bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life‐cycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential for corn ethanol refining in the USA
Authors: Xu Hui , Lee Uisung , Wang Michael
Published: February 2022

This study evaluates how low‐carbon production technologies applicable to ethanol plants may reduce the life‐cycle greenhouse gas emission (GHG) intensities of corn ethanol production in the USA. Results indicate that options focusing on incremental energy efficiency (e.g., combined heat and power) and yield improvements have a limited impact on GHG reductions. To achieve deep decarbonization (>50% GHG reduction compared to current corn ethanol production), a fuel switch from natural gas (NG) to alternative low‐carbon fuels is needed. Replacing 50% of NG demand at ethanol plants with syngas from biomass through gasification or renewable natural gas from animal waste could achieve significant GHG reductions (11.7–23.5 g CO2e/MJ ethanol). Adding multiple technologies, including carbon capture and storage, to existing ethanol plants may further reduce GHG emissions to −18.4 g CO2e MJ−1 ethanol (including land‐use change emissions), which is 120% lower than the carbon intensity of pure gasoline. These results could inform how the ethanol industry could move toward net‐zero ethanol production. © 2022 UChicago Argonne, LLC, Operation of Argonne National Laboratory. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A Four‐Step Enzymatic Cascade for Efficient Production of L‐Phenylglycine from Biobased L‐Phenylalanine
Authors: Zhu Yuling , Yuan Jifeng
Published: February 2022

Enantiopure amino acids are of particular interest in the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Here, we report a multi‐enzyme cascade for efficient production of L‐phenylglycine (L‐Phg) from biobased L‐phenylalanine (L‐Phe). We first attempted to engineer Escherichia coli for expressing L‐amino acid deaminase (LAAD) from Proteus mirabilis, hydroxymandelate synthase (HmaS) from Amycolatopsis orientalis, (S)‐mandelate dehydrogenase (SMDH) from Pseudomonas putida, the endogenous aminotransferase (AT) encoded by ilvE and L‐glutamate dehydrogenase (GluDH) from E. coli. However, 10 mM L‐Phe only afforded the synthesis of 7.21±0.15 mM L‐Phg. The accumulation of benzoylformic acid suggested that the transamination step might be rate‐limiting. We next used leucine dehydrogenase (LeuDH) from Bacillus cereus to bypass the use of L‐glutamate as amine donor, and 40 mM L‐Phe gave 39.97±3.84 mM (6.04±0.58 g/L) L‐Phg, reaching 99.9 % conversion. In summary, this work demonstrates a concise four‐step enzymatic cascade for L‐Phg synthesis from biobased L‐Phe, with a potential for future industrial applications.
Multicancer early detection test: Preclinical, translational, and clinical evidence–generation plan and provocative questions
Authors: Kisiel John B. , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Liu Minetta C. , Crosby David , Srivastava Sudhir , Hawk Ernest T.
Published: February 2022

Minimally invasive molecular biomarkers have been applied to the early detection of multiple cancers in large scale case‐control and cohort studies. These demonstrations of feasibility herald the potential for permanent transformation of current cancer screening paradigms. This commentary discusses the major opportunities and challenges facing the preclinical development and clinical validation of multicancer early detection test strategies. From a diverse set of early detection research perspectives, the authors recommend specific approaches and highlight important questions for future investigation.
Implementation of a large‐scale breast cancer early detection program in a resource‐constrained setting: real‐world experiences from 2 large states in India
Authors: Kumar Somesh , Usmanova Gulnoza , Nair Tapas Sadasivan , Srivastava Vineet Kumar , Singh Rakesh , Mohanty Nochiketa , Akhtar Nadeem , Kujur Meshach Sunny , Srivastava Ashish Kumar , Pallipamula Suranjeen Prasad , Agarwal Gaurav , Singh Amresh Bahadur , Kashyap Vivek , McCarthy Maura , Liebermann Erica J. , Ginsburg Ophira
Published: February 2022

Background

The Breast Health Initiative (BHI) was launched to demonstrate a scalable model to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Methods

A package of evidence‐based interventions was codesigned and implemented with the stakeholders, as part of the national noncommunicable disease program, through the existing primary health care system. Data from the first 18 months of the BHI are presented.

Results

A total of 108,112 women received breast health education; 48% visited the health facilities for clinical breast examination (CBE), 3% had a positive CBE result, and 41% were referred to a diagnostic facility. The concordance of CBE findings between health care providers and adherence to follow‐up care improved considerably, with more women visiting the diagnostic facilities and completing diagnostic evaluation within 1 month from initial screening, and with only 9% lost to follow‐up. The authors observed a clinically meaningful decrease in time to complete diagnostic evaluation with biopsy, from 37 to 9 days.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing a large‐scale, decentralized breast cancer early detection program delivered through the existing primary health care system in India.
Differential effects of corporate social responsibility on downsizing: Evidence from the United States
Authors: Pekovic Sanja , Wagner Marcus , Vogt Sebastian
Published: February 2022

Based on an integrated theoretical framework, we argue that socially responsible firms aspire to higher ethical and moral standards than other firms and foster higher intrinsic motivation to avoid downsizing. In line with this, we develop hypotheses proposing a negative association of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with downsizing incidence and downsizing severity. Using a panel data on U.S. firms over an eight‐year period, we confirm these hypotheses and find that CSR has a negative association with downsizing, which increases with the severity of downsizing. We discuss the implications of the findings and how our work contributes to the body of academic work on downsizing with CSR as an important novel firm‐level determinant that links to corporate sustainability and stakeholder engagement.
Demographic consequences of mutualism disruption: Browsing and big‐headed ant invasion drive acacia population declines
Authors: Hays Brandon R. , Riginos Corinna , Palmer Todd M. , Doak Daniel F. , Gituku Benard C. , Maiyo Nelly J. , Mutisya Samuel , Musila Simon , Goheen Jacob R.
Published: February 2022

Across the globe, biological invasions have disrupted mutualisms, producing reverberating consequences for ecosystems. Although invasive species frequently trigger mutualism disruptions, few studies have quantified the demographic mechanisms by which mutualism breakdown may generate population effects. In a Kenyan savanna, the invasive big‐headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) has disrupted a foundational mutualism between the monodominant whistling‐thorn tree (Acacia drepanolobium) and native ants (Crematogasterspp.) that deter browsing by large mammalian herbivores. We conducted experiments to quantify the demographic consequences of this mutualism disruption in the presence and absence of large mammalian herbivores. Invasion byP. megacephalaexacerbated population declines ofA. drepanolobium, primarily through decreased survival and reproduction of adult trees. However, these fitness reductions were small compared to those resulting from the presence of large mammalian herbivores, which negatively impacted growth and survival. Contrary to expectation, the expulsion of metabolically costlyCrematogastermutualists byP. megacephaladid not result in higher population growth rates for trees protected from large mammalian herbivores. Our results suggest that invasiveP. megacephalamay impose a direct metabolic cost to trees exceeding that of native mutualists while providing no protection from browsing by large mammalian herbivores. Across landscapes, we expect that invasion byP. megacephalawill reduceA. drepanolobiumpopulations, but that the magnitude and demographic pathways of this effect will hinge on the presence and abundance of browsers.
Controllable Coaxial Coating of Boehmite on the Surface of Polyimide Nanofiber Membrane and Its Application as a Separator for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kefan Liu , Chengyuan Yang , Xiaogang Li , Nanxi Dong , Bingxue Liu , Guofeng Tian , Shengli Qi , Dezhen Wu
Published: February 2022

With the continuous development of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the electrochemical performance and safety of LIBs have become increasingly challenged recently. Therefore, research on high‐performance LIB separators has gradually attracted widespread attention. As an important component of lithium batteries, the diaphragm plays an important role in battery safety. Improving battery separator performance is an important way to improve batteries’ safety and electrochemical performance. Herein, to prepare a new type of LIB separator, a preparation strategy in which polyimide (PI) nanofibers can be coaxially encapsulated by the inorganic boehmite (AlOOH) ceramics through an adsorption and complexation process is developed. This strategy involves immersing partially imidized PI nanofiber membranes into anhydrous aluminum chloride ethanol solution and dilute ammonia, where the adsorption−complexation and hydrolysis processes are completed. During the hydrolysis process, the PI nanofibers are evenly coated with AlOOH. The amount of AlOOH can be controlled easily by adjusting the concentration of the anhydrous aluminum chloride ethanol solution. After being encapsulated with AlOOH, the separator exhibits better mechanical properties, wettability, thermal stability, cycling durability, and a high capacity, along with faster ion transport speed. All excellent features prove that the PI@AlOOH composite nanofiber membrane is an advanced high‐performance LIB separator.
Model‐based adaptive kinematic transformation method for accurate control of multi‐DOF boundary conditions in conventional tests and hybrid simulations
Authors: Park Jamin , Ma Raymond , Kwon Oh‐Sung
Published: February 2022

Several actuators need to be controlled to impose a multi‐degree of freedom displacement boundary conditions on a specimen in multi‐axial hybrid simulations or conventional multi‐axial displacement‐controlled tests. As the displacement boundary conditions are typically defined in the Cartesian coordinate system, kinematic transformation is required to transform the boundary conditions into actuator strokes. In previous studies, the kinematic transformation was carried out assuming no elastic deformation of the reaction system where the actuators and specimens are mounted. Accordingly, the kinematic transformation becomes inaccurate if the elastic deformation are not negligible, thereby impacting the accuracy of the experiments. There are methods to compensate for these errors by instrumenting specimens, but the existing methods often require many iterations or do not monotonically approach the target displacements. This study proposes a new method for kinematic transformation from the Cartesian system to the actuators’ local coordinate systems. The method adopts a model identification technique by which the influence of the elastic deformation can be effectively considered in calculating the actuator strokes. Numerical verification and experimental validation with the proposed transformation method are carried out. The results show that the proposed transformation method can decrease the number of iterations to achieve the target displacement boundary conditions and thus avoiding overshooting the displacement boundary conditions and reducing the interaction between actuators. It is expected that the proposed method can reduce the overall time to run a multi‐axial hybrid simulation or multi‐DOF displacement‐controlled experiments.
Double‐Edged Role of Resource Competition in Gene Expression Noise and Control
Authors: Goetz Hanah , Stone Austin , Zhang Rong , Lai Ying‐Cheng , Tian Xiao‐Jun
Published: February 2022

Despite extensive investigation demonstrating that resource competition can significantly alter the deterministic behaviors of synthetic gene circuits, it remains unclear how resource competition contributes to the gene expression noise and how this noise can be controlled. Utilizing a two‐gene circuit as a prototypical system, a surprising double‐edged role of resource competition in gene expression noise is uncovered: competition decreases noise through introducing a resource constraint but generates its own type of noise which we name as “resource competitive noise.” Utilization of orthogonal resources enables retainment of the noise reduction conferred by resource constraint while removing the added resource competitive noise. The noise reduction effects are studied using three negative feedback types: negatively competitive regulation (NCR), local, and global controllers, each having four placement architectures in the protein biosynthesis pathway (mRNA or protein inhibition on transcription or translation). The results show that both local and NCR controllers with mRNA‐mediated inhibition are efficacious at reducing noise, with NCR controllers demonstrating a superior noise‐reduction capability. Combining feedback controllers with orthogonal resources can improve the local controllers. This work provides deep insights into the origin of stochasticity in gene circuits with resource competition and guidance for developing effective noise control strategies.
Significance of neotectonics in assessing the relative tectonic activity in and around the Mat Fault of Eastern Himalayan Fold Belt, Mizoram, north‐east India
Authors: Barman Binoy Kumar , Rao Koduru Srinivasa , Zohmingliani  , Prasad Nerella S. R. , Walia Devesh
Published: February 2022

The Mat Fault situated in the Eastern Himalayan Fold Belt was mapped around Mizoram and is oriented NNW to SSE. This region has experienced a number of earthquakes in the recent past that damaged settlements and triggered numerous landslides. A set of geomorphic parameters were analysed on both sides of the Mat Fault to understand the tectonic setting. The six geomorphic parameters include: elongation ratio, hypsometric analysis, asymmetry factor, transverse topographic symmetry factor, stream length‐gradient index, and valley floor‐to‐width ratio, and they were calculated for 20 fourth‐order sub‐watersheds. Out of 20 sub‐watersheds, 10 sub‐watersheds were selected from the northern block and 10 from the southern block. Hypsometric analyses show that all the sub‐watersheds have attained a mature stage of geomorphic cycle of erosion; and from the analysis of hypsometric curves, it is found that 16 of the sub‐watersheds might have been uplifted due to tectonic activity. The asymmetry and transverse topographic symmetry factor values also suggest tilting in different directions possibly due to obstruction by faulting. The anomaly of high stream length index values is also observed in different sub‐watersheds indicating neotectonic activity. Low values of the valley floor‐to‐width ratio (<0.5) suggest V‐shaped valley topography, which indicate vertical incision due to tectonic activity. On evaluating relative tectonic activity among 20 sub‐watersheds, it is found that 80% of sub‐watersheds in the northern block show relatively stronger tectonic activity than the southern block. The present work suggests that the study area is tectonically active, and the possibility that they were produced by seismic activity.
Examining the presence and nature of delusions in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia syndromes
Authors: Kumfor Fiona , Liang Cheng Tao , Hazelton Jessica L. , Leyton Cristian E. , Kaizik Cassandra , Devenney Emma , Connaughton Emily , Langdon Robyn , Mioshi Eneida , Kwok John B. , Dobson‐Stone Carol , Halliday Glenda M. , Piguet Olivier , Hodges John R. , Landin‐Romero Ramon
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Abnormal beliefs and delusions have been reported in some people with dementia, however, the prevalence of delusions, and their neurocognitive basis has been underexplored. This study aimed to examine the presence, severity, content and neural correlates of delusions in a large, well‐characterised cohort of dementia patients using a transdiagnostic, cross‐sectional approach.

Methods

Four‐hundred and eighty‐seven people with dementia were recruited: 102 Alzheimer's disease, 136 behavioural‐variant frontotemporal dementia, 154 primary progressive aphasia, 29 motor neurone disease, 46 corticobasal syndrome, 20 progressive supranuclear palsy. All patients underwent neuropsychological assessment and brain magnetic resonance imaging, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory was conducted with an informant, by an experienced clinician.

Results

In our cohort, 48/487 patients (10.8%) had delusions. A diagnosis of behavioural‐variant frontotemporal dementia (18.4%) and Alzheimer's disease (11.8%) were associated with increased risk of delusions. A positive gene mutation was observed in 11/27 people with delusions. Individuals with frequent delusions performed worse on the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (p = 0.035), particularly on the orientation/attention (p = 0.022) and memory (p = 0.013) subtests. Voxel‐based morphometry analyses found that increased delusional psychopathology was associated with reduced integrity of the right middle frontal gyrus, right planum temporale and left anterior temporal pole.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that delusions are relatively common in dementia and uncover a unique cognitive and neural profile associated with the manifestation of delusions. Clinically, delusions may lead to delayed or misdiagnosis. Our results shed light on how to identify individuals at risk of neuropsychiatric features of dementia, a crucial first step to enable targeted symptom management.
miR‐579‐3p Controls Hepatocellular Carcinoma Formation by Regulating the Phosphoinositide 3‐Kinase–Protein Kinase B Pathway in Chronically Inflamed Liver
Authors: Quintavalle Cristina , Meyer‐Schaller Nathalie , Roessler Stephanie , Calabrese Diego , Marone Romina , Riedl Tobias , Picco‐Rey Silvia , Panagiotou Orestis A. , Uzun Sarp , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Boldanova Tuyana , Bian Chaoran B. , Semela David , Jochum Wolfram , Cathomas Gieri , Mertz Kirsten D. , Diebold Joachim , Mazzucchelli Luca , Koelzer Viktor H. , Weber Achim , Decaens Thomas , Terracciano Luigi M. , Heikenwalder Mathias , Hoshida Yujin , Andersen Jesper B. , Thorgeirsson Snorri S. , Matter Matthias S.
Published: February 2022

Chronic liver inflammation causes continuous liver damage with progressive liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which may eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Whereas the 10‐year incidence for HCC in patients with cirrhosis is approximately 20%, many of these patients remain tumor free for their entire lives. Clarifying the mechanisms that define the various outcomes of chronic liver inflammation is a key aspect in HCC research. In addition to a wide variety of contributing factors, microRNAs (miRNAs) have also been shown to be engaged in promoting liver cancer. Therefore, we wanted to characterize miRNAs that are involved in the development of HCC, and we designed a longitudinal study with formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded liver biopsy samples from several pathology institutes from Switzerland. We examined the miRNA expression by nCounterNanostring technology in matched nontumoral liver tissue from patients developing HCC (n = 23) before and after HCC formation in the same patient. Patients with cirrhosis (n = 26) remaining tumor free within a similar time frame served as a control cohort. Comparison of the two cohorts revealed that liver tissue from patients developing HCC displayed a down‐regulation of miR‐579‐3p as an early step in HCC development, which was further confirmed in a validation cohort. Correlation with messenger RNA expression profiles further revealed that miR‐579‐3p directly attenuated phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) expression and consequently protein kinase B (AKT) and phosphorylated AKT. In vitro experiments and the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology confirmed that miR‐579‐3p controlled cell proliferation and cell migration of liver cancer cell lines. Conclusion: Liver tissues from patients developing HCC revealed changes in miRNA expression. miR‐579‐3p was identified as a novel tumor suppressor regulating phosphoinositide 3‐kinase–AKT signaling at the early stages of HCC development.
Simultaneous parametrization of torsional and third‐neighbor interaction terms in force‐field development: The LLS‐SC algorithm
Authors: Gonçalves Yan M. H. , Kashefolgheta Sadra , Oliveira Marina P. , Hünenberger Philippe H. , Horta Bruno A. C.
Published: February 2022

The calibration of torsional interaction terms by fitting relative gas‐phase conformational energies against their quantum‐mechanical values is a common procedure in force‐field development. However, much less attention has been paid to the optimization of third‐neighbor nonbonded interaction parameters, despite their strong coupling with the torsions. This article introduces an algorithm termed LLS‐SC, aimed at simultaneously parametrizing torsional and third‐neighbor interaction terms based on relative conformational energies. It relies on a self‐consistent (SC) procedure where each iteration involves a linear least‐squares (LLS) regression followed by a geometry optimization of the reference structures. As a proof‐of‐principle, this method is applied to obtain torsional and third‐neighbor interaction parameters for aliphatic chains in the context of the GROMOS 53A6 united‐atom force field. The optimized parameter set is compared to the original one, which has been fitted manually against thermodynamic properties for small linear alkanes. The LLS‐SC implementation is freely available under http://github.com/mssm-labmmol/profiler.
Biochar application in biofiltration systems to remove nutrients, pathogens, and pharmaceutical and personal care products from wastewater
Authors: Maleki Shahraki Zahra , Mao Xinwei
Published: February 2022

Although conventional on‐site wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) provide only primary treatment of domestic wastewater, removal of a limited level of nutrients (N, P), pathogens, and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) could be achieved by such a treatment process. Biochar has the capacity to remove various contaminants and has been widely used as an ideal soil amendment in agriculture due to its persistence, superior nutrient‐retention properties, low cost, and ready availability. However, few applications on the use of biochar in onsite wastewater treatment have been explored. In this review, we systematically reviewed the applications of biochar in filtration‐based OWTSs for nutrient (N, P) removal and recovery as well as pathogen and PPCP removal. Although adsorption was the main mechanism for P, pathogen, and PPCP removal, biochar can also serve as the growth media for enhanced biological degradation, improves available alkalinity, and increases water holding capacity in the OWTSs. The biochar source, surface modification methods, and preparation procedures (e.g., pyrolysis temperature change) have significant effects on contaminant removal performance in biochar‐amended OWTSs. Specifically, contradictory results have been reported on the effect of pyrolysis temperature change on biochar removal performance (i.e., increased, decreased, or no change) of N, P, and PPCPs. Wastewater composition and environmental pH also play important roles in the removal of nutrients, pathogens, and PPCPs. Overall, biochar holds great potential to serve as an alternative filtration material or to be amended to the current OWTS to improve system performance in removing a variety of contaminants at low cost.
Infrared pulsed fiber laser‐produced silver‐109‐nanoparticles for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of amino acids
Authors: Płaza‐Altamer Aneta , Kołodziej Artur , Nizioł Joanna , Ruman Tomasz
Published: February 2022

Application of monoisotopic cationic 109Ag nanoparticles (109AgNPs) obtained by pulsed fiber laser (PFL) 2D galvo‐scanner (GS) laser generated nanomaterial (LGN) for both high resolution laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry imaging of amino acids is presented. Four amino acids, alanine, isoleucine, lysine, and phenylalanine were used as test compounds for quantification with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mas (MALDI)‐type mass spectrometer. Comparison of commonly made manual measurements with semiautomatic mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) was performed providing very interesting findings. Amino acids were directly tested in 1 000 000‐fold concentration change conditions ranging from 1 mg/ml to 1 ng/ml, which equates to 500 ng to 500 fg of amino acid per measurement spot. Methods were also tested on samples of human blood plasma for quantification of endogenous amino acids.
Varicella‐zoster virus reactivation is frequently detected in HIV‐infected individuals presenting with stroke
Authors: Marais Gert , Naidoo Michelle , McMullen Kate , Stanley Alan , Bryer Alan , van der Westhuizen Diederick , Bateman Kathleen , Hardie Diana Ruth
Published: February 2022

Infections are an underappreciated cause of stroke, particularly in young and immunocompromised individuals. Varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) reactivation, particularly ophthalmic zoster, has been linked to increased risk of stroke but diagnosing VZV‐associated cerebral vasculopathy is challenging as neither a recent zoster rash, nor detectable levels of VZV DNA are universally present at stroke presentation. Detection of VZV IgG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF‐VZVG) presents a promising alternative, but requires evaluation of individual blood‐CSF dynamics, particularly in the setting of chronic inflammatory states such as HIV infection. Consequently, its use has not been broadly adopted as simple diagnostic algorithms are not available. In this study looking at young adults presenting with acute stroke, we used an algorithm that includes testing for both VZV nucleic acids and CSF‐VZVG which was corrected for blood‐CSF barrier dynamics and poly‐specific immune activation. We found that 13 of 35 (37%), including 7 with a positive CSF VZV PCR, young HIV‐infected adults presenting with stroke, 3 of 34 (9%) young HIV‐uninfected adults presenting with stroke, and 1 of 18 (6%) HIV‐infected nonstroke controls demonstrated evidence of central nervous system reactivation of VZV.
On the existence and mean square stability of neutral stochastic functional differential equations driven by G‐Lévy process
Authors: Faizullah Faiz , Ullah Rahman , Zhu Quanxin
Published: February 2022

The goal of the present article is to investigate the concepts of existences and stability for neutral stochastic functional differential equations (NSFDEs) driven by G‐Lévy process. Under non‐Lipschitz assumption the existence and uniqueness result for solutions of NSFDEs based on G‐Lévy process has been acquired. The results have been deducted by using the Bihari inequality, H lder inequality and the Burkholder–Davis–Gundy (BDG) type inequalities of the G‐framework. In addition, the mean square stability has been studied.
Adapting the multilevel model for estimation of the reliable change index (RCI) with multiple timepoints and multiple sources of error
Authors: Morgan‐Lopez Antonio Alexander , Saavedra Lissette Maria , Ramirez Derek D. , Smith Luke M. , Yaros Anna Catherine
Published: February 2022

Objective

One of the primary tools in the assessment of individual‐level patient outcomes is Jacobson and Truax, (1991’s) Reliable Change Index (RCI). Recent efforts to optimize the RCI have revolved around three issues: (a) extending the RCI beyond two timepoints, (b) estimating the RCI using scale scores from item response theory or factor analysis and (c) estimation of person‐ and time‐specific standard errors of measurement.

Method

We present an adaptation of a two‐stage procedure, a measurement error‐corrected multilevel model, as a tool for RCI estimation (with accompanying Statistical Analysis System syntax). Using DASS‐21 data from a community‐based mental health center (N = 379), we illustrate the potential for the model as unifying framework for simultaneously addressing all three limitations in modeling individual‐level RCI estimates.

Results

Compared to the optimal‐fitting RCI model (moderated nonlinear factor analysis scoring with measurement error correction), an RCI model that uses DASS‐21 total scores produced errors in RCI inferences in 50.8% of patients; this was largely driven by overestimation of the proportion of patients with statistically significant improvement.

Conclusion

Estimation of the RCI can now be enhanced by the use of latent variables, person‐ and time‐specific measurement errors, and multiple timepoints.
Activation of Henneguya ictaluri Actinospores by Nonictalurid Fish Species, with Implications for Management of Proliferative Gill Disease in Catfish Aquaculture
Authors: Richardson Bradley M. , Mischke Charles C. , Rosser T. Graham , Woodyard Ethan T. , Ware Cynthia , Wise David J. , Griffin Matt J.
Published: February 2022

Proliferative gill disease (PGD), caused by the myxozoan Henneguya ictaluri, is an important parasitic disease in U.S. catfish aquaculture. Continuous exposure of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus to the actinospore stage of H. ictaluri results in a severe inflammatory response at the gills, leading to morbidity and death. Previous work indicates that the chemical cues in fish mucus that are recognized by myxozoan actinospores are not host specific. Building on these findings, the potential decoy effects of nonictalurid fish to actinospores of H. ictaluri were evaluated. Exposure of actinospores to gill mucus from multiple nonictalurid fishes resulted in actinospore activation for all fish species tested. Based on these findings, experimental transmission trials with potential interceptor fish were conducted. Individual Channel Catfish were co-stocked with Western Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis at 0, 10, 25, or 50% of mean Channel Catfish biomass and exposed to 3,000 actinospores of H. ictaluri. Gill tissues were sampled at 24 h postchallenge, and parasite burden was estimated by H. ictaluri-specific quantitative PCR. Results revealed that Western Mosquitofish stocked at 25% and 50% of catfish biomass reduced H. ictaluri DNA in Channel Catfish gills more than threefold. In a second study, catfish were exposed to pond water collected from an active PGD outbreak in the presence of Western Mosquitofish stocked at 25% of catfish biomass. Channel Catfish were sampled at 24 h and at 7 d after the last pond water exposure. At 24 h postexposure, catfish that were co-stocked with Western Mosquitofish showed significantly lower H. ictaluri DNA than catfish stocked alone. This treatment effect was absent at 7 d postexposure, as parasite quantities within tissues had increased over 1,000×, with marked variability. Still, results indicate that the chemical cues that activate H. ictaluri actinospores are not specific to Channel Catfish. This work evinces a potential benefit of nonictalurid fish in combating H. ictaluri, suggesting that the presence of nonictalurid interceptor fish in catfish ponds may minimize PGD severity.
Three‐dimensional dynamic response of transversely isotropic saturated media subjected to transient loads
Authors: Ai Zhi Yong , Zhao Yong Zhi
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates three‐dimensional (3D) transient responses of stratified transversely isotropic (TI) saturated media. Firstly, we transform the partial differential equations in Cartesian coordinates into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) for the convenience of solving. Then, we consider the transient load forms and apply the extended precise integration method (EPIM) to study the response of stratified TI saturated media. This paper involves the transverse isotropy of solid constituent, the permeable anisotropy of pore fluid, and various load forms including concentrated loadings and uniform rectangular loadings. The solution in the physical domain can be obtained through the numerical inversion of Laplace‐Fourier transform. Several examples are set up to verify the proposed theory and to investigate the influences of the transverse isotropy of solid constituent, the permeable anisotropy of pore fluid and the stratification of media.
Overactive bladder medication prescription trends from 2014 to 2018
Authors: Sripad Abhishek , Raker Christina , Shireman Theresa , Sung Vivian
Published: February 2022

Purpose

A growing literature points to an association between overactive bladder (OAB) medications and dementia. Given differences in side effects for extended‐release (ER) and immediate‐release (IR) anticholinergic formulations and beta‐3 agonists, we examined prescription utilization patterns in a national dataset of older adults from 2014 to 2018.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study using the Medicare Part D Drug Spending Dashboard, a publicly available database that includes data from outpatient pharmacy claims from 2014 to 2018 in the United States. We identified total claims and total spending on common OAB medications, and further assessed trends by anticholinergic burden by medication, and immediate and ER formulations.

Results

There were 54.1 million claims for OAB medications, accounting for $10.1 billion (2018 United States dollars) in spending from 2014 to 2018. When considering beta‐agonist, mirabegron accounted for 13.1% of total claims and 29.0% of total spending. Mirabegron accounted for a greater proportion of OAB medication claims and spending during the 5 years from 5.7% to 20.1% and 11.3% to 44%, respectively. IR anticholinergics accounted for fewer total claims over this period, from 58.5% to 42.6%. ER formulations increased in proportion of all OAB medication total claims from 35.8% to 37.5% from 2014 to 2016, and decreased to 37.3% by 2018.

Conclusion

OAB medications and expenditures increased from 2014 to 2018. Mirabegron accounted for higher proportions and IR‐formulations for decreased proportions of each from 2014 to 2018. The impact on clinical outcomes is a key area for future investigation considering our findings.
A comparative assessment of chemical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of treated oil palm/pineapple fiber/bio phenolic composites
Authors: Awad Sameer A. , Jawaid Mohammad , Fouad Hassan , Saba Naheed , Dhakal Hom Nath , Alothman Othman Y. , Khalaf Eman M.
Published: February 2022

In this study, the alkali‐treated and untreated hybrid fibers incorporated with bio phenolic matrix to enhance the chemical interactions, mechanical and thermal properties have been investigated. The oil palm fiber (OPF) and pineapple fiber (PALF) were utilized as reinforcements into bio phenolic resin. The improvements in chemical interactions were monitored by the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The modifications of the surface for hybrid natural fibers (OPF/PALF) were enhanced in comparison to pure fiber composites. The composites' dynamic mechanical behavior such as storage modulus, loss modulus, and damping properties were also investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis analyzed the performance of untreated (OPF and PALF) and treated (OPF/OPF) composites at elevated temperature and observed adequate interfacial bonding as a result of the improvements in thermal stability. The results presented that alkali) NaOH(incorporation in hybrid composites (OPF/PALF) results in increased the tensile strength and modulus among all composites. Furthermore, the tensile strength and modulus improved to the maximum value for treated 50% PALF composite compared to other composites. The hybridisation of treated alkali (5% NaOH/50% PALF) fiber shows best performance on tensile strength and modulus with 33.3 and 7535.2 MPa, respectively compared to other composites. The alkali‐treated hybrid composites (NaOH/1OPF.1PALF) exhibited the greatest flexural strength (99.8 MPa) and modulus (8813.1 MPa). The enhancement of the interfacial adhesion between pure and hybrid fiber composites and bio phenolic matrix through the mercerisation of OPF and PALF fibers reinforced composite played an essential role in improving the mechanical properties of composites via alkali treatment with NaOH solution. Natural fiber reinforced composites are commercially attractive for high‐volume applications; while their properties can be improved by adding alkali solution as stabilizers. It can be recommended from the findings of this study that the alkali treatment (5% NaOH) can be used to enhance the efficiency of agriculture waste biomass. Additionally, the hybridization of bio‐fiber composites has potential to develop novel type of biodegradable and sustainable composites suitable for various industrial and engineering applications.
Statistical process control of overdispersed count data based on one‐parameter Poisson mixture models
Authors: Jesus Bruno D. , Ferreira Paulo H. , Boaventura Laion L. , Fiaccone Rosemeire L. , Bertoli Wesley , Ramos Pedro L. , Louzada Francisco
Published: February 2022

The Poisson distribution is a discrete model widely used to analyze count data. Statistical control charts based on this distribution, such as the and charts, are relatively well‐established in the literature. Nevertheless, many studies suggest the need for alternative approaches that allow for modeling overdispersion, a phenomenon that can be observed in several fields, including biology, ecology, healthcare, marketing, economics, and industry. The one‐parameter Poisson mixture distributions, whose literature is extensive and essential, can model extra‐Poisson variability, accommodating different overdispersion levels. The distributions belonging to this class of models, including the Poisson‐Lindley (PL), Poisson‐Shanker (PSh), and Poisson‐Sujatha (PSu) models, can thus be used as interesting alternatives to the usual Poisson and COM‐Poisson distributions for analyzing count data in several areas. In this paper, we consider the class of probabilistic models mentioned above (as well as the cited three members of such a class) to develop novel and useful statistical control charts for counting processes, monitoring count data that exhibit overdispersion. The performance of the so‐called one‐parameter Poisson mixture charts, namely the ‐, ‐, and ‐ charts, is measured by the average run length in exhaustive numerical simulations. Some data sets are used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed methodology.
Rationally Designed Three‐Layered TiO2@amorphous MoS3@Carbon Hierarchical Microspheres for Efficient Potassium Storage
Authors: Huang Man , Xi Baojuan , Mi Liwei , Zhang Zhengchunyu , Chen Weihua , Feng Jinkui , Xiong Shenglin
Published: February 2022

Amorphous MoS3 has been an attractive electrode material for sodium−ion batteries and lithium−sulfur batteries. However, the potassium storage capability of amorphous MoS3 remains unreported. Herein, the construction of hybrid hierarchical microspheres composed of amorphous MoS3 nanosheets dual‐confined with TiO2 core, and nitrogen‐doped carbon shell layer (denoted as TiO2@A‐MoS3@NC) via a self‐templating method, combined with a low‐temperature sulfurization process as a new anode material for potassium−ion batteries (PIBs), is reported. Benefitting from the unique structural merits including unique 1D chain structure, disordered arrangement of atoms and a large number of defects of amorphous MoS3, more active heterointerfacial sites, effectively mitigated volume change, good electrical contact, and easy K+ ion migration, the TiO2@A‐MoS3@NC microspheres exhibit excellent potassium‐storage performance with high specific capacity, superior rate capability, and cycling stability.
Comprehensive Influence of the Normalized and Final Annealing Process on High‐Strength Nonoriented Silicon Steel
Authors: Hu Chunyang , Song Renbo , Wang Yongjin , Zhao Zhiyang , Zhang Yingchao
Published: February 2022

High‐strength nonoriented silicon steel is widely used to make automobile engines. On the basis of ensuring certain magnetic properties, it also needs higher mechanical properties. The matching of magnetic and mechanical properties can be achieved by comprehensive control of normalized and final annealing. Different annealing temperatures and times are applied to clarify the change of texture, thus influencing magnetic induction, iron loss, and mechanical properties. Route B obtains the optimal normalization effect. The type and volume fraction of texture in the final annealing sheet differ a lot after incomplete and fully normalized annealing, depending on the degree of recrystallization. The final texture composition remains unchanged when normalized annealing is incomplete, while full normalized annealing leads to the disappearance of some textures. The mechanical and magnetic properties of the final annealing sheet show consistency when fully normalized. The sheet achieved by route B2 are Rp0.2 ≈513 MPa, Rm ≈646 MPa, elongation ≈17.2%, P10/400 ≈ 28.7 W kg−1, and B50≈1.64 T, achieving the best mechanical and magnetic properties in combination.
Assessment of cracking performance in edge restrained RC walls
Authors: Elwakeel Abobakr , Shehzad Muhammad , El Khoury Karim , Vollum Robert , Forth John , Izzuddin Bassam , Nikitas Nikolaos
Published: February 2022

Excessive cracking due to restraint of thermal and shrinkage strains is a widespread problem in the concrete construction industry. In design, restraint induced cracking is managed by the provision of reinforcement intended to distribute internal strains in such a way as to control the cracking pattern and limit crack widths. The area of secondary (horizontal) reinforcement required in members such as retaining walls and water tanks is often governed by the need to control early age thermal cracking. This paper presents results from four edge restrained walls tested at Imperial College London and the University of Leeds as part of an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council funded project into restraint induced cracking. The paper describes the development of volumetric strain and cracking in the tested walls. The cracking performance is assessed by comparing the restrained strain with the tensile strain capacity of concrete.
Trophic Ecology and Resource Partitioning of Common Snook and Mexican Snook in the Usumacinta River Delta
Authors: Aragón‐Flores Edgar Abraham , Rodiles‐Hernández Rocío , Soria‐Barreto Miriam , Montaña Carmen G. , Castillo María Mercedes , Cazzanelli Matteo
Published: February 2022

Coexisting species often develop resource‐partitioning mechanisms to reduce their direct competition and optimize energy harvesting. Common Snook Centropomus undecimalis and Mexican Snook C. poeyi are carnivorous fish that coexist in estuaries of the Usumacinta River delta, in the southern Gulf of Mexico, and play an important role for fisheries and economy in this region. We analyzed spatial, temporal, and ontogenetic variability in trophic dynamics and distribution of Common and Mexican snooks. To identify patterns of trophic resource partitioning, we analyzed stomach content and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) of the two species. Fifty‐one prey items were identified, with fish remains being the most abundant component (>35%). The two snook species appeared to be specialized carnivores of the third or fourth trophic level. Diet comparison indicated significant differences among species: Common Snook presented a higher proportion of fish from the families Engraulidae, Clupeidae, and Elopidae, while Mexican Snook consumed a higher fraction of fish from the families Cichlidae, Poeciliidae, and Loricariidae. The diet also presented significant variations between size‐classes. Small‐sized (<350 mm SL) Common Snook showed significantly higher reliance on invertebrates than large‐sized fish (>500 mm SL). Medium‐sized (351–499 mm SL) Mexican Snook consumed a higher proportion of Poeciliidae fish than small‐sized or large‐sized fish. The diet of the two snook species also presented important differences among seasons and sites. Trophic niche overlap between Common and Mexican snooks varied among systems, with higher overlap in the Pom−Atasta system than in the Palizada River. This study indicates that Common Snook and Mexican Snook have developed strategies for spatial partitioning of resources that favor their coexistence in the Usumacinta River delta.
Effects of Supplementation in Upper Yakima River Chinook Salmon
Authors: Koch Ilana J. , Seamons Todd R. , Galbreath Peter F. , Nuetzel Hayley M. , Matala Andrew P. , Warheit Kenneth I. , Fast David E. , Johnston Mark V. , Strom Charles R. , Narum Shawn R. , Bosch William J.
Published: February 2022

To promote recovery of natural salmonid populations, managers are utilizing hatchery supplementation programs to increase abundance of spawners on the spawning grounds. However, studies have provided evidence that captive breeding can result in domestication, demonstrated by lower fitness of hatchery‐origin compared with natural‐origin fish. Supplementation programs, therefore, typically use natural‐origin broodstock in an effort to minimize long‐term negative fitness impacts. Here we evaluated the upper Yakima River spring supplementation program for Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, which has broodstock comprised exclusively of unmarked fish presumed to be of natural‐origin. Using 5 years of spawner data, we tested for effects of hatchery breeding and rearing on total adult returns and their individual reproductive success when spawning naturally. Our study revealed that supplementation increased overall abundance of fish spawning naturally on the spawning grounds. However, on average, compared with natural‐origin spawners, hatchery‐origin fish had reduced reproductive success, which also translated to reduced reproductive success in three out of five return years for natural‐origin fish that spawned with hatchery‐origin fish. As expected, body length and return timing were also significant predictors of reproductive success. However, more generations of data are needed to establish the extent to which reduced reproductive success is passed on to naturally produced progeny.
Develop a process to review, document possible FERPA violations
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2022

“If you as a registrar feel you haven't had a FERPA violation, it just hasn't been reported,” said Liesl Fowler, Registrar and Assistant Dean at Augustana College in Illinois.
Sole possession notes redux, Part 3
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: February 2022

I was surprised!
Ion beam assisted electron gun deposition of MgF2 thin films
Authors: Shakoury Reza , Khanlary Mohammad Reza , Sadeghi Mohammad , Kamali Seyed Hasan
Published: February 2022

A traditional method for increasing the density of the optical films, is heating the substrate. An alternative way to increase the density of the film, is bombardment of substrate by ions during film growth. This method is known as ion assisted deposition (IAD). In this paper, magnesium fluoride, MgF2, thin film has been produced on a glass substrate by ion assisted deposition method. The effects of ion energy have been studied on density and refractive index film. Reflection, transmission and scattering spectra of the samples were measured by a spectrophotometer. Moreover, Atomic force microscope (AFM) is prepared. Using these measurements, optical and physical properties of the films are analyzed. A sample of MgF2 film has been produced without ion bombardment so that one can compare the effect of ion bombardment.