trauma cues with substance use to cope with negative affect can lead to conditioned substance craving. For the present cue‐reactivity study, we examined if PTSD symptoms were associated with cannabis craving elicited by a personalized trauma cue and explored whether coping motives mediated this hypothesized relationship; enhancement motives were included as a comparison mediator. Participants (N = 51) were trauma‐exposed cannabis users who completed validated assessments on PTSD symptom severity and cannabis use motives. They were then exposed to a personalized audiovisual cue based on their own traumatic experience after which they responded to questions on a standardized measure regarding their cannabis craving. The results demonstrated that PTSD symptoms were associated with increased cannabis craving following trauma cue exposure, B = 0.43, p = .004, 95% CI [0.14, 0.72]. However, the results did not support our hypothesis of an indirect effect through general coping motives, indirect effect = .03, SE = .08, 95% CI [−.10, .21]. We found an independent main effect of general coping motives on trauma cue–elicited cannabis craving, B = 1.86, p = .002, 95% CI [0.72, 3.01]. These findings have important clinical implications suggesting that clinicians should target both PTSD symptoms and general coping motives to prevent the development of conditioned cannabis craving to trauma reminders in trauma‐exposed cannabis users.
The association between oral health status and the clinical outcome of cirrhotic patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation
Authors: Wu Ju‐Hui , Lee Chen‐Yi , Chang Wen‐Tsan , Wu Po‐Hsuan , Chen Lin‐Ann , Huang Jian‐Wei , Su Wen‐Lung , Kuo Kung‐Kai
Published: July 2021

Liver transplantation (LT) candidates often present with poor oral hygiene, which could potentially lead to systemic infections and sepsis owing to their cirrhotic state. In this study, we investigated the oral health status of LT candidates and propose guidance for the detection and treatment of encountered oral lesions among these patients. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index was determined through oral examination. The presence of dental calculus was detected using panoramic radiography and defined by the radiopaque dental calculus (RDC). From January 2011 to August 2018, 56 LT candidates were enrolled with a median follow‐up of 39 months. The overall mean numbers of decayed, missing, and filled teeth among these patients were 2.7 ± 2.8, 10.9 ± 8.3, and 5.4 ± 4.5, respectively. Eighteen patients (32.1%) had RDC. The 5‐year survival rates of all 56 patients was 57.7%, while that of those who either received LT (23 patients) or not were 82.1% and 39.8%, respectively. A Cox regression model revealed better overall survival of patients after LT (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.067, p = 0.001), worse survival among patients with RDC (aHR = 3.468, p = 0.010), at Child–Pugh stages B and C (aHR for stage B = 11.889, p = 0.028; aHR for stage C = 19.257, p = 0.013) compared to patients at Child–Pugh stage A, and those with a model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥25 (aHR = 13.721, p = 0.018). This study demonstrates that RDC was associated with worse prognosis in LT candidates. We therefore recommend that interprofessional collaboration should be a routine preoperative procedure for the evaluation of oral hygiene among LT candidates.
Impact of Body Mass Index and Discomfort on Upper Airway Stimulation: ADHERE Registry 2020 Update
Authors: Suurna Maria V. , Steffen Armin , Boon Maurits , Chio Eugene , Copper Marcel , Patil Reena Dhanda , Green Katherine , Hanson Ronald , Heiser Clemens , Huntley Colin , Kent David , Larsen Christopher , Manchanda Shalini , Maurer Joachim T. , Soose Ryan , de Vries Nico , Walia Harneet K. , Thaler Erica ,   ADHERE Registry Investigators
Published: July 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To provide the ADHERE registry Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) outcomes update, including analyses grouped by body mass index (BMI) and therapy discomfort.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

ADHERE captures UAS outcomes including apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), therapy usage, patient satisfaction, clinician assessment, and safety over a 1‐year period. BMI ≤32 kg/m2 (BMI32) and 32 < BMI ≤35 kg/m2 (BMI35) group outcomes were examined.

Results

One thousand eight hundred forty‐nine patients enrolled in ADHERE, 1,019 reached final visit, 843 completed the visit. Significant changes in AHI (−20.9, P < .0001) and ESS (− 4.4, P < .0001) were demonstrated. Mean therapy usage was 5.6 ± 2.2 hr/day. Significant therapy use difference was present in patients with reported discomfort versus no discomfort (4.9 ± 2.5 vs. 5.7 ± 2.1 hr/day, P = .01). Patients with discomfort had higher final visit mean AHI versus without discomfort (18.9 ± 18.5 vs. 13.5 ± 13.7 events/hr, P = .01). Changes in AHI and ESS were not significantly different. Serious adverse events reported in 2.3% of patients. Device revision rate was 1.9%. Surgical success was less likely in BMI35 versus BMI32 patients (59.8% vs. 72.2%, P = .02). There was a significant therapy use difference: 5.8 ± 2.0 hr/day in BMI32 versus 5.2 ± 2.2 hr/day in BMI35 (P = .028).

Conclusions

Data from ADHERE demonstrate high efficacy rates for UAS. Although surgical response rate differs between BMI32 and BMI35 patient groups, the AHI and ESS reduction is similar. Discomfort affects therapy adherence and efficacy. Thus, proper therapy settings adjustment to ensure comfort is imperative to improve outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2616–2624, 2021
Hydrolysis of glycerophosphocholine epoxides by human group IIA, V, and X secretory phospholipases A2
Authors: Kuksis Arnis , Pruzanski Waldemar
Published: July 2021

This study was prompted by recent reports that epoxyeicosatrienoic (EET) and epoxyeicosatetraenoic (EEQ) acids accelerate tumor growth and metastasis by stimulation of angiogenesis, while eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and epoxydocosapentaenoic (EDP) acids inhibit angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. Cytochrome P450 epoxygenases convert arachidonic to EET, eicosapentaenoic acid to EEQ, and docosahexaenoic acid to EDP, which are found both in free form and esterified to glycerophosphocholine (GPC). Both free and esterified epoxy (EP) acids are also formed during lipid autoxidation. For biological activity, the GPC‐EP requires hydrolysis, which we presumed could occur by sPLA2s located in proximity of lipoproteins carrying the lipid epoxides. The plasma lipoproteins were isolated by ultracentrifugation and analyzed by LC/ESI‐MS. The GPC‐EPs were identified by reference to standards and to retention times of phospholipid masses. The GPC‐EP monoepoxides (corrected for isobaric ether overlaps) in stored human LDL, HDL, HDL3, or APHDL ranged from 0 to 1 nmol/mg protein, but during 4‐h incubation at 37°C increased to 1–5 nmol/mg protein. An incubation of autoxidized LDL, HDL, or HDL3 with 1 μg/ml of group V or X sPLA2 resulted in complete hydrolysis of diacyl GPC epoxide esters. Group IIA sPLA2 at 1 μg/ml failed to produce significant hydrolysis in 4 h, but at 2.5 μg/ml in 8 h yielded almost 80% hydrolysis, which represented complete diacyl GPC‐EP hydrolysis. The present study shows that group IIA, V, and X sPLA2s are capable of extensive hydrolysis of PtdCho epoxides of autoxidized plasma lipoproteins. Therefore, all three human sPLA2s were potentially capable of inducing epoxide biological activity in vivo.
In situ three‐dimensional video tracking of tagged individuals within site‐attached social groups of coral‐reef fish
Authors: Engel Anael , Reuben Yaela , Kolesnikov Irina , Churilov Dmitri , Nathan Ran , Genin Amatzia
Published: July 2021

Tracking the movement of all individual group members in their natural environment remains a challenging task. Using advances in computer vision and Deep Learning, we developed and tested a semi‐automated in situ tracking system to reconstruct simultaneous three‐dimensional trajectories of marked individuals in social groups of a coral‐reef fish. Our system has a temporal resolution of 10s of milliseconds, allowing for multiple 30‐min tracking sessions that have been repeated over weeks to months. We present the technique and illustrate its application for Dascyllus marginatus, a planktivorous damselfish that lives in social groups associated with branching corals. Our technique identified all individuals 85–100% of the time, with a mean spatial error of ~ 1.3 cm. It provides a cost‐effective semi‐automated tool for in situ research on movements and foraging of individuals within small site‐attached groups of animals in their natural environment.
Preparation of Poly(Ionic Liquid) Microbeads via Cooling‐Assisted Phase Separation Method
Authors: Lei Qi , Zhao Jia , He Fang , Zhao Xiaopeng , Yin Jianbo
Published: July 2021

A simple and large‐scale non‐chemical preparation of uniform poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) microbeads via a cooling‐assisted phase separation (CAPS) method is reported. For this method, PIL bulk is dissolved to form a saturated solution in a mixed solvent composed of good solvent and non‐solvent at a relatively high temperature. Then, the uniform PIL microbeads are prepared by cooling the solution to room temperature or a lower temperature in the absence of stabilizer. The size of microbeads can be controlled by adjusting the preparation parameters, including PIL concentration, cooling rate, and agitation state. The scale of preparation can be up to 10 g, and the yield of PIL microbeads is more than 70% or 88% when the solution is cooled to room temperature or 0 °C, respectively. The formation mechanism of PIL microbeads is discussed by tracing the nucleation and growth process by the transmittance of light of the solution during cooling. The application of this CAPS method to other polymer microbeads preparation is finally discussed by choosing different good solvent and non‐solvent.
The Impacts of Polyisoprene Physical Interactions on Sorting of Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Mburu Maina Moses , Au‐Duong Ai‐Nhan , Li Wei‐Ting , Wu Chung‐Ching , Cheng Yu‐Hsuan , Chen Kai‐Lin , Chiang Wei‐Hung , Chiu Yu‐Cheng
Published: July 2021

Conjugated polymer sorting is currently the best method to select large‐diameter single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with tunable narrow chirality in the adaption of highly desired electronics applications. The acceleration on conjugated polymers–SWCNTs interaction with long‐term stability through different molecular designs; for example, longer alkyl side‐chains or conjugation moieties have been extensively developed in recent years. However, the importance of the macromolecules with abundant van der Waals (VDW) interaction in the conjugated‐based block copolymer system acting during SWCNTs sorting is not clearly demonstrated. In this work, a conjugated diblock copolymer involving polyisoprene (PI) and highly dense π‐interaction of poly (9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PFO) is utilized to investigate the impact of natural rubber PI physical interaction on sorting effectiveness and stability. Through the rational design of diblock copolymer, PFO with ≈1200 isoprene units can remarkably enhance SWCNTs sorting ability and selected few chiralities with a diameter of ≈0.83–1.1 nm and highly stable solution for more than 1 year. The introduction of long‐chain PI system is attributed not only to form weak VDW force with SWCNTs and strengthen the wrapping of PFO around the semiconducting SWCNTs but also to act as a barrier among nanotubes to prevent reaggregation of sorted SWCNTs.
The c‐di‐AMP signaling system influences stress tolerance and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mitis
Authors: Rørvik Gro Herredsvela , Naemi Ali‐Oddin , Edvardsen Per Kristian Thorén , Simm Roger
Published: July 2021

Streptococcus mitis is a commensal bacterial species of the oral cavity, with the potential for opportunistic pathogenesis. For successful colonization, S. mitis must be able to adhere to surfaces of the oral cavity and survive and adapt to frequently changing environmental conditions. Cyclic‐di‐AMP (c‐di‐AMP) is a nucleotide second messenger, involved in the regulation of stress responses and biofilm formation in several bacterial species. Cyclic‐di‐AMP is produced by diadenylate cyclases and degraded by phosphodiesterases. We have previously shown that in S. mitis, one diadenylate cyclase (CdaA) and at least two phosphodiesterases (Pde1 and Pde2) regulate the intracellular concentration of c‐di‐AMP. In this study, we utilized S. mitis deletion mutants of cdaA, pde1, and pde2 to analyze the role of c‐di‐AMP signaling in various stress responses, biofilm formation, and adhesion to eukaryotic cells. Here, we demonstrate that the Δpde1 mutant displayed a tendency toward increased susceptibility to acetic acid at pH 4.0. Deletion of cdaA increases auto‐aggregation of S. mitis but reduces biofilm formation on an abiotic surface. These phenotypes are more pronounced under acidic extracellular conditions. Inactivation of pde1 or pde2 reduced the tolerance to ciprofloxacin, and UV radiation and the Δpde1 mutant was more susceptible to Triton X‐100, indicating a role for c‐di‐AMP signaling in responses to DNA damage and cell membrane perturbation. Finally, the Δpde2 mutant displayed a tendency toward a reduced ability to adhere to oral keratinocytes. Taken together, our results indicate an important role for c‐di‐AMP signaling in cellular processes important for colonization of the mouth.
Teleconnection patterns in the Southern Hemisphere represented by ECMWF and NCEP S2S project models and influences on South America precipitation
Authors: Cavalcanti Iracema F. A. , Barreto Naurinete J. C. , Alvarez Mariano S. , Osman Marisol , Coelho Caio A. S.
Published: July 2021

Precipitation predictions in the sub‐seasonal timescale are very important for several sectors such as agriculture and energy in regions of South America that are very much affected by precipitation extremes, both excess and lack of rain. The aim of the present study is to investigate the ability of two S2S project models (ECMWF and NCEP) to detect the Southern Hemisphere teleconnections in model hindcasts and the associated anomalous precipitation over South America. The period of analyses is 1999–2010 for the austral summer season (December–January–February). Both models represented adequately the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) pattern in predictions up to 4 weeks ahead and the Pacific South America (PSA) pattern up to 3 weeks. Atmospheric variables of observed extreme cases of SAM were well predicted by the two models, 2 and 3 weeks in advance. The models predicted well atmospheric variables in observed extreme cases of PSA, 2 weeks in advance and with less intensity in the third week. Precipitation anomaly signals associated with these modes were well predicted 2 weeks in advance, although with different intensities. The good ability of the models hindcast in predicting teleconnection patterns and precipitation anomalies over South America provides more confidence to use predictions at sub‐seasonal timescale.
Benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in forensic chemistry
Authors: Draper Sarah L. , McCarney Evan R.
Published: July 2021

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique well known for its ability to elucidate structures and analyse mixtures and its quantitative nature. However, the cost and maintenance of high field NMR instruments prevent its widespread use by forensic chemists. The introduction of benchtop NMR spectrometers to the market operating at 40–80 MHz have a small footprint, are easy to use and cost much less than high field instruments, which makes them well suited to meet the needs of forensic chemists. These modern low field spectrometers are often capable of running multiple nuclei including 1H, 13C, 19F and 31P; 2D NMR experiments and advanced experiments such as solvent suppression and diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) are possible. This has resulted in a number of publications in the area of forensic chemistry using benchtop NMR spectroscopy in the last 5 years that was previously missing from the literature. This mini review summarises this research including examples of benchtop NMR being used to identify and quantify compounds relevant to forensics and some advanced methods that may be used to overcome some of the limitations of these instruments for forensic analysis. Further validation and automation are likely required for widespread uptake of benchtop NMR in industry; however, it has been demonstrated as a useful complement to other analytical techniques commonplace of forensic laboratories.
Hybrid‐pair ratio adjustable power splitters for add‐on RF shimming and array‐compressed parallel transmission
Authors: Zhu Yue , Lu Ming , Grissom William A. , Gore John C. , Yan Xinqiang
Published: July 2021

Purpose

A ratio adjustable power splitter (RAPS) circuit was recently proposed for add‐on RF shimming and array‐compressed parallel transmission. Here we propose a new RAPS circuit design based on off‐the‐shelf components for improved performance and manufacturability.

Theory and Methods

The original RAPS used a pair of home‐built Wilkinson splitter and hybrid coupler connected by a pair of connectorized coaxial cables. Here we propose a new hybrid‐pair RAPS (or HP‐RAPS) circuit that replaces the home‐built circuits with two commercially available hybrid couplers and replaces connectorized cables with interchangeable microstrip lines. We derive the relation between the desired splitting ratio and the required phase shifts for HP‐RAPS and investigate how to generate arbitrary splitting ratios using paired meandering and straight lines. Several HP‐RAPSs with different splitting ratios were fabricated and tested on the workbench and MRI experiments.

Results

The splitting ratio of an HP‐RAPS circuit has a tan or cot dependence on the meandering line’s additional length compared to the straight line. The fabricated HP‐RAPSs exhibit accurate splitting ratios as expected (<4% deviations) and generate transmit fields that well agree with predicted fields. They also demonstrated a low insertion loss of 0.33 dB, high output isolation of −26 dB, and acceptable impedance matching of −16 dB.

Conclusion

A novel HP‐RAPS circuit was developed and implemented. It is easy‐to‐fabricate/reproduce with minimal expertise. It also preserves the features of the original RAPS circuit (ratio‐adjustable, small footprint, etc.) with lower insertion loss.
Display Week 2021 Highlights
Authors:   Editorial Staff
Published: July 2021

Those who attended the virtual conference had an opportunity to listen to powerful keynote speakers, cutting‐edge and informative technical content, and view a new generation of electronic displays at the exhibition.
Preparations, properties and applications of gallium oxide nanomaterials – A review
Authors: Shi Feng , Qiao Hengyang
Published: July 2021

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is an important wide bandgap transparent conductive oxide with many excellent properties, which is widely used in many fields such as catalysis, electroluminescence, biology, and so on. This review mainly introduces the researches on the preparation, properties and applications of gallium oxide nanomaterials. Initially, the preparation of gallium oxide by hydrothermal method has been highlighted and the effects of hydrothermal conditions on the morphologies and sizes of the final products were summarized. Furthermore, the unique properties of gallium oxide in the fields of electricity, gas, heat, and biomedicine are introduced, and the excellent luminescent properties of gallium oxide are emphasized. Additionally, this review mainly introduces the applications of gallium oxide in the fields of catalysis, gas sensors, optoelectronic devices, high voltage electronic devices and biomedicine. Finally, the problems and shortcomings in current research on gallium oxide nanomaterials are discussed and the opinions and prospects are put forward for the future perspective of the research in gallium oxide nanomaterials.
A binomial decision tree to manage yield‐uncertainty in multi‐round academic admissions processes
Authors: Ganguly Subhamoy , Basu Ranojoy , Nagarajan Viswanathan
Published: July 2021

Admissions to academic programs often involve filling a number of seats by making offers to a ranked list of qualified candidates over a finite number of rounds. Two sources of uncertainty need consideration when making admission offers: first, a random fraction of offers is accepted by applicants; and second, a random fraction of applicants who initially indicate acceptance subsequently withdraw. We develop a binomial decision‐tree model to determine the number of admission offers to be made while considering (a) the expected costs of exceeding or falling short of target enrollment, and (b) the fact that the more competitive students are also less likely to enroll. Insights from the model are validated using a multi‐year empirical dataset of admission offers, acceptances and post‐acceptance withdrawals for an MBA program. We find that having multiple rounds to make offers helps admissions offices achieve enrollment targets with greater precision. Additional rounds are particularly valuable when the uncertainty of yield rate is high. In a counterintuitive result, we identify conditions under which the recommended number of offers increases with the uncertainty in yield. We also show that it might be possible to improve the quality of an admitted class by sending out more offers sooner.
Oncology Expanded Access and FDA's Project Facilitate
Authors: Scepura Barbara , Chan Mitchell , Kim Tamy , Boehmer Jessica , Goldberg Kirsten B. , Pazdur Richard
Published: July 2021

The Oncology Center of Excellence at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration launched Project Facilitate on May 31, 2019, to assist oncology health care providers with Expanded Access requests for investigational drugs. Expanded Access, sometimes called “compassionate use,” is a regulatory pathway for physicians caring for patients who have a life-threatening condition or a serious disease to gain access to an investigational drug for treatment when no comparable or satisfactory alternative treatment options are available. Herein we describe the Project Facilitate program and the process for requesting Expanded Access to an investigational drug.
A review of resource management and self‐reliance for sustainable development of India under COVID‐19 scenario
Authors: Alam Asraful , Khan Amir , Ghosal Nilanjana , Satpati Lakshminarayan
Published: July 2021

The rapid spread of COVID‐19 pandemic has caused a severe disorder in the global economy. The sudden imposition of lockdown is expected to largely impact the global as well as Indian economy. To overcome serious economic fallouts, the honorable Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendra Modi in his address to the nation called for “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” or “Self‐reliant India” as self‐reliance would help in making pragmatic developments of the economy. According to WHO, COVID‐19 is a new strain found among humans that are caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, mainly a respiratory tract infection. As a consequence, the COVID‐19 pandemic gives India a unique situation to face this period of crisis boldly for optimum utilization of the available resources, and shift towards a more resilient and sustainable economy. Attainment of self‐reliance and sustainable resource management will also help the nation to overcome various global challenges. The present study mainly focuses on two objectives: Firstly, to understand the different possibilities which will secure India to become self‐reliant; and secondly, to know the prospects of self‐reliant of India in the post‐COVID‐19 scenario. It has to be kept in mind that Covid‐19 may not be the last viral infection that the world might see. Therefore, Novel Coronavirus sets a distinctive chance for India and the countries alike to utilize the available resources strategically and transform its dreams of “local” India into “Glocal” India for a better and brighter future of her people.
Improving vitamin D testing and supplementation in children with newly diagnosed cancer: A quality improvement initiative at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego
Authors: Shliakhtsitsava Ksenya , Fisher Erin Stucky , Trovillion Erin M. , Bush Kelly , Kuo Dennis John , Newfield Ron S. , Thornburg Courtney D. , Roberts William , Aristizabal Paula
Published: July 2021

Background

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency have been associated with poorer health outcomes. Children with cancer are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. At our institution, we identified high variability in vitamin D testing and supplementation in this population. Of those tested, 65% were vitamin D deficient/insufficient. We conducted a quality improvement (QI) initiative with aim to improve vitamin D testing and supplementation among children aged 2–18 years with newly diagnosed cancer to ≥80% over 6 months.

Methods

An inter‐professional team reviewed baseline data, then developed and implemented interventions using Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act (PDSA) cycles. Barriers were identified using QI tools, including lack of automated triggers for testing and inconsistent supplementation criteria and follow‐up testing post supplementation. Interventions included an institutional vitamin D guideline, clinical decision‐making tree for vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency, electronic medical record triggers, and automated testing options.

Results

Baseline: N = 26 patients, four (15%) had baseline vitamin D testing; two (8%) received appropriate supplementation. Postintervention: N = 33 patients; 32 (97%) had baseline vitamin D testing; 33 (100%) received appropriate supplementation and completed follow‐up testing timely (6–8 weeks post supplementation). Change was sustained over 24 months.

Conclusions

We achieved and sustained our aim for vitamin D testing and supplementation in children with newly diagnosed cancer through inter‐professional collaboration of hematology/oncology, endocrinology, hospital medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and information technology. Future PDSA cycles will address patient compliance with vitamin D supplementation and impact on patients’ vitamin D levels.
The use of narrative electronic prescribing instructions in pharmacoepidemiology: A scoping review for the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology
Authors: Romanelli Robert J. , Schwartz Naomi R. M. , Dixon William G. , Rodriguez‐Watson Carla , Sauer Brian C. , Albright Dawn , Marcum Zachary A.
Published: July 2021

Narrative electronic prescribing instructions (NEPIs) are text that convey information on the administration or co‐administration of a drug as directed by a prescriber. For researchers, NEPIs have the potential to advance our understanding of the risks and benefits of medications in populations; however, due to their unstructured nature, they are not often utilized. The goal of this scoping review was to evaluate how NEPIs are currently employed in research, identify opportunities and challenges for their broader application, and provide recommendations on their future use. The scoping review comprised a comprehensive literature review and a survey of key stakeholders. From the literature review, we identified 33 primary articles that described the use of NEPIs. The majority of articles (n = 19) identified issues with the quality of information in NEPIs compared with structured prescribing information; nine articles described the development of novel algorithms that performed well in extracting information from NEPIs, and five described the used of manual or simpler algorithms to extract prescribing information from NEPIs. A survey of 19 stakeholders indicated concerns for the quality of information in NEPIs and called for standardization of NEPIs to reduce data variability/errors. Nevertheless, stakeholders believed NEPIs present an opportunity to identify prescriber's intent for the prescription and to study temporal treatment patterns. In summary, NEPIs hold much promise for advancing the field of pharmacoepidemiology. Researchers should take advantage of addressing important questions that can be uniquely answered with NEPIs, but exercise caution when using this information and carefully consider the quality of the data.
A consistently compressibleMooney‐Rivlinmodel for the vulcanized rubber based on the Penn's experimental data
Authors: Peng Xiangfeng , Han Lei , Li Luxian
Published: July 2021

Based on the Penn's experimental data, a consistently compressible Mooney‐Rivlin model is developed for the vulcanized rubber. First, the Penn's experimental data are re‐analyzed, which show the near incompressibility. Next, the incompressible Mooney‐Rivlin model and three conventional types of compressible model are studied for the vulcanized rubber, which exhibit an apparent inconsistence with the incompressible model due to the dissimilar initial shear modulus. Finally, a consistently compressible model with extra constants is proposed, which obeys the normalization conditions and the consistent conditions, and a procedure to identify model constants is suggested, and then applied to the Penn's experimental data. The consistently compressible Mooney model is eventually established for the vulcanized rubber, and then compared with other four hyper‐elastic models.
Review on vacuum ultraviolet generation in low‐pressure plasmas
Authors: Popović Dean , Mozetič Miran , Vesel Alenka , Primc Gregor , Zaplotnik Rok
Published: July 2021

Low‐pressure nonequilibrium plasmas can be a source of intense radiation in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) range which can play an important role in the surface modification of solid materials. Herein, we review the available literature on VUV radiation from low‐pressure gaseous plasmas sustained by inductively and capacitively coupled radiofrequency discharges, microwave, and magnetized discharges. The reported VUV fluxes range from about 1014–1017 photons cm−2·s−1 while electron density range from 109 to 1012 cm−3. The correlations between the measured VUV fluxes and parameters, such as gas pressure, electron density, and discharge power are shown. The results summarized in this study represent a rough guide for the scientists involved in plasma–surface interactions. As the flux of VUV photons depends on numerous parameters, it is currently only possible to estimate its order of magnitude.
Deciphering CAD: Structure and function of a mega‐enzymatic pyrimidine factory in health and disease
Authors: del Caño‐Ochoa Francisco , Ramón‐Maiques Santiago
Published: July 2021

CAD is a 1.5 MDa particle formed by hexameric association of a 250 kDa protein divided into different enzymatic domains, each catalyzing one of the initial reactions for de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides: glutaminase‐dependent Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, Aspartate transcarbamoylase, and Dihydroorotase. The pathway for de novo pyrimidine synthesis is essential for cell proliferation and is conserved in all living organisms, but the covalent linkage of the first enzymatic activities into a multienzymatic CAD particle is unique to animals. In other organisms, these enzymatic activities are encoded as monofunctional proteins for which there is abundant structural and biochemical information. However, the knowledge about CAD is scarce and fragmented. Understanding CAD requires not only to determine the three‐dimensional structures and define the catalytic and regulatory mechanisms of the different enzymatic domains, but also to comprehend how these domains entangle and work in a coordinated and regulated manner. This review summarizes significant progress over the past 10 years toward the characterization of CAD's architecture, function, regulatory mechanisms, and cellular compartmentalization, as well as the recent finding of a new and rare neurometabolic disorder caused by defects in CAD activities.
Evolutionary models of amino acid substitutions based on the tertiary structure of their neighborhoods
Authors: Primetis Elias , Chavlis Spyridon , Pavlidis Pavlos
Published: July 2021

Intra‐protein residual vicinities depend on the involved amino acids. Energetically favorable vicinities (or interactions) have been preserved during evolution, while unfavorable vicinities have been eliminated. We describe, statistically, the interactions between amino acids using resolved protein structures. Based on the frequency of amino acid interactions, we have devised an amino acid substitution model that implements the following idea: amino acids that have similar neighbors in the protein tertiary structure can replace each other, while substitution is more difficult between amino acids that prefer different spatial neighbors. Using known tertiary structures for α‐helical membrane (HM) proteins, we build evolutionary substitution matrices. We constructed maximum likelihood phylogenies using our amino acid substitution matrices and compared them to widely‐used methods. Our results suggest that amino acid substitutions are associated with the spatial neighborhoods of amino acid residuals, providing, therefore, insights into the amino acid substitution process.
Antiinflammatory phytochemicals against virus‐induced hyperinflammatory responses: Scope, rationale, application, and limitations
Authors: Baranwal Manoj , Gupta Yogita , Dey Priyankar , Majaw Suktilang
Published: July 2021

Uncontrolled inflammatory responses or cytokine storm associated with viral infections results in deleterious consequences such as vascular leakage, severe hemorrhage, shock, immune paralysis, multi‐organ failure, and even death. With the emerging new viral infections and lack of effective prophylactic vaccines, evidence‐based complementary strategies that limit viral infection‐mediated hyperinflammatory responses could be a promising approach to limit host tissue injury. The present review emphasizes the potentials of antiinflammatory phytochemicals in limiting hyperinflammatory injury caused by viral infections. The predominant phytochemicals along with their mechanism in limiting hyperimmune and pro‐inflammatory responses under viral infection have been reviewed comprehensively. How certain phytochemicals can be effective in limiting hyper‐inflammatory response indirectly by favorably modulating gut microbiota and maintaining a functional intestinal barrier has also been presented. Finally, we have discussed improved systemic bioavailability of phytochemicals, efficient delivery strategies, and safety measures for effective antiinflammatory phytotherapies, in addition to emphasizing the requirement of tightly controlled clinical studies to establish the antiinflammatory efficacy of the phytochemicals. Collectively, the review provides a scooping overview on the potentials of bioactive phytochemicals to mitigate pro‐inflammatory injury associated with viral infections.
Floodplain connectivity and age‐0 sturgeon prey consumption in the lower Missouri River
Authors: Gosch Nathan J.C. , Hall Jerrod R. , Civiello Anthony P. , Haas Justin D. , Gemeinhardt Todd R. , Bonneau Joseph L.
Published: July 2021

Floodplains are generally considered important nursery habitat for young fish, but little information exists regarding the importance of this habitat for Scaphirhynchus sturgeon. During 2019, the lower Missouri River experienced widespread, prolonged floodplain connectivity, and this study provides the first documentation of age‐0 Scaphirhynchus sturgeon floodplain prey consumption. Individuals captured on the floodplain primarily consumed chironomids, but the amount of prey consumed was similar to or lower than individuals captured from nearby mainstem reaches and a side‐channel during previous years. Similarly, 2019 floodplain sampling often yielded lower age‐0 sturgeon condition when assessing length–weight relationships among years. Further downstream, we also analyzed diets from 2019 in two mainstem reaches below Kansas City for comparison with data from 2014 to 2015. In both reaches, 2019 condition was lower than 2014 and 2015 despite a relatively higher growth rate. The amount of prey consumed in 2019 was also similar to or lower than 2014 and 2015 in Glasgow Reach, whereas 2019 yielded the highest prey consumption in Monarch Reach. Our results suggest that the 2019 high‐water event did not yield increased prey consumption or condition for age‐0 sturgeon on the floodplain, while the findings for mainstem habitats below Kansas City were inconsistent. Overall, empty stomachs were rare regardless of capture location and floodplain individuals appeared to be growing and surviving despite the observed differences. These results address an important information gap for age‐0 sturgeon and future data from additional floodplain sites would provide valuable context regarding the applicability of these findings to other areas.
An Enhanced‐Activity and High‐Stability PtCo/N‐Doped Carbon Skeleton Electrocatalyst Derived from UA‐ZIF‐67 Template for Methanol Oxidation
Authors: He Fan , Li Kanshe , Cong Shaoling , Yuan Hua , Wu Changqing , Wang Xiaoqin , Wu Bohua , Xiong Shanxin , Wu Yan , Zhou Anning
Published: July 2021

To improve electrocatalytic performances of Pt‐based catalysts toward methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and reduce the consumption of Pt, we report a novel strategy for preparing a PtCo/NCS catalyst with bimetallic PtCo nanoparticles supported on the nitrogen‐doped carbon skeleton (NCS) derived from ulmic‐acid ‐based ZIF‐67 (UA‐ZIF‐67) template. The synthesized optimal NCS has rich mesoporous structure with a BET specific surface area of 451 m2 g−1and average pore diameterof 4.5 nm, possesses graphitic structure containing some CNTs and many graphene layers, and is doped by 8.16 at% nitrogen in the form of pyridine N and pyrrole N. In the optimum PtCo/NCS, metallic Pt and Co nanoparticles with an average size of 3.0±0.5 nm are uniformly supported on the NCS. This PtCo/NCS catalyst shows a high electrocatalytic activity and stability for MOR due to its high electrochemically active specific surface area (ECSA) value, current density, steady‐state current and current retention. The results are attributed to small highly‐dispersed PtCo nanoparticles with good synergistic effects of bimetallic active components supported on the NCS possessing CNTs and graphene layers, suitable nitrogen doping and well‐matched hierarchical pore structure.These findings will provide a new insight in designing and synthesizing high‐performance electrocatalysts.
Porosity Engineering of MXene Membrane towards Polysulfide Inhibition and Fast Lithium Ion Transportation for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xiong Dongbin , Huang Shaozhuan , Fang Daliang , Yan Dong , Li Guojing , Yan Yaping , Chen Song , Liu Yilin , Li Xueliang , Von Lim Yew , Wang Ye , Tian Bingbing , Shi Yumeng , Yang Hui Ying
Published: July 2021

Detrimental lithium polysulfide (LiPS) shuttle effects and sluggish electrochemical conversion kinetics in lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries severely hinder their practical application. Separator modification has been extensively investigated as an effective strategy to address above issues. Nevertheless, in the case of functional separators, how to effectively block the LiPSs from diffusion while enabling the rapid Li ion transport remains a challenge. Herein, by using an “oxidation‐etching” method, MXene membranes are presented with controllable in‐plane pores as interlayer to regulate Li ion transportation and LiPS immobilization. Porous MXene membranes with optimized pore density and size can simultaneously anchor LiPS and ensure fast Li ion diffusion. Consequently, even with pure sulfur cathode, the improved Li–S batteries deliver excellent rate performance up to 2 C with a reversible capacity of 677.6 mAh g−1 and long‐term cyclability over 500 cycles at 1 C with a low capacity decay of 0.07% per cycle. This work sheds new insights into the design of high‐performance interlayers with manipulated nanochannels and tailored surface chemistry to regulate LiPSs trapping and Li ion diffusion in Li–S batteries.
An early Eocene fossil from the British London Clay elucidates the evolutionary history of the enigmatic Archaeotrogonidae (Aves, Strisores)
Authors: Mayr Gerald
Published: July 2021

Archaeotrogons have long been known from late Eocene and Oligocene localities in France, where limb bones are abundantly represented. The phylogenetic affinities of these birds, however, have remained elusive. Although archaeotrogons are now considered to be representatives of the Strisores, the clade including ‘caprimulgiform’ and apodiform birds, their exact position in this clade is unresolved. Here, a partial skeleton of a new species of the Archaeotrogonidae is described from the early Eocene London Clay of Walton‐on‐the‐Naze (Essex, UK). In addition, a new specimen of the archaeotrogon Hassiavis from the latest early or earliest middle Eocene of the Messel fossil site in Germany is reported, which is the best preserved skeleton of this species. Archaeodromus anglicus gen. et sp. nov. from the London Clay is the earliest archaeotrogon known to date, and the holotype shows previously unknown skeletal characteristics of archaeotrogons that bear on the phylogenetic affinities of these birds. The quadrate in particular exhibits a distinctive morphology and shows derived morphological characteristics of the Strisores. Although the primary analysis did not conclusively resolve the affinities of archaeotrogons, analyses constrained to a molecular scaffold resulted in a sister group relationship to the Caprimulgidae (nightjars). The evolutionary history of this most species‐rich group of nocturnal Strisores is virtually unknown, and recognition of archaeotrogons as archaic stem group representatives of the Caprimulgidae would fill a striking gap in the fossil record.
Detection and defense of network virus using data mining technology
Authors: Li Zhijun , Jiang Xuedong
Published: July 2021

The spread of network viruses has posed a serious threat to the security of the network; therefore, it is necessary to detect and defend them effectively. This paper used debugging application programming interface (API) technology to obtain the features of API calls as viruses, filtered API calls according to information entropy, and finally used the support vector machine (SVM) model for virus detection. The experimental results showed that when the number of API was 1200, the algorithm had the best virus detection performance, with an average true positive rate (TPR) of 95.2%, a false positive rate (FPR) of 3.31%, and an overall accuracy of 95.42%; compared with the C4.5 algorithm, the K‐means algorithm, and the Naive Bayes algorithm, the SVM algorithm had the best performance. The results show that the proposed method is effective in virus detection and defense and can be further promoted and applied in practice.
The Bilateral Negotiation or Centralized Bidding? How to Choose the Transaction Mode with Power Users for Power Plants
Authors: Guan Yan , Yue Xinming , Xu Bo , Fan Zhi‐Ping
Published: July 2021

At present, there are mainly two kinds of transaction modes in the power market: bilateral negotiation mode and centralized bidding mode. Bilateral negotiation mode means users' purchases power directly from power plants, whereas centralized bidding mode means power plants and power users conduct power transactions through a Power Trading Center. This paper adopts evolutionary game theory to model this mechanism and explores the behavioral patterns of different entities at equilibrium. This paper is organized as follows. First, we build an evolutionary game model of this mechanism. Then, we discuss the existence and stability of equilibrium outcomes. Furthermore, we compare the equilibrium results under different conditions. We find that different market supply‐demand conditions lead to different equilibrium outcomes. Besides, we find that the bilateral negotiation mode does not necessarily improve the overall profit of the power market. When the demand exceeds the supply in the centralized bidding market, introducing the bilateral negotiation mode would reduce the overall market profit. In addition, the increase of the bidding heterogeneity leads to the increase of profits of power plants in the market. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders’ perspectives on participating in the CARE recruitment research registry for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, aging, and caregiving research
Authors: Ta Park Van , Grill Joshua D. , Zhu Jeanette , Nguyen Khue , Nam Bora , Tsoh Janice , Kanaya Alka , Vuong Quyen , Bang Joon , Nguyen Nhi Cristina Y. , Cho In Hyang , Gallagher‐Thompson Dolores , Hinton Ladson , Meyer Oanh L.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

This study elicited Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders’ (AAPI) perspectives about recruitment strategies/messaging for participation in an aging, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), and caregiving research recruitment registry.

Methods

Using a mixed methods design, CARE (Collaborative Approach for AAPI Research and Education) conducted 14 focus groups (N = 123) with AAPI cultural groups (Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Samoan, Vietnamese) in different languages. Descriptive statistics and thematic qualitative analyses were conducted.

Results

Mean age of participants was 54 years (median: 61; range 18–80), 66% were female, and 81% were foreign‐born. Themes of consideration for recruitment emerged: (1) culturally/linguistically appropriate outreach in culturally specific spaces, (2) motivations for research participation, and (3) approaches to outreach and recruitment methods. Within each of these themes, there were ethnic differences in specific strategies/approaches reflected as subthemes.

Discussion

Recruitment and messaging strategies should be tailored uniquely for each targeted AAPI group, with a thorough understanding of the cultural/linguistic factors that facilitate research participation to increase AAPI participation in ADRD, aging, and caregiver‐related research.
Atresia coli in a 1‐day‐old cria
Authors: Knecht Isabella , Pinn‐Woodcock Toby , Craven Amanda , Fubini Susan
Published: July 2021

A 1‐day‐old female alpaca cria presented to Cornell University's large animal internal medicine service for abdominal pain. On presentation, the cria appeared septic with hyperemic mucous membranes and marked abdominal distention. Abdominal ultrasound showed distended, hypomotile loops of small intestine with increased anechoic free peritoneal fluid. Abdominal radiographs with a barium enema showed gas distended proximal colon and marked segmental narrowing of the descending colon. Abdominal exploratory surgery revealed a meconium‐filled blind end in the proximal loop of the ascending colon and a collapsed, empty spiral and descending colon, consistent with a diagnosis of atresia coli. The location of this cria's atresia coli differed in location from the more commonly reported atretic spiral colon lesions seen in calves and was associated with poor surgical prognosis. This species variation is an important consideration prior to surgery and may help inform surgical decisions for those faced with similar cases in the future.
Suspected cane toad (Rhinella marina) toxicity in a wedge‐tailed eagle (Aquila audax)
Authors: Hill Andrew Gordon , Madden Claire , Reddrop Courtney
Published: July 2021

Cane toad (Rhinella marina) toxicity in a wedge‐tailed eagle (Aquila audax) following ingestion and regurgitation of a wild toad caused emesis, ptyalism, lethargy, ataxia, bradyarrythmia and collapse. Decontamination and supportive care led to recovery over 48 hours without long term sequelae.