bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value chain data integrity and quality – a case study
Authors: Ringen Geir
Published: September 2022

The ultimate objective for most manufacturing companies is to achieve the state of zero‐defect manufacturing (ZDM) simultaneously as being cost‐efficient and competitive. This is not straightforward given the increasing complexity faced by the firm due to handling multifunctionality, personalization, sustainability criteria and connectiveness of products. All these requirements challenge the ZDM principles and the manufacturing system as a whole. Industry 4.0, and the embodied digital and physical world, is predicted to enable product‐ and process control at a new level of modern production. However, the transition phase from as‐is condition to a fully integrated manufacturing system put forward some distinct criteria for data management and data integrity. This paper investigates the Industry 4.0 readiness level according to fundamental data integrity and the trajectory towards ZDM. A case study is conducted to map and evaluate data reliability across a multi‐process production chain and compare to nominal and simulated product‐ and process parameters. The preliminary results show observed gaps between digitally set values versus physically measured ones at a level requiring high degree of autonomy and adaptability in decision routines for the final product to comply to ZDM. We claim that this is the situation for many companies, stating that the case company studied is perceived to be well positioned for the digital era.
Asset Information Model to Increase Traceability in Offshore Wind Projects
Authors: Stuvik Kjersti , Kokkula Satyanarayana
Published: September 2022

This study aims to prepare for the development of an asset information model to increase traceability in offshore wind projects. The goal of the information modelling framework is to increase information flow between projects as well as the quality of the project delivery. Literature review describes traceability in a wide variety of cases and industries, and points to both challenges and benefits with the definition and implementation of traceability practices. However, a successfully maintained asset information model can help engineers make quick and well‐designed development decisions and solutions. The development of an asset information model shall contribute to an accelerated design process with higher accuracy and less deviations. Being able to create a product that answers the relevant stakeholders' expectations in a more accurate and efficient way can give the company a valuable advantage in a competitive market. Furthermore, a research design has been defined to form the basis for further research in the spring 2022 semester.
Systems of Systems (SoS) meta‐architecture evaluation utilizing the SoS Explorer for cyber‐physical smart solar roadways
Authors: Schaefer Thomas , Dagli Cihan H
Published: September 2022

Smart solar roadways are an emerging cyber‐physical technology being developed by companies worldwide with some roadways even being in the early stages of implementation. These roadway systems have complex capabilities and connections with other systems. The recent and continuous advancements in solar technologies and wireless data transfer there exists a need to be able to evaluate the system of systems meta‐architecture for the development and implementation of smart solar roadways.

Therefore, this paper outlines an example of the possibility for evaluation of the meta‐architectures using fuzzy logic assessors and genetic algorithms in conjunction with the SoS Explorer Application developed by the Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Department of Missouri University of Science and Technology. The optimal solution for the smart solar roadway maximizes each of the Key Performance Attributes (KPA) Affordability, Availability, Durability and Responsiveness. The KPAs can be assessed in a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) to assess the fitness measure of the optimum SoS meta‐architecture generated by the genetic algorithm. The SoS Explorer Application is used to visualize the selected SoS meta‐architecture as a chromosome. Using this approach will allow local governments to make the optimal selection of systems to develop a smart solar roadway even as technology continues to progress.
The accuracy and feasibility of noninvasive prenatal testing in a consecutive series of 20,626 pregnancies with different clinical characteristics
Authors: Zheng Yunyun , Li Jia , Zhang Jianfang , Yang Hong
Published: September 2022

Background

To evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) according to the results of NIPT and pregnancy outcomes with different indications.

Methods

Between October 2014 and December 2020, 20,626 pregnant women who received NIPT were included in this study. The positive predictive value (PPV) of trisomy 21, 18, and 13 (T21, T18, T13), sex chromosome abnormalities (SCAs), other chromosomal aneuploidies, and chromosomal microdeletion/microduplication were calculated. The positive results of NIPT were confirmed by amniocentesis, Karyotype analysis, and chromosome microarray analysis (CMA).

Results

In total, 263 positive cases (263/20,626, 1.28%) were detected by NIPT, of which T21, T18, and T13 were 69, 26, and 9 cases, respectively. Sex chromosome abnormalities (SCAs), other chromosomal aneuploidies, and copy number variants (CNVs) were 69, 12, and 38 cases, respectively. There were true positive in 49 of T21, 13 of T18, 1 of T13, 32 of SCAs, 1 of other chromosomal aneuploidies, and 15 of CNVs. The NIPT sensitivity of T21, T18, T13, SCAs, other chromosomal aneuploidies, and CNVs was all 100%, the specialty was 99.90%, 99.94%, 99.96%, 99.82%, 99.95%, 99.89%, and the PPV was 71.01%, 50.00%, 11.11%, 46.38%, 8.33%, 39.47%, respectively. The PPV was high in T21, moderate in T18 and SCAs, and low in T13 and other chromosomal abnormalities.

Conclusion

NIPT has high accuracy, specificity and and can effectively avoid the occurrence of birth defects, but it cannot replace prenatal diagnosis. The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of NIPT in detecting sex chromosomes, chromosome microdeletion/microduplication, and other chromosomal abnormalities should be improved.
Logistic regression models of cytokines in differentiating vitreoretinal lymphoma from uveitis
Authors: Tian Sha , Chen Kun , Xiao Jianjiang , Zhou Xian , Shi Huimin , Li Yi , Huang Hehe , Ma Yanchun , Chen Bobin , Wang Qingping , Guan Ming
Published: September 2022

Background

Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) can commonly masquerade as chronic idiopathic uveitis due to its nonspecific clinical presentation. Thus, its early diagnosis is difficult. In this study, new logistic regression models were used to classify VRL and uveitis. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of interleukin (IL)‐10, the IL‐10/IL‐6, and the Interleukin Score for IntraOcular Lymphoma Diagnosis (ISOLD) are evaluated.

Methods

Sixty‐nine aqueous humors (AH) (46 VRL, 23 uveitis) and 65 vitreous humors (VH) (49 VRL, 16 uveitis) were collected from a single‐center retrospective cohort. Logistic regression models were conducted based on IL‐6 and IL‐10. The cut‐off values, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of IL‐10, the IL‐10/IL‐6, the ISOLD, and the models were calculated from the ROC. Furthermore, Spearman's rank correlation analysis was performed to determine cytokine levels in VH and AH.

Results

We redefined the cut‐off values of IL‐10, the IL‐10/IL‐6, the ISOLD, and the logistic regression models. In AH, the AUC values of IL‐10, ISOLD, IL10/IL6, and the model were 0.91, 0.953, 0.952, and 0.967. In VH, they were 0.93, 0.95, 0.954, and 0.954, respectively. IL‐6 (r = 0.7844) and IL‐10 (r = 0.8506) in AH and VH showed a strong correlation.

Conclusions

IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels were introduced into new logistic regression models. The diagnostic efficacy of the models improved compared to the indicators mentioned above among Chinese patients. Additionally, the models could predict the probability of VRL more accurately. A strong correlation of cytokine levels showed the great potential of AH as prioritized auxiliary diagnostic for VRL.
Ornithine aminotransferase and carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 involved in ammonia metabolism serve as novel targets for early stages of gastric cancer
Authors: Jiang Zhen , Wei Chen , Luo Yaomin , Xiao Yang , Wang Li , Guo Wubin , Yuan Xiaoxia
Published: September 2022

Objective

The sensitivity and specificity of current biomarkers for gastric cancer were insufficient. The aim of the present study was to screen novel biomarkers and determine the diagnostic values of ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) and carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) for detecting gastric cancer.

Methods

With stable isotope tags, we labelled an initial discovery group of four paired gastric cancer tissue samples and identified with LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. A validation group of 159 gastric cancer samples and 30 healthy controls were used to validate the candidate targets. GSEA was used to explore the pathways activated in gastric cancer.

Results

Four hundred and thirty one proteins were found differentially expressed in gastric cancer tissues. Of these proteins, OAT and CPS1 were found over‐expressed in gastric cancer patients, with sensitivity of 70.4% (95% CI: 63.3%–77.6%) and specificity of 80.5% (95% CI: 74.3%–86.7%) for ornithine aminotransferase, and with sensitivity of 68.6% (95% CI: 61.3%–75.8%) and specificity of 73% (95% CI: 66%–79.9%) for carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1. The co‐expression of OAT and CPS1 in gastric cancer tissues has a sensitivity of 81% (95% CI: 73.2%–88.8%) and specificity of 89% (95% CI: 83%–95%). Furthermore, both OAT and CPS1 were overexpressed in patients with local invasion T3 and T4 stages than those in patients with T1 and T2 stages. The co‐expression of OAT and CPS1 was strongly correlated with histological grade I 68% (95% CI: 58.7%–77.3%) and TNM stage I/II 52% (95% CI: 42%–62%). The areas under ROC curves were up to 0.758 for the co‐expression of OAT and CPS1 in gastric cancer. GSEA results showed that two gene sets and 30 gene sets were activated in OAT high‐ and CPS1 high‐expression patients with gastric cancer, respectively.

Conclusions

The present findings indicated a tight correlation between the co‐expression of OAT and CPS1 and the histological grade, local invasion, and TNM stages of gastric cancer. Therefore, OAT and CPS1 might be predictors for gastric cancer invasion and potential targets for anticancer drug design for gastric cancer.
The usefulness of the estimated average glucose/fasting blood glucose ratio for pancreatic β‐cell function assessment in hyperglycemia during health checkups
Authors: Nah Eun‐Hee , Cho Seon , Park Hyeran , Kim Suyoung , Kwon Eunjoo , Cho Han‐Ik
Published: September 2022

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a disease marked by inadequate insulin secretion by pancreatic beta‐cell function (BCF) failure and insulin resistance (IR). Assessing and managing the BCF and IR should be started early to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of the estimated average glucose (eAG)/fasting blood glucose (FBG) ratio for pancreatic BCF in hyperglycemia.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study consecutively selected 10,594 subjects who underwent a health checkup at 16 health checkup centers in 13 Korean cities between 2019 and 2021. The subjects consisted of 3003 patients with normoglycemia, 3413 with impaired fasting glucose and 4178 with T2DM. The eAG was calculated using Nathan's regression equation. BCF and IR were estimated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)‐β and HOMA‐IR, respectively. Multivariate (adjusted) regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the eAG/FBG ratio and HOMA.

Results

The median values among FBG groups for the eAG/FBG ratio, HOMA‐β, ‐IR and insulin differed significantly (p < 0.001). The second‐, third‐ and fourth‐quartile groups of the eAG/FBG ratio had positive higher correlation coefficients [9.533, 10.080 and 12.021, respectively (all p < 0.001)] for HOMA‐β than the first quartile group, and higher negative coefficients for HOMA‐IR [−0.696, −0.727 and −0.598, respectively (all p = 0.001)].

Conclusion

The eAG/FBG ratio was significantly correlated with both HOMA‐β and ‐IR, which suggests that eAG/FBG ratio reveals BCF and IR in hyperglycemia. Measurement of this ratio could be useful for monitoring BCF and IR in prediabetes and T2DM.
Synthetic MRI with Magnetic Resonance Spin TomogrAphy in Time‐Domain (MR‐STAT): Results from a Prospective Cross‐Sectional Clinical Trial
Authors: Kleinloog Jordi P. D. , Mandija Stefano , D'Agata Federico , Liu Hongyan , van der Heide Oscar , Koktas Beyza , Dankbaar Jan Willem , Keil Vera C. , Vonken Evert‐Jan , Jacobs Sarah M. , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Hendrikse Jeroen , van der Kolk Anja G. , Sbrizzi Alessandro
Published: September 2022

Background

Magnetic Resonance Spin TomogrAphy in Time‐domain (MR‐STAT) can reconstruct whole‐brain multi‐parametric quantitative maps (eg, T1, T2) from a 5‐minute MR acquisition. These quantitative maps can be leveraged for synthetization of clinical image contrasts.

Purpose

The objective was to assess image quality and overall diagnostic accuracy of synthetic MR‐STAT contrasts compared to conventional contrast‐weighted images.

Study Type

Prospective cross‐sectional clinical trial.

Population

Fifty participants with a median age of 45 years (range: 21–79 years) consisting of 10 healthy participants and 40 patients with neurological diseases (brain tumor, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or stroke).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/Conventional contrast‐weighted imaging (T1/T2 weighted, proton density [PD] weighted, and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery [FLAIR]) and a MR‐STAT acquisition (2D Cartesian spoiled gradient echo with varying flip angle preceded by a non‐selective inversion pulse).

Assessment

Quantitative T1, T2, and PD maps were computed from the MR‐STAT acquisition, from which synthetic contrasts were generated. Three neuroradiologists blinded for image type and disease randomly and independently evaluated synthetic and conventional datasets for image quality and diagnostic accuracy, which was assessed by comparison with the clinically confirmed diagnosis.

Statistical Tests

Image quality and consequent acceptability for diagnostic use was assessed with a McNemar's test (one‐sided α = 0.025). Wilcoxon signed rank test with a one‐sided α = 0.025 and a margin of Δ = 0.5 on the 5‐level Likert scale was used to assess non‐inferiority.

Results

All data sets were similar in acceptability for diagnostic use (≥3 Likert‐scale) between techniques (T1w:P = 0.105, PDw:P = 1.000, FLAIR:P = 0.564). However, only the synthetic MR‐STAT T2 weighted images were significantly non‐inferior to their conventional counterpart; all other synthetic datasets were inferior (T1w:P = 0.260, PDw:P = 1.000, FLAIR:P = 1.000). Moreover, true positive/negative rates were similar between techniques (conventional: 88%, MR‐STAT: 84%).

Data Conclusion

MR‐STAT is a quantitative technique that may provide radiologists with clinically useful synthetic contrast images within substantially reduced scan time.

Evidence Level: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2
The Alaska Blocking Index, version 2: Analysis and covariability with statewide and large‐scale climate from 1948 to 2020
Authors: Ballinger Thomas J. , Walsh John E. , Alexeev Vladimir A. , Bieniek Peter A. , McLeod Jordan T.
Published: September 2022

Monitoring and quantifying high‐latitude atmospheric circulation variability and trends are important towards understanding the anatomy of extreme events and constraining their probabilities under continued Arctic change. The greater Alaska region stands out as one region of enhanced warming and environmental changes over the Arctic amplification era, which has shown proclivity to extreme events and speaks to the need to consistently monitor overlying atmospheric variability. In this paper, we describe the creation and analysis of an updated, daily mid‐tropospheric Alaska Blocking Index (ABI) time series from 1948 to 2020. Sensitivity testing and index modifications from the initial dataset are discussed, and the new ABI is evaluated over the full period and subperiods. Additionally, we assess the role of the ABI as a regional climate indicator by analysing its variability against surface air temperature and precipitation from 13 climate divisions across Alaska as well as broader‐scale hemispheric temperatures. Months of the highest ABI means mainly transpired in the most recent climatological period, 1991–2020, and most notably during the spring and autumn transition seasons, reflecting the nonstationary nature of the jet stream magnitude through time atop Alaska. ABI trends are positive across all months, seasons, and annually only in the 1991–2020 period. Contemporaneous ABI values are strongly and positively correlated with air temperature across all Alaskan climate divisions during the warm season, but negatively correlated with winter temperatures over southeastern Alaska. Meanwhile, the ABI is significantly anticorrelated with summer precipitation over Interior and southern Alaska, but only over southeastern Alaska in other seasons. The ABI is statistically differentiated from the primary modes of atmospheric variability as shown by its generally weak correlations with the Arctic Dipole and the Arctic Oscillation (r ≤ 0.40).
Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 simulations of the spatial structure of rainfall variability over East Africa: Evaluation and projection
Authors: Mbigi Dickson , Onyango Augustine Omondi , Mtewele Zacharia Florence , Kiprotich Paul , Xiao Ziniu
Published: September 2022

Modifications in rainfall patterns may have significant effects on a variety of natural and human systems. This study evaluates the ability of 20 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) to simulate the interannual variability of rainfall over East Africa (EA) using a method based on the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. The future changes in rainfall variability during the near (2021–2040), middle (2041–2060) and late (2080–2099) future are analysed under two different shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP), SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5. Results reveal that most models captured better spatial climatological rainfall pattern than simulated amplitude in the EA region receiving bimodal rainfall pattern (EABM) compared to that with unimodal rainfall regime (EAUM) in the historical period. An ensemble mean of all models (AMME) and a set of 13 models that best simulated the rainfall variability in the base period were selected using a robust method based on the EOF analysis for further analysis. Most of the selected models and their ensemble mean (BMME) displayed good capability in representing the annual standard deviation (SD) in recent decades, whereas BMME corroborates AMME, particularly over the EABM and EAUM regions. Based on these findings, the AMME and BMME were used to evaluate the future changes in rainfall variability. The models project a significant increase in rainfall variability during March by the mid and late 21st century over the EAUM region under SSP5‐8.5, whereas the increase appears much earlier in the near‐future over the EABM region. In all future periods and SSPs, SD demonstrates a considerable increase over most of the EABM region, and the magnitude gradually increases from the AMME to BMME projections. Moreover, a relatively stronger increase is anticipated to actualize by the mid of 21st century.
The cost of convenience: Ridehailing and traffic fatalities
Authors: Barrios John M. , Hochberg Yael V. , Yi Hanyi
Published: September 2022

We examine the effect of the introduction of ridehailing in US cities on fatal traffic accidents. The arrival of ridehailing is associated with an approximately 3% increase in the number of fatal accidents, for both vehicle occupants and pedestrians. Consistent with ridehailing increasing road usage, we find that its introduction is associated with increases in proxies for traffic congestion and with new car registrations. Consistent with a driver quality channel, accident increases are concentrated in ridehailing‐eligible vehicles and those with passenger configurations suggestive of ridehailing. Back‐of‐the‐envelope estimates of the annual cost in human lives range from $5.33B to $13.24B. We propose various operational and policy prescriptions for the regulation of ridehailing operations that may help limit such externalities.
MicroRNA‐494‐3p facilitates the progression of bladder cancer by mediating the KLF9/RGS2 axis
Authors: Xu Xu‐Hong , Sun Jian‐Ming , Chen Xiao‐Feng , Zeng Xiang‐Yang , Zhou Hai‐Zhi
Published: September 2022

Bladder cancer (BC) is a familiar malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. The effect of treatment is unsatisfactory after the metastasis and invasion of BC. Hence, more studies should be carried out to explore the metastasis of BC. RT‐qPCR or/and western blot was conducted to evaluate miR‐494‐3p, KLF9, and RGS2 expression. Cell proliferation and invasion were estimated by MTT assay and transwell assay, respectively. Cell migration was tested by wound healing assay and transwell assay. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to validate the interplay between miR‐494‐3p and KLF9 mRNA. The interaction between KLF9 and RGS2 promoter was verified using dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. miR‐494‐3p expression was upregulated, whereas KLF9 and RGS2 were downregulated in BC cells. miR‐494‐3p inhibition was competent to limit the growth of BC cells. KLF9 knockdown abolished the miR‐494‐3p depletion‐mediated inhibitory growth of BC cells. Mechanistically, we found that KLF9 was a downstream gene of miR‐494‐3p and could bind to the promoter region of RGS2 to promote the expression of RGS2. Moreover, RGS2 knockdown abrogated the suppressive effects of miR‐494‐3p knockdown on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells. Notably, miR‐494‐3p inhibition obstructed the tumor growth in nude mice. miR‐494‐3p silencing inhibited the progression of BC by regulating the KLF9/RGS2 axis in vitro and in vivo, which laid the foundation for experiments of miR‐494‐3p in BC and provided therapeutic targets for BC.
Integration and Applications of Nanomaterials for Ultrafast Photonics
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Jin Hong , Liu Jiayao , Chao Jiale , Liu Tingyi , Zhang Han , Wang Gang , Lyu Wenhao , Wageh Swelm , Al‐Hartomy Omar A. , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Fu Bo , Zhang Han
Published: September 2022

Nanomaterials with remarkable optical, mechanical, and electrical properties have shed new light on various fields including optoelectronics, sensors, biomedicine, and ultrafast photonics. Particularly, owing to their nonlinear optical properties, fast recovery time, and broadband operation, nanomaterials are well qualified as saturable absorbers in ultrafast pulsed lasers. Over the development of the past decades, various nanomaterials have been developed as saturable absorbers, which contribute to a diversity of lasers with excellent performance. Therefore, it is important for researchers to provide a landmark of the applications of nanomaterials in ultrafast photonics concerning cutting‐edge development. Herein, the integration and applications of nanomaterials in ultrafast photonics are reviewed. First, end‐face, lateral, as well as photonic crystal fibers padding integration methods are introduced along with their process and characteristics. Then the ultrafast applications of nanomaterials including carbon‐based (carbon nanotubes and graphene), typical 2D (topological insulators, transition metal dichalcogenides, black phosphorus, and MXenes), and metal‐based nanomaterials (gold, silver, copper, and metal oxides) are summarized. Major parameters of ultrafast lasers and features of each nanomaterial are presented simultaneously. Finally, the perspectives of nanomaterials for further development in ultrafast photonics are discussed.
Cash holding dynamics and competition intensity: Evidence from UK firms
Authors: Adamolekun Gbenga , Jones Edward , Li Hao
Published: September 2022

Using a quasi‐natural experiment and various measures of competition intensity, we examine whether an increase in product market competition is a key driver of firm cash holdings. We find that firms increase cash holdings when competition is intense. The results suggest that the degree of increase in cash holdings is magnified among firms exposed to high predatory threat and financing friction. In addition, we examine if increasing cash holdings offers a competitive advantage in the product market. Our results indicate that firms with large cash reserves make gains in market share at the expense of their rivals. Gains in the product market are more pronounced among firms with low exposure to predatory risk and financing frictions.
Crowded but not crowded out: Comparing the solicitation strategies and outcomes of nonprofits' and individual's GoFundMe campaigns
Authors: Waters Richard D. , Auger Giselle A.
Published: September 2022

There is a great deal of need in this world, and some are taking their plights directly to the public for help rather than approaching nonprofit organizations. This content analysis of GoFundMe solicitations compared a range of requests (n = 303) to document how similar the solicitation strategies of crowdfunding campaigns run by individuals are to those from nonprofit organizations. Results from this investigation helped address the uncertainties of the disintermediation of the nonprofit sector. Though disintermediation is real and actively taking place, results indicate that nonprofit organizations are in a healthy position to survive the disruption of crowdfunding while adapting, adopting and improving crowdfunding behaviors.
Understanding audience reception and interpretation of development communications: A research framework proposition
Authors: Ademolu Edward
Published: September 2022

While studies on visual communications of international development are small, scattered but well established, much of this comprises of representational analyses. However, studying development representations alone limits critical investigation of the complex contradictions and intersectionality that constitute their reception. Audience reception studies in this context are scarce, largely commissioned charity/NGO reports, with limited contributions to discussions. Nevertheless, this article examines these inquiries, evaluating their contributions, limitations and absences. Based on this critical review, I suggest a research framework outlined by a three‐pronged proposition: (1) situating UK audiences of mediated development within their contradictory heterogeneity. (2) Moving beyond normative binaries and towards understanding the complexities and experiential variability of mediated development; and (3) studying audience reception as a ‘multi‐sited ethnography’. This framework is intended as a resource to support development scholars and NGO practitioners in the study and evaluation of development reception by audiences.
Polydopamine nanocomposites and their biomedical applications: A review
Authors: Chinchulkar Shubham Arunrao , Patra Paloma , Dehariya Dheeraj , Yu Aimin , Rengan Aravind Kumar
Published: September 2022

Polydopamine (PDA) is the end product of the dopamine monomer's self‐oxidation polymerization process. PDA is gaining popularity in diagnostic and therapeutic purposes because of its unique properties like excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, surface functionalization, adhesion, and photothermal, which can help in various biomedical applications. Many researchers have been working on polydopamine nanocomposites in recent years. PDA has been used to modify various structures, such as metal nanoparticles, in order to improve the nanosystem's stability and applicability. This review attempts to cover extremely recent works from 2018 to the present in light of recent developments in PDA nanocomposites. The development of novel PDA nanocomposites for therapeutic applications, such as PDA‐metal, PDA‐drug, PDA‐photosensitizers, and PDA‐biomolecules, has been covered in this review. The multiple biomedical applications highlighted in this review include the treatment of cancer, antimicrobial infections, and neurological disorders, as well as wound healing and biosensing. This review will not only help the new researcher to build their base but also for experts to extend their views in this field.
Phenotypic characterization of a strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duchesne ex Rosier) diversity collection
Authors: Hummer Kim E. , Bassil Nahla V. , Zurn Jason D. , Amyotte Beatrice
Published: September 2022

Societal Impact statement

To secure a stable, safe food supply, the future of humanity depends on the conservation and application of cultivated and wild plant diversity. Strawberries are globally important. They are widely produced and provide significant human health benefits. In 2019, annual world production was 14.5 MT (FAOSTAT, 2022). This report characterizes agricultural traits of diverse heritage strawberries. The gene pool of breeding programs has traditionally included a reliable but limited set of cultivars. The traits of lesser known heritage strawberry cultivars and selections examined by our study could be of value in expanding gene pools by tapping into existing cultivated genetic diversity.

Strawberries are a berry crop of global significance. We present a comprehensive evaluation of strawberry diversity through phenotyping 284 strawberry cultivars from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Clonal Germplasm Repository Corvallis, Oregon, USA.

We assessed 284 cultivars in 2019 and 2020 for quantified variation across 16 traits, including phenology, plant morphology, and fruit quality traits at full ripeness. Through cluster analysis, we determined groups of accessions that had desirable traits, including quality fruits, earliest fruit ripening, or high numbers of daughter plant production. We observed that this strawberry diversity panel displayed a wide range of phenotypic variation that could prove useful for future strawberry improvement.

ORUS 2427‐1, NW 90054‐37, and “Independence,” each developed by the Oregon USDA breeding program, displayed a combination of the highest fruit quality traits. “Independence” also had the longest runner length and the highest number of daughter plants. Two California cultivars, Oso Grande and Cuesta, and the Oregon cultivar Pinnacle had a short ripening time, on average 32 days between flowering and harvest, with the range for the study group of 25–41 days.

Our data provide insight for breeders to expand gene pools, producers who choose cultivars for green‐wall production, or geneticists who need data to prepare genome‐wide association studies.
Collaborative decision‐making: A framework for decision‐making about life‐sustaining treatments in children with medical complexity
Authors: Nageswaran Savithri , Gower William A. , Golden Shannon L. , King Nancy M. P.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Caregivers of children with medical complexity (CMC) face decisions about life‐sustaining treatments (LST) like tracheostomy. We sought to develop a clinically relevant and realistic model for decision‐making about tracheostomy placement that might apply to other LST in CMC.

Design

This qualitative study, conducted between 2013 and 2015, consisted of 41 interviews with 56 caregivers of CMC who had received tracheostomies and 5 focus groups of 33 healthcare providers (HCPs) at a tertiary‐care children's hospital in North Carolina. Participants were asked about their perspectives on the tracheostomy decision‐making process. Data were transcribed, and coded. Using thematic content analysis, we inductively developed a tracheostomy decision‐making framework and process.

Results

Many factors influenced caregivers' decisions, including children's well‐being and caregivers' values, faith, knowledge, experience, emotional state, and social factors; preserving the child's life was the most important. HCPs consider many clinical and nonclinical factors; recommending tracheostomy for children with limited survival, perceived poor functioning and quality of life, and progressive conditions is ethically difficult. The framework of tracheostomy decision‐making has inter‐related caregiver‐ and HCP‐level factors that influence the process. The framework contains elements not captured in a shared decision‐making model, but better fits a collaborative decision‐making (CDM) model. The tracheostomy CDM process that emerged from the data has two nonsequential components that HCPs could use: (1) gaining understanding and (2) holding decision‐making conversations.

Conclusions

CDM could be a useful model for clinicians guiding families about tracheostomy for CMC. The applicability of CDM for decision‐making about other LSTs needs further exploration.
The overexpression of cytochromeP450genes confers buprofezin resistance in the brown planthopper,Nilaparvata lugens(Stål)
Authors: Zeng Bin , Liu Ya‐Ting , Feng Ze‐Rui , Chen Fu‐Rong , Wu Shun‐Fan , Bass Chris , Gao Cong‐Fen
Published: September 2022

Background

Buprofezin, an insect growth regulator, has been widely used to control brown planthopper (BPH),Nilaparvata lugens, one of the most destructive pests of rice crops in Asia. The intensive use of this compound has resulted in very high levels of resistance to buprofezin in the field, however, the underpinning mechanisms of resistance have not been fully resolved.

Results

Insecticide bioassays using the P450 inhibitor piperonyl butoxide significantly synergized the toxicity of buprofezin in two resistant strains of BPH (BPR and YC2017) compared to a susceptible strain (Sus), suggesting P450s play a role in resistance to this compound. Whole transcriptome profiling identified 1110 genes that were upregulated in the BPR strain compared to the Sus strain, including 13 cytochrome P450 genes, eight esterases and one glutathioneS‐transferase. Subsequently, qPCR validation revealed that four of the P450 genes,CYP6ER1vA,CYP6CW1,CYP4C77, andCYP439A1were significantly overexpressed in both the BRP and YC2017 strains compared with the Sus strain. Further functional analyses showed that only suppression ofCYP6ER1vA,CYP6CW1, andCYP439A1gene expression by RNA interference significantly increased the toxicity of buprofezin against BPH. However, only transgenicDrosophila melanogasterexpressingCYP6ER1vAandCYP439A1exhibited significant resistance to buprofezin. Finally, the BPR strain was found to exhibit modest but significant levels of resistance to acetamiprid, dinotefuran and pymetrozine.

Conclusions

Our findings provide strong evidence that the overexpression ofCYP6ER1vAandCYP439A1contribute to buprofezin resistance in BPH, and that resistance to this compound is associated with low‐level resistance to acetamiprid, dinotefuran and pymetrozine. These results advance understanding of the molecular basis of BPH resistance to buprofezin and will inform the development of management strategies for the control of this highly damaging pest. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Updated guideline on diagnosing and managing epilepsies
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: September 2022

NICE has recently updated its guideline on diagnosing and managing epilepsies in children, young people and adults (NG217). This article provides a brief summary of the new guidance, which provides detailed recommendations on assessment, referral and management of different epilepsy and seizure types.
Design and experiment of a 3‐DoF master device with a 2‐DoF parallel mechanism for flexible ureteroscopy
Authors: Zhao Jianchang , Wang Shuxin , Wang Jiatong , Li Jinhua , Cui Liang , Li Jianmin
Published: September 2022

Background

Traditional commercial master devices and specialied serial master devices meet insufficient workspace, low intuitiveness, low stiffness, and poor accuracy during master‐slave mapping for robot‐assisted flexible ureteroscopy (FURS).

Methods

This paper presents a 3‐DoF master device for FURS. A 2‐DoF parallel mechanism was designed and utilised in the master device for higher stiffness based on requirements analysis. A Back Propagation Neural Network was built for the forward kinematics of the parallel mechanism during master‐slave mapping. Analysis of mechanical characteristics was carried out for the usability of the master device. A contrast experiment on the phantom was conducted to evaluate the performance between the proposed master device and a previous one.

Results

The completion time for each trial of the proposed master devices is shorter than that of the previous master serial device. Meanwhile, the proposed device provides a more comfortable operating style than the previous one.

Conclusions

The proposed 3‐DoF configuration for the master device is with more intuitive performance. A better comfort level indicates its usability in clinical applications.
A systematic review of the implementation of learner‐centred pedagogy in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Sakata Nozomi , Bremner Nicholas , Cameron Leanne
Published: September 2022

This article provides a comprehensive descriptive overview of the implementation of learner‐centred pedagogy (LCP) in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Considerable time, money, and resources have been invested in LCP in many countries worldwide, and yet we still lack a comprehensive body of evidence regarding its implementation and outcomes. This systematic review aimed at going beyond the limitations of individual studies, confined by time, context and samples, in order to offer stronger applicability and generalisability to wider contexts. The dataset for analysis consisted of 94 journal articles published between January 2001 and December 2020, selected based on explicit inclusion/exclusion criteria. A team of three researchers utilised EPPI‐Reviewer and QSR NVivo to import, screen, and analyse the texts. The literature on LCP implementation was mapped by key variables such as country, educational setting, study participants, and methods. Firstly, the study found that despite LCP being explicitly promoted in numerous contexts, most classrooms were still predominately teacher‐centred. Secondly, the review identified a wide range of constraints and enablers of LCP implementation, spanning across the individual, classroom, school, policy, and wider society levels. Thirdly, although several positive and negative outcomes of LCP emerged from the study, the review found that the objective evidence on LCP outcomes was somewhat limited, indicating that there is an urgent need for additional research to evaluate LCP outcomes. A conceptual framework of LCP implementation is presented, and implications for policy and future research are discussed. The video abstract for this article is available at https://youtu.be/57EsnDUe_QQ.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

Despite the worldwide spread of learner‐centred pedagogy (LCP), we currently lack a comprehensive body of evidence regarding its implementation and outcomes.

Why the new findings matter

The findings will help educational stakeholders decide whether and how LCP‐related reforms should continue, based on the enablers, constraints, and outcomes of LCP implementation identified in the review.

Implications for educational researchers and decision‐makers

Firstly, educational researchers will benefit from having a clear summary of existing research which identifies opportunities to further enhance our knowledge; in particular, there is an important gap in the literature in terms of research on the outcomes of LCP implementation over time. Secondly, educational decision‐makers will be better placed to decide (a) the extent to which they should continue to allocate limited resources towards the implementation of LCP‐related reforms; and (b) how they may learn from the cumulative findings of existing case studies to increase the chances of successful implementation.
Photon‐dressed biexciton‐mediated anomalous optical Stark effect in CsPbBr3 nanocrystals
Authors: Shrivastava Megha , Krieg Franziska , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Adarsh K. V.
Published: September 2022

Intense optical pumping below bandgap creates photon‐dressed states, which interact with and result in the shift of electronic levels, known as optical Stark effect (OSE). The OSE persists only for pump pulse duration implying the coherent response. Previous researches in semiconductors have shown that coherent OSE is evident only at cryogenic temperatures. Only recently lead halide perovskites (LHPs) were found to possess room temperature OSE. However, despite strong exciton–exciton interactions known in LHPs, OSE is described in non‐interacting framework that treats an exciton like isolated two‐level systems. The present work demonstrates anomalous OSE in interacting regime at room temperature in CsPbBr3 nanocrystals having exciton resonance (E0) at 2.40 eV using circularly polarized transient absorption spectroscopy. The results show that photon dressing for same pump–probe polarization (σ+σ+) lead to observation of blueshift of exciton resonance across all pump detuning energies (Ω = E0 − ħω; ħω is pump photon energy). On the contrary, under opposite pump–probe polarization (σ+σ−), the strong exciton−biexciton interaction leads to a coherent red shift and splitting of the exciton resonance as a function of the drive photon frequency. The hallmark observations under σ+σ− result from large biexciton binding energy of ~71 meV and exciton−biexciton transition dipole moment of ~25 Debye. Further, we demonstrate unusual crossover from linear to nonlinear dependence of the OSE as a function of the drive photon frequency. Our systematic study reveals crucial information on unexplored many body interacting regimes of coherent manipulation in LHPs, important for exotic quantum phase applications like quantum information processing and ultrafast switching.
Tough Bonding of Liquid Metal‐Elastomer Composites for Multifunctional Adhesives
Authors: Pozarycki Tyler A. , Hwang Dohgyu , Barron Edward J. , Wilcox Brittan T. , Tutika Ravi , Bartlett Michael D.
Published: September 2022

Liquid metal (LM) composites, which consist of LM droplets dispersed in highly deformable elastomers, have recently gained interest as a multifunctional material for soft robotics and electronics. The incorporation of LM into elastic solids allows for unique combinations of material properties such as high stretchability with thermal and electrical conductivity comparable to metals. However, it is currently a challenge to incorporate LM composites into integrated systems consisting of diverse materials and components due to a lack of adhesion control. Here, a chemical anchoring methodology to increase adhesion of LM composites to diverse substrates is presented. The fracture energy increases up to 100× relative to untreated surfaces, with values reaching up to 7800 J m−2. Furthermore, the fracture energy, tensile modulus, and thermal conductivity can be tuned together by controlling the microstructure of LM composites. Finally, the bonding technique is used to integrate LM composites with functional electronic components without encapsulation or clamping, allowing for extreme deformations while maintaining exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity. These findings can accelerate the adoption of LM composites into complex soft robotic and electronic systems where strong, reliable bonding between diverse materials and components is required.
Prevalence of indigestible foreign bodies and its associated potential risk factors in rumen and reticulum of domestic ruminants at Bishoftu Elfora Export Abattoir
Authors: Duresa Lamesa Ayana , Kitessa Jiregna Dugassa , Feyissa Cheru Telila
Published: September 2022

Background

Nowadays ingestion of indigestible foreign bodies poses serious economic loss to domestic ruminants, especially in a developing country.

Objectives

The study aims to determine the prevalence of indigestible foreign bodies in the forestomach of domestic ruminants slaughtered at Bishoftu Elfora Export Abattoir and its associated potential risk factors and identify the location and type of these indigestible foreign bodies.

Study animals

On 384 domestic ruminants (171 goats, 125 sheep and 88 cattle) presented for slaughter from different zones of the region.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study design was conducted from May 2021 to September 2021. Each animal was subjected to ante‐mortem and post‐mortem inspection by providing a unique identification number. For post‐mortem examination, the forestomach was carefully removed from the abdominal cavity. For the positives, the location was properly recorded, washed, identified and photographed.

Results

The overall prevalence of indigestible foreign bodies in domestic ruminants was 30.73% (118/384). Of these, 32.75% (56/171), 28% (35/125) and 30.68% (27/88) were recorded in goats, sheep and cattle, respectively, without statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Aged domestic ruminants 39.3% (33/84) had poor body conditions 38.98% (23/59), originated from the Borena zone 42.11% (16/38) and were relatively recorded with higher prevalence. From the forestomach compartments, the indigestible foreign bodies were majorly found in rumen 86.43% (102/118) and reticulum 13.56% (16/118) with a statistical difference (p < 0.05).

Conclusion and clinical importance

Ingestion of indigestible foreign bodies mainly during the dry season due to shortage of forage, less biodegradable and negligent waste disposal like plastic bags attribute environmental and animal health problems and pose loss to the national economy.
Computational discovery of new modifications in scandium oxychloride (ScOCl) using a multi‐methodological approach
Authors: Zagorac D. , Zagorac J. , Fonović M. , Pejić M. , Schön J. C.
Published: September 2022

Scandium oxychloride (ScOCl) has recently become of interest as an advanced material with possible applications in solid oxide fuel cells, photocatalysis, and electronic devices, as are oxyhalides of various transition metals. In the present study, crystal structure prediction has been utilized to fully investigate the energy landscape of ScOCl. A multi‐methodological approach has been used consisting of a combination of two search methods, where the final structure optimization has been performed on ab initio level using DFT‐LDA and hybrid PBE0 functionals. The experimentally observed α‐ScOCl phase has been found as well as several additional structure candidates at high pressures and/or temperatures. A successful synthesis of these novel ScOCl modifications would have the potential for extending the scientific, technological and industrial applications of ScOCl.