bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-supervised recurrent depth estimation with attention mechanisms
Authors: Makarov Ilya , Bakhanova Maria , Nikolenko Sergey , Gerasimova Olga
Published: January 2022

Depth estimation has been an essential task for many computer vision applications, especially in autonomous driving, where safety is paramount. Depth can be estimated not only with traditional supervised learning but also via a self-supervised approach that relies on camera motion and does not require ground truth depth maps. Recently, major improvements have been introduced to make self-supervised depth prediction more precise. However, most existing approaches still focus on single-frame depth estimation, even in the self-supervised setting. Since most methods can operate with frame sequences, we believe that the quality of current models can be significantly improved with the help of information about previous frames. In this work, we study different ways of integrating recurrent blocks and attention mechanisms into a common self-supervised depth estimation pipeline. We propose a set of modifications that utilize temporal information from previous frames and provide new neural network architectures for monocular depth estimation in a self-supervised manner. Our experiments on the KITTI dataset show that proposed modifications can be an effective tool for exploiting temporal information in a depth prediction pipeline.
Role of Apolipoprotein E Gene Variants in Cognitive Outcome of Patients after Moderate Degree Diffuse Brain Injuries
Authors: Jaleel Momin Abdul , Zubeda Syeda , Grandhi Aditya , Hasan Qurratulain
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Diffuse Brain Injury (DBI) has been shown to be the major form of the primary brain traumatic injury. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is considered to be associated in the prognosis of DBI. Aim: To analyse change in cognitive outcome of moderate degree DBI patients and its association with APOE gene polymorphism. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, from March 2018 to May 2019, in which 23 patients who had moderate DBI were included. Patients were genotyped for APOE polymorphism and intellectual function was assessed when the patient was being discharged using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and was repeated after three months. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to determine the change in MMSE score taken at the time of discharge and after three months in follow-up. Results: Of the total 23 patients, 19 (82.60) were males and 4 (17.40%) were females where the average age of subjects included was 41.59±17.64 years. E2/E3 APOE genotype was present in 16 (69.56%) subjects. The improvement of MMSE score at the end of three months following discharge showed that best recovery was in subjects with E2/E3, genotype with mean of 4.9±2.1, followed by E2/E2 i.e., 3.5±2.6. In order to evaluate the changes in MMSE score at the time of discharge and after three months due to the presence of APOE genotype E2/E3 a Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was performed which revealed statistically significant positive change in MMSE score after three months, z=-3.512, p=0.00044, with a large effect size (r=0.620). Conclusion: This preliminary study indicated that APOE E2/ E3 individuals showed a better recovery after traumatic brain injuries based on MMSE scores. However, extended studies are needed to establish this which may also give more weightage for genotyping APOE as a prognostic marker.
Association of COVID-19 with Mucormycosis- An Appalling and Enervating Disease in North-western India
Authors: Agrawal Preeti , Pandey Ashish , Mehta Kanishk , Pandey Megha Shukla
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The pandemic Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID- 19) continues to be a significant problem worldwide. The disease pattern ranges from mild to life threatening pneumonia. Association of COVID-19 with mucormycosis is rare but an increase in this association has been observed recently, particularly in a background of immunocompromised state with rhino-orbital- cerebral region being the most common site of involvement. Aim: To study the site and presentation of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients with histopathological association. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at American International Institute of Medical Sciences, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, in which first 20 patients of COVID-19 with mucormycosis of rhino-orbital region were included in the study. The study was conducted for a period of two months (April-May 2021). Detailed clinical history and associated co-morbidities were noted for each patient. Histopathological examination of all the specimens resected for fungal infection was done along with special stain. Statistical analysis was done using Chi- square test. Results: COVID-19 association with mucormycosis was observed in all 20 cases. Maximum number of cases (11) were present in the age group of 20-40 years. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) had a strong association with mucormycosis. Maxillary sinus was most commonly associated site. Preoperative Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) was positive in all 20 cases, detailed histopathology study along with Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stain was performed in all cases. Additional microscopic findings like angioinvasion (03), granuloma (01) and giant cell reaction (13) were also recorded. Conclusion: COVID-19 has emerged as a global threat to mankind. In the present scenario the entire medical fraternity should have a prompt and team approach towards the management of this pandemic, in terms of, early detection of the infection, meticulous use of corticosteroids and screening of co-morbidities to safeguard patients from such life threatening fungal infections.
Health Surveillance in India: Current and Future Prospects
Authors: Chellaiyan Vinoth Gnana , Sasithra .
Published: January 2022

Surveillance is an information for action. India has created considerable improvement in control, prevention and eradication of certain communicable diseases. Few such diseases that have been effectively controlled are polio, smallpox, vector-borne illness, nipah, Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and so on. These achievements are the outcome of an active surveillance system incorporated at community, facility, and health system level. Any of these progresses is impossible without a robust public health surveillance structure. Therefore, enhancing the public health surveillance system further will be helpful in managing upcoming pandemics at its earliest. Improvements in public health surveillance should be synchronised with the goals of Universal Health Coverage and its regulating standards of safe guarding universal health as a right besides privilege, ensuring equity, non-discrimination, guarding the affected individual’s rights and respect their choice and placing health in people’s hand. In alignment with the National Digital Health Mission, the new Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) aims to substitute traditional surveillance data-entry system with modern advances in digital health and technology. This platform also initiates various sector collaboration, including public and private healthcare organisations and civil societies. Recommendations to strengthen the surveillance system starts with enhancement of laboratory infrastructure, referral networks and health organisations at the block level with the aim of strengthening community-based surveillance and responding in a timely manner for upcoming outbreaks.
Pharmacognostic Study of the Leaves of Piliostigma thonningii Schum (Ceasalpiniaceae)
Authors: Ebele Obi Patrick , Chukwunonso Ebere Chukwujindu , Obinna Onugwu , Ginikachukwu Uzor
Published: January 2022

The existence of huge species and varieties of plants that bear resemblance in their macro-morphological features but differs in micro-morphology and phytochemical constituents has led to misidentification and replacement of one species/variety of plant for another. Hence, the need for standard documentation of the macro and micro morphological features, unshared and unique characters and phytochemical compositions of individual plant drug cannot be over emphasized. This research studied the pharmacognostic profile of Piliostigma thonningii Schum leaf using pharmacognostic tools for crude drug standardization such as macromorphological / organoleptic evaluation, qualitative and quantitative microscopy, analytical evaluation (physicochemical constants) and phytochemical screening. The results of the microscopical evaluation of Piliostigma thonningii leaf showed that it has actinocytic stomata on the upper epidermis, uniseriate trichomes and schizo-lysigenous cavities on the lower epidermis, reticulate and spiral xylem vessels and rosette shape calcium oxalate crystals. While the analytical standard of the powdered drug revealed 9 moisture content, 4.1 total inorganic ash, 2.2 water soluble ash, 0.85 acid insoluble ash, 4.8 sulphated ash, 13 alcohol extractive, 11.5 water extractive and 4.61% n-hexane extractive. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides and terpenoids. The overall results of this research can serve as reference standard for proper identification of Piliostigma thonningii plant.
External Audit with a View to Detecting Financial Fraud
Authors: Amina Zgarni
Published: January 2022

Recently, the problem of financial fraud and its adverse effects on the quality of information disclosed and on the financial system in general has gained increasing attention from the media, the general public and regulators. Thus, the detection of financial fraud remains essential for the stability and continuity of companies. The role of the external auditor in the detection of financial fraud has been widely demonstrated in theoretical and empirical research. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the responsibility of auditors in detecting and preventing fraud and the effectiveness of current audit procedures. Through a review of the literature, we have revealed the important role of external auditors in the detection and prevention of financial fraud. We have further explored the main models of financial fraud detection most used in previous studies.
Multivariate Statistical Modeling of Crude Oil Viscosity and Mole Percent Components for Reservoir Fluids
Authors: Ifeanyi Okoroma Jeremiah , Nwosi-Anele Adaobi Stephenie , Daniel Elikee Uchenna
Published: January 2022

This study presents multivariate statistical modeling of PVT properties in a Hydrocarbon Reservoir. Traditionally, these properties are modeled by correlating them with the changes in pressure and temperature associated with them. However, these changes are often a direct corollary of the changing composition as each component’s presence and/or absence contributes to the overall property of the fluid system. In this work, Multiple Linear and Multiple Nonlinear regression models were used to develop a correlation for the crude oil viscosity and the mole percent of the components as they change with pressure and temperature. A fluid system was modelled using the PVT Package of Integrated Production System Modelling (IPM) Suite. The model was then used to perform a differential liberation test simulation to predict the changes in composition of the crude oil. The composition included three lumped crude oil fractions. After the PVT modelling, the generated PVT Composition was used to perform the Multivariate statistical analysis (MVA) and modelling.Two MVA techniques were compared – the Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Multiple Non-Linear Regression (MLNR).Analysis of residuals generated from the prediction run based on both techniques showed that the multiple linear regression method had trending residuals, contrary to the law of parametric estimation upon which it is based. However, the multiple nonlinear regression yielded 100% correlation with adequate residual trend and is thus recommended for adaptation to distinct fluid systems. It is imperative to note that the accuracy of this adaptive PVT modeling and prediction is hinged primarily on the accuracy of the PVT model used to estimate the compositional variation.
A Study to Assess the Knowledge, Awareness and Preventive Practices Regarding Dengue Fever among Patients Visiting Medical OPD at Civil Hospital, Nadiad City
Authors: Vyas Dhara , Kavaiya Pooja , Parmar Reeva , Patel Roshni
Published: January 2022

Background: Dengue, the mosquito borne disease has become global public health problem. The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, awareness and preventive practices regarding dengue fever among patients visiting medical OPD at civil hospital, Nadiad City.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 randomly selected patients from Civil Hospital, Nadiad during September to November 2021. A structured questionnaire was used covering socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, knowledge, awareness, treatment and preventive practices regarding dengue fever. Data were analyzed using descriptive, inferential.

Results:  Of the 100 participants recruited in the study, 47% were females and 53% were males. A majority 63% belong to 15 - 45 years of age, were Hindus 80%, studied up to primary level (68%), resided in the urban area (64%) and 22% had past dengue exposure. Although patients had heard of dengue, the overall mean score of knowledge, awareness and preventive practices regarding dengue fever was 16.5 ± 1.4, with 23%, 68%, and 9% participants having good, average and poor knowledge respectively regarding dengue.

Conclusion: It was evident that the patients have the sufficient knowledge regarding dengue fever and its prevention, but execution of this knowledge in putting the dengue preventive measures to practice was poor. There is a need to create awareness for hygiene and cleanliness to prevent mosquito bites.
Unintended Pregnancy and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Wolde Temesgen Senbeto , Mekebo Gizachew Gobebo
Published: January 2022

Background: Unintended pregnancy is a worldwide problem that affects the health of women, families and relatives. This study was aimed to identify the major factors associated with unintended pregnancy among women in rural Ethiopia.

Methods: We used 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data on 853 rural pregnant women aged 15–49. Analyses of the data were done using SPSS 25 version 25. Chi-square test was used to filter candidate independent variables to be included in a multivariable logistic regression. And the multivariable logistic regression model was employed to estimate the relative association of factors associated with unintended pregnancy. The significance of the factors was considered based on p-value of less than 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of unintended pregnancy in study area was 20.9% (95% CI: 18.2, 23.8). The unintended pregnancy was associated with region Afar (AOR: 0.308, 95% CI: 0.101, 0.943) and Somalia (AOR: 0.064, 95% CI: 0.012, 0.331), women aged 35 or older (AOR: 2.016, 95% CI: 1.014, 4.009), women who had primary education (AOR: 0.284, 95% CI: 0.190, 0.425) and secondary/higher education (AOR: 0.201, 95% CI: 0.123, 0.329), Women who knew about contraceptives (AOR: 0.481, 95% CI: 0.379, 0.610), and parity 1 or 2 (AOR: 0.782, 95% CI: 0.750, 0.815). 

Conclusion: About one-fifth of the pregnancies were unintended. Region, age, educational level, knowledge about contraceptive and parity were significantly associated factors of unintended pregnancy. Providing health education to women needs to be encouraged to minimize the magnitude of unintended pregnancy.
Identification of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type VI: A First Case Report from a Pakistani Family
Authors: Parveen Asia , Arif Amina , Arshad Shafia , Rahman Muhammad Shafeeq Ur , Siddiqui Faheem Ahmed , Awais Muhammad
Published: January 2022

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta type VI (OI type VI) is a rare autosomal recessive disease of bone mineralization characterized by multiple bone fractures after six months of age, without a history of other extra-skeletal complications. SERPINF1 (serpin inhibitor clade F1) is the causative gene for this abnormality, having a chromosomal location 17p13. Many cases have been reported from different populations of the world. No case has been reported from the population of Pakistan related to this deformity. 

Case Presentation: In the current study, we presented a case of Osteogenesis imperfecta type VI. The patient's clinical findings indicated her with short stature and progressive distortion of the skeleton, without the record of other complications like hearing problems, dental anomalies, and abnormal vision. She was 16 years old, could not walk due to deformation and weakness of lower limbs. At the time of Patient’s radiological examination, history of multiple fractures of long bones was reported. The radiological findings showed the condition of kyphoscoliotic impairment                          in the cervicodorsal spine. Long bones showed bowing and relatively decreased bone mineralization. Patients' sequencing data indicated a new homozygous frameshift mutation c.262_263insCCCTCTC (p. Ala91Profs*23) in SERPINF1 responsible for splice site changes in PEDF protein.

Conclusion: This identified mutation was the first report from Pakistan, and an increase in the pathogenic variants in SERPINF1 caused OI type VI.
Study of Women's Reproductive Health Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes in Borgaon Village, Wardha, India
Authors: Tarare Bhishmani , Chaple Jagruti
Published: January 2022

Background: Reproductive health is defined as a state of complete physical, psychological, and social contentment, free of sickness, as well as the functions and activities of the reproductive system..As many women in India are unaware of the sexual health and its comorbidities they end up falling in serious illness leading to various life threatening diseases.

Aim: The aim was to study about knowledge, awareness and attitude towards reproductive health of women in Borgaon Village of Wardha,India.

Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Borgaon village of Wardha district Maharashtra India. Total 100 women aged 20 to 45 were selected by simple random sampling method was enrolled in study after verbal consent . Women were contacted and interviewed with a semi structured questionnaire.The study was conducted in 6 months duration with the help of questionnaire.

Results: As per the statistics, 78percent women use sanitary pads though 55percent women were still using napkins & cottons due to lack of awareness, shyness & low economic condition. 82percent women were aware about contraception but still 59percent women preferred to use it, because they were worried about its side effects. It was found that, when women came across any gynecological problem only 67percent of them had quick approach to doctor. 76percent women thought about the need of learning reproductive knowledge.

Conclusion: It was concluded that we still need to aware the society about reproductive health of women because whole society should be well known about the measures to be taken and how to act wisely to deal with a woman suffering from any illness regarding reproductive health.
Environmental Benefits of Thermochromic VO2Windows: Life Cycle Assessment from Laboratory Scale to Industrial Scale
Authors: Sirvent Paloma , Tanguy Audrey , Pérez Gloria , Charriere Renee , Faucheu Jenny
Published: January 2022

The research in energy efficient and sustainable technologies for buildings is currently an important issue because of their high‐energy consumption. In this regard, VO2‐based thermochromic windows are showing promising results in terms of their energy savings ability. However, no previous study has investigated their life cycle environmental impacts and, in order to develop a sustainable product from its foundations, these environmental issues should be accounted since the early stage development. Therefore, the first objective of this work is to conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA) of VO2‐based technologies for passive thermal control. Moreover, a second objective is to address a more generic question related to the use of prospective LCA in early stage research in materials engineering laboratories. For this purpose, a comparative LCA between a VO2‐based thermochromic window and a standard window is performed, studying the environmental impacts from the VO2production until the end‐of‐life. The nonrenewable and renewable cumulative energy demands as well as the impact on climate change are studied. Results show that there is a positive balance between the thermochromic and the standard window environmental impacts. Moreover, guidance to lower the environmental impacts associated to the production phase is given.
Interface Thermal Resistance between Monolayer WSe2 and SiO2: Raman Probing with Consideration of Optical–Acoustic Phonon Nonequilibrium
Authors: Hunter Nicholas , Azam Nurul , Zobeiri Hamidreza , Van Velson Nathan , Mahjouri‐Samani Masoud , Wang Xinwei
Published: January 2022

This work explores the 2D interfacial energy transport between monolayer WSe2 and SiO2 while considering the thermal nonequilibrium between optical and acoustic phonons caused by photoexcitation. Recent modeling and experimental work have shown substantial temperature differences between optical and acoustic phonons (ΔTOA) in various nanostructures upon laser irradiation. Generally, characterizations of interfacial thermal resistance (R′′tc) at the nanoscale are difficult and depend on Raman‐probed temperature measurements, which only reveal optical phonon temperature information. Here it is shown that ΔTOA for supported monolayer WSe2 can be as high as 48% of the total temperature rise revealed by optothermal Raman methods—a significant proportion that can introduce sizeable error to R′′tc measurements if not properly considered. A frequency energy transport state‐resolved Raman technique (FET‐Raman) along with a 3D finite volume modeling of 2D material laser heating is used to extract the true interfacial thermal resistance R′′tc (determined by acoustic phonon transport). Additionally, a novel ET‐Raman technique is developed to determine the energy coupling factor G between optical and acoustic phonons (on the order of 1015 W m−3 K−1). This work demonstrates the need for special consideration of thermal nonequilibriums during laser–matter interactions at the nanoscale.
Ultra‐Sensitive, Deformable, and Transparent Triboelectric Tactile Sensor Based on Micro‐Pyramid Patterned Ionic Hydrogel for Interactive Human–Machine Interfaces
Authors: Tao Kai , Chen Zhensheng , Yu Jiahao , Zeng Haozhe , Wu Jin , Wu Zixuan , Jia Qingyan , Li Peng , Fu Yongqing , Chang Honglong , Yuan Weizheng
Published: January 2022

Rapid advances in wearable electronics and mechno‐sensational human–machine interfaces impose great challenges in developing flexible and deformable tactile sensors with high efficiency, ultra‐sensitivity, environment‐tolerance, and self‐sustainability. Herein, a tactile hydrogel sensor (THS) based on micro‐pyramid‐patterned double‐network (DN) ionic organohydrogels to detect subtle pressure changes by measuring the variations of triboelectric output signal without an external power supply is reported. By the first time of pyramidal‐patterned hydrogel fabrication method and laminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) encapsulation process, the self‐powered THS shows the advantages of remarkable flexibility, good transparency (≈85%), and excellent sensing performance, including extraordinary sensitivity (45.97 mV Pa−1), fast response (≈20 ms), very low limit of detection (50 Pa) as well as good stability (36 000 cycles). Moreover, with the LiBr immersion treatment method, the THS possesses excellent long‐term hyper anti‐freezing and anti‐dehydrating properties, broad environmental tolerance (−20 to 60 °C), and instantaneous peak power density of 20 µW cm−2, providing reliable contact outputs with different materials and detecting very slight human motions. By integrating the signal acquisition/process circuit, the THS with excellent self‐power sensing ability is utilized as a switching button to control electric appliances and robotic hands by simulating human finger gestures, offering its great potentials for wearable and multi‐functional electronic applications.
Synergistic Hydrocobaltation and Borylcobaltation Enable Regioselective Migratory Triborylation of Unactivated Alkenes
Authors: Zhao Yinsong , Ge Shaozhong
Published: January 2022

The structural diversity of sp3‐triorganometallic reagents enhances their potentiality in the modular construction of molecular complexity in chemical synthesis. Despite significant achievements on the preparation of sp3 1,1,1‐ and 1,1,2‐triorganometallic B,B,B‐reagents, catalytic approaches that enable the installation of multiple boryl groups at skipped carbons of unactivated alkenes still remain elusive. Herein, we report a cobalt‐catalyzed selective triborylation reaction of unactivated alkenes to access synthetically versatile 1,1,3‐triborylalkanes. This triborylation protocol provides a general platform for regioselective trifunctionalization of unactivated alkenes, and its utility is highlighted by the synthesis of various value‐added chemicals from readily accessible unactivated alkenes. Mechanistic studies, including deuterium‐labelling experiments and evaluation of potential reactive intermediates, provide insight into the experimentally observed chemo‐ and regioselectivity.
Ultrafast Metal Electrodeposition Revealed by In Situ Optical Imaging and Theoretical Modeling towards Fast‐Charging Zn Battery Chemistry
Authors: Cai Zhao , Wang Jindi , Lu Ziheng , Zhan Renming , Ou Yangtao , Wang Li , Dahbi Mouad , Alami Jones , Lu Jun , Amine Khalil , Sun Yongming
Published: January 2022

Metallic Zn is a preferred anode material for rechargeable aqueous batteries towards a smart grid and renewable energy storage. Understanding how the metal nucleates and grows at the aqueous Zn anode is a critical and challenging step to achieve full reversibility of Zn battery chemistry, especially under fast‐charging conditions. Here, by combining in situ optical imaging and theoretical modeling, we uncover the critical parameters governing the electrodeposition stability of the metallic Zn electrode, that is, the competition among crystallographic thermodynamics, kinetics, and Zn2+‐ion diffusion. Moreover, steady‐state Zn metal plating/stripping with Coulombic efficiency above 99 % is achieved at 10–100 mA cm−2 in a reasonably high concentration (3 M) ZnSO4 electrolyte. Significantly, a long‐term cycling‐stable Zn metal electrode is realized with a depth of discharge of 66.7 % under 50 mA cm−2 in both Zn||Zn symmetrical cells and MnO2||Zn full cells.
Millisecond‐Range Time‐Resolved Bioimaging Enabled through Ultralong Aqueous Phosphorescence Probes
Authors: Cui Mingyue , Dai Peiling , Ding Jiali , Li Manjing , Sun Rong , Jiang Xin , Wu Menglin , Pang Xueke , Liu Mingzhu , Zhao Qiang , Song Bin , He Yao
Published: January 2022

Probes featuring room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) are promising tools for time‐resolved imaging. It is worth noting that the time scale of time‐resolved bioimaging generally ranges around the microsecond level, because of the short‐lived emission. Herein, the first example of millisecond‐range time‐resolved bioimaging is illustrated, which is enabled through a kind of ultralong aqueous phosphorescence probes (i.e., cyclo‐(Arg‐Gly‐AspD‐Tyr‐Cys)‐conjugated zinc‐doped silica nanospheres), with a RTP emission lasting for ≈5 s and a lifetime as long as 743.7 ms. We demonstrate that live cells and deep tumor tissue in mice can be specifically targeted through immune‐phosphorescence imaging, with a high signal‐to‐background ratio (SBR) value of ≈69 for in vitro imaging, and ≈627 for in vivo imaging, respectively. We further show that, compared to that of fluorescence imaging, the SBR enhancement of millisecond‐range time‐resolved in vivo bioimaging is up to 105 times.
Molecular and Spin Structures of a Through‐Space Conjugated Triradical System
Authors: Kodama Takuya , Aoba Mitsuya , Hirao Yasukazu , Rivero Samara Medina , Casado Juan , Kubo Takashi
Published: January 2022

A through‐space conjugated multi‐phenalenyl triradical 1 a has been prepared and characterized. Partial occupancy of doubly degenerate molecular orbitals in 1 a leads to Jahn–Teller distortion, creating a molecular skeleton in which C2v doublet states are lower in energy than undistorted D3h doublet and quartet states. Triradical 1 a exists in an acute form in the solution state, whereas it adopts a preferred obtuse form in the solid state. The results of the investigation show that these two distorted forms are reversibly interconverted by thermal energy.
Bioinformatics approach used in undergraduate research to predict siRNA as ZIKV therapeutics
Authors: Balasubramanian Archana , Chatterjee Jhinuk
Published: January 2022

Undergraduate research is an important component of a B.Tech. Biotechnology program. In the present study, a customizable approach designed with open‐source bioinformatics tools and databases was introduced to predict siRNAs for ZIKV therapeutics. With minimal prior exposure to bioinformatics, this workflow can be executed with detailed steps as demonstrated in this paper. All software, databases, and servers used in this research are open‐source, allowing this project‐based learning methodology to be implemented remotely as well. The workflow designed in the present study is flexible and customizable according to the mentor and student's requirements.
Bilateral cytomegalovirus infection of the adrenal glands revealed by 18F‐FDG PET/CT in a patient with T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Van Bogaert Camille , Vierasu Irina , Mathey Céline , Theunissen Aude , Goldman Serge
Published: January 2022

This case report demonstrates the possible subclinical adrenal and pancreatic involvement in immunocompromised patients (in particular those with lymphoma) with a CMV infection and the role of whole‐body 18F‐FDG PET/CT in detecting these lesions.
Crystal Structures of Iron‐Based Oxides and Their Catalytic Efficiencies for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction: A Trend in Alkaline Media
Authors: Sugawara Yuuki , Ueno Satomi , Kamata Keigo , Yamaguchi Takeo
Published: January 2022

The physical and chemical properties of inorganic materials significantly depend on their crystal structures. Therefore, precise design of structures can promote the development of highly active electrocatalysts. Due to the present environmental issues, it is desirable to establish a structural factor that regulates the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water splitting. Herein, we demonstrate structural descriptors using nine kinds of unreported iron‐based multimetal oxides with complicated structures and 15 kinds of previously reported iron‐based oxides. Density functional theory simulations find that their OER activities cannot be explained by the electronic descriptor, i. e., charge‐transfer energy. In contrast, the OER activities exhibit clear correlations with structural descriptors. To objectively determine the most dominant structural descriptor for OER electrocatalysis on iron‐based oxides, data‐driven machine learning (ML) is exploited. Thus, ML analysis reveals that Fe−O bond length is the most dominant structural descriptor for electrocatalytic OER on iron‐based oxides.
Study on feasibility of the partial meniscal allograft transplantation
Authors: Fan Bao‐Shi , Ye Jing , Xu Bing‐Bing , Sun Ze‐Wen , Zhang Ji‐Ying , Song Shi‐Tang , Wang Xin‐Jie , Song Yi‐Fan , Zhang Zheng‐Zheng , Jiang Dong , Yu Jia‐Kuo
Published: January 2022

Since the meniscus is an important stabilizing structure of the knee joint and has a significant role in load‐bearing and shock absorption, so the complete structural and functional reconstructions of the teared menisci should be done not only after partial meniscectomy but also post total meniscectomy. So far, animal experiments and good clinical practice have showed that TMAT after total meniscectomy has partially solved the problem of structural and functional reconstructions after total meniscectomy. However, partial meniscectomy will also lead to accelerated knee degeneration, and its proportion is much higher than that of patients with total meniscectomy. Herein, the feasibility of PMAT after partial meniscectomy was investigated for the first time by using the 40% posterior horn meniscectomy model of the medial meniscus in Beagle dogs, and also for the first time, TMAT group and the total meniscectomy group were used as control groups. Compared with the TMAT, the transcriptomics evaluation, scanning electron microscope observation, histological regeneration and structure, biomechanical property, inflammation environment, and the knee function post PMAT were more similar to that of normal meniscus was first reported. This study provides a PMAT scheme with clinical translational value for the complete structural and functional reconstruction of the patients with partial meniscectomy and fills the gap in the field of teared meniscus therapy on the basis of quite well clinical applications of the meniscus repair and the TMAT.
A rare case of intracytoplasmic mucin‐rich nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yamaguchi Yohei , Odate Toru , Nakazawa Kumiko , Oishi Naoki , Mochizuki Kunio , Shimizu Tatsuya , Horiuchi Kiwako , Ishii Hiroki , Sakurai Daiju , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: January 2022

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐associated tumor with a high incidence in Asian countries. NPC is a type of squamous cell carcinoma originating from the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Although rare, NPCs show some uncommon histologic variants; these variations remain to be understood. We described the cytologic characteristics of a rare NPC variant with abundant intracytoplasmic mucin. A 37‐year‐old Japanese man presented to our hospital with bilateral ear discomfort and palpable lymph nodes. Nasopharyngeal biopsy showed tumor cells with abundant intracytoplasmic, Alcian blue‐PAS‐positive mucin. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the tumor cells were positive for p40 and p53. Epstein–Barr encoding region (EBER) in situ hybridization (ISH) showed EBV infection of the tumor cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using MAML2 break‐apart probes did not show split signals. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cytology of the metastatic lymph nodes was also performed. Smear samples had a necrotic and inflammatory background with both lymphocyte and neutrophil infiltration. Highly cellular tumor clusters and dispersed cells with naked nuclei were observed. The tumor cells showed a clear cytoplasm with distinct cell borders. Intracytoplasmic mucin pushing the nucleus to the periphery was observed in the scattered tumor cells in a liquid‐based cytology sample. Given these findings, the final diagnosis was advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma; cisplatin‐based chemoradiation therapy was performed as the first‐line treatment. The tumor recurred 8 months after completing the treatment. The recurrent nasopharyngeal tumor was a typical non‐keratinizing NPC and lacked intracytoplasmic mucin.
Channel incision into a submarine landslide on a Carboniferous basin margin, San Juan, Argentina: Evidence for the role of knickpoints
Authors: Allen Charlotte , Gomis‐Cartesio Luz E. , Hodgson David M. , Peakall Jeff , Milana Juan‐Pablo
Published: January 2022

Emplacement of submarine landslides, or mass‐transport deposits, can radically reshape the physiography of continental margins, and strongly influence subsequent sedimentary processes and dispersal patterns. Typically, progressive healing of the complicated relief generated by the submarine landslide occurs prior to progradation of sedimentary systems. However, subsurface and seabed examples show that submarine channels can incise directly into submarine landslides. Here, the evolution of a unique exhumed example of two adjacent, and partially contemporaneous, submarine channel‐fills is documented. The channels show deep incision (>75 m), and steep lateral margins (up to 70°), cut into a >200 m thick submarine landslide. The stepped basal erosion surface, and multiple terrace surfaces, are mantled by clasts (gravels to cobbles) reflecting periods of bedload‐derived sedimentation, punctuated by phases of downcutting and sediment bypass. The formation of multiple terrace surfaces in a low aspect ratio confinement is consistent with the episodic migration of knickpoints during entrenchment on the dip slope of the underlying submarine landslide. Overlying sandstone‐rich channel‐fills mark a change to aggradation. Laterally stacked channel bodies coincide with steps in the original large‐scale erosion surface, recording widening of the conduit; this is followed by tabular, highly aggradational fill. The upper fill, above a younger erosional surface, shows an abrupt change to partially confined tabular sandstones with normally graded caps, interpreted as lobe fringe deposits, which formed due to down‐dip confinement, followed by prograding lobe deposits. Overlying this, an up‐dip avulsion induced lobe switching and back‐stepping, and subsequent failure of a sandstone body up‐dip led to emplacement of a sandstone‐rich submarine landslide within the conduit. Collectively, this outcrop represents episodic knickpoint‐generated incision, and later infill, of a slope adjusting to equilibrium. The depositional signature of knickpoints is very different from existing models, but is probably reflective of other highly erosional settings undergoing large‐scale slope adjustment.
Quantifying cerebral blood flow in the whole brain in a diffusion model with multiple sources from cerebrovascular structures
Authors: Cho Hyeryoung , Shim Vickie B. , Lee Tae‐Rin
Published: January 2022

Various imaging techniques have been developed to visualize the three‐dimensional structures of the brain and cerebrovascular vessels. Recently, several imaging techniques have allowed the measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the whole brain. Despite the rapid development of imaging techniques, numerical methods of predicting CBF are still challenging, due to the complexity of cerebrovascular structure modeling at the clinical level. Additionally, simulation models for oxygen and mass transport from the vasculature to tissues are not available at the clinical level due to the lack of knowledge in the field of microvascular transport. In this study, we propose a computational method to quantify CBF in the whole brain, linking cerebrovascular transport, and brain tissue perfusion. To simplify the linking process, the microvascular transport of blood was treated as a diffusion process. The concentration of CBF was predicted using our novel computational method. Furthermore, we investigated changes in CBF in cases where the blood supply to specific areas of the brain were blocked by disrupted vessels.
Use of medical services in Chile: How sensitive are the results to different econometric models?
Authors: Chovar Vera Alejandra , Vásquez Lavín Felipe , Paraje Pisoni Guillermo , Barrientos Cifuentes Manuel
Published: January 2022

Background

We compared different econometric specifications to model the use of medical services in Chile, focussing on visits to general practitioners and specialist physicians.

Methods

The evaluated models are the Poisson, Negative Binomial, Zero Inflated Poisson and Negative Binomial, two‐step Hurdle model, sample‐selection Poisson, and Latent Class model. These models were estimated using Chilean data for the years 2009 and 2015, separated by gender.

Results

Unlike previous literature that supported the use of the latent class model, our results show that the latent class model is not always the model with the best goodness of fit. Furthermore, the model with the best fit is not necessarily the model with the best predictive power. For instance, depending on the year and medical services, either the latent class model or the sample‐selection Poisson model performs better than the other models. The results also show that the selection of the econometric model may have implications for the estimated influence that variables such as age, income, or affiliation to the public versus private sector have on the use of medical services.

Conclusion

Using Chilean data, we have tested that the selection of an econometric method to model the use of medical services is not a problem with a unique answer. We recommend performing a sensitivity analysis of goodness of fit and predictive power between gender, healthcare services, or different years of datasets in future applications to be sure about the best model specification in each context.
Charge transfer of carbon nanomaterials for efficient metal‐free electrocatalysis
Authors: Paul Rajib , Zhai Qingfeng , Roy Ajit K. , Dai Liming
Published: January 2022

Recently, carbon‐based metal‐free electrocatalysts (C‐MFECs) have drawn considerable research attention because of their attractive physicochemical characteristics, cost‐effectiveness, and ability to convert and store energy efficiently. Efficient intramolecular charge transfer among different parts of the carbon electrocatalyst and/or intermolecular charge transfer between electrocatalyst and electrolyte dictate the ultimate energy conversion performance. Experimental results and theoretical analyses have demonstrated that rational design of metal‐free carbon nanomaterials, coupled with proper intramolecular charge transfer through heteroatom doping, incorporation of Stone–Wales defects, and/or intermolecular charge transfer through adsorption of appropriate molecules/moieties, can promote efficient electrocatalysis. In this article, we will first provide the related theoretical principles and then present an overview on the rational design and development of C‐MFECs for efficient charge transfer, followed by elucidating charge‐transfer processes for different electrocatalytic reactions related to renewable energy conversion and environmental remediation technologies. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives in this exciting field will be discussed.
Evaluation of the quality of maternal death review cycles in Burkina Faso
Authors: Congo Boukaré , Méda Clément Z. , Millogo Tieba , Sanon/Ouédraogo Djénéba , Ouédraogo Charlemagne M.R. , Kouanda Seni
Published: January 2022

Objective

To assess the quality of the maternal death review (MDR) cycle in selected health facilities in Burkina Faso in accordance with national standards.

Methods

A multiple case study using a qualitative approach performed in five health districts and two regional hospital centers in Burkina Faso. The facilities were chosen by contrasted purposive sampling based on hospital maternal mortality rate and urban or rural location. Structured and semistructured interviews were conducted and data analyzed thematically, horizontally, and vertically.

Results

Of the seven facilities included, six performed MDR. The MDR cycle was incomplete in five facilities because the implementation of recommendations had not been assessed. All cases of maternal death lacked vital information. Case analysis was not conducted in accordance with the national standards in most of the facilities. The action plans for implementing recommendations were not commonly used.

Conclusion

The MDR process and its various stages did not meet quality standards. Identifying the determinants leading to lack of adherence to MDR standards will contribute to optimal choice of interventions and improving good practices in health facilities.
Surface wear in a custom manufactured temporomandibular joint prosthesis
Authors: De Meurechy Nikolas , Aktan Merve Kübra , Boeckmans Bart , Huys Stijn , Verwilghen Denis R. , Braem Annabel , Mommaerts Maurice Y.
Published: January 2022

The wear of a novel temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis was evaluated in an animal model. The prosthesis consisted of an additively manufactured titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa created through selective laser melting, with a machined vitamin E‐enriched ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) surface attached to the fossa. Thirteen TMJ prosthesis were implanted in sheep, six of which had condylar heads coated with HadSat® diamond‐like carbon (H‐DLC). Euthanasia took place after 288 days, equaling 22 years of human mastication. Linear and volumetric wear analysis of the fossa was performed by optical scanning. The condylar head surfaces were assessed by scanning electron and confocal laser microscopy. The average linear UHMWPE wear, when combined with the coated condyle, was 0.67 ± 0.28 mm (range: 0.34–1.15 mm), not significantly differing (p = .3765, t‐test) from the non‐coated combination average (0.88 ± 0.41 mm; range: 0.28–1.48 mm). The respective mean volumetric wear volumes were 25.29 ± 11.43 mm3 and 45.85 ± 22.01 mm3, not significantly differing (p = .1448, t‐test). Analysis of the coated condylar surface produced a mean Ra of 0.12 ± 0.04 μm and Sa of 0.69 ± 0.07 μm. The non‐coated condylar surface measured a mean Ra of 0.28 ± 0.17 μm and Sa of 2.40 ± 2.08 μm. Both Sa (p = .0083, Mann–Whitney U test) and Ra (p = .0182, Mann–Whitney U test), differed significantly. The prosthesis exhibits acceptable wear resistance and addition of the H‐DLC‐coating significantly improved long‐term condylar surface smoothness.
Transcription Factor Hematopoietically Expressed Homeobox Protein (Hhex) Negatively Regulates Osteoclast Differentiation by Controlling Cyclin‐Dependent Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Watanabe Hisato , Okada Hiroyuki , Hirose Jun , Omata Yasunori , Matsumoto Takumi , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Saito Taku , Miyamoto Takeshi , Tanaka Sakae
Published: January 2022

We investigated the role of hematopoietically expressed homeobox protein (Hhex) in osteoclast development. Trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 at the cis‐regulatory element of Hhex was maintained and that of lysine 4 was reduced during receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis, which was associated with a reduction of Hhex expression. Overexpression of Hhex in bone marrow–derived macrophages inhibited, whereas Hhex suppression promoted, RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Conditional deletion of Hhex in osteoclast‐lineage cells promoted osteoclastogenesis and reduced cancellous bone volume in mice, confirming the negative regulatory role of Hhex in osteoclast differentiation. Expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors such as Cdkn2a and Cdkn1b in osteoclast precursors was negatively regulated by Hhex, and Hhex deletion increased the ratio of cells at the G1 phase of the cell cycle. In conclusion, Hhex is an inhibitor of osteoclast differentiation that is regulated in an epigenetic manner and regulates the cell cycle of osteoclast precursors and the skeletal homeostasis. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.