bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Atypical Femoral Fracture and Its Mortality in a Single Center in Singapore
Authors: Gani Linsey , Anthony Natasha , Dacay Lily , Tan Pei , Chong Le Roy , King Thomas FJ
Published: May 2021

Bisphosphonates (BP) are the most commonly prescribed effective form of osteoporosis treatment with adverse effects associated with prolonged use such as atypical femoral fractures (AFF). Asians have an elevated risk of AFF at 5 to 6 times those of whites and Hispanics. In this study, we characterize factors associated with AFF and its mortality in a single center in Singapore. We conducted a cohort study of subjects older than 50 years admitted to Changi General Hospital (CGH), Singapore, with fragility subtrochanteric femoral fractures from 2009 to 2015. Using the ASBMR 2014 criteria, fractures are classified into atypical and typical subtrochanteric femoral fractures. CGH uses a nationalized electronic health record that allows review of information on patients' demographics, clinical history and previous investigations. Mortality was assessed as of December 31, 2019. Between 2009 and 2015, there were 3097 hip fractures, of which 393 were subtrochanteric femoral fractures and 69 were classified as AFF by ASBMR 2014 criteria. A total of 52.2% of AFF occurred with BP exposure of median duration 56.5 (28 to 66) months. Multivariate regression showed that BP exposure was associated with the highest risk of AFF (odds ratio [OR] = 6.65 [2.35–18.9]). AFF patients had higher 5‐year survival (0.85 versus 0.62, p = 0.001) compared with typical subtrochanteric fracture patients. However, after adjusting for variables, the type of subtrochanteric femoral fractures were no longer significantly associated with progression to death, whereas older age, higher mean Charlson comorbidity score, and Malay ethnicity were the strongest predictors of death. AFF constitutes a small proportion of hip and femoral fractures with prolonged BP use being the highest risk factor for its development. There is no evidence of increased mortality or morbidity in patients with AFF compared with the typical subtrochanteric fracture. The fear of AFF should not impede treatment of typical osteoporotic fractures in this population. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Transdiagnostic conceptualization of social avoidance through the lens of personality functioning and traits
Authors: Bach Bo , Eikenæs Ingeborg Ulltveit‐Moe
Published: May 2021

This commentary seeks to highlight how social avoidance is portrayed in the six presented case‐reports from the perspective of self‐ and interpersonal functioning as well as stylistic trait features of negative affectivity (e.g., anxiousness and shame) and detachment (e.g., social withdrawal and emotional restriction). This approach to avoidance and social isolation will subsequently be generalized to a range of mental disorders where such features play a significant role. We propose that self and interpersonal functioning along with traits of negative affectivity and detachment may serve as a transdiagnostic framework for describing features of avoidance and social isolation across different treatment models, traditions, and disorders. We specifically assume that future developments of the promising treatment approaches presented in the current collection of case reports may benefit from such a “shared” framework for conceptualizing and treating self‐ and interpersonal problems related to avoidance and social isolation.
Body composition reference ranges in community‐dwelling adults using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry: the Australian Body Composition (ABC) Study
Authors: Kirk Ben , Bani Hassan Ebrahim , Brennan‐Olsen Sharon , Vogrin Sara , Bird Stefanie , Zanker Jesse , Phu Steven , Meerkin Jarrod D. , Heymsfield Steven B. , Duque Gustavo
Published: May 2021

Background

Reference ranges for lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) are essential in identifying soft tissue disorders; however, no such reference ranges exist for the most commonly used Hologic dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) machine in Australia.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of community‐dwelling adults (aged 18–88 years) who underwent a Hologic DXA scan at one of three commercialized densitometry centres in Australia. Age‐specific and sex‐specific percentile curves were generated for LM [LM, appendicular lean mass (ALM), ALM adjusted for height squared (ALM/h2), and ALM adjusted for body mass index (ALM/BMI)] and FM [FM, FM adjusted for height squared (FM/h2), appendicular fat mass, and android and gynoid fat] parameters using the LMS statistical method. Cutpoints equivalent to T‐scores of −1, −2, and −2.5 standard deviations below the young mean reference group (20–29 years) were also generated for LM parameters.

Results

A total of 15 479 community‐dwelling adults (54% men) with a median age of 33 years (interquartile range: 28, 42) were included. LM, ALM, and ALM/h2 remained stable until age 50, after which these parameters started to decline in both sexes. Compared with age 50, median percentiles of LM, ALM, and ALM/h2 declined by −5.9 kg, −3.7 kg, and −0.86 kg/m2 in men and by −2.5 kg, −1.8 kg, and −0.10 kg/m2 in women at age 70, respectively. Adjusting ALM for BMI (rather than height squared) resulted in different trends, with ALM/BMI decreasing from as early as age 20. Compared with age 20, median percentiles of ALM/BMI at age 40 declined by −0.10 kg/kg/m2 in men and by −0.06 kg/kg/m2 in women; and at age 70, ALM/BMI declined by −0.25 kg/kg/m2 in men and by −0.20 kg/kg/m2 in women. Cutpoints equivalent to T‐scores of −1, −2, and −2.5 standard deviations for ALM/BMI were 1.01, 0.86, and 0.77 kg/kg/m2 in men and 0.70, 0.59, and 0.53 kg/kg/m2 in women, respectively. All FM parameters progressively increased from age 20 and continued up until age 70.

Conclusions

We developed reference ranges for LM and FM parameters from Hologic DXA machines in a large cohort of Australian adults, which will assist researchers and clinicians in identifying soft tissue disorders such as obesity, sarcopenia, and cachexia.
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: An unusual case
Authors: Li Tian‐gang , Ma Bin , Tie Hong‐xia , Zhang Qing‐hua , Hao Sheng‐ju , Guan Chong‐li
Published: May 2021

X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) is a rare congenital genetic disorder caused by mutations in the ectodysplasin A gene, resulting in dysplasia or complete absence of teeth, hair, and sweat glands. XLHED is rarely diagnosed prenatally. We describe a case of XLHED diagnosed with prenatal sonography and umbilical cord blood gene testing.
Authentication through gender classification from iris images using support vector machine
Authors: Khan Amjad Rehman , Doosti Fatemeh , Karimi Mohsen , Harouni Majid , Tariq Usman , Fati Suliman Mohamed , Ali Bahaj Saeed
Published: May 2021

Soft biometric information, such as gender, iris, and voice, can be helpful in various applications, such as security, authentication, and validation. Iris is secure biometrics with low forgery and error rates due to its highly certain features are being used in the last few decades. Iris recognition could be used both independently and in part for secure recognition and authentication systems. Existing iris‐based gender classification techniques have low accuracy rates as well as high computational complexity. Accordingly, this paper presents an authentication approach through gender classification from iris images using support vector machine (SVM) that has an excellent response to sustained changes using the Zernike, Legendre invariant moments, and Gradient‐oriented histogram. In this study, invariant moments are used as feature extraction from iris images. After extracting these descriptors' attributes, the attributes are categorized through keycode fusion. SVM is employed for gender classification using a fused feature vector. The proposed approach is evaluated on the CVBL data set and results are compared in state of the art based on local binary patterns and Gabor filters. The proposed approach came out with 98% gender classification rate with low computational complexity that could be used as an authentication measure.
Evaluation of virulence potential of Aspergillus tubingensis and subsequent biochemical and enzymatic defense response of cotton
Authors: Khizar Maria , Haroon Urooj , Kamal Asif , Inam Wardah , Chaudhary Hassan Javed , Munis Muhammad Farooq Hussain
Published: May 2021

Aspergillus tubingensis is a causative known pathogen of various important crops, worldwide. The existing study was aimed to examine the virulence potential of A. tubingensis on resistant (NIA‐Sadori) and susceptible (CIM‐573) cultivars of cotton. For this purpose, both cultivars were inoculated with pathogen and altered morphology of diseased leaves was observed with light and scanning electron microscope. Disease severity was measured and estimated to be 68.7 and 27.1% in susceptible and resistant cultivars, respectively. To understand and compare defense mechanism of resistant and susceptible cultivars, different biochemical and enzymatic changes were observed. After the infection of A. tubingensis, increase in the concentrations of sugar, total protein, proline, phenol, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) was more prominent in resistant cultivar, than the susceptible one. Moreover, due to increased number of dead cells, significantly higher electrolyte leakage was detected in susceptible cultivar. Principal component analysis confirmed the effect of A. tubingensis on growth attributes and various physiological and biochemical activities of cotton. These findings help us to suggest a possible role of proline content, protein content, and PAL activity in resistance mechanism of Cotton plant.
The hunt for a yet unknown: Common molecular signature in some genetically monomorphic enterobacteria
Authors: Bose Debadin , Mukhopadhyay Subhasis
Published: May 2021

Mark Achtman introduced the term “genetically monomorphic bacteria” (GM bacteria) for some human and plant pathogens. They displayed a great uniformity in terms of their “genetic” properties. This “uniformity” poses a challenge to microbiologists. To address these problems, we used CodonW and IslandViewer 3 as analytical tools and took Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella strains as a model organisms. We hypothesized that GM bacterium contains a common molecular signature among them. We have found a significant correlation regarding the number of protein‐coding genes, predicted highly expressed genes, and the highest length of gene in this regard. On the other hand, the correspondence analysis of pathogenicity‐related genes identified by IslandViewer 3 displayed a somewhat unique pattern in GM bacteria. The probable pathogenic genes are clustered into two separate groups, which is a hallmark of some pattern. Similar genes of non‐monomorphic pathogenic strain clustered almost similarly, but the clusters are joined together, they are not completely separated. These features, in our considered view, may be considered as codon usages signatures of these bacteria, and E. coli in particular.
Historical and projected climate change over three major river basins in China from Fifth and Sixth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project models
Authors: Zhu Xian , Ji Zhenming , Wen Xiaohang , Lee Shao‐Yi , Wei Zhigang , Zheng Zhiyuan , Dong Wenjie
Published: May 2021

When assessing the socio‐economic impacts of climate change, it is sensible to make targeted climate projections for regions of high population density and economy activity. Much of human activity is concentrated at river basins, yet it has been difficult to resolve the complex boundaries of these basins in coarse resolution global climate models. The latest high‐resolution observation and climate projection datasets enable such basin‐based evaluations now, and this study assesses the historical and projected climate changes over three major river basins in China—the Yellow, Yangtze and Pearl River basins. Based on CN05.1 dataset, the Yellow River basin has significantly warmed by about 1.8°C over the past five decades, far more than the other two basins. The change in temperature extremes has been as severe, with the annual maxima of daily maximum temperatures (TXx) increasing by 1.5°C, and the annual minima of daily minimum temperatures (TNn) increasing by 2.5°C. Precipitation over the Yangtze River has significantly increased by about 0.2 mm·day−1, while changes over the other two basins were not statistically significant. The uncertainty in the change of precipitation was greater than that of temperature. A selection of simulations from the Fifth and Sixth Coupled Model Intercomparison Projects (CMIP5 and CMIP6) were validated against the CN05.1 dataset for the historical period of 1961–2018. Changes in temperature indices were well‐reproduced, but changes in precipitation indices poorly so. CMIP6 models performed better than the CMIP5 models. Both CMIP5 and CMIP6 multi‐model ensembles (MMEs) projected about 1.0–2.0°C warming over China and the three river basins by 2015–2050. Both MMEs projected wetting trends over most parts of China and the three river basins. Both warming and wetting were projected to accelerate with time, particularly warming over the Yellow River basin, and wetting over the Pearl River basin.
Differential effects of anti‐RANKL monoclonal antibody and zoledronic acid on necrotic bone in a murine model of Staphylococcus aureus‐induced osteomyelitis
Authors: Kobayashi Hideyuki , Fujita Ryo , Hiratsuka Shigeto , Shimizu Tomohiro , Sato Dai , Hamano Hiroki , Iwasaki Norimasa , Takahata Masahiko
Published: May 2021

Osteomyelitis is characterized by progressive inflammatory bone destruction accompanied by severe pain and disability. However, with the exception of antibiotic therapies, there is no established therapy to protect the bone from infectious osteolysis. The anti‐receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kB ligand (RANKL) monoclonal antibody (anti‐RANKL Ab) is a potential drug based on its proven effectiveness in preventing joint bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis; however, the efficacy and adverse effects of anti‐RANKL Ab in osteomyelitis remain to be investigated. In this study, we investigated the effects of anti‐mouse RANKL Ab on acute osteomyelitis and compared them with those of zoledronic acid (ZA) using a murine model. Mice were inoculated with bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus (Xen 29) on their left femur and then treated with ZA, anti‐RANKL Ab, or phosphate‐buffered saline as control. A 21‐day longitudinal observational study using microcomputed tomography showed that both anti‐RANKL Ab and ZA had an osteoprotective effect against infectious osteolysis. However, it was also demonstrated through bioluminescence imaging that ZA delayed the spontaneous reduction of bacterial load and through histology that it increased the amount of necrotic bone, while anti‐RANKL Ab did not. Findings from histopathological and in vitro studies suggest that an intense inflammatory response around the necrotic bone could induce osteoclasts in a RANKL‐independent manner, leading to the removal of necrotic bone, even after administration of the anti‐RANKL Ab therapy. Collectively, anti‐RANKL Ab may exert an osteoprotective effect without hampering the removal of the necrotic bone, which serves as a nidus for infection in osteomyelitis.
The combined use of amide I bands in polarized Raman, IR, and vibrational dichroism spectra for the structure analysis of peptide fibrils and disordered peptides and proteins
Authors: Schweitzer‐Stenner Reinhard
Published: May 2021

Raman spectroscopy is generally a versatile tool to explore the structure of proteins and peptides in solution. However, in spite of the development of ultraviolet (UV) resonance Raman spectroscopy as a tool that allows for the investigation of samples with lower concentrations, Raman has not played the same role as infrared (IR) spectroscopy with regard to secondary structure analysis. Reported UV Raman studies have recently focused on the ψ‐dependence of amide III as a useful tool for the structural analysis even of disordered peptides. Amide I based structural analysis generally uses visible excitation. Rather than describing the traditional secondary structure analysis of proteins, this review focusses on work that used Raman in conjunction with other vibrational spectroscopies such as IR and vibrational circular dichroism to probe the conformational distribution of amino acid residues in unfolded peptides and the self‐assembling of peptides into fibrils. We argue against the use of spectral decomposition into Gaussian bands particularly if this type of analysis is exclusively applied to either IR or Raman band profiles. The article emphasizes the delocalized excitonic character of amide I wavefunctions which has to be accounted for in any attempt to use the respective bands for structure analysis.
Raman spectroscopy as an evaluation tool of the wear of graphite lubricants in brake pads
Authors: Mavridou Kalliopi , Arvanitidis John , Pavlidou Eleni , Ves Sotirios , Katsikini Maria
Published: May 2021

Raman spectroscopy is applied for the non‐destructive characterisation of the graphite which is used as solid lubricant in the friction material of semi‐metallic brake pads in vehicles. The characteristics (intensity, position, width) of the main Raman bands assigned to vibrational modes of the graphitic honeycomb structure (G‐band) and to defects (D‐band) are proved useful probes of the quality and wear status of the graphite lubricant because they are sensitive to the structural disorder. It is found that wear of the graphite lubricant proceeds in two stages: transformation of crystalline to nanocrystalline graphite and subsequent amorphisation. Moreover, the intensity of the defect‐related D′ peak is also used in order to obtain information about the nature of the defects.
Investigation on the nickel content design and the corrosion resistance of low alloy steel welded joint in tropical marine atmosphere environment
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Liu Wei , Dong Baojun , Wu Yongjun , Fan Yueming , Zhao Yonggang , Chen Longjun
Published: May 2021

In this study, three kinds of welding materials (WMs) with different Ni contents were designed for low alloy steel welded joints made by CO2 gas‐shielded welding technique. The corrosion resistance of welded joint was studied through the atmosphere exposure test in Trat, Thailand. Results show that there was a hardening in the heat‐affected zone after welding, and the average hardness slightly increased with the increase of Ni in WM. The electrochemical activity at the fusion line zone enhanced with the addition of Ni in WM, indicating a more obvious local galvanic corrosion effect there. Ni promoted the generation of NiFe2O4 and the transformation from γ‐FeOOH to α‐FeOOH, which increased the impedance modulus of the rust film on WM. More important, the corrosion performance assessment illustrated that the addition of Ni in WM hardly had an effect on the corrosion step values after half a year test, which confirmed that there is no need to add excessive content of Ni.
Bacterial Cellulose Reinforced Polyaniline Electroconductive Hydrogel with Multiple Weak H‐Bonds as Flexible and Sensitive Strain Sensor
Authors: Qin Hanglan , Chen Yajun , Huang Jieyu , Wei Qufu
Published: May 2021

Hydrogel, as a promising soft material, possesses many functional advantages such as stretchability, viscoelasticity, and biocompatibility. An advanced electronic platform for strain sensor is constructed by modifying hydrogels with various doping techniques. Herein, a novel flexible conductive hydrogel is synthesized by combination of bacterial cellulose/sodium alginate/polyacrylamide with the polyaniline (BSP‐PANI) through multiple intermolecular interactions. In the obtained BSP‐PANI hydrogel system, the incorporated BC serves the function of mechanically toughening and the formation of polyaniline conducting network endows the hydrogels electrical conductivity. The assembled hydrogel strain sensor can detect electrical response under different applied strains (1–200%) and monitor human motion in real time. Therefore, it is believed that the BSP‐PANI hydrogel prepared by the feasible synergetic strategy proposed in this work has greatly diversified application in smart epidermal sensors and artificial intelligence devices.
The effect of calcium palmitate on bacteria associated with infant gut microbiota
Authors: Wang Lu , Bravo‐Ruiseco Gabriela , Happe Randolph , He Tao , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Harmsen Hermie J. M.
Published: May 2021

Gut microbiota development in formula‐fed and breast‐fed infants is known to differ. This could relate to the usage of unmodified vegetable oil instead of mammalian fat in infant formula (IF), causing the enhanced formation of the poorly soluble soap calcium palmitate (CP) in the infant's gut. Here we investigatein vitrothe possible influence of CP on the infant gut bacteria. The growth of several bacterial species dominant in the infant's gut was analyzed by culturing in media with CP.Faecalibacterium prausnitziias a sensitive representative was analyzed in detail by scanning transmission electron microscopy, membrane staining, gas chromatography, and microbial fuel cell experiments. Of all bacteria tested, the growth of several bifidobacteria andF. prausnitziiwas reduced at 0.01 mg/ml CP,Bifidobacterium infantisstopped growing completely. CP reduced the cell envelope thickness ofF. prausnitzii, disturbed the cell membrane fatty acids and function of membrane proteins involved in electron transport. CP inhibited the growth of bifidobacteria and faecalibacteria. This suggests that modification of fat in IF may benefit the development of the gut microbiota in formula‐fed infants by supporting the colonization of important beneficial bacteria in early life. Future clinical studies are needed to confirm this.
Low‐carbohydrate high‐fat weight reduction diet induces changes in human gut microbiota
Authors: Jaagura Madis , Viiard Ene , Karu‐Lavits Kätrin , Adamberg Kaarel
Published: May 2021

Obesity has become a major public health problem in recent decades. More effective interventions may result from a better understanding of microbiota alterations caused by weight loss and diet. Our objectives were (a) to calculate the fiber composition of a specially designed low‐calorie weight loss diet (WLD), and (b) to evaluate changes in the composition of gut microbiota and improvements in health characteristics during WLD. A total of 19 overweight/obese participants were assigned to 20%–40% reduced calories low‐carbohydrate high‐fat diet for four weeks. Protein and fat content in the composed diet was 1.5 times higher compared to that in the average diet of the normal weight reference group, while carbohydrate content was 2 times lower. Food consumption data were obtained from the assigned meals. Microbial composition was analyzed before and after WLD intervention from two sequential samples by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. During WLD, body mass index (BMI) was reduced on average 2.5 ± 0.6 kg/m2 and stool frequency was normalized. The assigned diet induced significant changes in fecal microbiota. The abundance of bile‐resistant bacteria (Alistipes, Odoribacter splanchnicus), Ruminococcus bicirculans, Butyricimonas, and Enterobacteriaceae increased. Importantly, abundance of bacteria often associated with inflammation such as Collinsella and Dorea decreased in parallel with a decrease in BMI. Also, we observed a reduction in bifidobacteria, which can be attributed to the relatively low consumption of grains. In conclusion, weight loss results in significant alteration of the microbial community structure.
An agent‐based multiattribute reverse auction approach for online secondhand commodities
Authors: Liu Aijun , Xiao Yaxuan , Li Zengxian , Wang Ruiyao
Published: May 2021

Due to the price elasticity of demand for secondhand commodities, it is difficult to establish a quantitative model for the auction. This paper proposes an agent‐based multiattribute reverse auction model to support multicommodity combinatorial auction. First, this paper establishes an agent‐based reverse auction model and introduces the framework, procedures, and protocols of the model in detail. Second, in light of the multicommodity environment, the targets, protocols, auction strategies, and approaches are identified. Finally, by using the proposed agent‐based auction model, both buyers and sellers will reach simultaneous agreements on the details of the commodities to complete the auction.
Rational Design of Novel Therapies for Pantothenate Kinase–Associated Neurodegeneration
Authors: Thakur Nivedita , Klopstock Thomas , Jackowski Suzanne , Kuscer Enej , Tricta Fernando , Videnovic Aleksandar , Jinnah Hyder A.
Published: May 2021

Background

This review highlights the recent scientific advances that have enabled rational design of novel clinical trials for pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), a rare autosomal recessive neurogenetic disorder associated with progressive neurodegenerative changes and functional impairment. PKAN is caused by genetic variants in the PANK2 gene that result in dysfunction in pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2) enzyme activity, with consequent disruption of coenzyme A (CoA) synthesis, and subsequent accumulation of brain iron. The clinical phenotype is varied and may include dystonia, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability, spasticity, loss of ambulation and ability to communicate, feeding difficulties, psychiatric issues, and cognitive and visual impairment. There are several symptom‐targeted treatments, but these do not provide sustained benefit as the disorder progresses.

Objectives

A detailed understanding of the molecular and biochemical pathogenesis of PKAN has opened the door for the design of novel rationally designed therapeutics that target the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Two large double‐blind phase 3 clinical trials have been completed for deferiprone (an iron chelation treatment) and fosmetpantotenate (precursor replacement therapy). A pilot open‐label trial of pantethine as a potential precursor replacement strategy has also been completed, and a trial of 4‐phosphopantetheine has begun enrollment. Several other compounds have been evaluated in pre‐clinical studies, and additional clinical trials may be anticipated.

Conclusions

Experience with these trials has encouraged a critical evaluation of optimal trial designs, as well as the development of PKAN‐specific measures to monitor outcomes. PKAN provides a valuable example for understanding targeted drug development and clinical trial design for rare disorders. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Stabilization in a high‐dimensional chemotaxis system involving arbitrary superlinear degradation
Authors: Zhang Wenji
Published: May 2021

The chemotaxis‐consumption system with generalized logistic source

is considered under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions in a bounded smooth domain
with suitably regular positive initial data. Here λ, μ > 0, α > 1 and
is a given matrix‐valued function. We construct globally defined solutions in an appropriately generalized sense and prove that these solutions converge to the spatially homogeneous equilibrium
in the large time limit.
Low noise continuous‐wave single‐frequency dual wavelength lasers at 671 and 1342 nm
Authors: Yan Lihua , Li Yuanji , Feng Jinxia , Zhang Kuanshou
Published: May 2021

A kind of all‐solid‐state continuous‐wave single frequency dual‐wavelength lasers delivering high power low‐noise radiations at 671 and 1342 nm was designed and fabricated. To lower the laser noise and obtain dual‐wavelength laser outputs, the resonator length was optimized and an LBO crystal was adopted for intracavity second harmonic generation. Under 47 W pumping, 3.17 W laser at 671 nm and 2.15 W laser at 1342 nm were obtained simultaneously. The power and frequency fluctuations of the 671 nm laser in a given 4 h were better than ±0.55% and ±50 MHz, respectively. The power and frequency fluctuations of the 1342 nm laser in a given 4 h were better than ±0.60% and ±25 MHz, respectively. The intensity noises and the phase noises of both the 671 and 1342 nm lasers reached the shot noise limit beyond the analysis frequency of 2 MHz.
In situ fabrication of cobalt/nickel sulfides nanohybrid based on various sulfur sources as highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
Authors: Li Mengqiu , Xu Ze , Li Yuting , Wang Juan , Zhong Qin
Published: May 2021

Transition metal chalcogenides are attractive electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) or hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to their natural abundance and diverse structure. Herein, nickel sulfides (Ni3S2) and nickel/cobalt sulfides nanohybrid have been in situ fabricated on nickel foam (NF) by a facile hydrothermal method with sodium sulfide (Ss), L‐cysteine (Lc) or thiourea (Tu) as a sulfur source, respectively. The results show that sulfur source has a great influence on the phase structure, morphology and electrocatalytic performance of transition metal sulfides. The nickel sulfide with the sodium sulfide as a sulfur source (NiSs) shows better HER and OER activity in 1 M KOH. With the Co‐doping, three‐dimensional honeycomb‐like NiCoSs nanosheet clusters exhibits the enhanced electrocatalysis properties with overpotentials of only 168 mV at 10 mA cm–2 for HER and 234 mV at 20 mA cm–2 for OER, respectively. The NiCoSs shows the good bifunctional activities for overall water splitting and presents considerable stability for 24 hours. The good electrochemical activities of metal sulfides by using inorganic sodium sulfide can be attributed to the large exposed surface area and heterostructure compositions of Co9S8 and Ni3S2.
Differences in ​the proportion of children meeting behavior guidelines ​between summer ​and school by socioeconomic status and race
Authors: Hunt Ethan T. , von Klinggraeff Lauren , Jones Alexis , Burkart Sarah , Dugger Rodrick , Armstrong Bridget , Beets Michael W. , Turner‐McGrievy Gabrielle , Geraci Marco , Weaver R. Glenn
Published: May 2021

Objective

Children who fail to meet activity, sleep, and screen‐time guidelines are at increased risk for obesity. Further, children who are Black are more likely to have obesity when compared to children who are White, and children from low‐income households are at increased risk for obesity when compared to children from higher‐income households. The objective of this study was to evaluate the proportion of days meeting obesogenic behavior guidelines during the school year compared to summer vacation by race and free/reduced priced lunch (FRPL) eligibility.

Methods

Mixed‐effects linear and logistic regressions estimated the proportion of days participants met activity, sleep, and screen‐time guidelines during summer and school by race and FRPL eligibility within an observational cohort sample.

Results

Children (n = 268, grades = K − 4, 44.1%FRPL, 59.0% Black) attending three schools participated. Children's activity, sleep, and screen‐time were collected during an average of 23 school days and 16 days during summer vacation. During school, both children who were White and eligible for FRPL met activity, sleep, and screen‐time guidelines on a greater proportion of days when compared to their Black and non‐eligible counterparts. Significant differences in changes from school to summer in the proportion of days children met activity (−6.2%, 95CI = −10.1%, −2.3%; OR = 0.7, 95CI = 0.6, 0.9) and sleep (7.6%, 95CI = 2.9%, 12.4%; OR = 2.1, 95CI = 1.4, 3.0) guidelines between children who were Black and White were observed. Differences in changes in activity (−8.5%, 95CI = −4.9%, −12.1%; OR = 1.5, 95CI = 1.3, 1.8) were observed between children eligible versus uneligible for FRPL.

Conclusions

Summer vacation may be an important time for targeting activity and screen‐time of children who are Black and/or eligible for FRPL.
Adolescent–adult nonmetastatic Ewing sarcoma—Experience from a large developing country
Authors: Bajpai Jyoti , Panda Goutam Santosh , Chandrasekharan Arun , Bhargava Prabhat , Srinivas Sujay , Laskar Siddhartha , Dandekar Sonal , Mokal Smruti , Rekhi Bharat , Khanna Nehal , Menon Nandini , Patil Vijay , Noronha Vanita , Joshi Amit , Prabhash Kumar , Banavali Shripad D. , Gupta Sudeep
Published: May 2021

Background

Outcome and toxicity data in adolescent–adult Ewing sarcoma (AA‐ES) patients are sparse and merits exploration.

Methods

Histopathologically confirmed, nonmetastatic AA‐ES patients, who received standard institutional combination chemotherapy regimen (Ewing's family of tumors‐2001 [EFT‐2001]) comprising of ifosfamide plus etoposide and vincristine, doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide, lasting a total of 12 months between 2013 and 2018, were analyzed for treatment‐related toxicities, event‐free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

There were 235 patients (primary safety cohort [PSC]) with median age of 23 (15–61) years; 159 (67.7%) were males, 155 (65.9%) had skeletal primary and 114 (48.5%) had extremity tumors. One hundred ninety‐six (83.4%) were treatment naïve (primary efficacy cohort [PEC]) and of these 119 (60.7%) had surgery. In PEC, at a median follow‐up of 36.4 (interquartile range [IQR] 20–55) months, estimated 3‐year EFS and OS were 67.3% (95% CI 60.3–75.1%) and 91.1% (95% CI 86.7–95.7%), respectively. Of these, 158 (80.6%) complying with intended treatment, at a median follow‐up of 39 (IQR 26–57) months had an estimated 3‐year EFS of 68.2% (95% CI 60.3–76.1%). In multivariable analysis, good prognostic factors included longer symptom(s) duration (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.86–0.994), ≥99% necrosis (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.77), and treatment completion (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14–0.74). Among PSC, grade 3–4 toxicities were febrile neutropenia (119, 50.6%), anemia (130, 55.3%), peripheral neuropathy (37, 15.7%), with three (1.3%) chemo‐toxic deaths.

Conclusions

The outcomes of AA nonmetastatic ES patients treated with EFT‐2001 regimen were comparable to those reported by others, with acceptable toxicity. This regimen can be considered a standard of care in AA‐ES.
Phase‐specific risks of outpatient visits, emergency visits, and hospitalizations during Children's Oncology Group‐based treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A population‐based study
Authors: Bassal Mylene , Silva Mariana , Patel Serina , Gibson Paul J. , Breakey Vicky R. , Athale Uma , Zabih Veda , Li Qing , Pechlivanoglou Petros , Pole Jason D. , Mittmann Nicole , Sutradhar Rinku , Gupta Sumit
Published: May 2021

Background

Therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is associated with substantial health care utilization and burden on families. Little is known about health care utilization during specific treatment phases.

Procedures

We identified children with ALL diagnosed during 2002–2012 in Ontario, Canada and treated according to Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocols. Disease and treatment data were chart abstracted. Population‐based health care databases identified all outpatient visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations. In addition to comparing standard and intensified versions of treatment phases, we compared patients receiving different steroids (dexamethasone vs. prednisone) and different versions of interim maintenance (IM) (Capizzi vs. high‐dose methotrexate [HD‐MTX]).

Results

Six hundred thirty‐seven children met inclusion criteria. During intensified consolidation, 76.2% of patients were hospitalized at least once, compared to only 32.3% of patients receiving standard consolidation (p < .0001). Similarly, 72.9% of patients receiving intensified delayed intensification (DI) were hospitalized during this phase compared to 50.3% of patients receiving standard DI (p < .0001). Among patients receiving a four‐drug induction, those receiving dexamethasone had an 85% higher rate of ED visits (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] 1.85, 95th confidence interval [95CI] 1.14–3.00; p = .01) and a 44% higher rate of hospitalization (aRR 1.44, 95CI 1.24–1.68) compared to those receiving prednisone. Among high‐risk B‐ALL and T‐ALL patients in IM, Capizzi MTX was not associated with an increased rate of ED visits versus HD‐MTX.

Conclusions

These results can be used to inform anticipatory guidance for families, particularly those undergoing intensified therapy. Our results also suggest that increased toxicity rates associated with dexamethasone during Induction seen in clinical trials reflect real‐world practice.
Identifying frequent drug combinations associated with delirium in older adults: Application of association rules method to a case‐time‐control design
Authors: Chyou Te‐Yuan , Nishtala Prasad S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Older adults are at an increased risk of delirium because of age, polypharmacy, multiple comorbidities, frailty, and acute illness. Although medication‐induced delirium in older adults is well understood, limited population‐level evidence is available, particularly on combinations of medications associated with delirium in older adults.

Objectives

We aimed to apply association rule analysis to identify drug combinations contributing to delirium risk in adults aged 65 and older using a case‐time‐control design.

Method

We sourced a nationwide representative sample of New Zealander's aged ≥65 years from the pharmaceutical collections and hospital discharge information. Prescription records (2005–2015) were obtained from New Zealand pharmaceutical collections (Pharms). Medication exposures were coded as binary variables (exposed vs. not exposed) at the individual drug level. All medications, including antimicrobials, antihistamines, diuretics, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory medications, were considered drugs of interest. The first‐time coded diagnosis of delirium was extracted from the National Minimal Dataset (NMDS). A unique patient identifier linked the prescription dataset to the event dataset to set up a case‐time‐control cohort, indexed at the first delirium event. Association rules were then applied to identify frequent drug combinations in the case and the control periods (l‐day with a 35‐day washout period) that are statistically associated with delirium, and the association was tested by computing a time‐trend adjusted matched odds‐ratio (MOR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

We identified 28 503 individuals (mean age 84.1 years) from 2005 to 2015 with delirium. Our combined association rule and case‐time‐control analysis identified several drug classes, including antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, opioids, and diuretics associated with delirium. Our analysis also identified frequently used drug combinations that are associated with delirium. Examples include combined exposures to quetiapine and furosemide (MOR = 6.17; 95%CI = [2.05–18.54]), haloperidol (MOR = 4.81; 95%CI = [3.16–6.69]), combined exposures to furosemide, omeprazole, and lorazepam (MOR = 3.94; 95%CI = [3.03–5.10]), and fentanyl exposure (MOR = 3.46; 95%CI [2.05–9.21]).

Conclusion

The association rule method applied to a case‐time‐control design is a novel approach to identifying drug combinations contributing to delirium with adjustment for any temporal trends in exposures. The study provides new insight into the combination of medicines linked to delirium.
Counselor and student perceptions of an mHealth technology platform used in a school counseling setting
Authors: Puhy Chandler E. , Litke Shannon G. , Silverstein Michael J. , Kiely Jenna R. , Pardes Adam , McGeoch Ellen , Daly Brian P.
Published: May 2021

School psychologists and counselors with large caseloads struggle with delivery of high‐quality mental health services in the school setting due to time constraints and competing responsibilities. These providers can benefit from technology solutions that help engage and monitor the mental health of their clients in and out of session. This study assessed the usability and acceptability of a mobile health (mHealth) for the mental health technology platform, NeuroFlow, with seven students and three providers in an urban, high school counseling center. Student perceptions of usability and acceptability were gathered via questionnaire while provider perceptions of NeuroFlow were assessed using focus groups. Providers and students reported variable experiences with usability of the platform, but both groups expressed satisfaction with the use of NeuroFlow, demonstrating the acceptability of this approach. Overall, findings revealed that providers and students indicated NeuroFlow could be integrated into mental health treatment but would benefit from increased emphasis on initial and sustained training on the platform features. Further study is needed to examine the extent to which technology‐based applications may support mental health treatment delivered in the school setting.
Beyond the four walls: The evolution of school psychological services during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Schaffer Gary E. , Power Elizebeth M. , Fisk Amy K. , Trolian Teniell L.
Published: May 2021

The emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in early 2020 led to the sudden temporary closure of K‐12 schools across the United States. Schools were tasked with providing remote instruction to students, and many of these children continued to require mental and behavioral health services provided by school psychologists. In this study, 675 school psychologists were surveyed across the United States to examine how their roles and responsibilities changed as a result of COVID‐19. Participants reported the perceived impact of COVID‐19 on students’ mental health and difficulty serving students and families, as well as their concerns and recommendations pertaining to school reentry. Overall, respondents in this study reported that their roles and responsibilities notably changed because of COVID‐19. Participants noted their belief that children and educators will need increased mental health support upon returning to school. Implications for future practice and research are discussed.
Determination and application of the excited‐state substituent constants of pyridyl and substituted phenyl groups
Authors: Cao Chao‐Tun , Yan Lu , Cao Chenzhong
Published: May 2021

Thirty six 1‐pyridyl‐2‐arylethenes XCH=CHArY (abbreviated XAEY) were synthesized, in which, X is 2‐pyridyl, 3‐pyridyl and 4‐pyridyl and Y is OMe, Me, H, Br, Cl, F, CF3, and CN. Their ultraviolet absorption spectra were measured in anhydrous ethanol, and their wavelengths of absorption maximum λmax were recorded. Also, the 234 λmax values of 1‐substituted phenyl‐2‐arylethylene compounds (XAEY, where X is substituted phenyl) were collected. The excited‐state substituent constants
of three pyridyl groups and 23 substituted phenyl groups (total of 26) were obtained by means of curve‐fitting method. Taking the λmax values of 358 samples of bi‐arylethene derivatives as a data set and 126 samples of bi‐aryl Schiff bases (including nine compounds synthesized by this work) as another data set, quantitative correlation analyses were performed by employing the obtained
as a parameter, and good results were obtained for the two data sets. The reliability of the obtained
values was verified. The results of this paper can provide excited‐state substituent constants for the study and application of optical properties of conjugated organic compounds containing aryl groups.
Cascading hazards and hazard mitigation plans: Preventing cascading events in the United States
Authors: Chen Joanne , Greenberg Michael
Published: May 2021

The concentration of people and commerce in densely packed megacities has created interconnections between engineered and human‐service systems that are susceptible to a single potentially hazardous event triggering others. We identify the interdependencies between engineered and human‐service systems as well as the progression of hazardous cascading effects in the US context. The three purposes of this paper are (1) to determine how much attention is paid to cascading events in state and local hazard mitigation plans in the United States; (2) evaluate findings in the context of other environmental health programs in these places, noting that the paper is based on reviews of recent state and selected local hazard mitigation plans; and (3) offer suggestions for jump‐starting focus on cascading events in hazard mitigation plans. Cascading events have not been a focus of US hazard mitigation plans, but we find a trend toward more attention, especially in states and cities that have a history of innovative environmental health and protection programs. Given a new administration in Washington, DC, we urge legislators and risk managers to be more aggressive about the challenge of cascading events.
An investigation of elementary teachers' pedagogical content knowledge for socioscientific argumentation: The effect of a learning and teaching experience
Authors: Kutluca Ali Yiğit
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to determine how a learning and teaching experience, which related to socioscientific argumentation and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), changed elementary teachers' views of teaching with socioscientific argumentation, as well as the change in their PCK and instructional practices. Five teachers studying for the classroom‐teaching master's degree program of a foundation university in Turkey were included in the study, which lasted for a total of 10 weeks. Interviews to determine the PCK of these elementary teachers were first conducted, and their instructional practices were observed. Then, teachers attended a course related to socioscientific argumentation and PCK. Finally, PCK interviews were conducted for a second time with all the teachers and their instructional practices were observed again. The qualitative data collected from the study were analyzed by inductive content analysis, based on the constant comparative method. Classroom observations were evaluated with an analytical evaluation rubric. The results revealed that the learning and teaching experience undergone by the participating teachers improved the following components of their PCK: orientations (OTS), students' understanding (KSU), instructional strategies (KISR), and knowledge of assessment (KAS). After the course, strong interactions occurred among all the components, with the exceptions of knowledge of curriculum and knowledge of assessment. Furthermore, teacher efficacy, which is an effective element of PCK, is embedded in the components of KSU and KISR of the PCK for socioscientific argumentation. Therefore, it was concluded that the PCK for socioscientific argumentation of the participating elementary teachers improved while both learning and teaching.