bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of 12‐year sleep behaviour trajectories from childhood to adolescence with myopia and ocular biometry during young adulthood
Authors: Stafford‐Bell Nicholas , McVeigh Joanne , Lingham Gareth , Straker Leon , Eastwood Peter R , Yazar Seyhan , Mackey David A , Lee Samantha Sze‐Yee
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Cross‐sectional studies have variably reported that poor sleep quality may be associated with myopia in children. Longitudinal data, collected over the ages when myopia develops and progresses, could provide new insights into the sleep‐myopia paradigm. This study tested the hypothesis that 12‐year trajectories of sleep behaviour from childhood to adolescence is associated with myopia during young adulthood.

Methods

At the 5‐, 8‐, 10‐, 14‐ and 17‐year follow‐ups of the longitudinal Raine Study, which has been following a cohort since their birth in 1989–1992, participants' parents/guardians completed the Child Behaviour Checklist questionnaire (CBCL), which collected information on their child's sleep behaviour and quality. The CBCL includes six questions measuring sleep behaviour, which parents rated as 0 = not true, 1 = somewhat/sometimes true, or 2 = very/often true. Scores were summed at each follow‐up to form a composite “sleep behaviour score”. Latent Class Growth Analysis (LCGA) was used to classify participants according to their 12‐year trajectory of sleep behaviour. At the 20‐year follow‐up, an eye examination was performed which included cycloplegic autorefraction and axial length measurement.

Results

The LCGA identified three clusters of participants based on their trajectory of sleep behaviour: those with minimal' (43.6% of the total Raine Study sample), ‘declining’ (48.9%), or ‘persistent’ (7.5%) sleep problems. A total of 1194 participants had ophthalmic data and longitudinal sleep data available for analysis (47.2% female, 85.6% Caucasian). No significant differences were observed in regards to age, sex, ethnicity or ocular parameters between trajectory groups. Unadjusted and fully adjusted analyses demonstrated that sleep problem behaviour was not significantly associated with changes in refractive error, axial length or corneal radius.

Conclusions

Our findings do not support the hypothesis that there is an association between sleep behaviour and myopia. Future longitudinal studies should explore sleep trajectory data pre‐ and post‐myopia diagnosis to confirm our results.
Advisors in Corporate Governance of Family Firms
Authors: Trujillo Maria-Andrea , González Maximiliano , Guzmán Alexander
Published: October 2021

This study examines how specialized advisors impact the implementation of good governance practices at the firm and family level. We applied a qualitative case study approach using four cases in four different industries with diverse levels of management sophistication. This revealed that firms’ governance structure outputs, such as a board of directors and general shareholder meetings, and the family governance outputs, for instance, family protocols and family councils, substantially improve with an advisors’ intervention. We highlighted the important but seldom studied in the academic literature of advisors’ role in designing a better governance structure at the business and family level and its implementation. We also stressed the importance of building confidence, transparency, and trust between the advisor and the family.
Organizational adaptability: A reflection based on ex-ante, in action and ex-post conditions
Authors: Mendoza Jose Maria , Monsalve Peláez Magda Andrea
Published: October 2021

This article aims to analyze the adaptability construct in its nature and development. First, it provides an analytic study about the adaptability literature integrating to a classification based on different areas of business. Likewise, these contributions are classified in two categories: general and specific and five subcategories: strategic, structural, human talent, production and marketing approaches. Next, a dynamic model is used for representing the flexible and rigid organizational behavior for confronting a changing environment. Then, a second model developing this construct is offered with three important moments: ex-ante, in-action and ex-post as conditions of adaptive organizational behavior. In the end, a reflection about consequences of these structures is added.
High resolution depth profiling using near-total-reflection hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Rault Julien E. , Kuo Cheng-Tai , Martins Henrique P. , Conti Giuseppina , Nemšák Slavomír
Published: October 2021

By adjusting the incidence angle of incoming x rays near the critical angle of x-ray total reflection, photoelectron intensity is strongly modulated due to the variation of x-ray penetration depth. Photoelectron spectroscopy combined with near-total reflection exhibits tunable surface sensitivity, providing depth-resolved information. In this Review, we first describe the experimental setup and specific data analysis process. We then review three different examples that show the broad application of this method. The emphasis is on its applications correlated to oxide heterostructures, especially quantitative depth analyses of compositions and electronic states. In the last part, we discuss the limitations of this technique, mostly in terms of the range of samples that can be studied.
Dynamical symmetries behind Bertrand's theorem
Authors: Carimalo Christian
Published: October 2021

The correlation between Bertrand's theorem on classical closed orbits in a central potential and the occurrence of related dynamical symmetries is investigated.
Weekly Training Load in Elite Male Ice Hockey: Practice Versus Competition Demands
Authors: Rago Vincenzo , Muschinsky Adrian , Deylami Kasper , Mohr Magni , Vigh-Larsen Jeppe F.
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare training load (TL) between practice and games across in-season microcycles in elite Danish male ice hockey. Methods: Practice sessions and game data were collected using a wearable 200-Hz accelerometer, heart rate (HR) recording, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) throughout 23 practice sessions and 8 competitive games (n = 427 files) and examined in relation to the number of days before the game (game day minus). Results: Total accelerations, accelerations >2 m·s−2 (Acc2), total decelerations, decelerations less than −2 m·s−2 (Dec2), time >85% maximum heart rate (t85HRmax), Edwards TL, modified training impulse (TRIMPMOD), session-RPE, peak HR (HRpeak), and RPE were greater during competition than during practice (r = .19–.91; P < .05), whereas total accelerations per minute and total decelerations per minute were lower (r = .27–.36; P < .001). Acc2, t85HRmax, Edwards TL and TRIMPMOD, % t85HRmax, mean HR (HRmean), and RPE progressively decreased toward game day (r = .13–.63; P < .001). Positive correlations were found between Acc2, Dec2, Acc2 per minute, and Dec2 per minute during practice and during competition (r = .66–.84; P < .001). Conclusions: Evident within-week decreases in internal TL but not external TL were observed as the game day approached. Day-to-day variations were more pronounced in HR- and RPE-based parameters than accelerations and decelerations. Finally, the amount of intense accelerations and decelerations performed during practice was associated to the amount performed during competition, whereas physiological and perceptual demands showed no such relationship.
The Philosophical Underpinning of Athlete Lifestyle Support: An Existential-Humanistic Perspective
Authors: Devaney Darren J. , Nesti Mark Stephen , Ronkainen Noora J. , Littlewood Martin A. , Richardson David
Published: October 2021

This study aims to highlight how an existential-humanistic perspective can inform athlete support and in doing so, emphasize the importance of explicating the philosophical underpinnings of athlete lifestyle support. Drawing on applied experience with elite youth cricketers over a 12-month period, ethnographic data were collected through the observation, maintenance of case notes, and a practitioner reflective diary. Based on thematic analysis, we created three nonfictional vignettes that we use to illustrate how existential-humanistic theorizing can inform lifestyle support. We discuss the implications of this professional philosophy in terms of considerations for performance and talent development programs, and how holistic support for athletes is positioned. We also discuss implications for athlete lifestyle and performance psychology practitioners, with regard to training, underpinning theoretical grounding of support and the strategic positioning of their practitioner roles.
Enhanced Production of Penicillin in Fluid Medium Containing Cellophane
Authors: Shwartzman Gregory
Published: October 2021

Enhanced production of penicillin is made possible by addition of Cellophane to fluid media. With Cellophane bags of suitable surface, the growth of the submerged and surface penicillin producing strains of
Penicillium notatum
is significantly faster and more abundant; penicillin makes its appearance earlier and reaches higher concentration in larger total volumes than in control cultures without Cellophane. Thus the gain with the method described is both in the rate of production as well as in the total yield of penicillin. The enhancement also occurs under conditions unfavorable for development of penicillin, namely, (a) with degenerated cultures of the mold; and (b) when the surface penicillin producing strain is grown in cultures with an unfavorably small [See equation in the PDF file] ratio (0.0315). There is also noted a markedly stabilizing effect of Cellophane upon the H-ion concentration of abundantly growing cultures during active production of penicillin. The stabilization is of significance, since the sharp rise in pH usually occurring in Penicillium cultures tends to destroy rapidly the penicillin.
Odontoblasts: Vacuoles and Inclusions
Authors: Stewart J. M.
Published: October 2021

Lipid granules have been found in the cytoplasm of odontoblasts and in the odontoblastic extensions within the dentinal tubules. It is suggested that these granules represent specific activity on the part of the normal cell as well as an increase in number after injury. While they are not limited to occurrence within the vacuoles in the cytoplasm of the odontoblasts, the relationship of the granules to the vacuoles suggests that the vacuoles are also a part of the physiologic activity of the adult odontoblasts.
Environmental Familiarity and Feeding in a Planarian
Authors: Best Jay Boyd , Rubinstein Irvin
Published: October 2021

Planarians, in common with higher animals, tend to delay feeding in environmental conditions to which they are not habituated.
Imprinting: Its Effect on the Response to Stress in Chicks
Authors: Thompson William R. , O'Kieffe M. W.
Published: October 2021

Young chicks imprinted to surrogate mothers were compared with nonimprinted controls on two tests designed to measure resistance to stress. Half of each group was run with and half without a surrogate present during the stress. One test involving survival time under starvation showed no effects. However, in the other test, imprinted chicks showed fewer distress calls in response to auditory stimulation than nonimprinted controls.
Anopheles leucosphyrus
Identified as a Vector of Monkey Malaria in Malaya
Authors: Wharton R. H. , Eyles Don E. , Warren McWilson , Moorhouse D. E.
Published: October 2021

Anopheles leucosphyrus,
an important vector of human malaria in Sarawak, Borneo, was shown to be infected with
Plasmodium inui
in Malaya by the inoculation of sporozoites into an uninfected rhesus monkey. The mosquito was caught while biting a man, thus demonstrating that it would be possible for a monkey infection to be transmitted to man in nature.
Calcium and Other Ions in Blood and Skeleton of Nicaraguan Fresh-Water Shark
Authors: Urist Marshall R.
Published: October 2021

The bull shark,
Carcharhinus leucas,
employing archaic but effective means of regulating the physical-chemical composition of its body fluids, thrives in tropical fresh-water rivers and lakes. The ionic strength of the serum and the concentrations of total solutes, calcium, urea, and other ions are below the levels found in marine elasmobranchs but higher than the levels in teleosts. The patterns of the calcium deposits of the vertebrae are identical in marine and fresh-water subspecies.
Hemoglobin Polymerization in Mice
Authors: Riggs Austen
Published: October 2021

Polymerization of certain mouse hemoglobins to eight-chain double molecules is completely inhibited by iodoacetamide. Each double molecule appears to consist of two α
2
β
2
-units linked by way of their β-chains with two disulfide bridges.
Radiolysis of Estrone and Estradiol
Authors: Wheeler Owen H. , Montalvo Rafael
Published: October 2021

Gamma irradiation of estrone and estradiol in 1
N
aqueous sodium hydroxide results in the formation of 2-hydroxyestrone and 2-hydroxyestradiol, respectively. Estrolactone (16a-oxa-D-homoestrone) was not encountered.
Motility of the Turtle Embryo,
Chelydra serpentina
(Linné)
Authors: Decker John D.
Published: October 2021

Periodic motility of turtle embryos was observed during their incubation periods (60 ± 5 days). Cyclic activity was first observed between days 10 to 14; it increased to a peak level of 50 percent of the standard observation period on day 30 ± 5, then declined to low levels until hatching activities were initiated. During the first third of the incubation period, motility of the turtles closely resembled that previously described for chick embryos at similar stages of development.
Long-Lasting Hyperpolarization after Activity of Neurons in Leech Central Nervous System
Authors: Nicholls J. G. , Baylor D. A.
Published: October 2021

After a train of impulses, the membrane potential of sensory neurons may be increased for several minutes by an electrogenic pump. During this hyperpolarization, the sensitivity of the membrane potential to external potassium ions is increased, so that physiologically occurring increases in potassium concentration could influence synaptic processes.
Correction
Authors: Mast S. O.
Published: October 2021

I AM indebted to Eugene S. McCartney for calling attention to an error in my article on "The use of generic names as common nouns," SCIENCE, Vol. 96, p. 252. "
Pelomyxa carolinensis
," line 13, should be omitted, for "carolinensis" is not a noun in the genitive case, but an adjective in the nominative case.
Enzymatic Cleaning of Berkefeld Candles Used in the Filtration of Human Blood Plasma
Authors: Witlin Bernard
Published: October 2021

Berkefeld candles clogged by human blood plasma were cleared by enzymatic action. Candles incubated in acidulated aqueous pepsin solution, thoroughly rinsed in water, dried and sterilized were capable of efficiently filtering 8 to 10 liters of human blood plasma.
Contextualizing avian origins and evolution
How Birds Evolve: What Science Reveals About Their Origin, Lives, and Diversity
Douglas J. Futuyma
Princeton University Press, 2021. 320 pp.
Authors: Feduccia Alan
Published: October 2021

Recent genomic advances have transformed our understanding of birds
In Other Journals
Authors: Vignieri Sacha , McCartney Melissa , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Wible Brad , Szuromi Phil , Hurtley Stella M. , Stern Peter
Published: October 2021

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Hunt begins for ancient Antarctic ice
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: October 2021

Six teams plan to drill cores that could shed light on warm climates 1.5 million years ago
Addenda
Authors: Dolbear A. E.
Published: October 2021

In "SCIENCE," March 2, in paper on Amplitude of Vibration of Atoms, for paragraph beginning: "For other atoms than hydrogen," etc., read, "For other atoms than hydrogen, where they have the same energy, their amplitude will vary inversely as the square root of their mass, so that for oxygen the amplitude at 0° will be .162/√16 = .04 its diameter and its maximum temperature will be 6419 × 4=25676° Cent. Also the maximum temperature of the sun would be about 500000° Cent."
Erratum: Dolbear on the Nature and Constitution of Matter
Authors: Dopp Wm. H.
Published: October 2021

Mr. Dopp desires to make the following correction in his paper in the last issue:

"In my article on page 200 of "SCIENCE", the expression λ =
v
/
n
and λ′ =
v
/
n′
should have been λ =
V
/
n
and λ′ =
V
/
n′
V
being the velocity of light.
Surfactant therapy in late preterm and term neonates with respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ramaswamy Viraraghavan Vadakkencherry , Abiramalatha Thangaraj , Bandyopadhyay Tapas , Boyle Elaine , Roehr Charles Christoph
Published: October 2021

Background

There are no evidence-based recommendations for surfactant use in late preterm (LPT) and term infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Objective

To investigate the safety and efficacy of surfactant in LPT and term infants with RDS.

Methods

Systematic review, meta-analysis and evidence grading.

Interventions

Surfactant therapy versus standard of care.

Main outcome measures

Mortality and requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).

Results

Of the 7970 titles and abstracts screened, 17 studies (16 observational studies and 1 randomised controlled trial (RCT)) were included. Of the LPT and term neonates with RDS, 46% (95% CI 40% to 51%) were treated with surfactant. We found moderate certainty of evidence (CoE) from observational studies evaluating infants supported with non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) or IMV that surfactant use may be associated with a decreased risk of mortality (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.64). Very low CoE from observational trials in which surfactant was administered at FiO2 >0.30–0.40 to infants on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) indicated that surfactant did not decrease the risk of IMV (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.40 to 3.56). Very low to low CoE from the RCT and observational trials showed that surfactant use was associated with a significant decrease in risk of air leak, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), duration of IMV, NRS and hospital stay.

Conclusions

Current evidence base on surfactant therapy in LPT and term infants with RDS indicates a potentially decreased risk of mortality, air leak, PPHN and duration of respiratory support. In view of the low to very low CoE and widely varying thresholds for deciding on surfactant replacement in the included studies, further trials are needed.
Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on access to contraception and pregnancy intentions: a national prospective cohort study of the UK population
Authors: Balachandren Neerujah , Barrett Geraldine , Stephenson Judith M , Yasmin Ephia , Mavrelos Dimitrios , Davies Melanie , David Anna , Hall Jennifer Anne
Published: October 2021

Objective

Evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to contraception and pregnancy intentions.

Design

Nationwide prospective cohort study.

Setting

United Kingdom.

Participants

Women in the UK who were pregnant between 24 May and 31 December 2020.

Main outcome measures

Access to contraception and level of pregnancy intentions, using the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP) in women whose last menstrual period was before or after 1 April 2020. While the official date of the first UK lockdown was 23 March, we used 1 April to ensure that those in the post-lockdown group would have faced restrictions in the month that they conceived.

Results

A total of 9784 women enrolled in the cohort: 4114 (42.0%) conceived pre-lockdown and 5670 (58.0%) conceived post-lockdown. The proportion of women reporting difficulties accessing contraception was higher in those who conceived after lockdown (n=366, 6.5% vs n=25, 0.6%, p<0.001) and continued to rise from March to September 2020. After adjusting for confounders, women were nine times more likely to report difficulty accessing contraception after lockdown (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.96, 95% CI 5.89 to 13.63, p<0.001). There is a significant difference in the levels of pregnancy planning, with higher proportions of unplanned (n=119, 2.1% vs n=55, 1.3%) and ambivalent pregnancies (n=1163, 20.5% vs n=663, 16.1%) and lower proportions of planned pregnancies (n=4388, 77.4% vs n=3396, 82.5%) in the post-lockdown group (p<0.001). After adjusting for confounders, women who conceived after lockdown were still significantly less likely to have a planned pregnancy (aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.98, p=0.025).

Conclusions

Access to contraception in the UK has become harder during the COVID-19 pandemic and the proportion of unplanned pregnancies has almost doubled.
Atrophic Gastritis in Dyspeptic Patients
Authors: Kirkpatrick J. R.
Published: October 2021

Gastric biopsy was performed on 107 dyspeptic patients over the age of 40 years. Varying degrees of atrophic gastritis were found in 65 per cent, the remainder having normal gastric mucosa. The incidence was lowest in those with duodenal ulcer, intestinal metaplasia not being found in any of this group.

Hypochlorhydria was found in 77 per cent of those with atrophic gastritis and in 13 per cent of those with normal mucosa. The accuracy of barium meal, gastroscopy and gastric photography in discriminating between those with atrophic and those with normal gastric mucosa was less accurate.

No significant haematological dilferences were found between the two groups of patients. Parietal cell antibodies were detected in the sera of 15 per cent of those cases with atrophic gastritis.
Surgery for Lumbar Disc Protrusions
Authors: Fulford Philip C.
Published: October 2021

A review of 50 consecutive cases of operation for proposed lumbar intervertebral disc is presented. Clinical diagnosis and the use of myelographs is discussed and operative technique outlined. Results are assessed in their Service background. These are comparable with other series, over three-quarters being excellent or good. Reasons for failure are discussed.
Lomotil – A Dangerous Drug
Authors: Marsh A. R. , Lammiman D.
Published: October 2021

The case histories of two children of an army family aged two and five years old, who were admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital, Gibraltar, after an overdose of Lomotil, is presented.
A Forgotten Cause of Vertigo
Authors: Head Peter W.
Published: October 2021

Vertigo is a very common cause for referral to an ENT Clinic, and a great number of tests, together with a consultant physicians opinion, may be required to elucidate the problem. Syphilis, especially in its congenital form, is often forgotten as a causal factor. The case discussed demonstrates the difficulties and pitfalls that may be encountered in arriving at the correct diagnosis.
The Planning of Haslar
Authors: Pugh P. D. Gordon
Published: October 2021

In recent years a number of hitherto unpublished plans of naval hospitals have turned up in various places, particularly libraries. This article is concerned with those relating to the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar. Through their study, much detail of the early history of the hospital, previously lacking, has come to light.
The Interpretation of Step Filtered Equivocal Brain Scintigrams
Authors: Houston A. S.
Published: October 2021

The step filter has previously been shown to be useful in assessing equivocal lesions in brain scinitigraphy. The filter is very simple, requires al most two minutes computing lime and, when the collimator characteristics are specified, is independent of the operator. It gives the clinician a number based on count statistics which he can relate to the equivocal area in question. The problem of interpretation is discussed and examples of normal, abnormal and equivocal brain scintigrams are displayed before and after filtering. Cases which require a certain amount of caution are also discussed.
Stenosis of the Larynx and Trachea due to Trauma
Authors: Jackson P. D.
Published: October 2021

Stenosis of the larynx and trachea as a result of trauma is becoming an increasingly common problem. This paper outlines the anatomical and pathological features: the management of established stenosis and the measures to minimise stenosis are discussed. Seven illustrative cases are presented.
Assessing the impact of curing on chloride penetration resistance of the concrete cover using sorptivity profiling
Authors: Karam Majed , Hooton R. Douglas
Published: October 2021

The chloride penetration resistance of the near-surface concrete cover depth is greatly influenced by the type and extent of curing provided. Very short or ineffective curing regimes result in less cement hydration and a more porous surface due to early evaporation of capillary water. The resultant depth-dependent capillary pore structure results in a depth-dependent resistance to ingress of aggressive fluids, such as chloride solutions. Without reliable performance test methods for pre-qualification and quality assurance, minimum requirements for curing in specifications for concrete structures exposed to chlorides are typically prescriptive. In this paper, a series of modified rate of absorption tests is used to describe and quantify the effect of curing on the chloride penetration resistance of two concretes subjected to four different curing regimes, including accelerated moist curing. The proposed test method can be used to optimize curing for durability performance and allow credit for use of accelerated curing.
Prediction of corrosion potential using the generalized artificial neural networks method
Authors: Chérifi Wafa Nor El Houda , Houmadi Youcef , Aissa Mamoune Sidi Mohammed
Published: October 2021

Reinforcement corrosion is one of the main phenomena determining the life of a structure. It can be tracked using methods based on several indicators of the probability of corrosion. These measures can be more or less lengthy and can require very specific equipment. In recent years, several non-destructive tests have been developed that are relatively fast and less costly based on the measurement of corrosion potential. In this study, a statistical analysis is performed, using a multiple linear regression, to test the reliability of the data obtained by experimental measurement of the corrosion potential. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are then used to develop a model to predict the corrosion potential of reinforcement in a concrete or mortar. The results indicate that the artificial neural network can predict corrosion potential with an acceptable degree of accuracy.
Electrospun Membrane for the Extraction of Acrylamide in Pet Food Samples
Authors: Basheer Chanbasha
Published: October 2021

A simple microextraction procedure was developed using an electrospun nanostructured membrane to determine acrylamide in pet food samples. Polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyethyl cellulose electrospun membranes were prepared and investigated as a sorbent to extract acrylamide. The characterization of the synthesized electrospun membrane was accomplished using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). FESEM images showed uniform morphology and beadless nanofibers. Quantification was done by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. A series of microextraction parameters were optimized before quantitative analysis of dry pet food samples. The calibration curve exhibited good linearity with a correlation coefficient of 0.996 across a 1–100 μg/kg concentration range. The recovery of acrylamide for pet food samples spiked with 5 and 10 μg/kg was in the range of 79.6–113.9 (n = 3). The intraday precision of the method was less than 12% for three replicated real spiked samples at the 5 μg/kg level. The results demonstrated that the electrospun nanostructured membrane has good extraction selectivity and minimal matrix effect with an enrichment factor of 180-fold.
Influence of Compression Thresholds and Maximum Power Output on Speech Understanding with Bone‐Anchored Hearing Systems
Authors: Gawliczek Tom , Wimmer Wilhelm , Caversaccio Marco , Kompis Martin
Published: October 2021

Bone‐anchored hearing systems (BAHS) transmit sound via osseointegrated implants behind the ear. They are used to treat patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss, but speech understanding may be limited especially in users with substantial additional cochlear hearing losses. In recent years, BAHS with higher maximum power output (MPO) and more advanced digital processing including loudness compression have become available. These features may be useful to increase speech understanding in users with mixed hearing loss. We have tested the effect of 4 combinations of two different MPO levels (highest level available and level reduced by 12 dB) and two different compression thresholds (CT) levels (50 dB and 65 dB sound pressure level) in 12 adult BAHS users on speech understanding in quiet and in noise. We have found that speech understanding in quiet was not influenced significantly by any of the changes in these two fitting parameters. In contrast, in users with average bone‐conduction (BC) threshold of 25 dB or more, speech understanding in noise was improved by +0.8 dB to +1.1 dB (p < 0.03) when using the higher MPO level. In this user group, there may be an additional, but very small benefit of +0.1 dB to +0.4 dB when using the lower rather than the higher CT value, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.27). In users with better average BC thresholds than 25 dB, none of the improvement was statistically significant. Higher MPOs and possibly, to a lesser degree, lower CTs seem to be able to improve speech understanding in noise in users with higher BC thresholds, but even their combined effect seems to be limited.
Textual Backdoor Attack for the Text Classification System
Authors: Kwon Hyun , Lee Sanghyun
Published: October 2021

Deep neural networks provide good performance for image recognition, speech recognition, text recognition, and pattern recognition. However, such networks are vulnerable to backdoor attacks. In a backdoor attack, normal data that do not include a specific trigger are correctly classified by the target model, but backdoor data that include the trigger are incorrectly classified by the target model. One advantage of a backdoor attack is that the attacker can use a specific trigger to attack at a desired time. In this study, we propose a backdoor attack targeting the BERT model, which is a classification system designed for use in the text domain. Under the proposed method, the model is additionally trained on a backdoor sentence that includes a specific trigger, and afterward, if the trigger is attached before or after an original sentence, it will be misclassified by the model. In our experimental evaluation, we used two movie review datasets (MR and IMDB). The results show that using the trigger word “ATTACK” at the beginning of an original sentence, the proposed backdoor method had a 100% attack success rate when approximately 1.0% and 0.9% of the training data consisted of backdoor samples, and it allowed the model to maintain an accuracy of 86.88% and 90.80% on the original samples in the MR and IMDB datasets, respectively.
MicroRNA-2355-5p Promotes the Proliferation of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Suppressing NISCH Expression
Authors: Zhang Hailin , Xie Wei , Liu Ying , Zhang Bocheng , Peng Mingjing , Li Sha , Sheng Xiaowu , Ren Huayi , Gong Qian , Li Zan , Luo Chenhui , Dai Jie , Zhou Xiao , Long Ying
Published: October 2021

Background. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators in various cancers. However, the potential role of miR-2355-5p in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) remains unclear. Methods. Bioinformatics methods were implemented to find the candidate target gene of miR-2355-5p. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect RNA expression levels of miR-2355-5p and NISCH, while western blot was carried out for the detection of protein levels of NISCH and cell cycle-related biomarkers. CCK-8, EdU staining, and flow cytometry were employed to measure cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. Dual-luciferase assay and RNA pulldown were conducted to verify the binding relationship between miR-2355-5p and NISCH. Results. The expression levels of miR-2355-5p and NISCH were, respectively, higher and lower in HNSC tissues than those in normal adjacent tissues. The transfection of the miR-2355-5p inhibitor suppressed cell proliferation by arresting the cells at the G1/S transition. The results of luciferase activity and RNA pulldown assays indicated that miR-2355-5p directly targeted the NISCH 3′-untranslated region. Furthermore, the effects of miR-2355-5p inhibition on cell proliferation were reversed after treatment with siRNA against NISCH. Conclusion. In summary, our findings indicate that miR-2355-5p promotes cell cycle progression in HNSC by targeting NISCH. Hence, targeting miR-2355-5p could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HNSC
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Secondary Metabolites from Trifolium baccarinii Chiov. (Fabaceae) and Their Mechanisms of Antibacterial Action
Authors: Tsamo Donald Léonel Feugap , Tamokou Jean-De-Dieu , Kengne Irene Chinda , Ngnokam Claudia Darille Jouogo , Djamalladine Mahamat Djamalladine , Voutquenne-Nazabadioko Laurence , Ngnokam David
Published: October 2021

The treatment of infectious diseases with antimicrobial agents continues to present problems in modern‐day medicine with many studies showing significant increase in the incidence of bacterial resistance to several antibiotics. The screening of antimicrobial activity of plant extracts and natural products has shown that medicinal plants are made up of a potential source of new anti‐infective agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of extracts and compounds from the whole plant Trifolium baccarinii Chiov. and to determine their modes of antibacterial action. The plant extracts were prepared by maceration in organic solvents. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated using the broth microdilution method. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2 ′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2 ′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) assays. The mechanisms of antibacterial action were determined by lysis, salt tolerance assays, and antioxidant enzyme activities. The cytotoxic effect on the erythrocytes was determined by a spectrophotometric method. Biochanin A, formononetin, luteolin, luteolin‐4 ′‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, 4,7,2 ′‐trihydroxy‐4 ′‐methoxyisoflavanol, sissotrin, 1‐methyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, ononin, D‐mannitol, and 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucuronopyranosylsoyasapogenol B were isolated from Trifolium baccarinii. The MeOH, EtOAc, and n‐BuOH extracts as well as biochanin A, formononetin, luteolin, luteolin‐4 ′‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, 4,7,2 ′‐trihydroxy‐4 ′‐methoxyisoflavanol, and sissotrin from Trifolium baccarinii displayed the highest antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The MeOH extract and 4,7,2 ′‐trihydroxy‐4 ′‐methoxyisoflavanol exhibited antibacterial activity through the bacteriolytic effect and reduction of the antioxidant defenses in the bacterial cells. The present study portrays Trifolium baccarinii as a potential natural source of antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant agents.
MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapeutic Targeting of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Mirahmadi Yegane , Nabavi Reza , Taheri Fourough , Samadian Mohammad Mahdi , Ghale-Noie Zari Naderi , Farjami Mahsa , Samadi-khouzani Abbas , Yousefi Meysam , Azhdari Sara , Salmaninejad Arash , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: October 2021

Ovarian cancer is the major cause of gynecologic cancer-related mortality. Regardless of outstanding advances, which have been made for improving the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian cancer, the majority of the patients will die of the disease. Late-stage diagnosis and the occurrence of recurrent cancer after treatment are the most important causes of the high mortality rate observed in ovarian cancer patients. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer may help find new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression, mostly at the posttranscriptional stage, through binding to mRNA targets and inducing translational repression or degradation of target via the RNA-induced silencing complex. Over the last two decades, the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of various human cancers, including ovarian cancer, has been documented in multiple studies. Consequently, these small RNAs could be considered as reliable markers for prognosis and early diagnosis. Furthermore, given the function of miRNAs in various cellular pathways, including cell survival and differentiation, targeting miRNAs could be an interesting approach for the treatment of human cancers. Here, we review our current understanding of the most updated role of the important dysregulation of miRNAs and their roles in the progression and metastasis of ovarian cancer. Furthermore, we meticulously discuss the significance of miRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic markers. Lastly, we mention the opportunities and the efforts made for targeting ovarian cancer through inhibition and/or stimulation of the miRNAs.
Research on Data Retrieval Algorithm of English Microlearning Teaching Based on Wireless Network Information Classification
Authors: Zheng Yufan
Published: October 2021

This paper introduces a data retrieval algorithm for teaching English microlearning based on the classification of wireless network information. There are two main types of information extracted from social network information: trust relationship and similarity relationship. To be able to make full use of these two kinds of information, they are then divided into two parts, respectively, namely, explicit and implicit trust relationships and global and local similarity relationships. Then, this paper proposes an adaptive adjustment of the weights, which can better model the user’s selection tendency. Finally, adequate experiments are conducted on two experimental data sets, and the retrieval model shows the best results, demonstrating that the impact of data sparsity on retrieval performance can be mitigated through the use of social network information. The general approach to the production of college English microcourse is described in terms of design principles, teaching analysis, teaching session design, script design, and recording processing, and the study of data retrieval algorithms for college English microcourse based on social network information classification is conducted in three stages: before, during, and after the class. It is verified through practice that the application of social network information classification to college English microlearning helps to improve learning interest, learning efficiency, independent learning ability, and thinking inquiry ability and provides certain teaching suggestions for college English microlearning based on practical feedback.
Cost-Effective Tween 80-Capped Copper Nanoparticles for Ultrasensitive Colorimetric Detection of Thiram Pesticide in Environmental Water Samples
Authors: Anh Nguyen Tuan , Dinh Ngo Xuan , Van Tuan Hoang , Thuan Tran Hung , Tung Le Minh , Le Van Phan , Tri Doan Quang , Le Anh-Tuan
Published: October 2021

Thiram plays a critical role in protecting fruits and vegetables from damage by various crop diseases, but its residues significantly affect the environment, such as soil and water pollution, and becoming a serious threat to human health. Herein, Tween 80-capped copper nanoparticles (Tween 80-CuNPs) were developed as a convenient and low-cost colorimetric probe for selective detection of thiram pesticide. In the presence of thiram, the color of Tween 80-capped CuNPs changed from dark brown to olive green and colorless at high thiram concentrations. The Tween 80-capped CuNPs-based colorimetric probe exhibited good selectivity and high sensitivity (LOD about 0.17 μM) with a high linearity level in the calibration range of 0.5–25 μM of thiram concentrations. The thiram limit of detection (LOD) of proposed sensor is lower than the maximum residue limit (MRL) regulated by the governments of EU and Vietnam. Moreover, the proposed sensor was successfully applied to determine thiram in tap water with percentage recovery of 98-107% and high repeatability (

RSD
=
1.9
%

). The obtained results indicated that Tween 80-capped CuNPs would become a cost-effective sensing platform for ultrahigh-sensitive thiram determination in the environmental water samples.
Numerical Simulation of Dynamic Response Characteristics of Cutting Coal and Rock by a Roller Coal Cutter
Authors: Fan Kesong , Feng Yutong , Kong Ruoyang , Wei Hua , Jiao Wenlong , Fu Chenghao , Zhou Yunsen
Published: October 2021

Currently, the identification technology of rock‐coal medium is not reliable and practical, so we cannot judge the cutting state of coal‐winning machine in real time. Different dynamic responses over different medium types of rock‐coal can indirectly reflect the physical and mechanical parameters of rock‐coal. In this study, we establish the 3‐D numerical model of cutting the rock and coal by the finite element numerical simulation software in which we obtain the whole process of numerical simulation of the roller cutting coal, mudstone, and sandstone, where different dynamic responses counterpart different types of rock and coal by means of numerical experiments. The results show that when the drum keeps the average speed of cutting coal and medium forward, the instantaneous speed which is close to the average speed will have a small jump. The average speed and the torque in the cutting process can be considered as good indices to evaluate the rock and coal types. The torque from high to low is as follows: sandstone, mudstone, and coal. The average speed from high to low is as follows: coal, mudstone, and sandstone. If the portion of rock is more, the torque is higher and the average speed is lower during cutting the roof foot. This research is helpful for identifying rock‐coal medium types by using related instrument to record the dynamic responses of rock‐coal medium types.
Experimental Study on the Evolution of Argillization of Mudstone and Cutter Wear during the TBM Tunnelling
Authors: Song Kanglei , Liu Bolong , Yang Haiqing
Published: October 2021

Argillization is a process in which clay‐bearing rocks disintegrate into the clay under the action of high temperature, pressure, and water. When tunnel boring machines (TBMs) excavate in the mudstone, argillization takes place, causing the clogging of the TBM cutterhead. As a result, the penetration rate drops gradually. Abnormal wear might occur. To investigate the evolution of argillization of mudstone and cutter wear during the TBM tunnelling, a series of rotary indentation tests were carried out on the self‐designed experimental bench for different loading times. During the test, the temperature and penetration depth of disc cutters were measured in real time. After loading, microstructures of cutting grooves, slacking mudstone, and worn cutter ring were observed by stereomicroscope. Consequently, the evolution of argillization in mudstone and cutter wear were investigated. Experimental results indicate that the argillization process of mudstone by disc cutter can be divided into three stages: mechanical cutting stage, deterioration of mudstone and the formation of slacking mudstone stage, and adherence of slacking mudstone stage. Specifically, at mechanical cutting stage, the rock was cut by cutter directly, causing high frictional heat. Then the microstructure of mudstone was deteriorated due to the water‐weakening mechanisms, temperature effect, and mechanical activation effect. Finally, the slacking mudstone was adhered to the disc cutter. Correspondingly, due to the argillization of mudstone, the disc cutter wear goes through the mechanical wear stage, argillization wear stage, and secondary wear stage in sequence. This investigation reveals the rock cutting mechanism of TBM considering the argillization of mudstone. Furthermore, it provides some references for design and operation of the TBM.
Mycosynthesis and Physicochemical Characterization of Vanadium Oxide Nanoparticles Using the Cell-Free Filtrate of Fusarium oxysporum and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxic and Antifungal Activities
Authors: Gholami-Shabani Mohammadhassan , Sotoodehnejadnematalahi Fattah , Shams-Ghahfarokhi Masoomeh , Eslamifar Ali , Razzaghi-Abyaneh Mehdi
Published: October 2021

Green nanotechnology is an expanding branch of knowledge in relation to producing efficient antifungal compounds with potential applications as nanomedicines. The aim of the current investigation was to mycosynthesize functional vanadium oxide nanoparticles (V2O5NPs) by Fusarium oxysporum cell-free filtrate using ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) as the substrate. Various spectrometric methods and electron microscopy were used to confirm the production of mycosynthesized V2O5NPs. FESEM and TEM images showed that V2O5NPs were in the size ranging from 10 to 20 nm in a spherical shape. The XRD pattern revealed the presence of crystalline, dominantly spherical V2O5NPs in the sample with a size ranging from 10 to 20 nm. The XRD peaks 15.2, 20.1, 21.6, 26.1, 30.9, 32.2, 33.1, 34.2, 41.0, 41.8, 45.3, 47.2, 48.6, 51.1, 51.9, 55.4, and 58.8 can be assigned to the plane of vanadium crystals and indicate that the V2O5NPs were face-centered, cubic, and crystalline in nature. The FTIR results showed the presence of some biomolecules in fungal cell-free filtrate that act as a bioreducing and capping agent for V2O5NP mycosynthesis. DLS showed that the size of V2O5NPs was 10-20 nm. Zeta potential showed −35.09 mV for V2O5NPs with a single peak. Study of antifungal activity of V2O5NPs against various pathogenic fungi in concentrations of 5, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL showed that V2O5NPs strongly inhibited both mycelium growth (20.3 to 67.3%) and spore germination (64.8 to 89.9%) dose-dependently. V2O5NPs showed strong cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell-line MCF-7 with anIC50value of 55.89 μg/mL. Microscopy images showed morphological changes and reduction of cancer cell populations in V2O5NP-treated MCF-7 cell-line. Taken together, our results demonstrated that bioactive V2O5NPs successfully synthesized by F. oxysporum could be considered a potential candidate in drug development against life-threatening fungal pathogens and as a feasible anticancer agent.
Radiation Recall Dermatitis following Radioactive Iodine Therapy: A New Observation
Authors: Chidobem Ikechukwu , Jokar Tahereh Orouji , Mgbodile Chisom , Mgbodile Francis , Bassil Ghassan , Khan Nazia
Published: October 2021

A 47-year-old female, who had previously received adjuvant right breast radiation for ductal carcinoma in situ, presented with right breast edema, erythema, and pain. This developed about two and a half weeks following radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid carcinoma. A biopsy was performed to rule out malignancy, since inflammatory breast cancer can present with similar symptoms. This confirmed radiation recall dermatitis (RRD) as the most likely diagnosis. RRD is an inflammatory reaction occurring in a previously irradiated field and was first described in 1959. Subsequent reports in the literature have associated it with the administration of other drugs, mostly chemotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of RRD following radioactive iodine therapy.