bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The chemical and structural transformation of bamboo wastes during torrefaction process
Authors: Feng Zixing , Yang Jianfei , Ni Liangmeng , Gao Qi , Liu Zhijia
Published: November 2020

To investigate the chemical and structural transformation of bamboo during torrefaction process, bamboo wastes were torrefied at temperatures of 200, 250, and 300°C and residence times of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 hr, whose properties were determined by thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry (PY‐MS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The results showed that torrefaction improved the energy density and calorific value, reduced the volatile matters, and pollutant emission of bamboo wastes. The chemical and structural transformation of bamboo wastes was due to pyrolysis of some chemical groups. Torrefaction temperatures had the more significant effect than residence times. The energy enrichment factor (EEF), the calorific value improvement (CVI), and fuel ratio (FR) of torrefied bamboo wastes increased with the increase of torrefaction temperatures and residence times. When torrefaction temperatures increased to 300°C, crystalline region of cellulose was destroyed. There were more than 10 families of pyrolysis products, including alcohol, acid, aldehyde, alkane, ester, ether, furan, ketone, phenol, etc. Torrefaction changed the chemical environment of H atoms from aromatics of guaiacs unit, β‐O‐4 structure, β‐β structure to xylan. The β‐O‐4 bond was broken in guaiacle unit and formed aromatization and alkyl side chains. The results will be helpful to reveal torrefaction mechanism of bamboo wastes and further develop their add‐valued utilization as energy products.
Finite‐element modeling of the seismic response of reinforced masonry wall structures
Authors: Koutras Andreas A. , Shing P. Benson
Published: November 2020

Modern design codes and performance‐based earthquake engineering rely heavily on computational tools to assess the seismic performance and collapse potential of structural systems. This paper presents a detailed finite‐element (FE) modeling scheme for the simulation of the seismic response of reinforced masonry (RM) wall structures. Smeared‐crack shell elements are combined with cohesive discrete‐crack interface elements to capture crushing and tensile fracture of masonry. Beam elements incorporating geometric as well as material nonlinearity are used to capture the yielding, buckling, and fracture of the reinforcing bars. The beam elements are connected to the shell elements through interface elements that simulate the bond‐slip and dowel‐action effects. An element removal scheme is introduced to enhance the robustness and accuracy of the numerical computation. The material models and interface elements have been implemented in a commercial FE analysis program. The modeling scheme is validated with data from quasi‐static cyclic tests on RM walls as well as with results from shake‐table tests on RM building systems.
S100 calcium‐binding protein A9 from tumor‐associated macrophage enhances cancer stem cell‐like properties of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wei Ran , Zhu Wen‐Wei , Yu Guang‐Yang , Wang Xuan , Gao Chao , Zhou Xu , Lin Zhi‐Fei , Shao Wei‐Qing , Wang Sheng‐Hao , Lu Ming , Qin Lun‐Xiu
Published: November 2020

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are crucial components of the tumor microenvironment. They play vital roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the interactions between TAMs and HCC cells have not been fully characterized. In this study, TAMs were induced using human monocytic cell line THP‐1 cells in vitro to investigate their functions in HCC progression. S100 calcium‐binding protein A9 (S100A9), an inflammatory microenvironment‐related secreted protein, was identified to be significantly upregulated in TAMs. S100A9 expression in tumor tissues was associated with poor survival of HCC patients. It could enhance the stem cell‐like properties of HepG2 and MHCC‐97H cells by activating nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling pathway through advanced glycosylation end product‐specific receptor in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that, after treatment with S100A9, HepG2 and MHCC‐97H cells recruited more macrophages via chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2, which suggests a positive feedback between TAMs and HCC cells. Taken together, our findings reveal that TAMs could upregulate secreted protein S100A9 and enhance the stem cell‐like properties of HCC cells and provide a potential therapeutic target for combating HCC.
Stock liquidity and trade credit: Evidence from Indian firms
Authors: Altaf Nufazil
Published: November 2020

The study examines the relationship between stock liquidity and the firms' extension and use of trade credit. In addition, this study examines the impact of financial constraints and dependence on external financing on the relationship between stock liquidity and trade credit. The study is based on secondary data of non‐financial Indian companies obtained from Center for Monitoring of Indian Economy Prowess database, pertaining to a period of 18 years (2000–2018). This study employs two‐step generalized method of moment's technique to arrive at results. Results of study confirm that firms with more liquid stock tend to provide more trade credit to their customers and also reduce the use of expensive trade credit financing from suppliers. Further, we find that higher stock liquidity is associated with significantly longer receivable period and shorter payable period for firms facing high financial constraints and also for firms with high external financial dependence.
Can PBPK Modeling Streamline Food Effect Assessments?
Authors: Kesisoglou Filippos
Published: November 2020

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling is routinely used to study drug‐drug interactions, replace some dedicated clinical studies, and inform product labeling. More recently, there has been increased application of PBPK models in the oral absorption field around drug product quality. Given the success of the models to characterize absorption of several orally administered drug products, a question arises whether PBPK could be used in a clinical setting to model food‐drug interactions and thus streamline food effect assessments. Multiple publications have reported food effect predictions and comparisons with clinical data, primarily focusing on 2 food effect mechanisms: slowing down of gastric emptying and luminal solubilization by bile salts. Based on the available literature, this commentary proposes a workflow that PBPK model could be used to streamline food effect assessment during clinical development for different Biopharmaceutics Classification System classes.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapies: A Review of Cellular Kinetic‐Pharmacodynamic Modeling Approaches
Authors: Chaudhury Anwesha , Zhu Xu , Chu Lulu , Goliaei Ardeshir , June Carl H. , Kearns Jeffrey D. , Stein Andrew M.
Published: November 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR‐T cell) therapies have shown significant efficacy in CD19+ leukemias and lymphomas. There remain many challenges and questions for improving next‐generation CAR‐T cell therapies, and mathematical modeling of CAR‐T cells may play a role in supporting further development. In this review, we introduce a mathematical modeling taxonomy for a set of relatively simple cellular kinetic‐pharmacodynamic models that describe the in vivo dynamics of CAR‐T cell and their interactions with cancer cells. We then discuss potential extensions of this model to include target binding, tumor distribution, cytokine‐release syndrome, immunophenotype differentiation, and genotypic heterogeneity.
The Current Landscape of Novel Formulations and the Role of Mathematical Modeling in Their Development
Authors: Cottura Nicolas , Howarth Alice , Rajoli Rajith K.R. , Siccardi Marco
Published: November 2020

Drug delivery is an integral part of the drug development process, influencing safety and efficacy of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The application of nanotechnology has enabled the discovery of novel formulations for numerous therapeutic purposes across multiple disease areas. However, evaluation of novel formulations in clinical scenarios is slow and hampered due to various ethical and logistical barriers. Computational models have the ability to integrate existing domain knowledge and mathematical correlations, to rationalize the feasibility of using novel formulations for safely enhancing drug delivery, identifying suitable candidates, and reducing the burden on preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, types of novel formulations and their application through several routes of administration and the use of modeling approaches that can find application in different stages of the novel formulation development process are discussed.
Single‐case experimental designs: Characteristics, changes, and challenges
Authors: Kazdin Alan E.
Published: November 2020

Tactics of Scientific Research (Sidman, 1960) provides a visionary treatise on single‐case designs, their scientific underpinnings, and their critical role in understanding behavior. Since the foundational base was provided, single‐case designs have proliferated especially in areas of application where they have been used to evaluate interventions with an extraordinary range of clients, settings, and target foci. This article highlights core features of single‐case experimental designs, how key and ancillary features of the designs have evolved, the special strengths of the designs, and challenges that have impeded their integration in many areas where their contributions are sorely needed. The article ends by placing the methodological approach in the context of other research traditions. In this way, the discussion moves from the specific designs toward foundations and philosophy of science issues in keeping with the strengths of the person and book we are honoring.
Neural network and cubist algorithms to predict fecal coliform content in treated wastewater by multi‐soil‐layering system for potential reuse
Authors: Sbahi Sofyan , Ouazzani Naaila , Hejjaj Abdessamed , Mandi Laila
Published: November 2020

This study aims to find the most accurate machine learning algorithms as compared to linear regression for prediction of fecal coliform (FC) concentration in the effluent of a multi‐soil‐layering (MSL) system and to identify the input variables affecting FC removal from domestic wastewater. The effluent quality of two different designs of the MSL system was evaluated and compared for several parameters for potential reuse in agriculture. The first system consisted of a single‐stage MSL (MSL‐SS), and the second system consisted of a two‐stage MSL (MSL‐TS). The concentration of FC in the effluent of the MSL‐TS system was estimated by three machine learning algorithms: artificial neural network (ANN), Cubist, and multiple linear regression (MLR). The accuracy of the models was measured by comparing the real and predicted values. Significant (p < .001) improvements were noted for the removal of pollutants by the MSL‐TS system compared with the MSL‐SS system. Overall, the water quality parameters investigated complied with FAO irrigation standards. The predictive performance of the models has been compared and evaluated using several metrics. The results revealed that the ANN model yielded a superior predictive performance (R2 = .953), followed by the Cubist model (R2 = .946) and the MLR technique (R2 = .481). Based on the accurate model (ANN), the degree of influence of each predictor was investigated, and the results show that total suspended solids and pH have proved to be more useful for predicting FC concentrations.
A retrospective analysis of the care cascades for non‐communicable disease and mental health among people living with HIV at a tertiary‐care centre in Malaysia: opportunities to identify gaps and optimize care
Authors: Meng Li Chong , Jie Ying Fong , Raj Dhevann , Pui Li Wong , Kukreja Anjanna , Omar Sharifah FS , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Rajasuriar Reena
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The rapidly growing epidemic of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) including mental health among aging people living with HIV (PLWH) has put a significant strain on the provision of health services in many HIV clinics globally. We constructed care cascades for specific NCDs and mental health among PLWH attending our centre to identify potential areas for programmatic improvement.

Methods

This was a follow‐up study of participants recruited in the Malaysian HIV & Aging study (MHIVA) from 2014 to 2016 at the University Malaya Medical Centre (n = 336). PLWH on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a minimum of 12 months were invited to participate. At study entry, all participants underwent screening for diabetes (DM), hypertension (HTN) and dyslipidaemia; and completed assessments using the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS‐21). Screening results were recorded in medical charts and clinical management provided as per standard of care. A subsequent review of medical records was performed at 24 months following study completion among participants who remained on active follow‐up. Treatment pathways for NCD treatment and psychiatric referrals were assessed based on local practice guidelines to construct the care cascade.

Results

A total of 329 participants (median age = 43 years, 83% male, 100% on ART) completed follow‐up at 24 months. The prevalence of diabetes was 13%, dyslipidaemia 88% and hypertension 44%, whereas 23% presented with severe/extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and/or stress. More than 50% of participants with dyslipidaemia and hypertension were not diagnosed until study screening, whereas over 80% with prevalent psychiatric symptoms were not previously recognized clinically. Suboptimal control of fasting lipids, sugar and blood pressure were found in the majority of participants despite optimal HIV treatment outcomes maintained over this same period. Only 32% of participants with severe/extremely severe mental health symptoms received psychiatric referrals and 83% of these attended their psychiatry clinic appointments.

Conclusions

Systematic screening must be introduced to identify NCDs and mental health issues among PLWH followed by proper linkage and referrals for management of screen‐positive cases. Assessment of factors associated with attrition at each step of the care cascade is critically needed to improve health outcomes in our aging patients.
Coronapp: A web application to annotate and monitor SARS‐CoV‐2 mutations
Authors: Mercatelli Daniele , Triboli Luca , Fornasari Eleonora , Ray Forest , Giorgi Federico M.
Published: November 2020

The avalanche of genomic data generated from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus requires the development of tools to detect and monitor its mutations across the world. Here, we present a webtool, coronapp, dedicated to easily processing user‐provided SARS‐CoV‐2 genomic sequences and visualizing the current worldwide status of SARS‐CoV‐2 mutations. The webtool allows users to highlight mutations and categorize them by frequency, country, genomic location and effect on protein sequences, and to monitor their presence in the population over time. The tool is available at http://giorgilab.unibo.it/coronannotator/ for the annotation of user‐provided sequences. The full code is freely shared at https://github.com/federicogiorgi/giorgilab/tree/master/coronannotator.
Impacts of land use/cover change on spatial patterns of summer precipitation at decadal scale over eastern China
Authors: Wang Qi , Yan Mi , Liu Jian , Ning Liang
Published: November 2020

The impacts and corresponding mechanisms of land use/cover change (LUCC), mainly crops and pasture, on the spatial patterns of summer precipitation over eastern China at the decadal timescale during the last millennium are investigated, using a set of land use/cover sensitivity experiments from the Community Earth System Model (CESM) Last Millennium Ensemble (LME) archive. Two leading modes of summer precipitation over eastern China at decadal scale before (with slight LUCC) and after (with drastic LUCC) 1750 AD are compared. The results show that the LUCC plays an important role in modulating the spatial patterns of summer precipitation over eastern China at decadal scale. Before 1750 AD, the first leading mode exhibits a meridional dipole pattern, while the second leading mode exhibits a meridional tripole pattern. After 1750 AD, the order of the spatial patterns switches, that is, the tripole pattern as the first leading mode and the dipole pattern as the second leading mode. During both periods, the “dry north‐wet south” dipole pattern is associated with an anomalous “A‐C” (anticyclone‐cyclone) low‐level circulation pattern and the related water vapour divergence‐convergence pattern from north to south over the eastern part of East Asia, whereas the tripole pattern corresponds to an anomalous “A‐C‐A" (anticyclone‐cyclone‐anticyclone) circulation pattern along with the corresponding tripole pattern of water vapour divergence/convergence. The regressions of sea surface temperature (SST) during boreal winter resemble obvious Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) or Atlantic multi‐decadal oscillation (AMO) modes. In addition, the AMO index displays a decreasing trend during the last millennium under the LUCC forcing, while the PDO index does not show an obvious changing trend. The possibility of coupled PDO‐AMO anti‐phase (in‐phase) increases (decreases) after 1750 AD, leading to the increased (decreased) possibility of the tripole (dipole) pattern in eastern China. Our findings confirm the necessity of including LUCC as an important forcing factor in predictions of future climate changes, especially at the regional scale and also at longer timescales.
Stability assessment of tamsulosin and tadalafil co‐formulated in capsules by two validated chromatographic methods
Authors: Rezk Mamdouh R. , Abdel‐Moety Ezzat M. , Wadie Mina , Tantawy Mahmoud A.
Published: November 2020

The advent of a new pharmaceutical formulation evokes the need for examining the chemical stability of their constituents and establishing proper stability‐indicating methods. Herein, the stability of the newly co‐formulated Tamsulosin and Tadalafil were examined under different stress conditions. The acidic degradation of Tamsulosin yielded its sulfonated derivative, while Tadalafil was susceptible to both acidic and basic degradation. Two stability‐indicating chromatographic methods, namely; high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography, have been developed. Significant high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography‐fractionation could be achieved by utilizing a stationary phase of silica gel 60 F254 and a mobile phase composed of ethyl acetate/toluene/methanol/ammonia (4:2:4:0.6, by volumes) with densitometric recording at 280 nm over a concentration range of 0.5–25 μg/band for both drugs. The HPLC‐separation could be reached on XBridge® C18 column isocraticaly by using a mobile phase having acetonitrile/phosphate buffer, pH 6.0 (45:55, v/v) pumped at a flow rate of 1.7 mL/min and applying diode array ultraviolet‐detection at 210 nm over a linearity range of 3–70 μg/mL for each drug. Specificity of the two methods was additionally assured via peak purity assessment. Moreover, the methods were distinctly exploited for evaluating the drugs’ stability in accelerated stability‐studied samples of Tamplus® capsules.
MBMS study on plasma‐assisted low‐temperature oxidation of n‐heptane and iso‐octane in a flow reactor
Authors: Liao Handong , Chen Haodong , Liu Zhongkai , Zhang Ruzheng , Zhang Feng , Yang Bin
Published: November 2020

Nonequilibrium plasma has a great potential in the lean combustion of gasoline engines. However, fundamental studies on plasma‐assisted combustion on gasoline components are limited. In the present study, Low‐temperature oxidation behaviors for n‐heptane and iso‐octane in a plasma flow reactor were investigated. Species measurements were performed at room temperature and low pressure of 40 mbar using the electron ionization molecular‐beam mass spectrometry (EI‐MBMS). A total of 72 and 57 species were quantified in n‐heptane and iso‐octane oxidation, respectively. Based on measured species data, reaction networks of n‐heptane and iso‐octane in the plasma system were discussed. Particularly, some typical low‐temperature intermediates, such as cyclic ethers, diones, and ketohydroperoxides, were observed, suggesting the applicability of the classical low‐temperature reaction scheme in the plasma system of large hydrocarbons. The results indicate that the major role of plasma discharge on the low‐temperature oxidation of large hydrocarbons is either to breakdown large fuel molecules or to accelerate the chain initiation reactions. We also investigated the parametric effects of voltage, frequency, and residence time on the species pools, and found that the increase of these parameters leads to higher production of intermediates. The whole system reactivity was most sensitive to the plasma voltage. The difference between plasma frequency and residence time on the species formation was found. Moreover, some highly temperature‐sensitive reactions, such as the RO2 → QOOH, proceed at very low temperatures (around 340 K) in the plasma system, which was potentially attributed to the additional energy from plasma‐generated species.
Why we should rethink ‘adoption’ in agricultural innovation: Empirical insights from Malawi
Authors: Hermans Thirze D. G. , Whitfield Stephen , Dougill Andrew J. , Thierfelder Christian
Published: November 2020

The challenges of land degradation, climate change and food insecurity have led to the introduction of conservation agriculture (CA) aimed at enhancing yield and soil quality. Despite positive biophysical results, low adoption rates have been the focus of studies identifying constraints to wider uptake. While the adoption framework is popular for measuring agricultural innovation, objective adoption measurements remain problematic and do not recognize the contextual and dynamic decision‐making process. This study uses a technographic and participatory approach to move beyond the adoption framework and understand: (a) how agricultural decision‐making takes place including the knowledge construction, (b) how agriculture is performed in a context of project intervention and (c) how practice adaptation plays out in the context of interacting knowledge. Findings confirm that farmer decision‐making is dynamic, multidimensional and contextual. The common innovation diffusion model uses a theory of change, showcasing benefits through training lead farmers as community advocates and demonstration trials. Our study shows that the assumed model of technology transfer with reference to climate‐smart agriculture interventions is not as linear and effective as assumed previously. We introduce four lenses that contribute to better understanding complex innovation dynamics: (a) social dynamics and information transfer, (b) contextual costs and benefits, (c) experience and risk aversion, and (d) practice adaptation. Investments should build on existing knowledge and farming systems including a focus on the dynamic decision process to support the 'scaling up, scaling out and scaling deep' agenda for sustainable agricultural innovations.
Analysis of the vaginal microbiome of giant pandas using metagenomics sequencing
Authors: Zhang Lan , Li Caiwu , Zhai Yaru , Feng Lan , Bai Keke , Zhang Zhizhong , Huang Yan , Li Ti , Li Desheng , Li Hao , Cui Pengfei , Chen Danyu , Wang Hongning , Yang Xin
Published: November 2020

In this study, a total of 14 vaginal samples (GPV1‐14) from giant pandas were analyzed. These vaginal samples were divided into two groups as per the region and age of giant pandas. All the vaginal samples were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing. As per the outcomes of metagenomic analysis, Proteobacteria (39.04%), Firmicutes (5.27%), Actinobacteria (2.94%), and Basidiomycota (2.77%) were found to be the dominant phyla in the microbiome of the vaginal samples. At the genus level, Pseudomonas (21.90%) was found to be the most dominant genus, followed by Streptococcus (3.47%), Psychrobacter (1.89%), and Proteus (1.38%). Metastats analysis of the microbial species in the vaginal samples of giant pandas from Wolong Nature Reserve, Dujiangyan and Ningbo Youngor Zoo, and Ya'an Bifengxia Nature Reserve was found to be significantly different (p < 0.05). Age groups, that is, AGE1 (5‐10 years old) and AGE2 (11‐16 years old), also demonstrated significantly different inter‐group microbial species (p < 0.05). For the first time, Chlamydia and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were detected in giant pandas’ reproductive tract. GPV3 vaginal sample (2.63%) showed highest Chlamydia content followed by GPV14 (0.91%), and GPV7 (0.62%). GPV5 vaginal sample (7.17%) showed the highest Neisseria gonorrhoeae content, followed by GPV14 (7.02%), and GPV8 (6.50%). Furthermore, we employed eggNOG, CAZy, KEGG, and NCBI databases to investigate the functional significance of giant panda's vaginal microbial community. The outcomes indicated that giant panda's vaginal microbes were involved in biological processes. The data from this study will help in improving the reproductive health of giant pandas.
Novel homozygous variants in the TMC1 and CDH23 genes cause autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss
Authors: Zardadi Safoura , Razmara Ehsan , Asgaritarghi Golareh , Jafarinia Ehsan , Bitarafan Fatemeh , Rayat Sima , Almadani Navid , Morovvati Saeid , Garshasbi Masoud
Published: November 2020

Background

Hereditary hearing loss (HL) is a heterogeneous and most common sensory neural disorder. At least, 76 genes have been reported in association with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic HL (ARNSHL). Herein, we subjected two patients with bilateral sensorineural HL in two distinct consanguineous Iranian families to figure out the underlying genetic factors.

Methods

Physical and sensorineural examinations were performed on the patients. Imaging also was applied to unveil any abnormalities in anatomical structures of the middle and inner ear. In order to decipher the possible genetic causes of the verified GJB2‐negative samples, the probands were subjected to whole‐exome sequencing and, subsequently, Sanger sequencing was applied for variant confirmation.

Results

Clinical examinations showed ARNSHL in the patients. After doing whole exome sequencing, two novel variants were identified that were co‐segregating with HL that were absent in 100 ethnically matched controls. In the first family, a novel homozygous variant, NM_138691.2: c.530T>C; p.(lle177Thr), in TMC1 gene co‐segregated with prelingual ARNSHL. In the second family, NM_022124.6: c.2334G>A; p.(Trp778*) was reported as a nonsense variant causing prelingual ARNSHL.

Conclusion

These findings can, in turn, endorse how TMC1 and CDH23 screening is critical to detecting HL in Iranian patients. Identifying TMC1 and CDH23 pathogenic variants doubtlessly help in the detailed genotypic characterization of HL.
Obligatory role of Schwann cell‐specific erythropoietin receptors in erythropoietin‐induced functional recovery and neurogenic muscle atrophy after nerve injury
Authors: Talukder M A Hassan , Lee Jung Il , Hegarty John P. , Gurjar Anagha A. , O'Brien Mary , Karuman Zara , Wandling Grant D. , Govindappa Prem Kumar , Elfar John C.
Published: November 2020

Background

Erythropoietin (EPO) promotes myelination and functional recovery in rodent peripheral nerve injury (PNI). While EPO receptors (EpoR) are present in Schwann cells, the role of EpoR in PNI recovery is unknown because of the lack of EpoR antagonists or Schwann cell‐specific EpoR knockout animals.

Methods

Using the Cre‐loxP system, we developed a myelin protein zero (Mpz) promoter‐driven knockout mouse model of Schwann cell EpoR (MpzCre‐EpoRflox/flox, Mpz‐EpoR‐KO). Mpz‐EpoR‐KO and control mice were assigned to sciatic nerve crush injury followed by EPO treatment.

Results

EPO treatment significantly accelerated functional recovery in control mice in contrast to significantly reduced functional recovery in Mpz‐EpoR‐KO mice. Significant muscle atrophy was found in the injured hindlimb of EPO‐treated Mpz‐EpoR‐KO mice but not in EPO‐treated control mice.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings provide direct evidence for an obligatory role of Schwann‐cell specific EpoR for EPO‐induced functional recovery and muscle atrophy following PNI.
A novel reduced‐order modeling method for nonlinear buckling analysis and optimization of geometrically imperfect cylinders
Authors: Liang Ke , Hao Peng , Wang Bo , Sun Qin
Published: November 2020

A novel reduced‐order modeling method with two‐step strategy is proposed for nonlinear buckling analysis of axially compressed thin‐walled cylinder. The nonlinear response analysis up until the buckling point is achieved quickly by solving the small‐scale reduced‐order model, accounting for the geometrically nonlinear behavior. The buckling point is determined accurately using an efficient buckling detection algorithm, where the stiffness information of the reduced‐order model is extrapolated based on an eigenvalue analysis until a singular tangent stiffness is obtained. Then, the nonlinear buckling fiber angle optimization scheme of laminated composite cylinders is constructed in the MATLAB's MultiStart scheme with gradient‐based algorithms. The proposed two‐step reduced‐order modeling strategy is adopted to calculate the nonlinear buckling objection function at a much lower cost. Numerical results for axially compressed cylinders with various geometric imperfection fields demonstrate the good performance of the proposed strategy in both nonlinear buckling analyses and lamination optimizations.
Stress and anxiety in nursing students between individual and peer simulations
Authors: Nakayama Natsuki , Ejiri Harumi , Arakawa Naoko , Makino Tsuneko
Published: November 2020

Background

The use of high‐fidelity simulation practice as an educational tool is becoming increasingly prevalent in nursing education. Despite the learning effects of simulation practice, students have been shown to experience high levels of stress and anxiety during simulation. In recent years, peer learning has been defined as an acquisition of knowledge and skills through active support and support among equal or equal peers and has been shown to be an effective educational intervention for clinical health science students.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to incorporate peer learning into simulation learning and to clarify the differences between stress and anxiety during personal and peer simulations.

Method

Third‐grade undergraduate students in a four‐year course at two nursing universities participated in this study. In this study, the simulated patient was a 53‐year‐old man who had undergone gastrectomy for the treatment of gastric cancer. The scenario was that the patient had completely recovered consciousness in the operating room, and his tracheal tube had been removed one hour before the students examined him. Stress while simulation training was evaluated with heart rate variability. Anxiety was evaluated by the STAI after the simulations were complete.

Results

Personal simulation practice (personal group;n = 50) and peer simulation practice (peer group,n = 59) was conducted. The personal group included 7 male students, and the peer group included 12 male students; the difference in male proportion was not significant. At the first patient assessment phase, stress of heart rate variability components at the peer group significantly increased relative to that of the personal. In addition, the personal had a significantly higher state anxiety score after simulation than the peer.

Conclusion

This study shows that in the face‐to‐face scene involving vital sign measurements, the presence of peers did not objectively alleviate stress.
Approximation of functions by a new type of Gamma operators
Authors: Betus Ömür , Usta Fuat
Published: November 2020

In this article, a new type of Gamma operators which preserves 1 and x2 has been presented and tested. In order to show the approximation properties of the newly defined operator, Voronovksya type theorems, weighted approximation, rate of convergence, and pointwise estimates have been presented. Additionally, numerical examples implemented by MATLAB have been provided to show its approximation properties by numerically.
Addressing economic and health challenges of COVID‐19 in Bangladesh: Preparation and response
Authors: Kumar Bezon , Pinky Susmita D.
Published: November 2020

This article mainly explores the economic and health challenges faced by Bangladesh amid COVID‐19 and the policies taken by the government of Bangladesh to tackle the economic and health issues. Bangladesh is ranked as one of the worst‐hit countries in terms of total corona infections. Affecting the social, economic, and health sectors of the country, COVID‐19 pandemic has dampened the overall economic well‐being and thus GDP growth along with skyrocketing poverty, inequality, and unemployment nationwide. To tackle these crises, the government has initiated effective policy measures which, in turn, enhanced the recovery rate of COVID‐19 positive patients and strengthened the recovery of economic indicators. Therefore, this article suggests other hard‐hit COVID‐19 affected countries following the recovery model of Bangladesh to encounter the economic and health challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A nomogram of clinical and biologic factors to predict survival in children newly diagnosed with high‐risk neuroblastoma: An International Neuroblastoma Risk Group project
Authors: Moreno Lucas , Guo Dongjing , Irwin Meredith S. , Berthold Frank , Hogarty Michael , Kamijo Takehiko , Morgenstern Daniel , Pasqualini Claudia , Ash Shifra , Potschger Ulrike , Ladenstein Ruth , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Cohn Susan L. , Pearson Andrew D.J. , London Wendy B.
Published: November 2020

Background

Long‐term outcome remains poor for children with high‐risk neuroblastoma (five‐year overall survival [OS] ∼50%). Our objectives were to (a) identify prognostic biomarkers and apply them in a nomogram to identify the subgroup of ultra‐high‐risk patients at highest risk of disease progression/death, for whom novel frontline therapy is urgently needed; and (b) validate the nomogram in an independent cohort.

Methods

A total of 1820 high‐risk patients (≥18 months old with metastatic neuroblastoma), diagnosed 1998‐2015, from the International Neuroblastoma Risk Groups (INRG) Data Commons were analyzed in a retrospective cohort study. Using multivariable Cox regression of OS from diagnosis, a nomogram was created from prognostic biomarkers to predict three‐year OS. External validation was performed using the SIOPEN HR‐NBL1 trial cohort (n = 521), evidenced by receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

The nomogram, including MYCN status (P < 0.0001), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P = 0.0007), and presence of bone marrow metastases (P = 0.004), had robust performance and was validated. Applying the nomogram at diagnosis (a) gives prognosis of an individual patient and (b) identifies patients predicted to have poor outcome (three‐year OS was 30% ± 5% for patients with a nomogram score of > 82 points; 58% ± 1% for those ≤82 points). Median follow‐up time was 5.5 years (range, 0‐14.1).

Conclusions

In high‐risk neuroblastoma, a novel, publicly available nomogram using prognostic biomarkers (MYCN status, LDH, presence of bone marrow metastases; https://neuroblastoma.shinyapps.io/High-Risk-Neuroblastoma-Nomogram/) has the flexibility to apply a clinically suitable and context‐specific cutoff to identify patients at highest risk of death. This will facilitate testing urgently needed new frontline treatment options to improve outcome for these children.
University students' misconceptions about rational numbers: Implications for developmental mathematics and instruction of younger students
Authors: Powell Sarah R. , Nelson Gena
Published: November 2020

To understand misconceptions with rational numbers (i.e., fractions, decimals, and percentages), we administered an assessment of rational numbers to 331 undergraduate students from a 4‐year university. The assessment included 41 items categorized as measuring foundational understanding, calculations, or word problems. We coded each student's response and identified error patterns for items answered incorrectly. Students attempted foundational understanding and calculations problems more often than word problems, and students made fewer errors with foundational understanding and calculation items. Students demonstrated the most unique errors with calculations and word problems items. Given all items on the rational numbers assessment required elementary or middle school knowledge of rational numbers, the number and diversity of errors with a sample of university students demonstrates the persistent difficulties with rational numbers that students carry into adulthood. Elementary, secondary, and developmental mathematics educators should be aware of such errors and provide specific instruction on avoiding such errors.
The effect of Alpha‐lipoic acid supplementation on endothelial function: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jalilpiran Yahya , Hajishafiee Maryam , Khorshidi Masoud , Rezvani Hamid , Mohammadi‐Sartang Mohsen , Rahmani Jamal , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad
Published: November 2020

There is evidence that alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation plays an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, its effect, specifically, on endothelial function (EF) is unclear. Therefore, this systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of ALA supplementation on EF. Databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science were searched to identify eligible publications from inception up to April 2020. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of ALA supplementation on flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) levels in adults were included. The pooled results were obtained using the random‐effects model and are expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Five studies including six effect sizes and 300 participants were included. ALA supplementation significantly increased FMD levels by 2.36% (95% CI: 1.21–3.51; p < .001), compared with the control. Subgroup analyses suggested that the effects of ALA on FMD could be changed by age and health status of the participants. Dose–response analysis also showed that ALA dosage had a significant non‐linear effect on FMD levels. The results showed that ALA supplementation appears to improve the EF. However, the role of ALA supplementation in improving other biomarkers of EF requires further research.
Evaluation of a new spinal surgical robotic system of Kirschner wire placement for lumbar fusion: A multi‐centre, randomised controlled clinical study
Authors: Li Junyu , Huang Lin , Zhou Wenyu , Wang Zizhen , Li Zongze , Zeng Lin , Liu Zhongjun , Shen Huiyong , Cai Zhaopeng , Gu Hongsheng , Yang Xinjian , Zhang Rui , Hu Wanheng , Yu Miao , Chen Jianting
Published: November 2020

Background

To introduce a novel robotic system ‘Orthbot’ that has been developed and tested as a surgical assistant for auto‐placement of the K‐wire in lumbar fusion.

Methods

This is a multi‐centre, randomized controlled clinical study that includes 56 patients (robot group, RG: 27, free‐hand group, FG: 29). Following the pre‐operative planning and intra‐operative fluoroscopic images, the ‘Orthbot’ automatically completed registration and K‐wire placement under the supervision of the surgeon. Deviation distance (DD) and deviation angle (DA) were used as the primary parameters to evaluate the accuracy of the robotic system.

Results

The average DD was 0.95 ± 0.377 mm and 4.35 ± 2.01 mm, respectively in the RG and FG (p < 0.001). The average DA of the K‐wire in the coronal plane and the sagittal plane in X‐Ray was respectively 6.80 ± 7.79° and 1.27 ± 2.32° in the RG (p < 0.001), and 22.22 ± 16.85° and 4.57 ± 3.86° in the FG (p < 0.001), which showed a higher accuracy rate in the robotic‐assisted cases compared to the free‐hand cases.

Conclusions

The novel robotic system could achieve accurate K‐wire insertions as indicated by the radiological results.
Thermo–time domain reflectometry method: Advances in monitoring in situ soil bulk density
Authors: Lu Yili , Liu Xiaona , Zhang Meng , Heitman Joshua , Horton Robert , Ren Tusheng
Published: November 2020

Soil bulk density (ρb) is a critical parameter for describing soil structure and physical processes, yet traditional methods are unable to capture spatial and temporal changes in ρb. Recently the thermo–time domain reflectometry (thermo‐TDR) technique has been applied to determine in situ ρb on the basis of soil thermal property and water content measurements. Here, we present theory, instrumentation, procedures, and comments for monitoring in situ ρb with the thermo‐TDR sensor. We conclude that the thermo‐TDR sensor offers a useful tool for determining ρb continuously and nondestructively.
Field‐scale apparent soil electrical conductivity
Authors: Corwin Dennis L. , Scudiero Elia
Published: November 2020

Soils are notoriously spatially heterogeneous and many soil properties are temporally variable. Spatial variability of soil properties has a profound influence on agricultural and environmental processes, such as plant–water–soil interactions, water flow, and solute transport, resulting in within‐field plant yield variation and degradation of soil quality, to mention only a few. Field‐scale mapping of spatial variability and monitoring of temporally dynamic soil properties is necessary for a variety of edaphic activities, such as soil surveys, reclamation, crop selection, sitespecific management, and soil quality assessment. There are various approaches for characterizing soil spatial variability, but none of these has been as extensively investigated and is as reliable and cost effective as apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) directed soil sampling. Geospatial measurements of ECa are well suited for characterizing the spatial distribution of soil properties because they are reliable, quick, and easy to take with GPS‐based mobilized ECa measurement equipment. Directed soil sampling based on geo‐referenced measurements of ECa is a proven and robust means of characterizing the spatial variability of any soil property that influences ECa, including sol salinity, water content, texture, bulk density, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity. It is the goal of this methodology paper to provide an overview of the characterization of soil spatial variability across multiple scales using ECa–directed soil sampling with a focus on the field scale. Mobile ECa equipment, protocols, guidelines, special considerations, data reliability tests, and strengths and limitations are presented for characterizing spatial and temporal variation in soil properties using ECa–directed soil sampling.
Advances in thermo‐time domain reflectometry technique: Measuring ice content in partially frozen soils
Authors: Tian Zhengchao , Kojima Yuki , Heitman Joshua L. , Horton Robert , Ren Tusheng
Published: November 2020

Ice content (θi) is a critical parameter affecting soil thermal, mechanical, and hydraulic properties in cold regions. Few techniques are available for accurately determining θi in laboratory samples and in situ. A combined heat‐pulse and time domain reflectometry (thermo‐TDR) sensor, which measures soil thermal properties and electrical properties simultaneously, can be used to estimate θi. The thermo‐TDR method determines θi by using a heat‐capacity‐based (C‐based) approach or a thermal‐conductivity‐based (λ‐based) approach. Here, we describe the principles and procedures of such approaches. The C‐based thermo‐TDR approach is simple to use and provides reasonable θi values at temperatures below −5°C, but it fails at higher temperatures. The λ‐based approach, which solves for θi from thermo‐TDR measurements with an iterative method, gives more accurate θi estimates than does the C‐based approach and extends the thermo‐TDR measurement range to temperatures near the freezing point of water. Therefore, the λ‐based thermo‐TDR method is preferred for determining θi in partially frozen soils.
Evaluate post‐COVID‐19 threats to higher education
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: November 2020

No one knows, with certainty, what colleges and universities will “look like” after the chaos and confusion of COVID‐19 are no longer a part of our daily lives.
Campus concierge: COVID‐19 trend or wave of the future?
Authors: Boice‐Pardee Heath
Published: November 2020

For years, a debate has raged over whether service excellence belongs on campus. Since the pandemic, however, colleges and universities have diligently crafted new ways to deliver campus programs and services. On many campuses, students may order meals online, reserve workout times in personal fitness pods, schedule telemedicine appointments, and attend asynchronous online courses at their leisure.
Boost student success by partnering with athletics
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2020

College athletics and student affairs have often seemed at odds with one another. But George S. McClellan, Ph.D., knows it doesn't have to be that way. As a student affairs professional who's devoted 35‐plus years to researching and supporting student learning and success, he's taken particular interest in the positive role college athletics can play in the process.
Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Doped CNT‐Based MOF Hybrids for Adsorptive Desulfurization of the Gas Stream
Authors: Saeedirad Raheleh , Rashidi Alimorad , Daraee Maryam , Bazmi Mansour , Askari Saeed
Published: November 2020

In this research, hybrids of N‐doped carbon nanotube (NCNT)‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF) (NCNT/UiO‐66 and NCNT/ZIF‐67) were synthesized using hydrothermal method. The performance of synthesized hybrids was evaluated in hydrogen sulfide removal under a dynamic system at 30–50 °C with 4500 ppm H2S concentration as inlet feed compared with neat UiO‐66 and ZIF‐67. NCNT/UiO‐66 and NCNT/ZIF‐67 were characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, BET, and TGA. NCNT/ZIF‐67 and NCNT/UiO‐66 showed good adsorption capability for H2S with a capacity of 189.72 mg/g and 175.77 mg/g, respectively. The surface area of UiO‐66 and ZIF‐67 is (1351 and 1290 m2/g, respectively), and the addition of NCNT leads to the reduced surface area of nano adsorbent hybrids. Also, the performance of hybrids would not change after three cycles of the desulfurization process. These hybrids indicated the excellent potential for a desulfurization process.
Optimization of Incremental Forming of Low‐Alloy High‐Yield‐Strength HC300LA Sheet Using a Rolling Blank Holder Method
Authors: Taşdemir Vedat
Published: November 2020

Incremental sheet metal forming is a method that enables the fast and flexible production of complex geometric parts using a very simple set of forms. However, this method presents some problems including wall thickness and spring‐back. Different methods are developed to solve these problems. One of these, the rolling blank holder method, is applied in this study using a 1 mm‐thick HC300LA sheet. The effects of holding pressure, increment size, forming tool diameter, and feed rate parameters on spring‐back, wall thickness, surface roughness, and forming force are investigated in the experiments conducted using the two‐point incremental forming‐rolling blank holder (TPIF‐RL) sheet‐forming method. The effects of the selected parameters are optimized using response surface methodology. As a result of the study, it is determined that the most important parameter for surface quality and wall thickness is the forming tool diameter, the most effective parameters for forming force are the forming tool diameter and increment size, and for spring‐back the dominant parameters are forming tool diameter, holding pressure, and increment size. The spring‐back angle increases with increasing forming tool diameter, holding pressure, and feed rate. In addition, both spring‐forward and spring‐back are observed in the formed parts.