bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding mass spectrometry images: complexity to clarity with machine learning
Authors: Gardner Wil , Cutts Suzanne M. , Phillips Don R. , Pigram Paul J.
Published: September 2020

The application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to hyperspectral mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) data has received considerable attention over recent years. Various methodologies have shown great promise in their ability to handle the complexity and size of MSI data sets. Advances in this area have been particularly appealing for MSI of biological samples, which typically produce highly complicated data with often subtle relationships between features. There are many different machine learning approaches that have been applied to MSI data over the past two decades. In this review, we focus on a subset of non‐linear machine learning techniques that have mostly only been applied in the past 5 years. Specifically, we review the use of the self‐organizing map (SOM), SOM with relational perspective mapping (SOM‐RPM), t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t‐SNE) and uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP). While not their only functionality, we have grouped these techniques based on their ability to produce what we refer to as similarity maps. Similarity maps are color representations of hyperspectral data, in which spectral similarity between pixels—that is, their distance in high‐dimensional space—is represented by relative color similarity. In discussing these techniques, we describe, briefly, their associated algorithms and functionalities, and also outline applications in MSI research with a strong focus on biological sample types. The aim of this review is therefore to introduce this relatively recent paradigm for visualizing and exploring hyperspectral MSI, while also providing a comparison between each technique discussed.
Virtual protein quantification laboratory enhancing online teaching
Authors: Gerber Hornink Gabriel , Costa Manuel Joao
Published: September 2020

Virtual laboratory simulations can contribute to the educational objectives related to practical classes, especially in situations of online or hybrid teaching. We present a proposal for laboratory activity involving the quantification of proteins with the biuret reaction and measurement by visible light spectrometry. The student will be able to develop the procedures and obtain the absorbance values for calculations and discussions using the ProtVirt software, integrating its use with the teacher's pedagogical proposal.
High‐resolution, relational, resonance‐based, electroencephalic mirroring (HIRREM) improves symptoms and autonomic function for insomnia: A randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Tegeler Catherine L. , Shaltout Hossam A. , Lee Sung W. , Simpson Sean L. , Gerdes Lee , Tegeler Charles H.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Effective insomnia interventions that also address autonomic dysregulation are lacking. We evaluate high‐resolution, relational, resonance‐based, electroencephalic mirroring (HIRREM®), in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. HIRREM is a noninvasive, closed‐loop, allostatic, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology, to support self‐optimization of brain rhythms.

Methods

One hundred and seven adults (mean age 45.7, SD ± 5.6, 73 women), with Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores of ≥15, received ten, 90‐min sessions of HIRREM, with tones linked to brainwaves (LB, 56), or random tones not linked to brainwaves (NL, 51), as an active, sham placebo. Outcomes were obtained at enrollment (V1), 1–7 days (V2), 8–10 weeks (V3), and 16–18 weeks (V4) after intervention. Primary outcome was differential change in ISI from V1 to V3. Secondary measures assessed depression (BDI), anxiety (BAI), quality of life (EQ‐5D), and a sleep diary. Ten minute recordings of HR and BP allowed analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS).

Results

Of 107 randomized, 101 completed the intervention. Intention‐to‐treat analysis (107) of change from V1 to V3 revealed a mean reduction of ISI in NL of −4.93 (SE ± 0.76) points, with additional, significant reduction of −2.05 points (0.74) in LB (total reduction of −6.98, p = .045). Additional reduction of −2.30 points (0.76) was still present in the LB at V4 (p = .058). Total ISI reduction from V1 to V4 was −5.90 points for NL and −7.93 points in LB. There were group differences (p < .05) for multiple HRV and BRS measures (rMSSD, SDNN, HF alpha, and Seq ALL), as well as total sleep time, sleep onset latency, and sleep efficiency. There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Results of this controlled clinical trial showed clinically relevant reduction of insomnia symptoms with HIRREM, over, and above an active, sham control, with associated, durable improvement in autonomic cardiovascular regulation.
Campus partnerships play valuable role in managing legal ramifications of tough decisions tied to pandemic
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2020

College athletics administrators have long known the importance of considering the legal implications of the decisions they make as part of their daily work. But now those legal considerations have increased in scope and complexity due to a completely changed environment.
Dose‐reducing fluoroscopic system decreases patient but not occupational radiation exposure in chronic total occlusion intervention
Authors: Salinas Pablo , Sanchez‐Casanueva Roberto M. , Gonzalo Nieves , A. Gil Jorge , Salazar Carlos H , Jimenez‐Quevedo Pilar , Nombela‐Franco Luis , J. Nuñez‐Gil Ivan , Mejia‐Renteria Hernan , Fernandez‐Soto Jose M. , Fernandez‐Ortiz Antonio , Vaño Eliseo , Escaned Javier
Published: September 2020

Aims

Several novel low‐dose fluoroscopic systems (LDS) developed recently, but real practice information of the net benefit for the patient and professionals is scarce. We evaluated separately patient and operator radiation exposure during percutaneous interventions of chronic total occlusions (CTO).

Methods

A total of 116 consecutive CTOs were analyzed (60 in LDS and 56 in standard‐dose fluoroscopic system [SDS]). Digital dosimetry of patient and occupational (operator and scatter dose) exposure was prospectively recorded.

Results

Biometrics, demographics, CTO variables, and operators were distributed evenly. Patient radiation exposure was effectively decreased in LDS (dose area product [DAP] by 36%, Air Kerma [AK] by 47%). However, occupational data showed no statistical differences between LDS and SDS. The LDS uses less radiation amount but with higher energy (due to additional filtration) compared to SDS, therefore increasing the scatter dose. When comparing the C‐arm scatter dose to the DAP we found higher scatter dose with the LDS (0.0139 mSv/gray (Gy)*cm2 vs. 0.0082 mSv/Gy*cm2, p < .001). This was confirmed in a larger dataset comprising 5,221 coronary procedures.

Conclusions

LDS was safer for patients reducing DAP and AK compared to SDS. However, occupational doses were not lower and scatter dose higher. Radiological protection measures must be kept maximized even in LDS.
Case of an abnormal procalcitonin‐producing metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor
Authors: Wang Wei‐Zhen , Xu Long‐Jiang , Hu Duan‐Min , Tang Wen
Published: September 2020

Procalcitonin (PCT) is widely used to diagnose a bacterial infection. An increased serum PCT can also be observed in tumors. We presented an unusual case of a metastatic PNET producing and secreting PCT. Immunohistochemistry was used to demonstrate that PCT can be secreted by PanNET.
How to manage an unusual presentation of a thyroglossal duct cyst?
Authors: da Silva Ferreira Mafalda , Eva Miguéis Jorge , Amorim Ana Margarida , Dias‐Silva Nuno
Published: September 2020

Lingual thyroglossal duct cysts are rare congenital anomalies of the neck. They can be accidentally detected or manifest with disabling symptoms. These cysts can be potentially difficult to manage, but their complete resection is curative.
Metathesis of Classical and Functionalized Olefins Catalyzed by Silica‐Supported Single‐Site Well‐Defined W and Mo Pre‐catalysts
Authors: Saidi Aya , Samantaray Manoja K. , Poater Albert , Tretiakov Mykyta , Cavallo Luigi , Basset Jean‐Marie
Published: September 2020

Olefin metathesis of α‐olefins (C6, C8, C10), α, β‐unsaturated ester, α, β‐ unsaturated acetate and cross‐metathesis of 1‐octene and ethyl 6‐heptenoate were carried out using well‐defined [(≡Si−O−)W(CH3)5] and [(≡Si−O−)Mo(≡CtBu)(CH2tBu)2] pre‐catalysts. During the reaction, it was observed that irrespective of the chain length, linear α‐olefins are almost showing similar TON. We observed that Mo pre‐catalyst performs better with TONs between 700 and 1478 as compared to W with TONs between 213 and 962 at room temperature. Both pre‐catalysts performed equally at 70 °C, with almost similar activity as well as TON (≈1700). We also carried out self‐metathesis of functionalized olefins using both silica‐supported W and Mo pre‐catalysts. It was observed that W pre‐catalyst performs much better than Mo pre‐catalyst for functionalized olefin metathesis reaction in our conditions. Additionally, we noticed that W pre‐catalyst provides selective metathesis product, whereas Mo pre‐catalyst gives a range of products due to the isomerization of the olefinic bond.
Utilization of Hemicelluloses as Example for Holistic Recovery of Agricultural Residues
Authors: Jahn Annika , Thümmler Katrin , Gebke Stefan , Kahl Martin , Aubel Ines , Fischer Steffen , Bertau Martin
Published: September 2020

The objective of this work was to separate and characterize the hemicellulose from agricultural residues of annual plants and to achieve a suitable application for it. Therefore, different treatments for producing pulp were tested and compared. Wheat straw and oat husks were digested by alkaline pulping and delignification. Pectin from sugar beet pulp was obtained by acid extraction. Beside the production of pulp, the separation and utilization of hemicellulose as resource was a key aspect of this work. The hemicelluloses were tested as paper additives, flame retardants and flotation agents.
Digital und International
Authors: Fischer Beate
Published: September 2020

Mit der Powtech im Dialog bleiben
Augsburger Mietpark
Authors:   Hosokawa Alpine AG, Augsburg
Published: September 2020

Hosokawa Alpine, ein führender Anbieter im Bereich Verfahrenstechnik und Folienextrusion, präsentiert sein neues, umfangreiches Portfolio an Miet‐ und Gebrauchtmaschinen. Das Angebot reicht von Multiprozessanlagen für die Herstellung kleinerer Mengen bis hin zu Produktionsanlagen mit mehreren Tonnen Durchsatz pro Stunde.
Feine Auslese
Authors: Sauerwald Denis
Published: September 2020

überall dort, wo in der industriellen Verarbeitung brennbare Materialien in kleinteiliger Form vorliegen, kann es durch unterschiedliche Ursachen zu Brand‐ und Explosionsereignissen mit teilweise gravierenden Folgen kommen. Mit modernen Anlagen zur Funkenerkennung‐ und eliminierung können Sach‐ und Personenschäden sowie kostenintensive Produktionsausfälle effektiv verhindert werden.
Optimales Wärmemanagement
Authors: Bruewer Tim
Published: September 2020

Solarthermische Kraftwerke mit Strahlungsbündelung („concentrated solar power‟, kurz „CSP‟) bieten oftmals einen höheren Wirkungsgrad als Photovoltaikanlagen. Um die schwankende Produktion von Strom aufgrund der wechselnden Sonneneinstrahlung auszugleichen, werden in solchen Anlagen häufig Salzschmelzen als Wärmespeicher eingesetzt. Dafür ist ein umfangreiches Wärmemanagement nötig, um eine stabile Temperatur des Salzes sicherzustellen. Dies kann durch ein Beheizungssystem, bestehend aus elektrischen Heizmodulen, Sensoren und Kontrolleinheiten zur Stabilisierung der Temperatur der Salzschmelze an jedem Punkt in der Anlage erreicht werden.
Assessment of Phosphate Laundries Wastewater Phytotoxicity and Biotreatment Assays
Authors: Moula Amel , Borgi Mohamed Ali , Loukil Slim , Chaieb Mohamed , Mekki Ali
Published: September 2020

The phytotoxicity potential of phosphate laundries wastewater (PLW) is assessed. Likewise, the assays of biotreatment of the PLW by microbial detoxification are investigated. Chemical characterization results show that PLW are alkaline, saline, highly turbid, and rich in suspended matter and total solids. PLW samples are loaded with potentially toxic metals, presented in decreasing order as follows: calcium (1230 mg L−1), potassium (1032 mg L−1), iron (275.45 mg L−1), lead (1.64 mg L−1), zinc (1.12 mg L−1), copper (1.04 mg L−1), and cadmium (1.03 mg L−1). Besides, PLW exhibits high phytotoxicity values for Raphanus sativus, Medicago sativa, and Sorghum bicolor seeds germination. The microbiological enumeration reveals considerable autochthonous microflora. Biotreatment includes five selected native strains (Se, S16, S19, S20, and S29) used as a tool of PLW detoxification. The strains tested manifest a bioprocessing performance according to the following decreasing order: S29 > S16 > S20 > S19 > Se. The biotreated phosphate laundries wastewater (BTPLW) achieves a noticeable reduction of toxicity. Indeed, analysis of the correlation matrix between the potentially toxic metal content and the germination index (GI) values shows significant correlations (p ≤ 0.01).
Cover Crop Management in Semi‐Arid Regions: Effect on Soil and Cash Crop
Authors: Jones Clain , Olson‐Rutz Kathrin , Miller Perry , Zabinski Cathy
Published: September 2020

Fallow‐based cropping systems in semi‐arid regions have been profitable and often less risky than recrop; however, their use is damaging to soil health and may limit long‐run profitability. Cover crops can reduce summer fallow while possibly improving soil health. This article addresses cover crop management impacts on soil organic matter, soil water and N, and subsequent cash crop yields and grain protein concentration. Earn 1 CEU in Soil & Water Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/856.
When to Use a Single or Split Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer in Corn
Authors: Clark Jason
Published: September 2020

One strategy to reduce the risk of N loss is to apply N fertilizer in amounts and at timings that closely match the water and N uptake pattern of corn. This article looks at results from a 49 site‐year study across eight U.S. Midwestern states to provide examples of the influence of soil properties and weather on the effectiveness of split vs. single at‐planting N applications. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/807.
Highly Efficient Synthesis of Amino Acids by Amination of Bio‐Derived Hydroxy Acids with Ammonia over Ru Supported on N‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Xie Zhenbing , Chen Bingfeng , Peng Fangfang , Liu Mingyang , Liu Huizhen , Yang Guanying , Han Buxing
Published: September 2020

The amino acids have extensive applications, and their productions from biomass‐derived feedstocks are very attractive. In this work, the synthesis of amino acids by amination of bio‐derived hydroxy acids with ammonia over different metallic nano‐catalysts supported on various supports is studied. It is found that Ru nano‐catalysts on the nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (Ru/N−CNTs) have an outstanding performance for the reaction. Different hydroxy acids can be catalytically converted into the corresponding amino acids with yields up to 70.0 % under mild conditions, which is higher than those reported. The reasons for the high efficiency of the catalyst are investigated, and the reaction pathway is proposed on the basis of control experiments.
Rational Route for Increasing Intercalation Capacity of Hard Carbons as Sodium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Katsuyama Yuto , Nakayasu Yuta , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Goto Yasuto , Honma Itaru , Watanabe Masaru
Published: September 2020

Hard carbon (HC) is the most promising candidate for sodium‐ion battery anode materials. Several material properties such as intensity ratio of the Raman spectrum, lateral size of HC crystallite (La), and interlayer distance (d002) have been discussed as factors affecting anode performance. However, these factors do not reflect the bulk property of the Na+ intercalation reaction directly, since Raman analysis has high surface sensitivity and La and d002 provide only one‐dimensional crystalline information. Herein, it was proposed that the crystallite interlayer area (Ai) defined using La, d002, and stacking height (Lc) governs Na+ intercalation behavior of various HCs. It was revealed that various wood‐derived HCs exhibited the similar total capacity of approximately 250 mAh g−1, whereas the Na+ intercalation capacity (Ci) was proportional to Ai with the correlation coefficient of R2=0.94. The evaluation factor of Ai was also adaptable to previous reports and strongly correlated with their Ci, indicating that Ai is more widely adaptable than the conventional evaluation methods.
Hierarchically Porous SnO2Coupled Organic Carbon for CO2Electroreduction
Authors: Kuang Zhaoyu , Zhao Wanpeng , Peng Chunlei , Zhang Qingming , Xue Yi , Li Zhaoxia , Yao Heliang , Zhou Xiaoxia , Chen Hangrong
Published: September 2020

Converting CO2into value‐added chemicals or fuels by electrochemical CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR) has aroused great interest, whereas designing highly active and selective electrocatalysts is still a challenge. Herein, a novel kind of electrochemical catalyst composed with SnO2and organic carbon (OC), named as SnO2/OC, was facilely constructed for CO2RR. The obtained SnO2/OC exhibits both high faradaic efficiency for formate (∼75 %) and carbon products (∼95 %) as well as excellent stability. High surface area with hierarchically porous structure and the homogeneous formation of Sn−O−C linkages in SnO2/OC jointly promote the adsorption and activation of CO2, as well as fast transport of reactants and products.
The Drosophila CG1674 gene encodes a synaptopodin 2‐like related protein that localizes to the Z‐disc and is required for normal flight muscle development and function
Authors: Czajkowski Emily R. , Cisneros Marilyn , Garcia Bianca S. , Shen Jim , Cripps Richard M.
Published: September 2020

Background

To identify novel myofibrillar components of the Drosophila flight muscles, we carried out a proteomic analysis of chemically demembranated flight muscle myofibrils, and characterized the knockdown phenotype of a novel gene identified in the screen, CG1674.

Results

The CG1674 protein has some similarity to vertebrate synaptopodin 2‐like, and when expressed as a FLAG‐tagged fusion protein, it was localized during development to the Z‐disc and cytoplasm. Knockdown of CG1674 expression affected the function of multiple muscle types, and defective flight in adults was accompanied by large actin‐rich structures in the flight muscles that resembled overgrown Z‐discs. Localization of CG1674 to the Z‐disc depended predominantly upon presence of the Z‐disc component alpha‐actinin, but also depended upon other Z‐disc components, including Mask, Zasp52, and Sals. We also observed re‐localization of FLAG‐CG1674 to the nucleus in Alpha‐actinin and sals knockdown animals.

Conclusions

These studies identify and characterize a previously unreported myofibrillar component of Drosophila muscle that is necessary for proper myofibril assembly during development.
In situ glacial survival maintains high genetic diversity of Mussaenda kwangtungensis on continental islands in subtropical China
Authors: Shi Miaomiao , Wang Yuyuan , Duan Tingting , Qian Xin , Zeng Tong , Zhang Dianxiang
Published: September 2020

Generally, island populations are predicted to have less genetic variation than their mainland relatives. However, a growing number of studies have nevertheless reported exceptions, indicating that the relationships were impacted by several factors, for example, historical processes. In the present study, we chose a group of subtropical islands located in South China as the study system, which are quite younger and much closer to the mainland than most of the previous studied island systems, to test the hypothesis that in situ glacial survival contributes to high levels of genetic diversity in island populations. We conducted a comparison of genetic variation between 12 island and 11 nearby mainland populations of Mussaenda kwangtungensis using eleven nuclear microsatellite and three chloroplast markers, evaluated effects of the island area and distance to mainland on genetic diversity of island populations, and simulated the potential distribution over the past by ecological niche modeling, together with the genetic data to detect the role of islands during the glacial periods. The island populations displayed comparable levels of genetic diversity and differentiation with mainland populations, overall high levels of unique polymorphisms, and the greatest values of specific within‐population genetic diversity. No significant correlation was detected between genetic diversity of island populations and distance to mainland, as well as area of islands, except that allelic richness was significantly positively correlated with the area of islands. Nuclear microsatellites revealed two main clusters, largely corresponding to islands and inland populations, which divergence dated to a time of island formation by ABC analysis. Ecological niche modeling predicted a highly climatic suitability on islands during the last glacial maximum (LGM). Our results suggest that the islands have acted as refugia during the LGM and highlight the role of in situ glacial survival in maintaining high levels of genetic diversity of M. kwangtungensis in continental islands of subtropical China.
Do fuel treatments decrease forest mortality or increase streamflow? A case study from the Sierra Nevada (USA)
Authors: Bart Ryan R. , Safeeq Mohammad , Wagenbrenner Joseph W. , Hunsaker Carolyn T.
Published: September 2020

Reduced forest mortality and increased streamflow have been promoted as hydrologic benefits of forest fuel treatments in water‐limited systems. These benefits, however, are often quite variable because they both rely upon the use of water made available through tree‐scale reductions in evapotranspiration. In this study, we examined whether forest mortality benefits and streamflow benefits from fuel treatments offset one another, because the allocation of unused water for one benefit implies less availability of that water for the other benefit. To do this, we took advantage of two paired‐watershed experiments in the Kings River Experimental Watersheds located in the southern Sierra Nevada. The fuel treatments, which included mechanical thinning and prescribed fire, began in 2012 and coincided with the 2012–2016 California drought and related forest mortality event. We found that in the higher‐elevation Bull watersheds, fuel treatments decreased forest mortality but had no effect on annual streamflow. In the lower‐elevation Providence watersheds, we observed the opposite result, as fuel treatments had no effect on forest mortality but depending on the model, increased annual streamflow at 95% and 90% confidence. The results suggest that the water made available from fuel treatments followed different hydrological pathways through the watersheds, with the water being taken up by neighbouring vegetation and decreasing water stress in Bull, and the water contributing to streamflow in Providence. These findings suggest that fuel treatments in water‐limited systems may not provide full hydrologic benefits to both forest mortality and streamflow concurrently in a given watershed.
Psychological aspects of childbirth: Evidence for a birth‐related mindset
Authors: Hoffmann Lisa , Banse Rainer
Published: September 2020

Psychological research on childbirth is rare, even though research from other scientific fields such as obstetrics or midwifery highlights the importance of psychological factors in childbirth. In this article, the theoretical construct of a birth‐related mindset and direct and indirect measures for assessing the mindset are proposed. It is assumed that childbirth can be mentally presented as a rather natural (natural mindset) or a rather medicalized (medicalized mindset) event. In three online studies (Study 1: N = 117, Study 2: N = 206, Study 3: N = 192), we aimed to explore whether the proposed birth‐related mindset is related to the retrospectively reported process of labor and birth (operationalized, e.g., by performed interventions, duration of birth, place of birth). For this, the relation between the mothers’ birth‐related decisions and outcomes of childbirth and the mothers' birth‐related mindsets were analyzed. Results indicated that (1) birth‐related criteria such as place of birth, epidural anesthesia, and C‐sections were associated with the birth‐related mindset, (2) these aspects of the delivery were related to the evaluation of the birth (birth experience), (3) the birth‐related mindset moderated the relationship between C‐section and birth experience, and (4) the indirect measures had little to no added explanatory value to the developed Mindset and Birth Questionnaire. Thus, the results indicate that the birth process experienced by the women and the mental representations of birth (birth‐related mindset) are closely related. Future studies need to investigate to what extend the experienced birth process influences the mindset of birth, or the mindset the experienced birth process, or both.
Broadband Microwave Signal Dissipation in Nanostructured Copper Oxide at Air‐film Interface**
Authors: Amoah Papa K. , Košiček Martin , Perez Jesus , Sunday Christopher E. , Moreau Stéphane , Cvelbar Uroš , Obeng Yaw S.
Published: September 2020

Contactless broadband microwave spectroscopy (a.k.a., broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS)) enables the accurate operando analysis of the electrical and magnetic properties without compromising the kinetic conditions of the experiment. The BDS method is sensitive to the actual electronic structure of species, and it is most relevant to redox reactions involving charge‐transfer. In this paper, using BDS, we have studied and characterized the oxidation of a copper layer in a purposely built prototypical 3‐D integrated circuit (3D‐IC) during cycled high‐temperature storage. We show that the microwave signal loss in these devices is attributable to the energy dissipation through the signal's interactions with the copper oxidation product. The results demonstrate that contactless BDS could be leveraged into an excellent metrology for applications that use metal oxide as sensing elements.
Efficient data transfer in edge envisioned environment using artificial intelligence based edge node algorithm
Authors: Kumar V. D. Ambeth , Kumar Abhishek , Batth Ranbir Singh , Rashid Mamoon , Gupta Sachin Kumar , Raghuraman Manish
Published: September 2020

Edge computing technology has drawn the keystone of future intelligent transportation systems, especially in smart cities, because of processing data that are near to the user location present at the edge of the cloud server. Generally, in smart cities where distributed things have access to computational resources, data transfer becomes inevitable because of high latency, thereby resulting in crucial situations. Even though numerous technologies have emerged for improving the data communication among geo‐distributed devices received from the cloud server but still, it lags in low learning performance. To address these challenges, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) based edge node (E‐Node) algorithm is implemented to optimize the edge to edge learning for well‐organized data migration. To attain high reliability, AI‐K‐means neural network (KNN) and convolution neural network (CNN) is used initially for pre‐processing and filtering the edge node. Further, the proposed E‐Node algorithm outperforms the optimization technique effectively through the edge to edge computing The reliability performance is increased by reducing the node optimization time from 132 to 98 ms for 25 kb data and data transmission time is reduced from 93 to 45 ms for 80 kb data, thus reducing the latency in an edge envisioned environment.
The enduring effects of relational attributes on subsidiary evolution after mandate loss
Authors: Gillmore Edward , Andersson Ulf , Ekman Peter
Published: September 2020

Research Summary

We explore the importance of the relational attributes, trust and commitment, and their association with subsidiary development after mandate loss. We examine how greenfield and acquired subsidiaries, through their interaction with headquarters and sister subsidiaries, develop relational attributes through mutual‐orientated adaption. These relational attributes are subsequently important elements in upholding and developing subsidiary activities despite the loss of a mandate. We trail this process through a longitudinal field study following the evolution of four multinational enterprise (MNE) subsidiaries. We explain how the subsidiaries relational attributes and part of their activities, associated with its mandates, remain even after the loss of a mandate. The study shows how these relational attributes mitigate and compensate for formal mandate loss.

Managerial Summary

Subsidiaries have been increasingly seen as the locomotive of MNEs value creation. This has coincided with the disaggregation of the MNEs value chain which has had a positive effect on the development of foreign subsidiaries. However, there is now more competition for responsibilities among subsidiaries leading to increased movement of responsibilities and activities between them. We find that the subsidiary managers relationship attributes (trust and commitment) between them, their headquarters and other subsidiaries in the MNE has a mitigating effect on the loss of these responsibilities for the subsidiary. By showing the impact of managerial micro‐activities in the MNE, our study offers insights for subsidiary managers on what they can leverage to pursue subsidiary charter consolidating activities and survival, or charter enhancing activities and growth.
The importance of cancer patients' functional recollections to explore the acceptability of an isometric‐resistance exercise intervention: A qualitative study
Authors: Hashem Ferhana , Corbett Kevin , Stephensen David , Swaine Ian , Ali Haythem , Hutchins Irena
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Although it has been widely recognized the potential of physical activity to help cancer patients' preparation for and recovery from surgery, there is little consideration of patient reflections and recovery experiences to help shape adherence to exercise programs. The aim was to explore the acceptability of our newly proposed isometric exercise program in a large general hospital trust in England providing specialist cancer care by using patient recollections of illness and therapy prior to undertaking a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Four Focus groups (FGs) were conducted with cancer survivors with an explicit focus on patient identity, functional capacity, physical strength, exercise advice, types of activities as well as the timing of our exercise program and its suitability. Thematic framework analysis was used with NVivo 11.

Results

FG data was collected in January 2016. A total of 13 patients were participated, 10 were male and 3 were female with participants' ages ranging from 39 to 77. Data saturation was achieved when no new information had been generated reaching “information redundancy.” Participants reflected upon their post‐surgery recovery experiences on the appropriateness and suitability of the proposed intervention, what they thought about its delivery and format, and with hindsight what the psychological enablers and barriers would be to participation.

Conclusion

Based upon the subjective recollections and recovery experiences of cancer survivors, isometric‐resistance exercise interventions tailored to individuals with abdominal cancer has the potential to be acceptable for perioperative patients to help increase their physical activity and can also help with emotional and psychological recovery.
A QM/MM simulation study of transamination reaction at the active site of aspartate aminotransferase: Free energy landscape and proton transfer pathways
Authors: Dutta Banik Sindrila , Bankura Arindam , Chandra Amalendu
Published: September 2020

Transaminase is a key enzyme for amino acid metabolism, which reversibly catalyzes the transamination reaction with the help of PLP (pyridoxal 5'‐phosphate) as its cofactor. Here we have investigated the mechanism and free energy landscape of the transamination reaction involving the aspartate transaminase (AspTase) enzyme and aspartate‐PLP (Asp‐PLP) complex using QM/MM simulation and metadynamics methods. The reaction is found to follow a stepwise mechanism where the active site residue Lys258 acts as a base to shuttle a proton from α‐carbon (CA) to imine carbon (C4A) of the PLP‐Asp Schiff base. In the first step, the Lys258 abstracts the CA proton of the substrate leading to the formation of a carbanionic intermediate which is followed by the reprotonation of the Asp‐PLP Schiff base at C4A atom by Lys258. It is found that the free energy barrier for the proton abstraction by Lys258 and that for the reprotonation are 17.85 and 3.57 kcal/mol, respectively. The carbanionic intermediate is 7.14 kcal/mol higher in energy than the reactant. Hence, the first step acts as the rate limiting step. The present calculations also show that the Lys258 residue undergoes a conformational change after the first step of transamination reaction and becomes proximal to C4A atom of the Asp‐PLP Schiff base to favor the second step. The active site residues Tyr70* and Gly38 anchor the Lys258 in proper position and orientation during the first step of the reaction and stabilize the positive charge over Lys258 generated at the intermediate step.
Making the Right Decision: Intensifying the Worth of a Chosen Option
Authors: Higgins E. Tory , Nakkawita Emily , Rossignac‐Milon Maya , Pinelli Federica , Jun Youjung
Published: September 2020

When people make decisions, they want the outcomes of their choice to be as positive as possible. But they also want the decision‐making process itself to be conducted in the right way. Though this is often described as making decisions that are moral or ethical, it also includes making decisions that are appropriate—that are suitable and fitting. We focus on this latter, overlooked interpretation, and propose that making the right decision is about effectively establishing what is true and real. We discuss three factors that can lead people to experience their decision‐making process as being right: (1) making a decision in the “right way”; (2) making a decision in a manner that “feels right” given the decision maker's current motivational orientation; and (3) making a decision based upon a “shared reality” with others. We review evidence that making the right decision in each of these ways intensifies the worth of a given chosen option.
Preconception expanded carrier screening: Impact of information presented by text or video on genetic knowledge and attitudes
Authors: Conijn Thirsa , Nijmeijer Stephanie C. M. , Lakeman Phillis , Henneman Lidewij , Wijburg Frits A. , Haverman Lotte
Published: September 2020

Preconception expanded carrier screening (ECS) aims to identify couples with an increased risk of having a child with an autosomal recessive (AR) disorder before pregnancy, thereby enabling reproductive choices. Genetic knowledge and experiential knowledge both influence the uptake of ECS. As people in the general public often lack such knowledge, it is essential to provide appropriate and understandable information when offering ECS. This study investigated the effect of an educational video, compared to an educational text, on the knowledge and attitudes toward preconception ECS in the general population. Both the text and video consisted of a brief educational summary on AR inheritance and on the type of disorders included in ECS, with the progressive neurodegenerative condition mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III) as an example. Participants in the reproductive age were invited in collaboration with a research agency. Respondents (N = 789) were offered an educational video prior to completing an online questionnaire that examined genetic knowledge, the perceived severity of MPS III, perceived risk, and attitudes toward ECS. Outcomes were compared to reference data collected previously in which respondents had been offered an educational text (N = 781). We first again studied the attitudes toward ECS in a smaller educational text group (N = 266) in order to assess whether attitudes had changed over time due to increased media coverage on ECS, which did not reveal any significant changes. Respondents who were offered the video had a better genetic knowledge, perceived MPS III as more severe, perceived their risks higher and were more likely to participate in ECS compared to those who were offered text. Online video may well be used as supportive tool to the genetic counseling process, creating more knowledge on ECS and severe genetic disorders included in preconception screening panels.
Quantitative Magnetization Transfer Detects Renal Fibrosis in Murine Kidneys With Renal Artery Stenosis
Authors: Jiang Kai , Fang Yiyuan , Ferguson Christopher M. , Tang Hui , Mishra Prasanna K. , Macura Slobodan I. , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: September 2020

Background

Renal fibrosis is a common pathway in tubulointerstitial injury and a major determinant of renal insufficiency. Collagen deposition, a key feature of renal fibrosis, may serve as an imaging biomarker to differentiate scarred from healthy kidneys.

Purpose

To test the feasibility of using quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT), which assesses tissue macromolecule content, to measure renal fibrosis.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal Model

Fifteen 129S1 mice were studied 4 weeks after either sham (n = 7) or unilateral renal artery stenosis (RAS, n = 8) surgeries.

Field Strength/Sequence

Magnetization transfer (MT)‐weighted images were acquired at 16.4T using an MT‐prepared fast‐low‐angle‐shot sequence. Renal B0, B1, and T1 maps were also acquired, using a dual‐echo gradient echo, an actual flip angle, and inversion recovery method, respectively.

Assessment

A two‐pool model was used to estimate the bound water fraction (f) and other tissue imaging biomarkers. Masson's trichrome staining was subsequently performed ex vivo to evaluate renal fibrosis.

Statistical Tests

Comparisons of renal parameters between sham and RAS were performed using independent samples t‐tests. Pearson's correlation was conducted to investigate the relationship between renal fibrosis by histology and the qMT‐derived bound pool fraction f.

Results

The two‐pool model provided accurate fittings of measured MT signal. The qMT‐derived f of RAS kidneys was significantly increased compared to sham in all kidney zones (renal cortex [CO], 7.6 ± 2.4% vs. 4.6 ± 0.6%; outer medulla [OM], 8.2 ± 4.2% vs. 4.2 ± 0.9%; inner medulla [IM] + P, 5.8 ± 1.6% vs. 2.9 ± 0.6%, all P < 0.05). Measured f correlated well with histological fibrosis in all kidney zones (CO, Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.95; OM, r = 0.93; IM + P, r = 0.94, all P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

The bound pool fraction f can be quantified using qMT at 16.4T in murine kidneys, increases significantly in fibrotic RAS kidneys, and correlates well with fibrosis by histology. Therefore, qMT may constitute a valuable tool for measuring renal fibrosis in RAS.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Nephrotoxicity of calcineurin inhibitors as a risk factor for BK polyomavirus replication after kidney transplantation
Authors: Krejčí Karel , Tichý Tomáš , Bednaříková Jana , Bartková Margita , Žamboch Kamil , Orság Jiří , Zadražil Josef
Published: September 2020

BK polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy (PyVAN) is responsible for a significant percentage of transplanted kidneys prematurely terminating their function. Its occurrence is closely related to the intensity of immunosuppressive therapy. In a group of 161 newly transplanted patients, we prospectively evaluated 457 protocol renal biopsies performed within the first year after transplantation. Using the calcineurin inhibitors (CI) nephrotoxicity score, the incidence of nephrotoxicity was monitored as a manifestation of excessive immunosuppression. Findings were correlated with clinical evidence of active BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) replication and PyVAN. Compared to the normal histology, nephrotoxicity was associated with more frequent BKPyV viremia and viruria (p = .01 and p < .01, respectively) and more common occurrence of PyVAN. The persistence of toxicity in the subsequent biopsy proved to be a negative risk factor of viremia and viruria (p = .03 and p < .01, respectively), independently of the initial BKPyV status. Toxicity could also be used as a predictor of viremia and viruria (p = .04 and p < .01, respectively) even in the absence of viral replication at the time of initial biopsy. The early histological manifestation of CI nephrotoxicity was associated with significant BKPyV reactivation in the risky first posttransplant year.
Sex‐specific association between infant caudate volumes and a polygenic risk score for major depressive disorder
Authors: Acosta Henriette , Kantojärvi Katri , Tuulari Jetro J. , Lewis John D. , Hashempour Niloofar , Scheinin Noora M. , Lehtola Satu J. , Fonov Vladimir S. , Collins D. Louis , Evans Alan , Parkkola Riitta , Lähdesmäki Tuire , Saunavaara Jani , Merisaari Harri , Karlsson Linnea , Paunio Tiina , Karlsson Hasse
Published: September 2020

Polygenic risk scores for major depressive disorder (PRS‐MDD) have been identified in large genome‐wide association studies, and recent findings suggest that PRS‐MDD might interact with environmental risk factors to shape human limbic brain development as early as in the prenatal period. Striatal structures are crucially involved in depression; however, the association of PRS‐MDD with infant striatal volumes is yet unknown. In this study, 105 Finnish mother–infant dyads (44 female, 11–54 days old) were investigated to reveal how infant PRS‐MDD is associated with infant dorsal striatal volumes (caudate, putamen) and whether PRS‐MDD interacts with prenatal maternal depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, gestational weeks 14, 24, 34) on infant striatal volumes. A robust sex‐specific main effect of PRS‐MDD on bilateral infant caudate volumes was observed. PRS‐MDD were more positively associated with caudate volumes in boys compared to girls. No significant interaction effects of genotype PRS‐MDD with the environmental risk factor “prenatal maternal depressive symptoms” (genotype‐by‐environment interaction) nor significant interaction effects of genotype with prenatal maternal depressive symptoms and sex (genotype‐by‐environment‐by‐sex interaction) were found for infant dorsal striatal volumes. Our study showed that a higher PRS‐MDD irrespective of prenatal exposure to maternal depressive symptoms is associated with smaller bilateral caudate volumes, an indicator of greater susceptibility to major depressive disorder, in female compared to male infants. This sex‐specific polygenic effect might lay the ground for the higher prevalence of depression in women compared to men.
Soil labile organic carbon sequestration is tightly correlated with the abundance and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in semiarid maize fields
Authors: Ren Ai‐Tian , Mickan Bede S. , Li Ji‐Yuan , Zhou Rui , Zhang Xu‐Cheng , Ma Ming‐Sheng , Wesly Kiprotich , Xiong You‐Cai
Published: September 2020

Plastic film mulching can affect soil organic carbon (C) lability in semiarid regions. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi represent an important route for plant‐derived C into soil and can be influenced by agricultural practices. Whether the changes of AM fungal community affect soil organic C sequestration is a fundamental question in semiarid environments. To this end, we conducted two field experiments investigating the influence of a Funneliformis mosseae inoculation and mycorrhizal‐suppression using benomyl application on maize growth, soil fractions of organic C, AM fungal parameters, including diversity profiling using the Illumina MiSeq. The results showed that AM fungal community composition was significantly altered by plastic film mulching and fungicide applications, soil organic C fractions and nitrogen were most important factors in influencing the AM fungal community. AM fungal inoculation significantly increased particulate organic C and light fraction organic C content, due to enhance dextramatrical hyphal length (EMH), glomalin content, and root biomass. Conversely, fungicide applications reduced labile organic C, possibly through decreasing EMH, glomalin content and soil AM fungal diversity. Increases in relative abundance of F. mosseae in rhizosphere soil, coupled with increases in AM fungal root colonization from F. mosseae inoculation indicates successfully established by outcompeting the existing natural AM fungal community. Plastic film mulching resulted in significant increases in maize yield and water use efficiency, and AM fungal inoculation was found to amplify the effects. Thus, AM fungal inoculation may act as an effective farming practice to improve soil organic C fractions, which can boost maize productivity.
Short‐term forecasting of air pollution index in Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Đurić Mirela , Vujović Dragana
Published: September 2020

Forecasting air pollution in big cities is of great importance, and there are various types of air pollution indices (APIs). In the present study, the level of air pollution in winter 2011 at four point‐locations in Belgrade, Serbia, was measured using wind speed data and non‐standard and standard air temperature data, measured at 10 and 2 m, respectively. Using multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis, equations to forecast the API were obtained. This forecast was verified using data from the winter of 2012/2013. The results obtained are well aligned with the monitored API and verified by the root mean square error (RMSE). It is shown that standard meteorological measurements representative of the city can accurately predict the API at individual point‐locations as well as using temperature and wind speed measured at each respective location. Three locations, which measured SO2, NO2, PM10, O3 and CO, showed poor air quality for > 78% of days observed. For the fourth location, the final estimate of prevailing air quality could not be calculated due to the absence of PM10 measurements. Forecasting the API on a short‐term scale can be of great help for long‐term air‐quality improvements.