bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venous thromboembolic complications in lymphoma patients
Authors: Otašević Vladimir , Antić Darko , Mihaljević Biljana
Published: May 2021

Lymphomas represent a heterogeneous group of malignant hematological diseases with high risk for development of venous thromboembolic complications (VTE). Consequently, VTE significantly impacts morbidity and mortality in these patients. Another concern is the financial burden of the healthcare system caused by diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT). The complex biology of lymphoma, in conjunction with patient and treatment related risk factors for the development of VTE, results in a procoagulant hemostatic dysregulation. Considering the incidence of VTE in patients with lymphoma, there is an emerging demand for both reliable risks assessment model (RAM) for prediction of VTE, as well as for effective VTE prophylaxis and treatment. The clinical course of patients with malignant diseases is accompanied by a wide range of potential treatment complications, making the task of prevention and treatment of VTE even more challenging. In recent years, great progress has been achieved in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of thrombotic complications, while the significant number of randomized controlled trials (RCT) have provided standards of prophylaxis and treatment of VTE complications in patients with malignancy. In comparison to previous recommendations and guidelines for CAT, the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) has been gradually approaching low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) in terms of efficacy and safety profile in these indications. This systematic review is focused on the latest pathophysiological advances, risk factors assessment, prophylactic and therapeutic recommendations and guidelines concerning VTE in patients with lymphoma.
Relevance of knowledge and skills acquired in business schools: Perspective of Serbian employers
Authors: Komnenić Biserka , Bolesnikov Dragana , Milošević Isidora
Published: May 2021

In today's fast changing world, where knowledge relevant today can became obsolete tomorrow, higher education institutions are putting great efforts into empowering students to be able to meet demands of the employers from the start. Besides the phenomena of the fast-changing needs for new knowledge, which should be included in curricula, there is the challenge of training students to have adequate skills necessary for doing business in the 21st century. Those skills, soft and generic should allow students to be able to cope more efficiently and effectively with the changes and demands of the contemporary business environment. The research subject of this paper is the perception of the business environment, i.e. employers, on the importance of knowledge and skills in the field of business economics that students of business schools acquire during undergraduate studies. The research goal is to gain a comprehensive and detailed insight into the opinion of the employers on the knowledge and skills they consider most important for the employment of undergraduate students of business schools. In addition, the aim is to articulate the types of activities and forms of cooperation with companies that, in the opinion of employers, can contribute to greater harmonization of the content of study programs in the field of business economics with the needs of practice. The research starts from the specifics of business economics studies in business schools, since this type of study differs from academic studies primarily in terms of training students in applied knowledge.
The Development of an Integrated Ship Design Environment for the Naval Architecture on the Linux Operating System
Authors: Parker H. James
Published: May 2021

When naval architects design a new yacht or ship, they must use many separate programs to design, analyze, and create the production drawings. These separate programs are most likely from different vendors using noncompatible data formats. The translation process between all these data formats can take many non-productive hours. In addition, any changes to the design often affect many separate drawings and software programs that must be changed independently GtkCAD is a new program that attempts to solve many of these problems by integrating these many individual programs into a program suite with a single user interface and a common data format. GtkCAD's modular design allows the user to load plug-in modules at runtime to add the functionality needed for the task at hand. The modular design also allows the user to customize GtkCAD to suit their particular needs at any given time. For example the hydrostatics program, used by naval architects, may not be very useful to civil engineers. This potential cost savings feature allows a customer to custom-build a system based upon their needs. Linux is a true multi-user Operating System, and GtkCAD is designed to take advantage of this by allowing multiple engineers to use a single binary copy of the program simultaneously. The use of shared libraries lowers the memory footprint by allowing multiple users of the program to share a single copy of the library, and also saves time during software upgrades. The use of a SQL database also allows controlled access of the data by several engineers simultaneously, remotely if necessary. GtkCAD is being developed using the Open Source development model. With this model groups of diverse software developers work on a common software project, often volunteering their time. Anybody is allowed to contribute to the project. In return, the software is freely distributed to the end user with little restrictions on its use, modification, or redistribution.
Further Analysis of the Forces on Keel and Rudder of a Sailing Yacht
Authors: Keuning J. A. , Katgert M. , Vermeulen K. J.
Published: May 2021

In order to be able to calculate the forces on the keel and rudder of a sailing yacht more is to be known about their interaction. Both for determining the yaw balance of a sailing yacht as for the maneuvering it is of importance to have a good assessment on these forces because they determine the yaw moment to a large extent.

Therefore a research project was set up in the Delft Shiphydromechanics Department to investigate the influence of the keel on the rudder. Aim was to improve on the side force prediction of keel and rudder and to assess the wake of the keel and the downwash on the rudder in various conditions. Based on the measured results the the previous developped formulation within the DSYHS for the keel residuary resistance is validated and a new formulation for the downwash behind the keel is presented. In addition the expression within the DSYHS for the sideforce on the yacht is improved for higher aspect ratios.
Attachment Style, Mother Tongue Proficiency and Sociocultural Identity Amongst Second and Third Generation South Asian Immigrants in Hong Kong
Authors: Dhaliwal Kulwinder Kaur , Cariola Laura A.
Published: May 2021

This study examined the relationship between attachment style, mother tongue (L1) and dominant language (DL) proficiency, sociocultural identification with the culture of origin, and life satisfaction amongst second-generation and third-generation South Asian immigrants in Hong Kong. Participants included 69 women and 28 men who were permanent residents of South Asian ethnicity, and who had grown up in Hong Kong. The results identified significant associations between attachment insecurity and L1 and DL proficiency, as well as commitment to the origin culture. There was a positive association between life satisfaction and commitment levels to origin culture, indicating that high commitment levels to origin culture tend to coexist with high life satisfaction. This study adds to the existing literature with a focus on language skills, attachment and acculturation in immigrant populations.
Bewitching Oxymorons and Illusions of Harmony
Authors: Stolorow Robert D. , Atwood George E.
Published: May 2021

Wittgenstein’s account of how language bewitches one’s intelligence is a singular achievement in the phenomenology of language. In section 426 of Philosophical Investigations Wittgenstein famously claims that the meaning of a word is to be found in the “actual use” of it, and he contrasts this understanding with the projection of a picture:

A picture is conjured up which seems to fix the sense unambiguously. The actual use, compared with that suggested by the picture, seems like something muddied. ... [T]he form of expression we use seems to have been designed for a god, who knows what we cannot know; he sees the whole of each of those infinite series and he sees into human consciousness. (Wittgenstein, 1953, section 426)
Haugerudbekken: Community Improvement through Socially Engaged Art
Authors: Høst Katja , Mork Liva
Published: May 2021

Haugerudbekken is the collective title of a series of art projects where two local artists (the authors of this article) collaborate with pupils from local schools in Haugerud to create public art installations in the neighbourhood. Haugerudbekken may be considered a practical exploration guided by principles in the fields of socially engaged art (SEA), teaching artists (TA) and community artists (CA). The project is being undertaken within the broader context of a government run local improvement initiative in the Oslo suburbs of Haugerud and Trosterud. A growing demand for art entering a societal context (like urban development) calls for approaches emphasizing dialogue, communication and local affiliation. As this demand grows, so does the need for best-practice guidance for initiating artists as well as for policymakers and others inviting artists to contribute. Furthermore, our approach as independent artists working within a community setting might also benefit from clarification of theory and framework in this field.
This article therefore aims to share knowledge gathered through our three years (and still ongoing) working on Haugerudbekken, pinpointing what we believe to be key success factors as well as challenges in our project. Findings are discussed in relation to existing theory and relevant practice in SEA, TA and CA informing existing guidelines as well as terminology.
In the Footsteps of an Observer – Looking at Edvard Munch in Åsgårdstrand
Authors: Mathiesen Ilmi Gutzeit
Published: May 2021

This article presents an arts based approach to some of the motifs that Edvard Munch painted during his many stays in the Norwegian town of Åsgårdstrand. The author examines the relationship between Munch’s and her own observations made from the very same vantage points in the landscapes. The theoretical thrust of the article is informed by arts based research as promoted by art education theorists Barone and Eisner (2012) and art therapy researcher McNiff (2013). It is also inspired by Pink’s text “Doing sensory ethnography” (2009), which highlights the multisensory experience and recognises the significance of the researcher’s own presence in the data collection process.
A key tool in the research project was a tablet device (iPad), used both as a camera in the field and as a tool for creative artistic exploration in practice. The method involved digitally painting Munch’s figures onto photos taken from the same places as the artist must have stood when inspired to paint his famous pictures. The author argues that a tablet with artistic software applications can serve as a versatile and handy “portable studio”, facilitating immediate first-hand experience and understanding. The concluding discussion focuses on how this practical arts based approach to the work of a famous artist can be implemented in an art education setting.
Specialty pharmacist integration into an outpatient neurology clinic improves pimavanserin access
Authors: Livezey Sabrina , Shah Nisha B. , McCormick Robert , DeClercq Josh , Choi Leena , Zuckerman Autumn D.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Access to pimavanserin, the only Parkinson disease–related psychosis treatment approved by the FDA, is restricted by insurance requirements, a limited distribution network, and high costs. Following initiation, patients require monitoring for safety and effectiveness. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate impact of specialty pharmacist (SP) integration on time to insurance approval. Additionally, we describe a pharmacist-led monitoring program.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective study of adults prescribed pimavanserin by the neurology clinic from June 2016 to June 2018. Patients receiving pimavanserin externally or through clinical trials were excluded. Pre- (June 2016 to December 2016) and post-SP integration (January 2017 to June 2018) periods were assessed. Proportional odds logistic regression was performed to test association of approval time with patient characteristics (age, gender, insurance type) postintegration. Interventions were categorized as clinical care, care coordination, management of adverse event, or adherence.

Results

We included 94 patients (32 preintegration, 62 postintegration), 80% male (n = 75) and 96% white (n = 90) with a mean age of 73 years. Median time to approval was 22 days preintegration and 3 days postintegration. Higher rates of approval (81% vs 95%) and initiation (78% vs 94%) were observed postintegration. Proportional odds logistic regression suggested patients with commercial insurance were likely to have longer time to approval compared with patients with Medicare/Medicaid (odds ratio 7.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.9, 26.7; P = .004). Most interventions were clinical (51%, n = 47) or care coordination (42%, n = 39).

Conclusion

Median time to approval decreased postintegration. The SP performed valuable monitoring and interventions.
Kratom-induced transaminitis with subsequent precipitated opioid withdrawal following naltrexone
Authors: Jensen Aimee N. , Truong Quynh-Nhu , Jameson Melanie , Nadal Celeste N.
Published: May 2021

Kratom is an herbal supplement that has gained popularity for recreational use within the United States. Kratom exerts opioid-like effects and, although not US FDA approved, is commonly used for self-treatment of pain, withdrawal management from opioids, and euphoria. Drug-related hepatic injury has been associated with kratom use. All of this raises concern for patient safety and monitoring. The potential for additive liver toxicity must be considered when kratom is used concurrently with hepatotoxic, over-the-counter, herbal, and prescription medications. This case report describes a case of kratom-induced liver inflammation complicated by opioid withdrawal that was precipitated by initiation of IM naltrexone. To our knowledge, there are no published case reports related to opioid withdrawal following naltrexone administration in patients using kratom (without other opioids). The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate potential complications that may arise with kratom use and considerations that should be taken prior to initiation of naltrexone in kratom users.
Inflammatory activation of endothelial cells increases glycolysis and oxygen consumption despite inhibiting cell proliferation
Authors: Wik Jonas Aakre , Phung Danh , Kolan Shrikant , Haraldsen Guttorm , Skålhegg Bjørn Steen , Hol Fosse Johanna
Published: May 2021

Endothelial cell function and metabolism are closely linked to differential use of energy substrate sources and combustion. While endothelial cell migration is promoted by 2‐phosphofructokinase‐6/fructose‐2,6‐bisphosphatase (PFKFB3)‐driven glycolysis, proliferation also depends on fatty acid oxidation for dNTP synthesis. We show that inflammatory activation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), despite inhibiting proliferation, promotes a shift toward more metabolically active phenotype. This was reflected in increased cellular glucose uptake and consumption, which was preceded by an increase in PFKFB3 mRNA and protein expression. However, despite a modest increase in extracellular acidification rates, the increase in glycolysis did not correlate with extracellular lactate accumulation. Accordingly, IL‐1β stimulation also increased oxygen consumption rate, but without a concomitant rise in fatty acid oxidation. Together, this suggests that the IL‐1β‐stimulated energy shift is driven by shunting of glucose‐derived pyruvate into mitochondria to maintain elevated oxygen consumption in HUVECs. We also revealed a marked donor‐dependent variation in the amplitude of the metabolic response to IL‐1β and postulate that the donor‐specific response should be taken into account when considering targeting dysregulated endothelial cell metabolism.
Different Aspects of Using Ultrasound to Combat Microorganisms
Authors: Nakonechny Faina , Nisnevitch Marina
Published: May 2021

Growing resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics due to their widespread use has led to multiple bacterial infections posing a serious threat to health and human life. Low‐frequency ultrasound is one of physical methods for inactivation of pathogenic microbial cells. Application of ultrasound is safe, demonstrates good tissue penetration without significant attenuation of energy, and does not induce microbial resistance. Bactericidal effect of ultrasound is based on acoustic cavitation—the growth and collapse of microbubbles in a liquid medium, resulting in shock waves, shear forces, and microjets which cause irreversible damage and inactivation of microorganisms. The present review combines and analyzes literature data on in vitro and in vivo studies and summarizes works demonstrating the ability of ultrasound, alone or in combination with other methods, to combat pathogenic microorganisms. The results of various studies presented in this review show that low‐frequency ultrasound has a noticeable antimicrobial effect on planktonic cells of microorganisms and biofilms. Ultrasound synergistically enhances the effectiveness of other antibacterial agents and activates molecules called sonosensitizers, resulting in the formation of compounds toxic to microbial cells. Ultrasound can also promote local release of antimicrobial drugs from liposomes, as well as from medical implants.
Carrier Tunneling from Charge Transfer States in Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Devižis Andrius , Gelzinis Andrius , Chmeliov Jevgenij , Diethelm Matthias , Endriukaitis Laurynas , Padula Daniele , Hany Roland
Published: May 2021

Charge transfer (CT) states play a key role in the functioning of organic solar cells; however, understanding the mechanism by which CT states dissociate efficiently into free charges remain a conceptual challenge. Here, the electric field dependent dynamics of charge generation in planar cyanine/fullerene photovoltaic cells is probed over a wide temperature range using time‐resolved Stark effect experiments, transient absorption, and photocurrent measurements. Results indicate that dissociation of thermalized CT states is the rate‐limiting step for all temperatures. The dissociation rate strongly depends on the field, but is temperature independent. The results also suggest that the yield of generated charges is temperature independent. Model electrostatic calculations illustrate that specific orientations of the cyanine crystal relative to C60 create a repulsive potential for an electron near the interface that is largely due to the quadrupole moment of the unit cell. In combination with the electron‐hole coulomb attraction and the electric field‐induced barrier lowering, a high‐energy potential barrier forms with a narrow width of a few nanometers. It is proposed that charge separation occurs via a field‐dependent electron tunneling mechanism through that barrier, which is temperature independent. The results support a thus far overlooked pathway for CT state dissociation via carrier tunneling.
Superradiant Emission from Coherent Excitons in van Der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Haider Golam , Sampathkumar Krishna , Verhagen Tim , Nádvorník Lukáš , Sonia Farjana J. , Valeš Václav , Sýkora Jan , Kapusta Peter , Němec Petr , Hof Martin , Frank Otakar , Chen Yang‐Fang , Vejpravová Jana , Kalbáč Martin
Published: May 2021

Recent advancements in isolation and stacking of layered van der Waals materials have created an unprecedented paradigm for demonstrating varieties of 2D quantum materials. Rationally designed van der Waals heterostructures composed of monolayer transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and few‐layer hBN show several unique optoelectronic features driven by correlations. However, entangled superradiant excitonic species in such systems have not been observed before. In this report, it is demonstrated that strong suppression of phonon population at low temperature results in a formation of a coherent excitonic‐dipoles ensemble in the heterostructure, and the collective oscillation of those dipoles stimulates a robust phase synchronized ultra‐narrow band superradiant emission even at extremely low pumping intensity. Such emitters are in high demand for a multitude of applications, including fundamental research on many‐body correlations and other state‐of‐the‐art technologies. This timely demonstration paves the way for further exploration of ultralow‐threshold quantum‐emitting devices with unmatched design freedom and spectral tunability.
Plasmonic Photoelectrochemistry: In View of Hot Carriers
Authors: Zhang Yuchao , Guo Wenxiao , Zhang Yunlu , Wei Wei David
Published: May 2021

Utilizing plasmon‐generated hot carriers to drive chemical reactions has emerged as a popular topic in solar photocatalysis. However, a complete description of the underlying mechanism of hot‐carrier transfer in photochemical processes remains elusive, particularly for those involving hot holes. Photoelectrochemistry enables to localize hot holes on photoanodes and hot electrons on photocathodes and thus offers an approach to separately explore the hole‐transfer dynamics and electron‐transfer dynamics. This review summarizes a comprehensive understanding of both hot‐hole and hot‐electron transfers from photoelectrochemical studies on plasmonic electrodes. Additionally, working principles and applications of spectroelectrochemistry are discussed for plasmonic materials. It is concluded that photoelectrochemistry provides a powerful toolbox to gain mechanistic insights into plasmonic photocatalysis.
Investigation of Pd‐PEPPSI catalysts and coupling partners towards direct C2‐arylation/heteroarylation of benzoxazole
Authors: Gokanapalli Anusha , Motakatla Venkata Krishna Reddy , Peddiahgari Vasu Govardhana Reddy
Published: May 2021

2‐Aryl/heteroaryl‐substituted benzoxazoles are important heterocyclic motifs extensively found in several bioactive molecules, pharmaceuticals and natural products. In view of the importance of these compounds, there is need to develop easiest and simplest synthetic routes. The motive of this current work is to conduct the direct C2‐arylation reaction on benzoxazole with various cross‐coupling partners like aryl/heteroaryl halide/carboxylic acid/diazonium tetrafluoroborate/sulfonyl chloride/boronic acids in the presence of different symmetrical and unsymmetrical Pd‐PEPPSI (pyridine‐enhanced pre‐catalyst preparation by stabilization initiation) catalysts via C (sp2)–C (sp2) bond formation. Compared with other coupling partners, boronic acids coupled with benzoxazole very efficiently in the presence of sterically and electronically tunable bulky1,3‐bis(N,N′‐2,4,6‐triisopropylbenzyl)benzimidazolium‐Pd‐PEPPSI complex in open air to offer the corresponding C2‐aryl/heteroaryl benzoxazole compounds. Further, it is worthy to mention that there is no need of any external oxidant/ligand/additive for the complete conversion of starting molecules to products. The reactions progressed successfully with a wide range of substrate scope and attained the products in good to excellent yields in a short reaction time in ethanol/water (1:1) medium. Greatly, catalysts can be recovered and reused for few cycles with significant reactivity.
Benthic foraminiferal faunas associated with cold‐water coral environments in the North Atlantic realm
Authors: Fentimen Robin , Schmiedl Gerhard , Rüggeberg Andres , Foubert Anneleen
Published: May 2021

Surface benthic foraminiferal assemblages associated with cold‐water coral mounds and reefs from the Irish margin and Norwegian shelf (North‐east Atlantic) are for the first time compared quantitatively. Results indicate that the considered sites share a common assemblage, dominated by elevated epibenthic and distinct infaunal species. This surface assemblage is typical of environments that are subject to strong bottom‐water turbulence with enhanced food availability. It provides a benchmark for comparison with fossil benthic foraminiferal assemblages from past cold‐water coral environments. Similar to macrofaunal and megafaunal communities, surface benthic foraminiferal diversity is higher on reefs and mounds than in surrounding off‐mound/off‐reef sediments. Benthic foraminiferal diversity is highest within the living coral macrohabitat, possibly as a result of enhanced availability and variety of food sources, and ecological niche separation. Indeed, living coral generally thrives on the summits or flanks of reefs and mounds where food availability is most important. The second part discusses the use of fossil benthic foraminiferal assemblages as palaeoceanographic proxies from past cold‐water coral environments. The overview of previous observations demonstrates that benthic foraminifera are valuable tools to reconstruct past bottom‐water oxygenation, bottom‐water currents and surface productivity, all of which are key environmental variables controlling cold‐water coral growth. Moreover, the advantages of a detailed investigation of benthic foraminiferal assemblages within cold‐water coral environments are compared to other palaeoceanographic proxies. This study highlights that benthic foraminiferal assemblages are an often overlooked proxy within cold‐water coral environments, despite yielding valuable information.
Ultrastructural analysis of dendritic spine necks reveals a continuum of spine morphologies
Authors: Ofer Netanel , Berger Daniel R. , Kasthuri Narayanan , Lichtman Jeff W. , Yuste Rafael
Published: May 2021

Dendritic spines are membranous protrusions that receive essentially all excitatory inputs in most mammalian neurons. Spines, with a bulbous head connected to the dendrite by a thin neck, have a variety of morphologies that likely impact their functional properties. Nevertheless, the question of whether spines belong to distinct morphological subtypes is still open. Addressing this quantitatively requires clear identification and measurements of spine necks. Recent advances in electron microscopy enable large‐scale systematic reconstructions of spines with nanometer precision in 3D. Analyzing ultrastructural reconstructions from mouse neocortical neurons with computer vision algorithms, we demonstrate that the vast majority of spine structures can be rigorously separated into heads and necks, enabling morphological measurements of spine necks. We then used a database of spine morphological parameters to explore the potential existence of different spine classes. Without exception, our analysis revealed unimodal distributions of individual morphological parameters of spine heads and necks, without evidence for subtypes of spines. The postsynaptic density size was strongly correlated with the spine head volume. The spine neck diameter, but not the neck length, was also correlated with the head volume. Spines with larger head volumes often had a spine apparatus and pairs of spines in a post‐synaptic cell contacted by the same axon had similar head volumes. Our data reveal a lack of morphological subtypes of spines and indicate that the spine neck length and head volume must be independently regulated. These results have repercussions for our understanding of the function of dendritic spines in neuronal circuits.
Genetic analyzer‐dependent DNA methylation detection and its application to existing age prediction models
Authors: So Moon Hyun , Lee Hwan Young
Published: May 2021

DNA methylation is the most promising biomarker for estimating human age. There are various methods used for analyzing DNA methylation. Among those, the SNaPshot assay‐based method provides a semi‐quantitative measurement of DNA methylation using capillary electrophoresis on genetic analyzers. However, DNA methylation measures produced using different types of genetic analyzers have never been compared, although differences in methylation values can directly affect age estimates. To evaluate the differences between the results generated by different genetic analyzers, we analyzed the same blood, saliva, and control methylated DNA using three genetic analyzers—the Applied Biosystems 3130, 3500, and SeqStudio—and compared the methylation values at five CpG sites: ELOVL2, FHL2, KLF14, MIR29B2C, and TRIM59. The methylation value at each of the five CpG sites decreased in the order 3130, 3500, and SeqStudio. The differences in the results produced by the different genetic analyzers resulted in significant errors when applying the 3500 and SeqStudio data to a previous age estimation model constructed using the 3130 Genetic Analyzer data. Therefore, DNA methylation measurements from 3500 and SeqStudio were corrected using the regression functions obtained by plotting the DNA methylation data of one instrument versus the other to facilitate the application of DNA methylation data from one instrument to the age prediction model based on other instruments. The age prediction accuracy obtained by applying corrected 3500 and SeqStudio data to the existing age estimation model was as high as observed in the 3130 data.
Sex-Related Embryotoxicity of Pulp Mill Effluent Extracts in Medaka (Oryzias latipes) Female Leucophore-free FLFII Strain
Authors: Orrego Rodrigo , Guchardi John , Beyger Lindsay , Barra Ricardo , Hewitt L. Mark , Holdway Douglas
Published: May 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to Chilean pulp mill effluent extracts on developing postfertilized medaka embryos before and after sex definition relative to sex steroids (testosterone and 17beta-estradiol) and a wood phytoestrogen (beta-sitosterol). Our study included 2 waterborne semichronic exposure experiments, using a 24-h post fertilization (hpf) unknown-sex FLFII (female leucophore free) group and a second 72-hpf FLFII phenotypic sex-identified group (male autofluorescence leucophore) strain of medaka embryos. Chronic exposure of both FLFII strain embryo groups showed similar delay in time to hatch and decreased hatchability. Teratogenic responses such as vertebral malformation (fusion, incomplete formation, and lack of vertebral formation process) and pericardial edema were observed in both experiments, with a high percentage related to FLFII fluorescent leucophore–identified males. In addition, high mortality associated with severe malformations was observed in male and female embryos exposed to testosterone. Our research has demonstrated that exposure to Chilean mill effluent extracts caused severe male medaka embryotoxicity (in postfertilized embryos) before and after sex definition and, irrespective of the experimental group and effluent treatment, suggests partial removal following secondary treatment. Furthermore, differences in the severity and type of teratogenic effects with previous experiments (d-rR medaka strain), are associated with the unique phenotypes of this medaka mutant strain. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2297–2305. © 2021 SETAC
Resting‐state functional connectivity of the human hippocampus in periadolescent children: Associations with age and memory performance
Authors: Warren David E. , Rangel Anthony J. , Christopher‐Hayes Nicholas J. , Eastman Jacob A. , Frenzel Michaela R. , Stephen Julia M. , Calhoun Vince D. , Wang Yu‐Ping , Wilson Tony W.
Published: May 2021

The hippocampus is necessary for declarative (relational) memory, and the ability to form hippocampal‐dependent memories develops through late adolescence. This developmental trajectory of hippocampal‐dependent memory could reflect maturation of intrinsic functional brain networks, but resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐FC) of the human hippocampus is not well‐characterized for periadolescent children. Measuring hippocampal rs‐FC in periadolescence would thus fill a gap, and testing covariance of hippocampal rs‐FC with age and memory could inform theories of cognitive development. Here, we studied hippocampal rs‐FC in a cross‐sectional sample of healthy children (N = 96; 59 F; age 9–15 years) using a seed‐based approach, and linked these data with NIH Toolbox measures, the Picture‐Sequence Memory Test (PSMT) and the List Sorting Working Memory Test (LSWMT). The PSMT was expected to rely more on hippocampal‐dependent memory than the LSWMT. We observed hippocampal rs‐FC with an extensive brain network including temporal, parietal, and frontal regions. This pattern was consistent with prior work measuring hippocampal rs‐FC in younger and older samples. We also observed novel, regionally specific variation in hippocampal rs‐FC with age and hippocampal‐dependent memory but not working memory. Evidence consistent with these findings was observed in a second, validation dataset of similar‐age healthy children drawn from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopment Cohort. Further, a cross‐dataset analysis suggested generalizable properties of hippocampal rs‐FC and covariance with age and memory. Our findings connect prior work by describing hippocampal rs‐FC and covariance with age and memory in typically developing periadolescent children, and our observations suggest a developmental trajectory for brain networks that support hippocampal‐dependent memory.
A semi‐empirical wind set‐up forecasting model for Lake Champlain
Authors: Loiselle Guillaume , Martel Jean‐Luc , Poulin Annie , Lachance‐Cloutier Simon , Turcotte Richard , Fournier Judith , Mai Juliane , Arsenault Richard
Published: May 2021

The precision of Lake Champlain's water level estimation is a key component in the flood forecasting process for the Richelieu River. Hydrological models do not typically take into consideration the effects of the wind on the water level (also known as the wind set‐up). The objective of this study is to create an empirical wind set‐up forecast model for Lake Champlain during high wind events. The proposed model uses wind speed and direction across the Lake, as well as wind gusts as inputs. The model is calibrated to a subset of observations and evaluated on an independent sample, considering four wind speed bins. It is tested and compared to a variant of the Zuider Zee equation on 20 wind set‐up events that occurred between 2017 and 2019 using hindcast data from five different numerical weather prediction systems (GDPS, RDPS, HRDPS, NOAA and ECMWF). A quantile mapping‐based forecast calibration scheme is implemented for each of the forecast products to correct their biases. Results show that events are successfully predicted by the proposed model at least 72 h in advance. These results are better than the other comparative models found in the literature and tested herein. Overall, significant improvements are obtained by including wind speed and wind gusts from different weather stations.
The Extended Eighth‐Shell method for periodic boundary conditions with rotational symmetry
Authors: Prasad Samarjeet , Simmonett Andrew C. , Meana‐Pañeda Rubén , Brooks Bernard R.
Published: May 2021

The Eighth‐Shell method for parallelization of molecular dynamics simulations has previously been shown to be the most optimal for efficiency at large process counts. However, in its current formulation only the P1 space group is supported for periodic boundary conditions (PBC) and thus reflection and/or rotational crystal symmetries are not supported. In this work, we outline the development and implementation of the Extended Eighth‐Shell (EES) method that allows rotational symmetry by using an extended import region compared to the ES method. It simulates only the asymmetric unit and communicates coordinates and forces with images that correspond to P21 PBC. The P21 PBC has application in lipid bilayer simulations as it can be used to allow lipids to switch leaftlets, thus rapidly balancing the chemical potential difference between the two layers. Our results show that the EES method scales efficiently over large number of processes and can be used for simulations with P21 symmetry in an orthorhombic crystal.
Effect of the spectrometer slit width and charge‐coupled device detector on Raman intensities
Authors: Jakubek Ryan S.
Published: May 2021

It is well known that Raman intensities are affected by the spectrometer slit width. Wider slit widths provide increased Raman intensity at the cost of decreased spectral wavenumber resolution. However, the relationship between the spectrometer slit width and observed Raman intensities is poorly understood. In this work, we develop a model, based on spectrometer geometric optics, to quantify the effects of spectrometer slit width on observed Raman intensities. We find that the observed Raman intensities are strongly dependent on the ratio of the slit function width and intrinsic Raman band width. Thus, even for Raman spectra collected using the same slit width, the observed Raman intensities will be affected by the different intrinsic bandwidths of each Raman band. Thus, the effects of the slit function on Raman intensities must be considered for all Raman spectra when examining Raman intensities. In addition, we show that the spectrometer linear dispersion and charge‐coupled device (CCD) pixel size have a large dependence on the Raman intensities reported by the CCD. Thus, when comparing Raman intensities across instruments or for a single instrument with a nonlinear wavenumber calibration, Raman intensities must be calibrated for the effects of the CCD. Using our model, we develop a general method for correcting observed Raman intensities for the effects of the slit width, intrinsic Raman band width, and CCD.
Selective cutoff reporting in studies of the accuracy of the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: Comparison of results based on published cutoffs versus all cutoffs using individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Neupane Dipika , Levis Brooke , Bhandari Parash M. , Thombs Brett D. , Benedetti Andrea ,   DEPRESsion Screening Data (DEPRESSD) Collaboration
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Selectively reported results from only well‐performing cutoffs in diagnostic accuracy studies may bias estimates in meta‐analyses. We investigated cutoff reporting patterns for the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9; standard cutoff 10) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; no standard cutoff, commonly used 10–13) and compared accuracy estimates based on published cutoffs versus all cutoffs.

Methods

We conducted bivariate random effects meta‐analyses using individual participant data to compare accuracy from published versus all cutoffs.

Results

For the PHQ‐9 (30 studies, N = 11,773), published results underestimated sensitivity for cutoffs below 10 (median difference: −0.06) and overestimated for cutoffs above 10 (median difference: 0.07). EPDS (19 studies, N = 3637) sensitivity estimates from published results were similar for cutoffs below 10 (median difference: 0.00) but higher for cutoffs above 13 (median difference: 0.14). Specificity estimates from published and all cutoffs were similar for both tools. The mean cutoff of all reported cutoffs in PHQ‐9 studies with optimal cutoff below 10 was 8.8 compared to 11.8 for those with optimal cutoffs above 10. Mean for EPDS studies with optimal cutoffs below 10 was 9.9 compared to 11.8 for those with optimal cutoffs greater than 10.

Conclusion

Selective cutoff reporting was more pronounced for the PHQ‐9 than EPDS.
Effective bowel motion reduction in mouse abdominal MRI using hyoscine butylbromide
Authors: Bilreiro Carlos , Fernandes Francisca F. , Andrade Luísa , Chavarrías Cristina , Simões Rui V. , Matos Celso , Shemesh Noam
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Bowel motion is a significant source of artifacts in mouse abdominal MRI. Fasting and administration of hyoscine butylbromide (BUSC) have been proposed for bowel motion reduction but with inconsistent results and limited efficacy assessments. Here, we evaluate these regimes for mouse abdominal MRI at high field.

Methods

Thirty‐two adult C57BL/6J mice were imaged on a 9.4T scanner with a FLASH sequence, acquired over 90 min with ~19 s temporal resolution. During MRI acquisition, 8 mice were injected with a low‐dose and 8 mice with a high‐dose bolus of BUSC (0.5 and 5 mg/kg, respectively). Eight mice were food deprived for 4.5‐6.5 hours before MRI and another group of eight mice was injected with saline during MRI acquisition. Two expert readers reviewed the images and classified bowel motion, and quantitative voxel‐wise analyses were performed for identification of moving regions. After defining the most effective protocol, high‐resolution T2‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted images were acquired from 4 mice.

Results

High‐dose BUSC was the most effective protocol for bowel motion reduction, for up to 45 min. Fasting and saline protocols were not effective in suppressing bowel motion. High‐resolution abdominal MRI clearly demonstrated improved image quality and ADC quantification with the high‐dose BUSC protocol.

Conclusion

Our data show that BUSC administration is advantageous for abdominal MRI in the mouse. Specifically, it endows significant bowel motion reduction, with relatively short onset timings after injection (~8.5 min) and relatively long duration of the effect (~45 min). These features improve the quality of high‐resolution images of the mouse abdomen.
Evaluation of Two Densities for Holding Live Food Fish in a Small Recirculating Aquaculture System
Authors: Bhattarai Sujan , Semmens Kenneth J.
Published: May 2021

Small recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) are used to market live food fish, particularly in certain ethnic markets. We evaluated fish performance, water quality, and physiology of Channel Catfish (CCF) Ictalurus punctatus and Largemouth Bass (LMB) Micropterus salmoides that were harvested from ponds, transported, and held live at two stocking densities in a small RAS. One trial was conducted for each species, with two treatments (20 and 40 kg/m3) in each trial. Trials were conducted in individual RASs without feed during a holding period of 8 d. Water quality for each holding tank was measured at stocking and daily thereafter (24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, and 192 h). Blood samples were obtained from fish to evaluate physiological response. Both CCF and LMB survived well in the system, with no mortality in either treatment. Average weight loss across both trials at a temperature of 15°C was 3.1% for CCF and 4.8% for LMB. Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), un-ionized ammonia (UIA), nitrite, and nitrate increased significantly over time in both trials. Mean water pH was significantly lower and mean TAN and UIA were significantly higher in the 40-kg/m3 treatment for both trials. Blood glucose rose significantly after harvest and returned to a resting state during the holding period in both species. Blood sodium, potassium, and chloride also returned to a resting state within 24–72 h in the holding system. Estimated accumulation of TAN was 35.6 mg kg fish−1·d−1 for CCF and 21.6 mg kg fish−1·d−1 for LMB. Although the RAS biofilter was unable to convert ammonia to nitrate at the rate it was produced, the holding systems performed adequately at the densities evaluated. These trials provide data in support of the common practice of holding food-size CCF and LMB at densities of 40 kg/m3 or less over a period of 8 d in a small RAS.
Cellulose fiber from date palm petioles as potential reinforcement for polymer composites: Physicochemical and structural properties
Authors: Rajeshkumar G. , Hariharan V. , Devnani G. L. , Prakash Maran J. , Sanjay M. R. , Siengchin Suchart , Al‐Dhabi Naif Abdullah , Ponmurugan K.
Published: May 2021

First time, this study reports the effect of benzoyl chloride (BC), potassium permanganate (PP), and stearic acid (SA) treatments on the surface morphology, physical, chemical, structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of cellulosic fiber obtained from date palm plant petioles. Morphology analysis displayed the existence of protrusions on treated fiber surface, which stimulates the mechanical interlocking between the fiber and polymer matrix. Highest cellulose (67.22%) and lowest hemicellulose (9.25%), lignin (14.02%), ash (3.25%), wax (0.10%), and moisture (8.93%) content were observed in SA‐treated fibers than others. Similarly, highest weight loss (20.80%), reduced diameter (0.3166 mm), and density (0.389 g/cc) were obtained in SA‐treated fibers than the other fibers investigated. Outcomes of FT‐IR spectra evident the presence of cellulose and partial removal of non‐cellulosic constituents in BC‐, PP‐, and SA‐treated fibers. Enhanced crystallinity index (69.5%) and crystallite size (7.43 nm) values of SA‐treated fiber indicated the elimination of amorphous lignin and hemicellulose, and made the structure to be more crystalline which supports to obtain higher tensile properties (tensile strength of 489.07 MPa and tensile modulus of 9.4 GPa) than others. Maximal degradation temperature of SA‐treated fiber was 328.86°C and also having kinetic activation energy of 90.7 kJ/mol.
Cure behavior of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer insulation for large composite rocket motor casing
Authors: Jabez Isaac Kingstone Lesley , Das Urmila , Manivannan Ramalingam , Anne Sarat Babu
Published: May 2021

Two potential formulations of sulfur cured ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) insulation were characterized against the proven insulation based on nitrile rubber (NBR) in the earlier study. Unlike the proven insulation, the cure behavior exhibited by sulfur cured EPDM is quite different in that, the rheometer curves exhibit marching behavior even at elevated temperature for longer duration (160°C for 7 h; most severe condition). This warranted extensive cure study at different temperatures for varying durations in order to determine the optimum cure condition. The methodology adopted to find out the optimum cure condition and corroboration of the same in terms of instrumental techniques (differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared), which are quite interesting, are discussed in this article.
Effect of graphite flake and multi‐walled carbon nanotube on thermal, mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of polycarbonate nanocomposite
Authors: Pradhan Subhransu S. , Unnikrishnan Lakshmi , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: May 2021

The current study reports the preparation of polycarbonate (PC) nanocomposite using graphite flake (GF) and multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) at varying weight percentages (10%, 20%, and 30%) by the melt mixing technique. The impact of filler on the properties of thermal conductivity (TC), electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI), electrical, and mechanical of the nanocomposite were studied. The improvement in the thermal conductivity value of ˃150% was achieved at a loading of 30% of graphite flake and 20% multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The morphology of the composite studied by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), confirmed the dispersion of filler in the PC matrix. The electrical conductivity of both the optimized compositions achieved was in the order of 10−2 S/cm. Further, the EMI shielding of ∼35 and ∼32 dB was observed for graphite flake and MWCNT based composites, indicating the suitability of the developed system for various commercial applications.