bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early developmental trajectories of expressive vocabulary and gesture production in a longitudinal cohort of Italian infants at high‐risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Riva Valentina , Caruso Angela , Apicella Fabio , Valeri Giovanni , Vicari Stefano , Molteni Massimo , Scattoni Maria Luisa
Published: March 2021

Delays in language are a hallmark feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, little is known about the predictive role of language developmental trajectories on ASD. The present study aimed at identifying early different language developmental profiles of infants at high familial risk for ASD (HR‐ASD) and testing their predictive role on ASD symptoms at 2 years. The role of gestures on socio‐communicative skills has also been explored. Trajectories of expressive vocabulary were investigated in 137 HR‐ASD infants at 12, 18, and, 24 months of age. Parents were requested to complete the Italian version of the MacArthur‐Bates Communicative Development Inventory and ASD symptoms were measured by ADOS‐2. Latent class growth analysis defined four trajectories: above average language development group (above‐average LD, 18.2%), normal language development group (NLD, 38.7%), late‐onset language development group (late‐onset LD, 11.7%), and a group of children with stable language delay (SLD, 31.4%). Results showed that the SLD group obtained higher communicative difficulties and restricted/repetitive behavior compared to the other groups. Examining early increase of produced gestures in the different language classes, we found fewer produced gestures between 12 and 18 months in the SLD group compared to the late‐onset LD group. The results identified clusters of HR infants who follow similar estimated trajectories based on individual differences in language development. These patterns of early language acquisition, together with produced gestures, may be predictive of later ASD symptoms and useful for planning prompt intervention.

Lay Summary

Language/gesture deficits are hallmark features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but the predictive role of communicative trajectories on ASD remains unclear. In a longitudinal Italian sample of infants at high familial risk for ASD (HR‐ASD), we tested if language trajectories and their link with gestures can predict ASD symptoms. We found four trajectories and HR infants with a stable language delay (SLD) trajectory showed more ASD symptoms later on. SLD infants produced fewer gestures compared to late‐onset language development group that show more typical communicative skills.
Modeling the Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Delgado Otalvaro Nirvana , Gül Bilir Pembe , Herrera Delgado Karla , Pitter Stephan , Sauer Jörg
Published: March 2021

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are designed and implemented to model the direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from syngas over a commercial catalyst system. The predictive power of the ANNs is assessed by comparison with the predictions of a lumped model parameterized to fit the same data used for ANN training. The ANN training converges much faster than the parameter estimation of the lumped model, and the predictions show a higher degree of accuracy under all conditions. Furthermore, the simulations show that the ANN predictions are also accurate even at some conditions beyond the validity range.
Population connectivity, dispersal, and swimming behavior inDaphnia
Authors: Tesson Sylvie V. M. , Sha Yongcui
Published: March 2021

The water fleaDaphniahas the capacity to respond rapidly to environmental stressors, to disperse over large geographical scales, and to preserve its genetic material by forming egg banks in the sediment. Spatial and temporal distributions ofD.magnahave been extensively studied over the last decades using behavioral or genetic tools, although the correlation between the two has rarely been the focus. In the present study, we therefore investigated the population genetic structure and behavioral response to a lethal threat, ultraviolet radiation (UVR), among individuals from two different water bodies. Our results show two genetic populations with moderate gene flow, highly correlated with geographical location and with inheritable traits through generations. However, despite the strong genetic differences between populations, we show homogeneous refuge demand between populations when exposed to the lethal threat solar UVR.
Seasonality of floral resources in relation to bee activity in agroecosystems
Authors: Guezen Jessica M. , Forrest Jessica R. K.
Published: March 2021

The contribution of wild insects to crop pollination is becoming increasingly important as global demand for crops dependent on animal pollination increases. If wild insect populations are to persist in agricultural landscapes, there must be sufficient resources over time and space. The temporal, within‐season component of floral resource availability has rarely been investigated, despite growing recognition of its likely importance for pollinator populations. Here, we examined the visitation rates of common bee genera and the spatiotemporal availability of floral resources in agroecosystems over one season to determine whether local wild bee activity was limited by landscape floral resource abundance, and if so, whether it was limited by the present or past abundance of landscape floral resources. Visitation rates and landscape floral resources were measured in 27 agricultural sites in Ontario and Québec, Canada, across four time periods and three spatial scales. Floral resources were determined based on species‐specific floral volume measurements, which we found to be highly correlated with published measurements of nectar sugar mass and pollen volume. Total floral volume at varying spatial scales predicted visits for commonly observed bee genera. We found Lasioglossum and Halictus visits were highest in landscapes that provided either a stable or increasing amount of floral resources over the season. Andrena visits were highest in landscapes with high floral resources at the start of the season, and Bombus visits appeared to be positively related to greater cumulative seasonal abundance of floral resources. These findings together suggest the importance of early‐season floral resources to bees. Megachile visits were negatively associated with the present abundance of floral resources, perhaps reflecting pollinator movement or dilution. Our research provides insight into how seasonal fluctuations in floral resources affect bee activity and how life history traits of bee genera influence their responses to food availability within agroecosystems.
A permeability evolution model of coal particle from the perspective of adsorption deformation
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Deyao , Xu Hao , Chu Xiangyu , Zhao Wei , Yang Yinlei
Published: March 2021

As an important indicator, permeability can predict the gas drainage yield and prevent the mine gas disasters. We first reviewed our previous inversion method to investigate permeability coefficient of gas in coal particles; however, the relationship between permeability and adsorption pressure had not been summarized and explained theoretically. Here, a permeability evolution model including two crucial parameters of initial permeability and deformation coefficient was developed. The inversion gas permeability coefficients were converted into permeability, and then, the permeability of the same coal sample was fitted according to the evolution model. The results show that (i) the modeled results are matched reasonably well with the inversion permeability data, and thus, this model has been validated; and (ii) as volatile matter content increases, the initial permeability decreases exponentially, but the deformation coefficient basically grows in a linear trend. These two parameters are coupling to lead to a negative exponential decrease in permeability as gas pressure rises.
Fog‐to‐Water for Water Scarcity in Climate‐Change Hazards Hotspots: Pilot Study in Southeast Asia
Authors: Ismail Zaitizila , Go Yun Ii
Published: March 2021

Water is indispensable for human survival. Freshwater scarcity and unsustainable water are the main growing concerns in the world. It is estimated that about 800 million people worldwide do not have basic access to drinking water and about 2.2 billion people do not have access to safe water supply. Southeast Asia is most likely to experience water scarcity and water demand as a result of climate change. Climate change and the increasing water demand that eventually contribute to water scarcity are focused upon here. For Southeast Asia to adapt to the adverse consequences of global climate change and the growing concern of environmental water demand, fog water harvesting is considered as the most promising method to overcome water scarcity or drought. Fog water collection technique is a passive, low maintenance, and sustainable option that can supply fresh drinking water to communities where fog is a common phenomenon. Fog water harvesting system involves the use of mesh nets to collect water as fog passes through them. Only minimal cost is required for the operation and maintenance. In conclusion, fog water harvesting seems to be a promising method that can be implemented to overcome water scarcity and water demand in Southeast Asia.
Survival outcomes in locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma presenting with clinical perineural invasion alone
Authors: Hazim Antonious Z. , Reed Clay T. , Price Katharine A. , Foote Robert L. , Ma Daniel J. , Neben‐Wittich Michelle , DeLone David R. , Jenkins Sarah M. , Smith Carin Y. , Chintakuntlawar Ashish V.
Published: March 2021

Background

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (CSCC) involving the head and neck are common, but initial presentation or recurrence limited to the cranial nerves is rare.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 21 patients with clinical perineural invasion (PNI) from CSCC and no measurable disease by RECIST 1.1. Patients treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy were included.

Results

The median time from symptom onset until diagnosis was 13.0 months (2.6–83.1). All patients received radiotherapy. Fourteen received concurrent systemic therapy. The median follow‐up time was 30.5 months (1.1–106.0). Ten patients recurred, with the majority being locoregional. The 2‐year overall survival rate was 85%. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 21.5 months with an estimated 2‐year PFS of 44.5% (95%CI: 22.3–66.8).

Conclusions

CSCCs with clinical PNI alone are difficult to diagnose and can have a long interval between appearance of symptoms and diagnosis. They can successfully be treated with chemoradiotherapy. However, many patients still suffer from locoregional recurrences.
Health workforce surge capacity during the COVID‐19 pandemic and other global respiratory disease outbreaks: A systematic review of health system requirements and responses
Authors: Gupta Neeru , Balcom Sarah A. , Gulliver Adrienne , Witherspoon Richelle L.
Published: March 2021

Health system decision‐makers need comprehensive evidence to mitigate surges in the demand for human resources for health (HRH) during infectious disease outbreaks. This study aimed to assess the state of the evidence on policy and planning responses to HRH surge capacity during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic and other viral respiratory disease outbreaks of global significance in the 21st century. We systematically searched eight bibliographic databases to extract primary research articles published between January 2000 and June 2020 capturing temporal changes in health workforce requirements and responses surrounding respiratory virus pandemics. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses standard, 16 studies met our inclusion criteria. Five focused on COVID‐19, three on H1N1, and eight modelled a hypothetical pandemic. Investigations of different training, mobilization, and redeployment options to address pandemic‐time health system capacity were reviewed; however, few scenarios drew on observational HRH data, and heterogeneity of study approaches and outcomes generally precluded comparability across contexts. Notable evidence gaps included occupational and psychosocial factors affecting healthcare workers' absenteeism and risk of burnout, gendered considerations of HRH capacity, evaluations in low‐ and lower‐middle income countries, and policy‐actionable assessments to inform post‐pandemic recovery and sustainability of services for noncommunicable disease management.
From lionizing to protecting health care workers during and after COVID‐19—systems solutions for human tragedies
Authors: Guillén Ethan , Buissonnière Marine , Lee Christopher T.
Published: March 2021

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, health care workers (HCWs) have been lauded as heroes, yet both before and during the pandemic, they lacked the protections needed to keep them safe. We summarize data on HCW infections and deaths during previous epidemics, the costs of the failure to protect them, and provide recommendations for strengthening HCW protections by investments in and implementation of infection prevention and control and water, sanitation, and hygiene programs, training and career development, and national and global monitoring of HCW infections. We must move from placing individuals at undue risk to accepting collective responsibility and accountability for the well‐being of our HCWs and take concrete actions to protect HCWs who risk their lives to protect patients and populations.
Rapid head‐pose detection for automated slice prescription of fetal‐brain MRI
Authors: Hoffmann Malte , Abaci Turk Esra , Gagoski Borjan , Morgan Leah , Wighton Paul , Tisdall Matthew Dylan , Reuter Martin , Adalsteinsson Elfar , Grant Patricia Ellen , Wald Lawrence L. , van der Kouwe André J. W.
Published: March 2021

In fetal‐brain MRI, head‐pose changes between prescription and acquisition present a challenge to obtaining the standard sagittal, coronal and axial views essential to clinical assessment. As motion limits acquisitions to thick slices that preclude retrospective resampling, technologists repeat ~55‐second stack‐of‐slices scans (HASTE) with incrementally reoriented field of view numerous times, deducing the head pose from previous stacks. To address this inefficient workflow, we propose a robust head‐pose detection algorithm using full‐uterus scout scans (EPI) which take ~5 seconds to acquire. Our ~2‐second procedure automatically locates the fetal brain and eyes, which we derive from maximally stable extremal regions (MSERs). The success rate of the method exceeds 94% in the third trimester, outperforming a trained technologist by up to 20%. The pipeline may be used to automatically orient the anatomical sequence, removing the need to estimate the head pose from 2D views and reducing delays during which motion can occur.
Tramadol aggravates cardiovascular toxicity in a rat model of alcoholism: Involvement of intermediate microfilament proteins and immune‐expressed osteopontin
Authors: Abdel Hamid Omaima I. , Sabik Laila M. E. , Abdelfadeel Karima F. , Shaban Sahar F.
Published: March 2021

Tramadol and alcohol are among commonly abused drugs. Although there are potential dangers reported upon their mixing, there are no previous reports describing this mixture's effects on the cardiovascular system (CVS). The aim was to study the effects of mixed alcohol and tramadol on the CVS of adult male rats. Fifty rats were divided into four groups: control, tramadol‐treated group, alcohol‐treated, and coadministration groups. Tramadol caused a significant increases in creatine kinase‐MB, troponin I, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, and a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity with histological alterations in sections of the heart and aorta and a significant increase in the area% of collagen fibers while there was a nonsignificant difference in body weight, heart weight, heart weight/body weight ratio, lipid profile, tissue tumor necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ, intermediate microfilament proteins (IFPs) {desmin, vimentin, connexin43} gene expression, mean area% of elastic fibers in aortic tissue and osteopontin expression in cardiac and aortic tissue. Alcohol treatment caused a significant change in all the measured parameters and more damage in histological sections. The changes were highest in the coadministration group. There was a strong positive correlation between the area% of collagen fibers and vimentin gene expression, and the area% of osteopontin expression was positively correlated to connexin43 in cardiac and vascular tissue. Tramadol causes CVS injury mainly through oxidative stresses, while the alcohol effect is multifactorial; mixing both aggravates CVS injury. The study also highlights the role of IFPs and osteopontin‐expression in inducing injury.
Incidental finding of accessory mitral valve tissue on routine adult echocardiography
Authors: Theodoropoulos Konstantinos C. , Avci Demir Fulya , Masoero Giovani , Lukban Benito Francisco , Fonseca Tiago , Monaghan Mark J. , Papachristidis Alexandros
Published: March 2021

Accessory mitral valve tissue is a rare congenital cardiac abnormality that sometimes can cause left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. We herein present the case of a 55‐year‐old male with an incidental finding of accessory mitral valve tissue on transthoracic echocardiography. The patient was managed conservatively as accessory tissue was not causing left ventricular outflow obstruction and there were no hemodynamic consequences.
Empirical antibiotics for acute cholecystitis—what generation of antibiotics is an appropriate choice? A prospective, randomized controlled study
Authors: Young Kim Eun , Ho Hong Tae
Published: March 2021

Background

In cases of acute cholecystitis (AC), empirical antibiotics are used to prevent infectious morbidities following cholecystectomy. However, there are still no exact guidelines on which antibiotics to use.

Methods

We enrolled 300 patients who had been admitted for cholecystectomy because of grade I or II AC. We randomly allocated them to one of two groups empirically: the first group was to be given first‐generation cephalosporins (group I, 150 patients) and the second group was to be given second‐generation cephalosporins (group II, 150 patients). We analyzed the clinical outcomes and the incidence of postoperative infectious morbidities.

Results

The incidence rate of overall infectious morbidities (18 cases, 12% in group I; 17 cases, 11.3% in group II; P = .859) showed no difference between the two groups. The incidence rate of sepsis (only one case, 0.7% in group II, P = 1.000) or surgical site infection (nine cases, 6% in group I and eight cases, 5.3% in group II, P = 1.000) were also similar in both groups.

Conclusions

The empirical use of first‐generation cephalosporins for mild‐to‐moderate AC without gallbladder perforation was not inferior to using second‐generation cephalosporin for prophylaxis against postoperative infection. Our results could allow for a tailored treatment strategy of empirical antibiotics according to the severity of the cholecystitis.
Quantification of crustacean tropomyosin in foods using high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Ge Minmin , Sun Lirui , Ahmed Ishfaq , Li Wenjie , Lin Hang , Lin Hong , Li Zhenxing
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Allergic reactions to crustacean products have been increasing owing to the rising consumption. Tropomyosin (TM) is the main crustacean allergen; it has a coiled‐coil structure, which shows stability to various food processing methods. Crustacean processed products have been used in several food products, thereby causing greater difficulties in detecting TM in these products. We aimed to develop an assay based on high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the accurate and reproducible quantification of crustacean TM in foods.

RESULTS

The three peptides IQLLEEDLER, LAEASQAADESER, and IVELEEELR were selected as peptide markers, and the peptide IVELEEELR was selected as the quantitative marker. Extraction conditions and enzymatic digestion conditions were completely optimized. The extraction solution of Tris–hydrochloric acid buffer (50 mmol L−1, pH 7.4) containing 1 mol L−1 potassium chloride and the enzymatic treatment at 1:15 ratio (enzyme/protein, m/m) for 13 h showed excellent efficiency. The method exhibited a good linear relationship, with the qualified coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9994) in the wide range of 1 to 1000 μg L−1. The accuracy was validated based on spiked recovery at three spiking levels (12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 μg kg−1, TM/matrix) in blank matrices that included chicken sausages, beef balls, and egg–milk biscuits. The recoveries ranged from 91% to 109% with qualified relative standard deviations <15% with the limit of quantification (of 1.6 mg kg−1, TM/matrix).

CONCLUSION

This new approach can be used for the qualitative and quantitative detection of crustacean TM in various food matrices. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Formulation and characterization of zein/chitosan complex particles stabilized Pickering emulsion with the encapsulation and delivery of vitamin D3
Authors: Shah B R , Xu W , Mráz J
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Pickering emulsions (PEs) which are stabilized by solid particles instead of surfactants have recently attracted tremendous attentions due to their non‐toxic and long‐term stable nature. In the current study, we fabricated and characterized zein (ZN)/chitosan (CS) complex particles (ZNCSPs) stabilized PE for the encapsulation and delivery of vitamin D3.

RESULTS

The ZNCSPs were synthesized with different ratios, i.e. 1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2 to investigate the optimum ratio. Transmission electron microscopy observations showed the spherical nature with smooth surface of the obtained particles in the case of ZNCS ratio 1:1.5 and 1:2. Furthermore, ζ‐potential values for the these particles were 32.53 ± 1.3 and 52.86 ± 0.68 mV respectively, indicating particles with (1:2) being more stable than 1:1.5. Thereafter, using these particles, the PEs were successfully formulated with different oil (medium chain triglyceride) fractions (330, 500 and 660 g kg−1). The emulsions were evaluated for stability during storage and against different environmental factors including pH, temperature and ionic strength on the creaming indices (CIs) of these emulsions. The results demonstrated that the PEs with oil fractions 330 and 500 g kg−1 exhibited significant stability during storage, particularly the ones with 500 g kg−1 oil fractions which were stable against all the tested parameters. Finally, the prepared PEs were evaluated as efficient delivery system by encapsulating and delivering vitamin D3. In vitro drug release profile confirmed sustained and controlled release of the encapsulated vitamin D3.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our findings suggest that ZNCSPs can be promising stabilizers for stable PEs that can be used as potential delivery systems in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Predicting Bald Eagle Collision at Wind Energy Facilities
Authors: Nasman Kristen , Bay Kimberly , Mattson Todd , Leckband Jesse , Becker Drew
Published: March 2021

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are currently protected in the United States under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 and Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Given these protections and the increasing development of wind energy throughout the United States, it is important for regulators and the wind industry to understand the risk of bald eagle collisions with wind turbines. Prior probability distributions for eagle exposure rates and collision rates have been developed for golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Given similar information has not been available for bald eagles, the current recommendation by the USFWS is to use the prior probability distributions developed using data collected on golden eagles to predict take for bald eagles. But some evidence suggests that bald and golden eagles may be at different risk for collision with wind turbines and the prior probability distributions developed for golden eagles may not be appropriate for bald eagles. We developed prior probability distributions using data collected at MidAmerican Energy Company's operating wind energy facilities in Iowa, USA, from December 2014 to March 2017 for bald eagle exposure rates and collision rates. The prior probability distribution for collision rate developed for bald eagles has a lower mean collision rate and less variability relative to that developed for golden eagles. We determined that the prior probability distributions specific to bald eagles from these operating facilities are a better starting point for predicting take for bald eagles at operating wind energy facilities in an agricultural landscape than those developed for golden eagles. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
The metabolic signatures of cardiometabolic diseases: Does the shared metabotype offer new therapeutic targets?
Authors: Amin Arwa M.
Published: March 2021

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are the most common, noncommunicable diseases that claim many lives every year. CMDs have great impact on public health, often driving the attention of healthcare resources to prevent and treat them. CMDs include cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Deep understanding of the root causes and pathogenic factors of CMDs would help in their effective prevention and treatment. Metabolomic profiling of biosamples usually sheds light on the metabolic biomarkers and the involved pathways. Metabolomic analysis to identify CMDs metabotypes revealed that they share similar metabolic signatures and metabolic pathways. These metabolic pathways may indicate the presence of insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, low‐grade inflammation, and dysbiotic gut microbiota. This study is aimed to review the literature on the common metabolic biomarkers of CMDs as well as the shared pathways that can be targeted by dietary interventions and pharmacologic treatment.
Investigation of the Dual Polymerization of Rapid Curing Organophosphorous Modified Epoxy/Amine Resins and Subsequent Flame Retardancy
Authors: Seraji Seyed Mohsen , Gan Houlei , Issazadeh Salumeh , Varley Russell J.
Published: March 2021

In this work, two rapid curing, low viscosity phosphorous modified epoxy amine resin systems are simultaneously cured via chain growth and step growth mechanisms. Anionic chain growth polymerization is catalyzed by a Lewis base using 2‐ethyl‐4‐methylimidazole (2E4MI), while cationic chain growth polymerization is catalyzed using a Lewis acid boron trifluoride ethyl amine (BF3). The effects of these catalysts and increasing chemical incorporation of 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxy‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) on the cure reaction, chemorheology, and flame retardancy are investigated. The 2E4MI catalyst accelerates the onset of cure, but retards cure at higher DOPO concentrations. The addition of BF3 also accelerates the onset of reaction further, but does not significantly retard cure with increasing DOPO. Increasing DOPO reduces the glass transition temperature regardless of catalyst but the imidazole displays a larger reduction. These contrasting effects are discussed in terms of the increased concentration of hydroxyl groups from DOPO retarding anionic polymerization, while establishing a secondary propagating reaction mechanism in the case of cationic polymerization. Rheological studies show that these formulations remain ideal for liquid molding fabrication technologies, while the cured resins maintain a V0 fire rating according to the UL‐94 test and are promising candidates for the rapid manufacture of fire resistant composites.
Influence of the Mixing Ratio on the Dynamics of Polymer Segments in Polyelectrolyte Complexes
Authors: Lappan Uwe , Naas Carolin , Scheler Ulrich
Published: March 2021

The rotational dynamics of the spin‐labeled polyacid poly(ethylene‐alt‐maleic acid) (P(E‐alt‐MA)) in polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) formed with the polycations poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) are studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy as a function of the mixing ratio of polycation and polyanion. At low mixing ratios a superposition of two spectral components is found. The fast‐motion component observed arises from chain segments of the polyacid in excess, which form a stabilizing shell around the PEC particles. The other one is a slow‐motion component, which is caused by the interaction of charged chain segments of the polyacid with the oppositely charged segments of the polycation in the core. At high mixing ratios, the spectra are dominated by the slow‐motion component, because the polyacid is exclusively located in the core. The study has shown that the outer extrema separation of the slow‐motion component decreases with increasing mixing ratio, i.e., the rotational mobility of the polyacid segments in the core increases when the excess of the polycation becomes larger. An increasing number of extrinsic polycation sites within the core of the PECs which reduces the density of intrinsic binding sites are assumed to be the reason.
Dynamic behavior of nanobeams under axial loads: Integral elasticity modeling and size‐dependent eigenfrequencies assessment
Authors: Barretta Raffaele , Čanađija Marko , Marotti de Sciarra Francesco , Skoblar Ante , Žigulić Roberto
Published: March 2021

In this article, eigenfrequencies of nanobeams under axial loads are assessed by making recourse to the well‐posed stress‐driven nonlocal model (SDM) and strain‐driven two‐phase local/nonlocal model (StrainTPM) of elasticity and Bernoulli–Euler kinematics. The developed nonlocal methodologies are applicable to a wide variety of nano‐engineered materials, such as carbon nanotubes, and modern small‐scale beam‐like devices of nanotechnological interest. Eigenfrequencies calculated using SDM are compared with those obtained by StrainTPM and by other nonlocal outcomes available in literature. Influence of nonlocal thermoelastic effects and initial axial force (tension and compression) on dynamic responses are analyzed and discussed.
A simulation study of cell size and volume fraction mapping for tissue with two underlying cell populations using diffusion‐weighted MRI
Authors: Xing Shu , Levesque Ives R.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To propose a method for voxel‐wise estimation of cell radii and volume fractions of two cell populations when they coexist in the same MR voxel using the combination of diffusion‐weighted MRI and microstructural modeling.

Method

Microstructure models were investigated using diffusion data simulated with the matrix method for a range of microstructures mimicking tumor tissue with two cell populations, using acquisition parameters available on preclinical scanners. The effect of noise was investigated for a subset of these microstructures. The accuracy and precision of the estimated radii and volume fractions for large and small cells were evaluated by comparing the estimates to their true values. The stability of model fitting was characterized by the percentage of accepted fits.

Results

The estimation accuracy and precision, and thus the ability to robustly distinguish the two cell populations, depended on the microstructural properties and SNR. For a SNR of 50, a minimum difference of 3 μm between the radius of the large and small cell populations was required for differentiation. Proposed modifications to the two cell population microstructure model, including constrained fits, improved the stability of fits.

Conclusions

This proof‐of‐concept study proposed a diffusion MRI‐based method for voxel‐wise estimation of cell radii and volume fractions of two cell populations when they coexist in the same MR voxel. The ability to reliably characterize tissue with two cell populations opens exciting avenues of potential applications in both tumor diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
Highly accelerated subtractive femoral non‐contrast‐enhanced MRA using compressed sensing with k‐space subtraction, phase and intensity correction
Authors: Li Hao , Graves Martin J. , Shaida Nadeem , Prashar Akash , Lomas David J. , Priest Andrew N.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To develop an improved reconstruction method, k‐space subtraction with phase and intensity correction (KSPIC), for highly accelerated, subtractive, non‐contrast‐enhanced MRA.

Methods

The KSPIC method is based on k‐space subtraction of complex raw data. It applies a phase‐correction procedure to restore the polarity of negative signals caused by subtraction and an intensity‐correction procedure to improve background suppression and thereby sparsity. Ten retrospectively undersampled data sets and 10 groups of prospectively undersampled data sets were acquired in 12 healthy volunteers. The performance of KSPIC was compared with another improved reconstruction based on combined magnitude subtraction, as well as with conventional k‐space subtraction reconstruction and magnitude subtraction reconstruction, both using quantitative metrics and using subjective quality scoring.

Results

In the quantitative evaluation, KSPIC had the best performance in terms of peak SNR, structural similarity index measure, contrast‐to‐noise ratio of artery‐to‐background and sharpness, especially at high acceleration factors. The KSPIC method also had the highest subjective scores for all acceleration factors in terms of vessel delineation, image noise and artifact, and background contamination. The acquisition can be accelerated by a factor of 20 without significant decreases of subjective scores. The optimal size of the phase‐correction region was found to be 12‐20 pixels in this study.

Conclusion

Compared with combined magnitude subtraction and conventional reconstructions, KSPIC has the best performance in all of the quantitative and qualitative measurements, permitting good image quality to be maintained up to higher accelerations. The KSPIC method has the potential to further reduce the acquisition time of subtractive MRA for clinical examinations.
Konferenzen und Corona ‐ Routineaufgaben, digitale Kaffeepausen, Chatdiskussionen
Authors: Micheel Mathias , Hniopek Julian , Schwiedrzik Ludwig , Hofmeister Elisabeth , Müller Carolin , Putra Miftahussurur Hamidi , Wintergerst Pascal
Published: March 2021

In der fortdauernden Covid‐19‐Pandemie versuchen junge Wissenschaftler und Wissenschaftlerinnen, den akademischen Austausch digital aufrechtzuerhalten. Open‐Source‐Programme bieten dabei oft eine schnelle und machbare Alternative , um sich zu vernetzen.
Mehr Geld für Forschung
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: March 2021

Der Kongress in den USA stimmt für etwas höhere Forschungsbudgets. Einen Schwerpunkt bilden Programme gegen die Klimaerwärmung.
Sicherheit und Menschenrechte
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: March 2021

Der Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst formuliert Auswahlkriterien für Wissenschaftler, die mit Hochschulen im Ausland zusammenarbeiten wollen.
Coupling of non‐ordinary state‐based peridynamics and finite element method for fracture propagation in saturated porous media
Authors: Sun Wei , Fish Jacob
Published: March 2021

In the present manuscript fracture propagation in a saturated porous medium is modeled based on the classical Biot theory, where solid skeleton and fluid flow are represented by separate two layers. The non‐ordinary state‐based peridynamics (NOSBPD) layer is employed to capture deformation including fracturing of the solid skeleton, while the fluid flow is controlled by the finite element method (FEM) layer. The interaction between the layers is realized by considering the effects of pore pressure from the FEM layer on the NOSBPD layer and, vice versa, the effect of the volumetric strain, porosity, and permeability variations from the NOSBPD layer on the FEM layer. The coupling terms retain their parent characteristics, that is, the interaction term in the momentum balance equation is approximated by the local FEM formulation whereas the interaction term in the mass balance equation is approximated by the nonlocal NOSBPD formulation. By doing so, the model retains the flexibility of coupling two independent discretizations. The coupled system is solved by a fully implicit solution scheme. The accuracy of the proposed method has been verified against available closed‐form solutions and published numerical approaches for the pressure‐ and fluid‐driven facture propagation problems.
Geometrically exact hybrid beam element based on nonlinear programming
Authors: Lyritsakis Charilaos M. , Andriotis Charalampos P. , Papakonstantinou Konstantinos G.
Published: March 2021

This work presents a hybrid shear‐flexible beam‐element, capable of capturing arbitrarily large inelastic displacements and rotations of planar frame structures with just one element per member. Following Reissner's geometrically exact theory, the finite element problem is herein formulated within nonlinear programming principles, where the total potential energy is treated as the objective function and the exact strain‐displacement relations are imposed as kinematic constraints. The approximation of integral expressions is conducted by an appropriate quadrature, and by introducing Lagrange multipliers, the Lagrangian of the minimization program is formed and solutions are sought based on the satisfaction of necessary optimality conditions. In addition to displacement degrees of freedom at the two element edge nodes, strain measures of the centroid act as unknown variables at the quadrature points, while only the curvature field is interpolated, to enforce compatibility throughout the element. Inelastic calculations are carried out by numerical integration of the material stress‐strain law at the cross‐section level. The locking‐free behavior of the element is presented and discussed, and its overall performance is demonstrated on a set of well‐known numerical examples. Results are compared with analytical solutions, where available, and outcomes based on flexibility‐based beam elements and quadrilateral elements, verifying the efficiency of the formulation.
Pivoting to online laboratories due to COVID‐19 using the Science of Agriculture digital tools: A case study
Authors: Brevik Eric C. , Ulery April , Muise Amy Smith
Published: March 2021

On 12 Mar. 2020 Dickinson State University moved all classes to distance delivery (DD) in response to COVID‐19. Faculty had only a brief opportunity to plan, as the turn‐around to DD was very rapid. Meaningful laboratory exercises were needed for SOIL 210–Introduction to Soil Science. The senior author learned about the Science of Agriculture (SoA) website on a discussion board created by the Soil Science Society of America, which provided links to distance education resources. Most of the resources from SoA addressed topics still to be covered in SOIL 210, and four of the semester's final six labs were developed using SoA: Understanding Data and Chemistry, Soil Chemistry, Dryland Soils, and Microbiology and Nitrogen. Materials available on the SoA website include video clips, interactive exercises, and virtual labs. Although the virtual labs, with the exception of Sorption!, are not soil science focused, they cover basic skills that soil scientists use. Each of the four labs utilized four to eight of the activities (video clips, interactive activities, and/or virtual labs) available on SoA, depending on the length of time each activity was expected to take and the number of activities available for the given topic. Students were asked to answer specific questions related to their lab experience with the digital activities. The SoA website provided useful tools to develop meaningful experiences for the SOIL 210 students in lieu of their traditional laboratory exercises.
Where the snags are: Looking into bird bones
Authors: Wertz Krzysztof , Tornberg Risto , Huhtala Kauko , Diakowski Marcin , Kotowski Jakub , Kot Małgorzata
Published: March 2021

A study of bird remains from the Koziarnia Cave (Poland) revealed the presence of nearly a dozen bony shreds (snags) projecting from the natural canals in bones; the snags were made of a material that accumulated during the Late Pleistocene. This paper describes this phenomenon and determines the most probable agent responsible for its occurrence by utilizing observations of snag microstructure, taphonomic analysis of bird assemblages from Koziarnia Cave, and surveys of collected bird remains (modern and fossilized). The presence of snag may be a good qualitative indicator of an agent responsible for the accumulation of bird bones at archeological sites and could be useful in future taphonomic studies.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and the Efficacy of Chemotherapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Phase III Trial (AXEPT)
Authors: Kim Sun Young , Lee Ji Sung , Kang Junho , Morita Satoshi , Park Young Suk , Sakamoto Junichi , Muro Kei , Xu Rui-Hua , Kim Tae Won
Published: March 2021

Background

Concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with capecitabine was suggested to be associated with poor outcomes in gastrointestinal cancers. We analyzed the differential impact of PPI use on capecitabine and fluorouracil using the data set from the AXEPT trial, a phase III randomized trial that demonstrated the noninferiority of mXELIRI (modified XELIRI: capecitabine plus irinotecan) to FOLFIRI (leucovorin, fluorouracil, and irinotecan), either with or without bevacizumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Patients and Methods

Out of the per-protocol set (n = 620), patients with information on concomitant medications (n = 482) were included in this post hoc analysis. PPI use was defined as concomitant exposure of capecitabine and the use of any PPI for 20% or more of the study period. The treatment-by-PPI-use interaction was examined after adjusting for stratification factors.

Results

Of the 482 patients, 49 (10.1%) used PPI. Among the PPI users, the mXELIRI group tended to have poorer overall survival compared with the FOLFIRI group. In contrast, among the nonusers, the overall survival of the mXELIRI group was significantly better than that of the FOLFIRI group. Similarly, a trend of worse progression-free survival with mXELIRI compared with FOLFIRI was observed in PPI users but not in nonusers. Treatment-by-PPI-use interaction was significant for overall survival and progression-free survival.

Conclusion

The significant interaction between PPI use and the type of fluoropyrimidine in terms of overall and progression-free survival suggests that fluorouracil could be a more favorable option than capecitabine for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer using PPIs.

Implications for Practice

This study showed a significant interaction between the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the type of fluoropyrimidines. This interaction mainly comes from the positive impact of PPIs in the survival outcomes in the fluorouracil arm rather than a negative impact of PPIs in the capecitabine arm. The possible drug-drug interaction shown in this study suggests that fluorouracil, rather than capecitabine, could be a more appropriate choice of fluoropyrimidine for patients who are taking PPIs in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
Metastatic neuroblastoma masquerading as infantile hemangioma in a 4‐month‐old child
Authors: Karkoska Kristine , Ricci Kiersten , VandenHeuvel Katherine , Trout Andrew T. , Smith Ethan A. , Kotagal Meera , Weiss Brian
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Diffuse liver lesions in an infant have a differential diagnosis including infantile hemangioma (IH), which is common in the first year of life, and neuroblastoma (NBL) which presents at a median age of 18 months.

Results

We describe the case of a 4‐month‐old girl with a known superficial/deep IH who presented with new axillary nodules and hepatosplenomegaly, initially suspected to reflect IH but later determined to be widely metastatic NBL.

Conclusion

Hepatic IH and metastatic NBL can present similarly. Clinicians must maintain a broad differential when evaluating new findings in a patient with previously diagnosed IH.
Gratitude affects moral disgust: From the perspective of social norm theory
Authors: He Qionghua , Xiang Yanhui , Dong Xia , Zhao Jiaxu
Published: March 2021

The present research verified the relationship between gratitude and moral disgust and explored its internal mechanism based on the social norm theory for the first time. In this study, 979 participants were recruited and required to complete the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ), the Moral Disgust Questionnaire (MD), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC). Data were then analyzed via structural equation model. The results demonstrated that gratitude indirectly affects moral disgust through the chain path of social support → resilience rather than being directly mediated by social support and resilience. From the perspective of social norm theory, the current research reveals the internal mechanism between gratitude and moral disgust, which is of great significance to expand our understanding of theory and apply it to practice.
Frequenzkamm‐Spektroskopie am Wasserstoffatom
Authors: Udem Thomas , Grinin Alexey
Published: March 2021

Der Doppler‐Effekt ist ein großer Störfaktor bei der Spektroskopie von Gasen. Bei der Zweiphotonenspektroskopie mit Hilfe eines Frequenzkamms lässt er sich weitgehend vermeiden.
Radical ring‐opening polymerization of lipoates: Kinetic and thermodynamic aspects
Authors: Raeisi Mojdeh , Tsarevsky Nicolay V.
Published: March 2021

The radical ring‐opening polymerization of a lipoate‐based monomer, ethyl lipoate, in bulk and in solution was studied at various temperatures and it was found that in all cases, only limited (plateau) conversions were reached, which were lower at higher temperatures and/or at higher dilutions. It was established that a monomer‐polymer equilibrium exists with a corresponding ceiling temperature of 139°C. Due to the reversibility of the lipoate polymerization, when poly(ethyl lipoate) was heated to 150°C, it degraded and within 3 h, the molecular weight decreased to less than 15% of the initial value. Likewise, when the polymer was dissolved in anisole and a radical initiator was added, degradation was observed even at 60°C and it became increasingly pronounced at higher concentrations of the radical source. Due to the presence of multiple disulfide groups in the backbone, poly(ethyl lipoate) also degraded in the presence of reducing agents, such as tributylphosphine, yielding the reduced (dithiol) form of the monomer, ethyl dihydrolipoate.
Psychological symptoms and patterns of mobile application use for young adult cancer survivors
Authors: Ahmad Zeba N. , Benedict Catherine , Hotchkiss Maiya , Ford Jennifer S.
Published: March 2021

Key Points

What's already known about this topic?

Young adult (YA; aged 18–39) cancer survivors report social isolation and unmet needs for social, emotional, and informational support.

Mobile health applications offer a unique and scalable opportunity to provide access to YA peers and other resources, overcoming geographical distance and financial burden

App features such as group chats, private messaging and “matching” to peers by age or cancer type serve to build relationships between YA survivors.

Despite reporting moderately high perceived socioemotional support from their existing networks, YAs with more frequent symptoms of anxiety were the most likely to use the private messaging feature on the app.

In addition to targeting supportive mobile health apps to YA survivors, assessing the mental health status of users and observing patterns of app usage can be used to tailor and improve uptake and utility.