bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entropy optimized Darcy‐Forchheimer slip flow of Fe3O4−CH2OH2 nanofluid past a stretching/shrinking rotating disk
Authors: Nayak Manoj Kumar , Patra Arun , Shaw Sachin , Misra Ashok
Published: October 2020

Ferrofluids are made out of nanoscale ferromagnetic particles and known as colloidal liquids suspended on a bearer liquid, normally water (H2O) or an organic solvent like kerosene. Ferrofluid is utilized in rotary seals, computer hard drives, loudspeakers, magnetic resonance imaging, and so forth. The present article reveals the extent of effectiveness available from the investigation on entropy generation, thermal radiation, viscous dissipation on Darcy‐Forchheimer convective slip flow of nanofluid (nf) past stretching/shrinking rotating disk (RD) subject to suction. The concepts of different parameters and their effects on velocity, temperature, entropy generation number, and Bejan number profiles have been elaborated in this explanatory paper. The explanations using graphs and numerical tables help smoothen the understanding and strengthen the interpretations of the results of the study. The major eye‐catching outcome of the study is that the augmented slip parameter undermines the tangential velocity and fluid suction invites a diminutive radial velocity as well as temperature distribution due to stretching/shrinking RD. Enhanced Reynolds number peters out the entropy generation number for stretching RD, which was the goal of the study to be accomplished.
The term structure effects of individual stock investor sentiment on excess returns
Authors: Li Jinfang
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we construct the individual stock sentiment indexes at daily, weekly and monthly frequencies. We empirically demonstrate the different effects of individual stock sentiment of three frequencies on the excess returns. The results show that the effect of individual stock sentiment on excess returns is a monotonous decreasing function of time term in China's stock market, which presents obvious term structure effect. Moreover, we find that sentiment factor can better explain the variation of excess returns than size factor and book‐to‐market factor do at the same frequency, and thus we should pay more attention to the individual effect of investor sentiment in the short‐term decision‐making. Our results shed new light on the short‐sighted behaviour of irrational investors and the micro‐mechanism of sentiment effect.
A new aminoglycoside etimicin shows low nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Shao Weihao , Zhong Dan , Jiang Haowei , Han Yujie , Yin Yu , Li Ruining , Qian Xiuping , Chen Daijie , Jing Lili
Published: October 2020

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are widely used for many life‐threatening infections. The use of aminoglycosides is often comprised by their deleterious side effects to the kidney and inner ear. A novel semisynthetic antibiotic, etimicin, has good antimicrobial activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. But its toxicity profile analysis is still lacking. In the present study, we compared the in vivo toxic effects of three aminoglycosides, gentamicin, amikacin, and etimicin, in zebrafish embryos. We examined the embryotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and the damage to the neuromast hair cells. Our results revealed that etimicin and amikacin exhibit more developmental toxicities to the young embryos than gentamicin. But at subtoxic doses, etimicin and amikacin show significantly reduced toxicities towards kidney and neuromast hair cells. We further demonstrated that fluorescently conjugated aminoglycosides (gentamicin‐Texas red [GTTR], amikacin‐Texas red [AMTR], and etimicin‐Texas red [ETTR]) all enter the hair cells properly. Inside the hair cells, gentamicin, not etimicin and amikacin, displays robust reactive oxygen species generation and induces apoptosis. Our data support that the different intracellular cytotoxicity underlies the different ototoxicity of the three aminoglycosides and that etimicin is a new aminoglycoside with reduced risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
Pure tetrahedral quadruple systems with index two
Authors: Liu Ruijing , Zhou Junling
Published: October 2020

An oriented tetrahedron defined on four vertices is a set of four cyclic triples with the property that any ordered pair of vertices is contained in exactly one of the cyclic triples. A tetrahedral quadruple system of order with index , denoted by , is a pair , where is an ‐set and is a set of oriented tetrahedra (blocks) such that every cyclic triple on is contained in exactly members of . A is pure if there do not exist two blocks with the same vertex set. When , the spectrum of a pure TQS has been completely determined by Ji. In this paper, we show that there exists a pure if and only if and . A corollary is that a simple also exists if and only if and .
SeP is elevated in NAFLD and participates in NAFLD pathogenesis through AMPK/ACC pathway
Authors: Chen Yi , He Xinjue , Chen Xueyang , Li Youming , Ke Yini
Published: October 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent chronic liver diseases with unknown mechanism and no curative treatment. Hepatokines have demonstrated importance in NAFLD but, role of selenoprotein P (SeP) in NAFLD is unknown. A total of 79 patients with NAFLD and 79 healthy controls were included in this case–control study. SeP is elevated in patients with NAFLD. With elevating level of SeP, NAFLD prevalence, and detecting rate increases. As NAFLD aggravated, serum SeP increases. Correlation analysis demonstrates that SeP is positively associated with NAFLD risk factors including body mass index, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyltransferase, and serum uric acid. Both NAFLD in vivo and in vitro models, SeP protein level is higher in liver. Small interfering RNA of SEPP1 inhibited TG accumulation by activating adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase/acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (AMPK/ACC), and overexpression of SEPP1 aggravated lipid accumulation and inhibited AMPK/ACC phosphorylation. SeP expression is activated in NAFLD and exacerbated NAFLD through AMPK/ACC, providing insight into new diagnostic, therapeutic target in NAFLD.
The new role for an old guy: MYC as an immunoplayer
Authors: Marinkovic Dragan , Marinkovic Tatjana
Published: October 2020

As an oncogene, myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC) is implicated in the concept of “oncogene addiction,” where switching off the oncogene leads to the cell cycle arrest and cell differentiation. However, recent data suggest that MYC also controls the establishment of the tumour microenvironment and that “oncogene addiction” actually has a strong immune background. Evaluation of the MYC role in the immunoediting process led to the speculation that cancer just uses and distorts the physiological mechanism by which MYC normally prevents rapidly proliferating cells from the elicitation of an autoimmune response. Concordantly, elevated levels of MYC and induction of immunosuppressive molecules are observed during the processes of growth and development, tissue repair, placenta development, and so forth, implying that MYC may be involved in saving regular physiologically proliferating cells from the immune system attack. Even more, a growing body of evidence suggests MYC involvement in the shaping of the adaptive immune response, immunological memory development, and establishment of immunotolerance. This paper offers an overview of MYC actions in the context of modulation of the immune response in pathological and physiological conditions. The determination of such a new role for a well‐known oncogene opens new perspectives in biomedicine, and consequently, in the treatment of various pathological conditions.
Temperature control and in situ product recovery strategies to enhance the bioconversion of L‐phenylalanine into 2‐phenylethanol
Authors: Shu Chin‐Hang , Jhou Siao‐Syuan , Nirwana Wa OC
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

2‐Phenylethanol (PEA) is an important aromatic compound produced mainly by chemical synthesis. PEA production by biotechnological approach has gained popularity in recent years. However, biological synthesis of PEA is limited by microorganisms and product inhibition. The influence of culture temperature on the bioconversion of L‐phenylalanine (L‐Phe) into PEA is investigated in this study. A novel strategy to enhance PEA using two‐stage fermentation with in situ product recovery also is proposed.

RESULTS

Batch culture at 25 °C with aeration rate of 1.3 vvm was optimal for high cell density, whereas cultivation at 35 °C with aeration rate 2 vvm was favorable for high product yield. Then, a two‐stage batch fermentation with switch time at 72 h was performed resulting in an increase in PEA concentration by 19.0% as compared to a single‐stage fermentation at 35 °C with a 2.0 vvm aeration rate. A semicontinuous fermentation with in situ product recovery was conducted, yielding a total PEA concentration of 4.5 g L−1.

CONCLUSIONS

The influence of culture temperature on bioconversion of L‐Phe is significant. Cell growth favors a lower temperature at 25 °C, but product formation favors a higher temperature at 35 °C. A two‐stage fermentation strategy was successful in batch culture, but not in fed‐batch culture due to the product inhibition from the accumulation of PEA. Therefore, employment of two‐stage semicontinuous culture with in situ product removal was successfully demonstrated in this study.
Characterization of school of dentistry prerequisite courses and recommendations for admission
Authors: Wolcott Michael D. , Reside Jonathan M. , Bobbitt Laura J. , Quinonez Rocio B.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

There is minimal research characterizing admission prerequisites courses across schools of dentistry. The purpose of this study was to typify didactic and laboratory course requirements and compare requirements based on institution demographics.

Methods

In July 2019, the researchers evaluated websites from 76 North American dental schools to collect information on required and recommended courses, credit hour requirements, and institution demographics. Sub‐group analyses evaluated differences in course and credit hour differences based on institution funding, degree program, location, and Carnegie Classification.

Results

The most common required courses were general chemistry (97.4%), physics (93.4%), organic chemistry (92.1%), general biology (90.8%), communication (86.8%), and biochemistry (80.3%). The most common required laboratory courses were general chemistry (63.2%), organic chemistry (59.2%), general biology (55.3%), and physics (51.3%). Several institutions included unique course recommendations such as histology (40.7%), psychology (30.3%), art (18.4%), business (18.4%), sociology (15.8%), and embryology (14.5%). There were few differences based on institution classifications; however, differences were observed most often between institutions within and outside the United States. The study also identified 65.8% (n = 50) of schools have letter of recommendation requirements and 46.1% (n = 35) of schools require or recommend shadowing experiences with programs requesting a median of 60 hours (range 20‐300 hours).

Conclusions

The study offers a contemporary characterization of prerequisite requirements and recommendations. In addition, the study raises critical questions about whether these standards reflect expectations for entering learners, if these requirements truly relate to learner success, and if these requirements prepare learners to be future‐ready graduates.
Regulatory functions of NK cells during infections and cancer
Authors: Zwirner Norberto W , Domaica Carolina I , Fuertes Mercedes B
Published: October 2020

After recognition, NK cells can kill susceptible target cells through perforin-dependent mechanisms or by inducing death receptor-mediated apoptosis, and they can also secrete cytokines that are pivotal for immunomodulation. Despite the critical role as effector cells against tumors and virus-infected cells, NK cells have been implicated in the regulation of T cell-mediated responses in different models of autoimmunity, transplantation, and viral infections. Here, we review the mechanisms described for NK cell-mediated inhibition of adaptive immune responses, with spotlight on the emerging evidence of their regulatory role that shapes antitumor immune responses.
The use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors is associated with a lower risk of mortality in hypertensive COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Chen Baixin , Li Yun , Zhang Lei , Wang Yuyi , Yang Shuaibing , Xiao Xue , Qin Qingsong
Published: October 2020

Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, including angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are one of the most prescribed antihypertensive medications. Previous studies showed RAAS inhibitors increase the expression of ACE2, a cellular receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which provokes a concern that the use of ACEI and ARB in hypertensive individuals might lead to increased mortality and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). To further investigate the effects of ACEI/ARB on COVID‐19 patients, we systematically reviewed relevant studies that met predetermined inclusion criteria in search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, medRxiv, and bioRxiv. The search strategy included clinical data published through October 12, 2020. Twenty‐six studies involving 8104 hypertensive patients in ACEI/ARB‐treated group and 8203 hypertensive patients in non‐ACEI/ARB‐treated group were analyzed. Random‐effects meta‐analysis showed ACEI/ARB treatment was significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality in hypertensive COVID‐19 patients (odds ratio [OR] = 0.624, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.457–0.852, p = .003, I2 = 74.3%). Meta‐regression analysis showed that age, gender, study site, Newcastle–Ottawa Scale scores, comorbidities of diabetes, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, or cancer has no significant modulating effect of ACEI/ARB treatment on the mortality of hypertensive COVID‐19 patients (all p > .1). In addition, the ACEI/ARB treatment was associated with a lower risk of ventilatory support (OR = 0.682, 95% CI = 0.475–1.978, p = .037, I2 = 0.0%). In conclusion, these results suggest that ACEI/ARB medications should not be discontinued for hypertensive patients in the context of COVID‐19 pandemic.
Hip subluxation and osteophye morphology are related to coronal contracture of the hip
Authors: Tani Tetsuro , Ando Wataru , Hamada Hidetoshi , Takao Masaki , Sugano Nobuhiko
Published: October 2020

Coronal hip contracture induces pelvic obliquity in the presence of hip osteoarthritis (HOA), followed by the functional leg‐length discrepancy. To promote accurate diagnosis of contracture and proper management of soft tissue release in total hip arthroplasty (THA), this study aimed to clarify the morphological features on plain radiographs that are related to contracture in patients with HOA. Two hundred forty‐three hips of 231 patients with HOA who underwent primary THA were included in this study. Preoperative pelvic radiographs of the bilateral hips in maximum adduction and abduction were used to quantify contracture. Patients were grouped according to their contracture as having abduction contracture, adduction contracture, or minimal contracture. We investigated HOA, subluxation, anatomical factors, spinal factors, and the morphology of osteophytes at the inferomedial femoral head and compared parameters among groups to clarify the predictors of contracture. Eighteen hips (7.6%) were classified as having adduction contracture and 23 (9.4%) as having abduction contracture. Crowe classification, leg‐length discrepancy, and osteophyte morphology showed significant correlations with adduction contracture. Factors significantly correlated with abduction contracture were offset difference, pelvic obliquity, functional femoral anteversion, and osteophyte morphology. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the factor most strongly related to adduction contracture was Crowe III classification, whereas the strongest predictor of abduction contracture was osteophyte morphology. In conclusion, hip subluxation was related to the adduction contracture of the hip, whereas osteophyte morphology was related to abduction contracture.
Elucidating the Impact of Childhood, Adulthood, and Cumulative Lifetime Trauma Exposure on Psychiatric Symptoms in Early Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Liu Jianlin , Mahendran Rathi , Chong Siow Ann , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: October 2020

Cumulative lifetime trauma has a profound impact on the development of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, few studies have determined participants’ most distressing (i.e., “worst”) life event in childhood or adulthood or examined whether this event contributes to poorer clinical outcomes. The present study aimed to (a) determine the associations between the worst life event and demographic/clinical variables and (b) examine the associations between the worst life event and psychiatric symptoms (i.e., positive, negative, depressive, and anxiety symptoms). Participants (N = 150) were outpatients newly diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who were assessed for lifetime trauma exposure, positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between demographic and clinical variables and worst life events (none, childhood, or adulthood). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between worst life events and psychiatric symptoms. More participants reported that their worst life event occurred during adulthood (31.1%) than childhood (21.3%). Adulthood trauma was associated with male gender, older age, non‐Chinese ethnicity, and psychiatric comorbidities; childhood trauma was associated with a family history of depression/anxiety. Adulthood trauma was significantly associated with more severe positive psychotic symptoms, f2 = 0.19, whereas childhood and adulthood trauma exposure were both significantly associated with more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, f2s = 0.19 and 0.25, respectively. Our findings underscore the importance of conducting assessments for worst life events and the associated risk factors to develop meaningful formulations and appropriate trauma‐focused treatment plans.
MASS SPECTROMETRY TECHNOLOGIES TO ADVANCE CARE FOR CANCER PATIENTS IN CLINICAL AND INTRAOPERATIVE USE
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Sans Marta , Garza Kyana Y. , Eberlin Livia S.
Published: October 2020

Developments in mass spectrometry technologies have driven a widespread interest and expanded their use in cancer‐related research and clinical applications. In this review, we highlight the developments in mass spectrometry methods and instrumentation applied to direct tissue analysis that have been tailored at enhancing performance in clinical research as well as facilitating translation and implementation of mass spectrometry in clinical settings, with a focus on cancer‐related studies. Notable studies demonstrating the capabilities of direct mass spectrometry analysis in biomarker discovery, cancer diagnosis and prognosis, tissue analysis during oncologic surgeries, and other clinically relevant problems that have the potential to substantially advance cancer patient care are discussed. Key challenges that need to be addressed before routine clinical implementation including regulatory efforts are also discussed. Overall, the studies highlighted in this review demonstrate the transformative potential of mass spectrometry technologies to advance clinical research and care for cancer patients. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev
Evaluation and validation of TAMSAT‐ALERT soil moisture and WRSI for use in drought anticipatory action
Authors: Boult Victoria L. , Asfaw Dagmawi T. , Young Matthew , Maidment Ross , Mwangi Emmah , Ambani Maurine , Waruru Shamton , Otieno George , Todd Martin C. , Black Emily
Published: October 2020

Reliable information on the likelihood of drought is of crucial importance in agricultural planning and humanitarian decision‐making. Acting based upon probabilistic forecasts of drought, rather than responding to prevailing drought conditions, has the potential to save lives, livelihoods and resources, but is accompanied by the risk of acting in vain. The suitability of a novel forecasting tool is assessed in the present paper in terms of its ability to provide skilful information of the likelihood of drought impacts on crops and pasture within a timeframe that allows for anticipatory action. The Tropical Applications of Meteorology using SATellite data—AgriculturaL Early waRning sysTem (TAMSAT‐ALERT) tool provides forecasts of seasonal mean soil moisture and the water requirement satisfaction index (WRSI). TAMSAT‐ALERT metrics were found to be strongly correlated with pasture availability and maize yield in Kenya and provided skilful forecasts early in key seasons, allowing sufficient time for preparatory actions. Incorporating TAMSAT‐ALERT forecasts in a layered approach, with actions triggered by spatiotemporally varying triggers and fundamentally informed by humanitarian actors, will provide reliable information on the likelihood of drought, ultimately mitigating food insecurity.
Next‐generation sequencing identifies rare pathogenic and novel candidate variants in a cohort of Chinese patients with syndromic or nonsyndromic hearing loss
Authors: Xiang Yan‐Bao , Xu Chen‐Yang , Xu Yun‐Zhi , Li Huan‐Zheng , Zhou Li‐Li , Xu Xue‐Qin , Chen Zi‐Hui , Tang Shao‐Hua
Published: October 2020

Background

Hearing loss (HL) is a common sensory disorder in humans characterized by extreme clinical and genetic heterogeneity. In recent years, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have proven to be highly effective and powerful tools for population genetic studies of HL. Here, we analyzed clinical and molecular data from 21 Chinese deaf families who did not have hotspot mutations in the common deafness genes GJB2, SLC26A4, GJB3, and MT‐RNR1.

Method

Targeted next‐generation sequencing (TGS) of 127 known deafness genes was performed in probands of 12 families, while whole‐exome sequencing (WES) or trio‐WES was used for the remaining nine families.

Results

Potential pathogenic mutations in a total of 12 deafness genes were identified in 13 probands; the mutations were observed in GJB2, CDH23, EDNRB, MYO15A, OTOA, OTOF, TBC1D24, SALL1, TMC1, TWNK, USH1C, and USH1G, with eight of the identified mutations being novel. Further, a copy number variant (CNV) was detected in one proband with heterozygous deletion of chromosome 4p16.3‐4p15.32. Thus, the total diagnostic rate using NGS in our deafness patients reached 66.67% (14/21).

Conclusions

These results expand the mutation spectrum of deafness‐causing genes and provide support for the use of NGS detection technologies for routine molecular diagnosis in Chinese deaf populations.
Electromagnetic field and initial stress on a photothermal semiconducting voids medium under thermoelasticity theories
Authors: Khalil Eied M. , Abo‐Dahab Sayed M. , Kilany Araby A.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we investigate a volume fraction, electromagnetic field, photothermal, and initial stress impact on a homogeneous isotropic semiconducting generalized thermoelasticity solid. Three generalized thermoelasticity theories are considered: classical dynamical (CD), Lord and Shulman (LS), and dual‐phase‐lags (DPL). The equations governing the problem are presented considering the voids, photothermal, semiconducting, initial stress, and parameters concerning the theory of thermoelasticity in a generalized form. We applied the normal mode technique analysis to solve the algebraic system of equations in this phenomenon under suitable boundary conditions. The results showed that the photothermal, voids as a volume fraction, process of semiconductor, electromagnetic field, thermal relaxation times, and initial stress have a significant impact on the phenomenon. The physical quantities with some analytical comparisons are introduced analytically and displayed in graphs. A comparison was made between the obtained results and the works presented by others. If the volume fraction, electromagnetic field, and initial stress are neglected, the results obtained are deduced to Abo‐Dahab and Lotfy as a special case from the present study. The results obtained with neglecting the external parameters, viz, electromagnetic field, initial stress, voids, and phase lags, and considering the Laplace transform technique agree with the results of other works.
Novel imaging techniques using 18F‐florbetapir PET/MRI can guide fascicular nerve biopsy in amyloid multiple mononeuropathy
Authors: Shouman Kamal , Broski Stephen M. , Muchtar Eli , Pendleton Courtney A. , Johnson Geoffrey B. , Tracy Jennifer , Engelstad Janean K. , Spinner Robert J. , Dyck P. James B.
Published: October 2020

Background

Multiple mononeuropathy is a rare presentation of primary (AL) amyloidosis and nerve biopsy is usually needed for diagnosis. Conventional imaging is useful to identify proximal nerve involvement but may be inadequate. We report a patient with multiple mononeuropathy whose presentation was suggestive of AL amyloid neuropathy and in whom repeated tissue biopsies were negative for amyloid (including two sensory nerves and one muscle).

Methods

The patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and whole body 18F‐florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI.

Results

Whole body 18F‐florbetapir PET/MRI revealed abnormal low‐level florbetapir uptake in the right proximal tibial and peroneal nerves, which provided a target for a sciatic bifurcation fascicular nerve biopsy that was diagnostic of AL amyloidosis.

Conclusions

18F‐florbetapir PET/MRI imaging is a promising diagnostic tool for patients with suspected peripheral nerve amyloidosis (including multiple mononeuropathy) in whom conventional imaging and nerve and muscle biopsies miss the pathology.
Motor axonal neuropathy associated with GNE mutations
Authors: Grecu Nicolae , Villa Luisa , Cavalli Michele , Ristaino Antoine , Choumert Ariane , Butori Catherine , Salviati Leonardo , Puma Angela , Krahn Martin , Cerino Mathieu , Sacconi Sabrina
Published: October 2020

Background

Mutations in the GNE gene have been so far described as predominantly associated with distal lower‐limb myopathies. Recent reports describe mutations in this gene in patients with peripheral neuropathy and motor neuron disease.

Methods

We describe three patients displaying motor neuropathy in association with GNE mutations. Clinical, electrophysiological, imaging, pathological, and genetic data are presented in a retrospective manner.

Results

The three patients had different phenotypes, ranging from mildly progressive lower limb weakness to a rapidly progressive 4‐limb weakness. Genetic testing revealed GNE gene mutations in all patients; of those mutations, p.(His186Arg) has not been previously reported. All patients showed evidence of axonal motor nerve involvement on electrodiagnostic examination and/or muscle biopsy.

Conclusions

Nerve involvement associated with GNE gene mutations may be an underdiagnosed pathology and may influence clinical presentation and disease progression.
COVID‐19‐associated myositis may be dermatomyositis
Authors: Tanboon Jantima , Nishino Ichizo
Published: October 2020

See article on pages E10 in this issue.
Demonstration and application of NMM‐based fractured porous medium flow model
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Hua , Lin Shao‐Zhong , Su Hai‐Dong , Shi Gen‐Hua
Published: October 2020

In natural rock masses, the shapes of three‐dimensional (3‐D) blocks cut by arbitrary fracture networks may be very complex. Owing to the geometric complexity and difficulty of mesh discretization of 3‐D blocks and fracture facets, explicit consideration of fracture networks in flow analysis of fractured porous medium (FPM) is very challenging. Using the numerical manifold method based on independent covers (NMMIC), an FPM flow model was proposed that can deal with very complex 3‐D fracture networks. In this paper, the convergence of NMMIC was first demonstrated. The theoretical basis of the arbitrary refinement of computational meshes was proven. Moreover, three peculiarities of NMMIC meshes, that is, arbitrary shape, arbitrary connection, and arbitrary refinement of independent covers, were concluded. Finally, some two‐dimensional (2‐D) tunnel flow examples were analyzed and the numerical results were compared with the analytical results. 3‐D examples with complex fracture distributions were also analyzed. In addition, the computational scale of the developed program was tested by increasing the number of computational elements. The results show that our model can accurately analyze the groundwater flow of rocks surrounding tunnels with complex fracture distributions.
Critical time step for discrete element method simulations of convex particles with central symmetry
Authors: Peng Di , Burns Shane J. , Hanley Kevin J.
Published: October 2020

A time step must be selected for any explicit discrete element method (DEM) simulation. This time step must be small enough to ensure a stable simulation but should not be overly conservative for computational efficiency. There are established methods to estimate critical time steps for simulations of spherical particles. However, there is a comparable lack of guidance on choosing time steps for DEM simulations involving nonspherical particles: a fact which is increasingly problematic as simulations of nonspherical particles become more commonplace. In this article, the eigenvalues of the amplification matrix are used to develop an explicit formula for the critical time step for a range of shapes including ellipsoids, convex superquadrics and convex, central symmetric polyhedra. This derivation is based on a linear analysis and applies to both underdamped and overdamped systems. The dependence on the particle mass and contact stiffness expected for a system of spheres is recovered. For a fixed particle mass, as particle shape becomes increasingly nonspherical, the critical time step decreases nonlinearly. Thus, estimating a critical time step by assuming a sphere of equivalent volume may not always be conservative.
Graphene‐Based Macromolecular Assemblies for Scavenging Heavy Metals
Authors: Chowdhury Shamik , Pan Sharadwata
Published: October 2020

The integration of graphene or graphene oxide nanosheets into three‐dimensional (3D) graphene‐based macromolecular assemblies (GMAs), in the form of sponges, beads, fibres, films, and crumpled nanosheets, has greatly advanced their environmental remediation applications. This is attributed to the outstanding physicochemical characteristics and superlative mechanical features of 3D GMAs, including precise and physically linked permeable networks, enormous surface area, profound porosity, and high‐class sturdiness, amongst others. In this review, the recent advancements towards the exploration of 3D GMAs as an exciting new class of high‐performance adsorbents, for eliminating toxic heavy metal ions from both wastewater and freshwater, are systematically summarized and discussed, from both fundamental and applied perspectives. In particular, the numerous surface modification techniques that are actively pursued to enrich the metal adsorption capacity of 3D GMAs, are comprehensively examined. Additionally, associated challenges are pointed out and tactical research strategies and improvements are proposed, with an eye on the conceivable future.
Fluorescent Mesoporous Nanoparticles for β‐Lactamase Screening Assays
Authors: Tummala Srikrishna , Huang Wei‐An , Wu Bo‐Hong , Chang Kai‐Chih , Ho Yen‐Peng
Published: October 2020

We present a sensitive and rapid screening method for the determination of β‐lactamase activity of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, by designing a pH‐sensitive fluorescent dye‐doped mesoporous silica nanoparticle encapsulated with penicillin G as a substrate. When penicillin G was hydrolysed by β‐lactamase and converted into penicilloic acid, the acidic environment resulted in fluorescence quenching of the dye. The dye‐doped mesoporous nanoparticles not only enhanced the β‐lactamase‐catalyzed reaction rate but also stablized the substrate, penicillin G, which degrades into penicilloic acid in a water solution without β‐lactamase. Twentyfive clinical bacterial samples were tested and the antibiotic resistant and susceptible strains were identified. The proposed method may detect the presence of β ‐lactamases of clinically relevant samples in less than 1 hour. Moreover, the detection limit of β‐lactamase activity was as low as 7.8×10−4 U/mL, which was determined within two hours.
Socioeconomic determinants of COVID‐19 in Asian countries: An empirical analysis
Authors: Varkey Rittu S. , Joy Justin , Sarmah Gargee , Panda Prasant K.
Published: October 2020

The spread of coronavirus disease, 2019, has affected several countries in the world including Asian countries. The occurrences of COVID infections are uneven across countries and the same is determined by socioeconomic situations prevailing in the countries besides the preparedness and management. The paper is an attempt to empirically examine the socioeconomic determinants of the occurrence of COVID in Asian countries considering the data as of June 18, 2020, for 42 Asian countries. A multiple regression analysis in a cross‐sectional framework is specified and ordinary least square (OLS) technique with heteroscedasticity corrected robust standard error is employed to obtain regression coefficients. Explanatory variables that are highly collinear have been dropped from the analysis. The findings of the study show a positive significant association of per capita gross national income and net migration with the incidence of total COVID‐19 cases and daily new cases. The size of net migration emerged to be a potential factor and positive in determining the total and new cases of COVID. Social capital as measured by voters' turnout ratio (VTR) in order to indicate the people's participation is found to be significant and negative for daily new cases per million population. People's participation has played a very important role in checking the incidence of COVID cases and its spread. In alternate models, countries having high incidence of poverty are also having higher cases of COVID. Though the countries having higher percentage of aged populations are more prone to be affected by the spread of virus, but the sign of the coefficient of this variable for Asian country is not in the expected line. Previous year health expenditure and diabetic prevalence rate are not significant in the analysis. Therefore, people‐centric plan and making people more participatory and responsive in adhering to the social distancing norms in public and workplace and adopting preventive measures need to be focused on COVID management strategies. The countries having larger net migration and poverty ratio need to evolve comprehensive and inclusive strategies for testing, tracing, and massive awareness for sanitary practices, social distancing, and following government regulation for management of COVID‐19, besides appropriate food security measures and free provision of sanitary kits for vulnerable section.
Characterization of metal‐polymer interaction forces by AFM for insert molding applications
Authors: Abhyankar Hrushikesh , Webb D. Patrick , West Geoff D. , Hutt David A.
Published: October 2020

There is a growing interest in the overmolding of electronics with thermoplastics and the embedding of electronics in 3D printed parts. However long term device reliability requires good adhesion between the metallic surfaces of the electronic components and the overmolding polymer. In order to provide a guide to material selection, interaction forces between tin, a common electronics metallization and six commodity thermoplastics were studied. The force measurements were undertaken using atomic force microscopy (AFM) with probes functionalized with tin particles. The particles were attached to the probes by a novel method using a focused ion beam (FIB) instrument. Highly consistent cantilever deflections at pull‐off were obtained, allowing the thermoplastics to be robustly ranked by strength of interaction with tin as: PC > PMMA > PBT > ABS > PS > PA 6. From consideration of possible contributions to the pull‐off forces measured, it was concluded the data and the developed AFM tip functionalization technique are likely to be useful in materials selection for electronics overmolding with thermoplastics. The FIB functionalization technique may be useful in the wider context of investigations of other metal‐polymer interaction forces, for example with alloys, where other methods of functionalization may be difficult to apply.
Characterizing Practice Effects in Performance‐Based Tests Administered to Users of Unilateral Lower Limb Prostheses: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Sawers Andrew , Hafner Brian J.
Published: October 2020

Background

Performance‐based tests are viewed as a gold standard for measuring physical capability. Practice effects, however, may threaten their predictive, discriminative, and evaluative applications. Despite these potential consequences, practice effects have received limited attention in users of lower limb prostheses (LLP).

Objective

To perform an initial characterization of the occurrence, time‐course, and magnitude of practice effects in three performance‐based tests administered to users of LLP.

Design

Secondary analysis of data from a multisite repeated‐measures study.

Setting

Outpatient clinic and research laboratory.

Participants

Convenience sample of established ambulatory users of unilateral transtibial and transfemoral prostheses (n = 60).

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Practice effects were identified as significant changes in slope of participants' cumulative trial‐by‐trial records. The occurrence, time‐course, and magnitude of practice effects were computed for the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Four Square Step Test (FSST), and the 10‐m Walk Test (10mWT).

Results

Across tests, practice effects were observed in 45% to 76% of participants. The proportion of participants with practice effects (ie, occurrence) was significantly greater for the FSST than the 10mWT (P = .008). The median number of trials (ie, time‐course) required for participants to reach a consistent level of performance was not significantly different between tests (FSST: 4 trials, TUG: 4 trials; 10mWT: 3.5 trials; P = .481). Practice effect magnitude (ie, difference between the mean of trials during the plateau and best performance over the first two trials) was significantly greater than zero for the FSST (1.6 s; 16%) and TUG (1.4 s; 13%) (P < .05).

Conclusion

Results indicate that the FSST, TUG, and 10mWT were susceptible to practice effects in this sample of users of LLP. Practice effects may obscure significant differences in walking and balance ability, and thereby, in the absence of modifications, limit the use of these tests for making individual patient clinical decisions and analyzing group‐level data.
Trends Over Time in Employment for Mothers Who Received Welfare Benefits in 1996
Authors: Vaughan Denton R. , Haley Barbara A. , Dajani Aref N.
Published: October 2020

Welfare reform brought on by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 has been the object of considerable debate and scholarship. This article shows impact over time in employment for a nationally representative sample of welfare mothers who received welfare benefits in 1996, using the 1996 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), linked to 10 years of their IRS wage records. In 1996, nearly half of them worked for wages. The vast majority had attained a high school diploma or less. Almost a fifth reported a severe disability and either fair or poor health. In 1997, the PRWORA was implemented for the entire U.S. That year, nearly three‐fifths had paid employment. Nearly three‐quarters received wages by 2000. After the recession of 2001, receipt of wages decreased. By 2007, receipt of wages was back to the 1997 level. Health, age, education, and work history of these mothers impacted receipt of wages as expected, but not car ownership and number of children. Our longitudinal data demonstrate the impact of business cycles as well as health, age, education, and work history to determine paid employment outcomes. Analyses of future SIPP panels will determine whether these trends continue.
Editor's Letter
Authors: Mick Connie Snyder
Published: October 2020

This letter from the editor provides a brief summary of the articles contained in this issue and invites readers to respond and submit their own articles.
Comparison between two newborn screening strategies for cystic fibrosis in Argentina: IRT/IRT versus IRT/PAP
Authors: Teper Alejandro , Smithuis Fernando , Rodríguez Viviana , Salvaggio Orlando , Maccallini Gustavo , Aranda Claudio , Lubovich Silvina , Zaragoza Silvina , García‐Bournissen Facundo
Published: October 2020

Background

The benefits of early cystic fibrosis (CF) detection using newborn screening (NBS) has led to widespread use in NBS programs. Since 2002, a two‐stage immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT/IRT) screening strategy has been used as a CFNBS method in all public maternity units in the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. However, novel screening strategies may be more efficient. The aim of this study is to prospectively compare two CFNBS strategies: IRT/IRT and IRT/PAP (pancreatitis‐associated protein).

Methods

A two‐year prospective study was performed. IRT was measured in dried blood samples collected 48–72 h after birth. When an IRT value was abnormal, PAP was determined, and a second visit was scheduled to obtain another sample for IRT before 25 days of life. Newborns with a positive CFNBS were referred for a confirmatory sweat test.

Results

There were 69,827 births in the City of Buenos Aires during the period studied; 918 (1.31%) had an abnormal IRT. A total of 207 children (22.5%) failed to return for the second IRT, but only two PAP (0.2%) were not performed. IRT/IRT was more likely to lead to a referral for sweat testing than IRT/PAP (odds ratio 2.3 [95% confidence interval 1.8–2.9], p < .001). Sensitivity and specificity were: 80% and 100% and 86.5% and 82.6% for IRT/IRT and IRT/PAP strategies, respectively.

Conclusion

The IRT/PAP strategy is more sensitive than IRT/IRT and has similar specificity; it avoids a second visit and unnecessary sweat testing, and it reduces loss to follow‐up in our population.
From flat file to interface: Synthesis of personas and analytics for enhanced user understanding
Authors: Jansen Bernard J. , Jung Soon‐Gyo , Salminen Joni
Published: October 2020

The persona approach is a communicative design technique for understanding users. With increasing access to analytics data, personas are more and more generated from online user statistics using big data and algorithmic approaches. This integration offers new opportunities to shift personas from flat files of data presentation to that of interactive interfaces for analytics systems. We illustrate this transition towards the concept of “persona as interface” with a persona analytics system, Automatic Persona Generation (APG). In pushing advancements of both persona and analytics conceptualization, development, and use, the APG system presents a multi‐layered “full‐stack” integration. APG affords three levels of user data presentation, which are (a) the conceptual persona, (b) the analytical user metrics, and (c) the foundational user data. Moving to a “personas as interfaces” approach offers the benefits of both personas and analytics systems and addresses some of the shortcomings of each. We provide results from user experiments of and use cases for APG. The result is a better tool than either persona or analytics along for user understanding.
Oxymorons of privacy and surveillance in “smart homes”
Authors: Doty Philip
Published: October 2020

Surveillance is an important element of contemporary society. To understand current surveillance and its implications for privacy, this paper contributes to theory by identifying three oxymorons (apparent paradoxes) related to privacy and surveillance in the “smart home.” After discussing how “smart homes” are telling examples of the general privacy paradox (only an apparent paradox), the paper examines two related oxymorons: what I term the oxymoron of the surveillance of care and the oxymoron of inconvenient seamlessness. They are drawn from empirical, historical, and conceptual investigations of users' attitudes and behaviors. The paper identifies defining differences between automated and “smart homes,” the complexity of understanding implications for privacy and surveillance of such homes, and how empirical studies of attitudes about and behavior related to “smart homes” can inform theory. The paper is partially grounded in feminist and historical research about the home, individual and family life, and consideration of contemporary surveillance theories. Carefully examining oxymorons about surveillance and privacy is key to our understanding and to our scholarly and political action, showing the continuing need for critical surveillance and privacy studies.
Recreated actors and attribution: An analysis of film crediting practices
Authors: Dobreski Brian , Thompson Cassidy
Published: October 2020

New technologies are challenging traditional notions and practices of attribution, or how creative responsibility is understood and expressed. A prominent example is the recreation of deceased or unavailable actors in new film performances. Manufactured through the use of doubles, CGI, and reference footage, these performances are the result of complex, shared creative responsibilities. This study looks to the credits for these films as a means of exploring attribution in such cases. Researchers identified 19 feature films utilizing recreated performances and conducted a content analysis of the films' closing credits, focusing on attributive statements associated with recreated actors and their roles. Results show that, even with minimal or no active involvement, deceased actors tend to receive the major acting credit, while doubles receive lesser or no credit at all. As such, film credits do not serve as traditional descriptive metadata per se, but must negotiate a number of functions simultaneously, highlighting their role as paratexts that use attribution to blur the lines between narrative and external realities. Attribution is used to support the authenticity of these performances, downplaying or obscuring complex creative responsibilities in the process.
Assessing user reactions to intelligent personal assistants’ humorous responses
Authors: Lopatovska Irene , Korshakova Elena , Kubert Tracy
Published: October 2020

The paper reports on the study that developed a classification of humorous interactions with intelligent personal assistants (IPAs) and applied the classification to compare four IPAs, Apple Siri, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Microsoft Cortana, on their humor performance. The study relied on volunteer participants recruited through traditional academic channels (e.g. mailing lists) as well as Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT). While AMT and non‐AMT participants differed on some demographic characteristics, their overall ratings of IPA humor were not significantly different and were analyzed jointly using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that Apple Siri and Google Assistant received higher average ratings on humorous IPA responses compared to Amazon Alexa and Microsoft Cortana. IPA responses to joke requests were judged as being funnier than IPA responses to questions related to the IPA's personality, rhetorical statements and other humor types. Consistent with previous studies on humor, our findings did not demonstrate strong relationships between select user demographics (age, gender and humor style) and their ratings of humorous IPA responses.