bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New screening tool for neonatal nutritional risk in China: a validation study
Authors: Zhou Mei , Li Yuwei , Yin Huaying , Zhang Xianhong , Hu Yan
Published: April 2021

Objective

A neonatal nutritional risk screening tool (NNRST) was developed by using Delphi and analytic hierarchy processes in China. We verified the accuracy of this tool and analysed whether it effectively screened neonates with nutritional risk.

Design

Prospective validation study.

Setting and participants

In total, 338 neonates who were admitted to the neonatal unit of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May–July 2016 completed the study. Nutritional risk screening and length and head circumference measurements were performed weekly. Weight was measured every morning, and other relevant clinical data were recorded during hospitalisation.

Main outcome measures

We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, validity, reliability, and positive and negative predictive value of the screening tool. Various characteristics of neonates in different risk groups were analysed to determine the rationality of the nutritional risk classification.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 85.11%, 91.07%, 60.61% and 97.43%, respectively. The criterion validity was texted by the Spearman correlation analysis (r=0.530) and independent samples non-parametric tests (p=0.000). The content validity (Spearman correlation coefficient) was 0.321–0.735. The inter-rater reliability (kappa value) was 0.890. Among the neonatal clinical indicators, gestational age, birth weight, length, admission head circumference, admission albumin, admission total proteins, discharge weight, discharge length and head circumference decreased with increasing nutrition risk level; the length of stay and the rate of parenteral nutrition support increased with increasing nutrition risk level. In the comparison of complications during hospitalisation, the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis and congenital gastrointestinal malformation increased with increasing nutrition risk level.

Conclusion

The validation results for the NNRST are reliable. The tool can be used to preliminarily determine the degree of neonatal nutritional risk, but its predictive value needs to be determined in future large-sample studies.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000033743.
Investigation of hypertensive arteriopathy-related and cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related small vessel disease scores in patients from a memory clinic: a prospective single-centre study
Authors: Matsuda Kana , Shindo Akihiro , Ii Yuichiro , Tabei Ken-ichi , Ueda Yukito , Ishikawa Hidehiro , Matsuura Keita , Yoshimaru Kimiko , Taniguchi Akira , Kato Natsuko , Satoh Masayuki , Maeda Masayuki , Tomimoto Hidekazu
Published: April 2021

Objective

The severity of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is assessed through neuroimaging findings, including hypertensive arteriopathy (HA)-SVD and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)-SVD. HA-SVD and CAA-SVD have been collectively estimated as total scores: the HA-SVD and CAA-SVD scores, respectively. Previous reports suggest that HA-SVD scores are associated with cognitive function; however, the relationship between CAA-SVD scores and cognitive function remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the association between CAA-SVD scores and cognitive function. Furthermore, we developed a modified CAA-SVD score considering cortical microinfarcts and posterior dominant white matter hyperintensities, which are imaging findings of CAA, and examined the association between these scores and cognitive function in the same patient group.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Single centre study from a memory clinic.

Participants

Subjects were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia in our memory clinic between February 2017 and July 2019 and underwent clinical dementia rating scale and brain MRI assessment. A total of 42 patients (aged 75.3±9.12 years) were registered prospectively.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We evaluated intellectual function, memory, frontal lobe function and constructional ability. Furthermore, the relationship between each score and cognitive function was examined.

Results

The CAA-SVD score showed significant associations with cognitive function (R2=0.63, p=0.016), but the HA-SVD score did not (R2=0.41, p=0.35). The modified CAA-SVD score was also significantly associated with cognitive function (R2=0.65, p=0.008).

Conclusion

Cognitive function is associated with the CAA-SVD score, and more efficiently with the modified CAA-SVD score, in memory clinic patients. Although we have not validated the weighting of the modified CAA-SVD score, these scores can be a predictor of cognitive deterioration in patients with MCI and mild dementia.
Evaluation of intervention fidelity of a complex psychosocial intervention Lifestyle Matters: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sprange Kirsty , Mountain Gail , Craig Claire
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Robust research of complex interventions designed to promote mental well-being in later life is required to inform service development. An essential component is ensuring that such interventions are delivered as intended. We present a detailed description of the design and implementation of a fidelity assessment within a trial of one such intervention (Lifestyle Matters). The findings help to explain the trial results and also inform the design of embedded fidelity assessments within future evaluations of complex interventions.

Design

We conducted a mixed-method fidelity assessment embedded as part of a multicentre pragmatic randomised controlled trial. A conceptual fidelity framework was developed from the Behaviour Change Consortium framework. From this the fidelity assessment was designed. The resulting instrument assessed the following parameters: intervention design, training, supervision; and delivery, receipt and enactment of the intervention.

Intervention

The Lifestyle Matters intervention was designed to assist older people to improve and sustain mental well-being through participation in meaningful activity. The aim is to enable participants to engage in both new and neglected activities through a mix of facilitated group meetings and individual sessions.

Results

The fidelity assessment demonstrated that the intervention was delivered as per protocol for the group component and was tailored to meet individual needs. There was substantial inter-rater agreement for training; and group member performance 0.72; and moderate agreement for facilitator performance 0.55. It was not possible to determine whether small declines seen in facilitator performance were due to facilitator drift or moderating factors such as group dynamics or participant characteristics.

Conclusions

The assessment methods adequately measured criteria identified as being significant indicators of fidelity. Adherence during training, delivery and supervision was good. The subjective nature of identification and rating observed behaviours was the main challenge. Future research should explore alternative methods of assessing fidelity in trials of complex interventions.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN67209155.
Published patterns of spin in biomedical literature: a protocol for a meta-research study
Authors: Su Naichuan , van der Linden Michiel , van der Heijden Geert JMG , Listl Stefan , Schandelmaier Stefan , Faggion Jr Clovis M
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Spin is defined as reporting practices that distort the interpretation of results and create misleading conclusions by suggesting more favourable results. Such unjustifiable and misleading misrepresentation may negatively influence the development of further studies, clinical practice and healthcare policies. Spin manifests in various patterns in different sections of publications (titles, abstracts and main texts). The primary aim of this study is to identify reported spin patterns and assess the prevalence of spin in general, and the prevalence of spin patterns reported in biomedical literature based on previously published systematic reviews and literature reviews on spin.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS will be searched to identify systematic or literature reviews on spin in biomedicine. To improve the comprehensiveness of the search, the snowballing method will be used to broaden the search. The data on spin-related outcomes and characteristics of the included studies will be extracted. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed with selective items of the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews-2 checklist. A new classification scheme for spin patterns will be developed if the classifications of spin patterns identified in the included studies vary. The prevalence of spin and spin patterns will be pooled based on meta-analyses if the classification schemes for spin are comparable across included studies. Otherwise, the prevalence will be described qualitatively. The seriousness of spin patterns will be assessed based on a Delphi consensus study.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam Ethics Review Committee (2020250). The study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Registration

Open Science Framework: osf.io/hzv6e
Investigating correlates of athletic identity and sport-related injury outcomes: a scoping review
Authors: Renton Tian , Petersen Brian , Kennedy Sidney
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To conduct a scoping review that (1) describes what is known about the relationship between athletic identity and sport-related injury outcomes and (2) describes the relationship that an injury (as an exposure) has on athletic identity (as an outcome) in athletes.

Design

Scoping review.

Participants

A total of n=1852 athletes from various sport backgrounds and levels of competition.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary measure used within the studies identified was the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale. Secondary outcome measures assessed demographic, psychosocial, behavioural, physical function and pain-related constructs.

Results

Twenty-two studies were identified for inclusion. Samples were dominated by male, Caucasian athletes. The majority of studies captured musculoskeletal injuries, while only three studies included sport-related concussion. Athletic identity was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptom severity, sport performance traits (eg, ego-orientation and mastery-orientation), social network size, physical self-worth, motivation, rehabilitation overadherence, mental toughness and playing through pain, as well as injury severity and functional recovery outcomes. Findings pertaining to the association that an injury (as an exposure) had on athletic identity (as an outcome) were inconsistent and limited.

Conclusions

Athletic identity was most frequently associated with psychosocial, behavioural and injury-specific outcomes. Future research should seek to include diverse athlete samples (eg, women, athletes of different races, para-athletes) and should continue to reference theoretical injury models to inform study methodologies and to specify variables of interest for further exploration.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among general Bangladeshi population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Das Rajesh , Hasan Md Rakib , Daria Sohel , Islam Md Rabiul
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Mental health problems significantly increased worldwide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. At the early stage of the outbreak, the government of Bangladesh imposed lockdown and quarantine approaches to prevent the spread of the virus, which impacted people’s daily life and health. The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected people’s economic status, healthcare facilities and other lifestyle factors in Bangladesh. We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among the Bangladeshi population.

Methods

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey among 672 Bangladeshi people aged between 15 and 65 years all over the country from 15 April to 10 May 2020. After obtaining electronic consent, we conducted a survey assessing people’s sociodemographic profiles and psychometric measures. We used The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale-8, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess loneliness, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance, respectively.

Results

The prevalence of loneliness, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance was estimated at 71% (mild: 32%, moderate: 29%, severe: 10%), 38% (mild: 24%, moderate: 11%, severe: 3%), 64% (mild: 30%, moderate: 17%, severe: 17%) and 73% (mild: 50%, moderate: 18%, severe: 5%), respectively. In Bangladesh, the key factors associated with poor mental health during COVID-19 were female sex, unemployment, being a student, obesity and living without a family. The present study also identified statistically significant interrelationships among the measured mental health issues.

Conclusions

A large portion of respondents reported mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The present study suggests longitudinal assessments of mental health among Bangladeshi people to determine the gravity of this issue during and after the pandemic. Appropriate supportive programmes and interventional approaches would address mental health problems in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women in healthcare experiencing occupational stress and burnout during COVID-19: a rapid review
Authors: Sriharan Abi , Ratnapalan Savithiri , Tricco Andrea C , Lupea Doina
Published: April 2021

Context

COVID-19 has had an unprecedent impact on physicians, nurses and other health professionals around the world, and a serious healthcare burnout crisis is emerging as a result of this pandemic.

Objectives

We aim to identify the causes of occupational stress and burnout in women in medicine, nursing and other health professions during the COVID-19 pandemic and interventions that can support female health professionals deal with this crisis through a rapid review.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ERIC from December 2019 to 30 September 2020. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO and is available online. We selected all empirical studies that discussed stress and burnout in women healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

The literature search identified 6148 citations. A review of abstracts led to the retrieval of 721 full-text articles for assessment, of which 47 articles were included for review. Our findings show that concerns of safety (65%), staff and resource adequacy (43%), workload and compensation (37%) and job roles and security (41%) appeared as common triggers of stress in the literature.

Conclusions and relevance

The current literature primarily focuses on self-focused initiatives such as wellness activities, coping strategies, reliance of family, friends and work colleagues to organisational-led initiatives such as access to psychological support and training. Very limited evidence exists about the organisational interventions such as work modification, financial security and systems improvement.
Evaluation of a fully closed real time PCR platform for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs: a pilot study
Authors: De Luca Caterina , Gragnano Gianluca , Conticelli Floriana , Cennamo Michele , Pisapia Pasquale , Terracciano Daniela , Malapelle Umberto , Montella Emma , Triassi Maria , Troncone Giancarlo , Portella Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

Aims

To date, reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) on nasopharyngeal swabs is the ‘gold standard’ approach for the diagnosis of COVID-19. The need to develop easy to use, rapid, robust and with minimal hands-on time approaches are warranted. In this setting, the Idylla SARS-CoV-2 Test may be a valuable option. The aim of our study is to evaluate the analytical and clinical performance of this assay on previously tested SARS-CoV-2 people by conventional RT-PCR based approach in different settings, including initial diagnosis and clinical follow-up.

Methods

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Idylla SARS-CoV-2 Test, we retrieved 55 nasopharyngeal swabs, previously analysed by a fully validated assay, from symptomatic patients or from people who have been in close contact with COVID-19 positive cases. Discordant or high discrepant cases were further analysed by a third technique. In addition, a second subset of 14 nasopharyngeal swab samples with uncertain results (cycle threshold between 37 and 40), by using the fully validated assay, from patients with viral infection beyond day 21, were retrieved.

Results

Overall, Idylla showed a sensitivity of 93.9% and a specificity of 100.0%. In addition, in the additional 14 nasopharyngeal swab samples, only five (35.7%) featured a positive result by the Idylla SARS-CoV-2 Test.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the Idylla SARS-CoV-2 Test may represent a valid, fast, highly sensitive and specific RT-PCR test for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Under-ice limnology of coastal valley lakes at the edge of the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Klanten Yohanna , Triglav Katherine , Marois Catherine , Antoniades Dermot
Published: April 2021

The northern coast of Ellesmere Island in the Canadian High Arctic is undergoing amplified warming that parallels the rapid decline in Arctic Ocean sea ice extent, and many lakes in this region have already shown changes in response to warming. However, biogeochemical data from High Arctic freshwaters are limited, and mostly restricted to the short, ice-free period. We sampled four coastal lakes in Stuckberry Valley (82°54′N, 66°56′W) before the onset of spring melting in 2017, 2018 and 2019, to assess biogeochemical gradients in their water columns and characteristics of their surface sediments. Despite their proximity, there were large differences in limnological properties. The two shallower lakes closer to the ocean were oxygen deficient, whereas the two deeper, more distant lakes were more oxygenated. There were pronounced vertical gradients in major ions, metals, and nutrients that suggested large differences in the extent of anaerobic microbial processes among the lakes. Morphometry and dissolved oxygen were the overriding determinants of biogeochemical differences rather than position along this short ocean–inland gradient. The diversity of limnological conditions, and the sensitivity of these characteristics to changes in ice cover, underlines the need for further study of under-ice processes in extreme northern lakes.
Does seed heteromorphism affect the critical temperature thresholds for wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) germination? A modeling approach
Authors: Elahifard Elham , Derakhshan Abolfazl , Pakdaman Sardrood Babak
Published: April 2021

Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) is well-known as an important weed for cultivated land, particularly when found among cereal crops. It produces large amounts of heteromorphic (black and brown) seeds. This study aimed to estimate the critical temperature thresholds of wild mustard heteromorphic seeds. For this purpose, a novel Weibull-based thermal time model was developed, which was applied to compare the germination characteristics of the heteromorphic seeds of wild mustard. Germination was investigated by exposing the seeds to eight constant temperatures of 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 37.5 °C. Over both the sub- and supraoptimal ranges, the proposed model reasonably explained the germination patterns of both seed types in response to temperature. Heteromorphic seeds of wild mustard exhibited different germination behaviors in response to different temperatures. Brown seeds were more cold-tolerant and could germinate rapidly to a high percentage (68%) in a wider range of temperature environments (2.78–38.05 °C); black seeds germinated at a narrower temperature range (4.99–37.97 °C) and a large proportion of black seeds remained dormant (77%). These differences could lead to the temporal distribution of seed germination throughout the growing season.
Temporal patterns and ecosystem correlates of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) migration phenology in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Agha Mickey , Losee James P. , Litz Marisa N.C. , Smith Craig , Schaffler Jason J. , Patton William S. , Dufault Aaron M. , Madel Gabe M.
Published: April 2021

Understanding and quantifying migration phenology of commercially harvested Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) is a cornerstone for managing sustainable populations. Here, we use a multidecadal data time series together with a hypothesis-driven framework to evaluate migration phenology in adult fall and winter ecotype chum salmon (O. keta) in a poorly studied but highly managed system — the South Puget Sound (SPS) of Washington State, USA. Using generalized additive mixed models that accounted for temporal autoregressive dynamics, we examined the effect of commercial harvest, climate variation, intraspecific density dependence, and predator buffering on migration timing and run duration. SPS chum salmon are migrating earlier over time, especially the winter ecotype that showed the strongest temporal shift from historical timing. Migration timing shifts were closely associated with regional marine climate regimes, local scale freshwater availability, and increasing pinniped abundance. We conclude that there is potential for the winter ecotype migration converging with that of the fall ecotype and that directional change in migration phenology may be driven by a unique combination of ecosystem factors.
On strongly J-Noetherian rings
Authors: Rostami Esmaeil
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we introduce a class of commutative rings which is a generalization of [Formula: see text]-rings and rings with Noetherian spectrum. A ring [Formula: see text] is called strongly [Formula: see text]-Noetherian whenever the ring [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-Noetherian for every non-nilpotent [Formula: see text]. We give some characterizations for strongly [Formula: see text]-Noetherian rings and, among the other results, we show that if [Formula: see text] is strongly [Formula: see text]-Noetherian, then [Formula: see text] has Noetherian spectrum, which is a generalization of Theorem 2 in Gilmer and Heinzer [The Laskerian property, power series rings, and Noetherian spectra, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 79 (1980) 13–16].
THREE-DIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE SAGITTAL CONDYLAR INCLINATION IN SKELETAL CLASS II PATIENTS BASED ON COMPUTER AIDED DIAGNOSIS AXIOGRAPH AND CONE-BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: JIANG PAN , BAI YUXING , HU FEI , ZHANG XUEYANG , YANG QUN , YANG FANQIAO , MA YAO , LIANG JIADI
Published: April 2021

Great variation has been found in sagittal condylar inclination (SCI) values among individuals with different skeletal structures. Therefore, average value articulators cannot fully represent the physiological characteristics of the mandible, or reproduce its sagittal movements. The purpose of this study was to measure the SCI value of skeletal Class II patients by two different three-dimensional assessments, and to evaluate the correlation and consistency between the two methods. A total of 23 patients (aged 15–65 years) diagnosed with skeletal Class II malocclusion were recruited from the Stomatological Center of Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University. Subjects were divided into three groups based on different A point–nasion–B point angle (ANB), and angle between the upper central incisor and Frankfort horizontal plane (U1-FH). Bilateral SCI values were measured using computer-aided diagnosis axiography (CADIAX) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Statistical analysis showed that the SCI value measured by CADIAX was significantly higher than that measured by CBCT. Significant differences were found among different ANB and U1-FH groups, and the average value of the [Formula: see text] group was the highest. Our findings indicate that the measurement of SCI by CADIAX cannot be replaced by CBCT, and it is recommended that personalized measurements of SCI values in skeletal class II patients be carried out. Individual SCI measurement can help coordinate the physiological characteristics of patients in dental treatment, benefit the health of temporomandibular joint and improve the long-term outcome. Our results suggest that the SCI values obtained by CBCT is different from the real SCI values of patients, and we will look for a simpler and more accurate clinical method to measure SCI value in future research.
DENSE-GWP: AN IMPROVED PRIMARY VISUAL ENCODING MODEL BASED ON DENSE GABOR FEATURES
Authors: CUI YIBO , ZHANG CHI , WANG LINYUAN , YAN BIN , TONG LI
Published: April 2021

Brain visual encoding models based on functional magnetic resonance imaging are growing increasingly popular. The Gabor wavelet pyramid model (GWP) is a classic example, exhibiting a good prediction performance for the primary visual cortex (V1, V2, and V3). However, the local variations in the visual stimulation are quite convoluted in terms of spatial frequency, orientation, and position, posing a challenge for visual encoding models. Whether the GWP model can thoroughly extract informative and effective features from visual stimulus remains unclear. To this end, this paper proposes a dense GWP visual encoding model by ameliorating the composition of the Gabor wavelet basis from three aspects: spatial frequency, orientation, and position. The improved model named Dense-GWP model could extract denser features from the image stimulus. A regularization optimization algorithm was used to select informative and effective features, which were crucial for predicting voxel activity in the region of interest. Extensive experimental results showed that the Dense-GWP model exhibits an improved prediction performance and can therefore help further understand the human visual perception mechanism.
International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management — Special Issue in Honor of Professor M. Atilla Öner (1955–2018) Managing Emergent Technologies
Authors: Olcay Gökçen Arkalı
Published: April 2021

This special issue is dedicated to the memory of Professor M. Atilla Öner, who passed away in the most fruitful times of his scholarly life on the 29th of August 2018. Prof. Öner graduated in the first place of the Engineering Faculty at Boğaziçi University in İstanbul, Turkey in 1978. Continuing in the path of engineering, he completed his academic degrees of M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Yale University. He went back to his home country following his Ph.D. and worked in the industry leading several R&D projects for more than a decade from 1985 to 2000. While he had gained intensive practical experience in the real sector, he never disconnected his ties with academic life. Prof. Öner taught courses in the field of technology management at Boğaziçi University and advised projects at the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey during these times as an adjunct faculty. As of 2000, he permanently moved to academia to achieve his tremendous passion for teaching and research at the Department of Business Administration at Yeditepe University in İstanbul, Turkey. He was a Professor of Technology and Operations Management and served as the managing director of the Management Application and Research Center at Yeditepe University. He contributed to the scholarly work in the fields of methodology, technology road mapping, R&D management, and technology management. He supervised several MS/MBA and Ph.D. theses on national innovation systems, pilot national (sectoral) foresight studies, system dynamic modeling of R&D management, project management, and public policy issues. He was an associate editor of Technological Forecasting and Social Change and served on the editorial board of Foresight, Futures, International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management.
General theory of non-reversible local dynamics
Authors: Gallego Torromé Ricardo
Published: April 2021

A general theory of dynamics is formulated with the aim of its application in emergent quantum mechanics. In such a framework, it is argued that the fundamental dynamics of emergent quantum mechanics must be non-reversible.
A Case for 3D Integrated System Design for Neuromorphic Computing and AI Applications
Authors: Kurshan Eren , Li Hai , Seok Mingoo , Xie Yuan
Published: April 2021

Over the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has found many applications areas in the society. As AI solutions have become more sophistication and the use cases grew, they highlighted the need to address performance and energy efficiency challenges faced during the implementation process. To address these challenges, there has been growing interest in neuromorphic chips. Neuromorphic computing relies on non von Neumann architectures as well as novel devices, circuits and manufacturing technologies to mimic the human brain. Among such technologies, three-dimensional (3D) integration is an important enabler for AI hardware and the continuation of the scaling laws. In this paper, we overview the unique opportunities 3D integration provides in neuromorphic chip design, discuss the emerging opportunities in next generation neuromorphic architectures and review the obstacles. Neuromorphic architectures, which relied on the brain for inspiration and emulation purposes, face grand challenges due to the limited understanding of the functionality and the architecture of the human brain. Yet, high-levels of investments are dedicated to develop neuromorphic chips. We argue that 3D integration not only provides strategic advantages to the cost-effective and flexible design of neuromorphic chips, it may provide design flexibility in incorporating advanced capabilities to further benefit the designs in the future.
On the Hyers–Ulam stability and hyperstability of a generalized quadratic functional equation in n-Banach spaces
Authors: Bounader Nordine
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we establish some Hyers–Ulam stability and hyperstability results of the following functional equation [Formula: see text] in the class of functions from an abelian group [Formula: see text] into a [Formula: see text]-Banach space.
A Comprehensive Review on Reconfigurable Drones: Classification, Characteristics, Design and Control Technologies
Authors: Derrouaoui Saddam Hocine , Bouzid Yasser , Guiatni Mohamed , Dib Islam
Published: April 2021

Recently, reconfigurable drones have gained particular attention in the field of automation and flying robots. Unlike the conventional drones, they are characterized by a variable mechanical structure in flight, geometric adaptability, aerial reconfiguration, high number of actuators and control inputs, and variable mathematical model. In addition, they are exploited to flight in more cluttered environments, avoid collisions with obstacles, transport and grab objects, cross narrow and small spaces, decrease different aerial damages, optimize the consumed energy, and improve agility and maneuverability in flight. Moreover, these new drones are considered as a viable solution to provide them with specific and additional functionalities. They are a promising solution in the near future, since they allow increasing considerably the capabilities and performance of classical drones in terms of multi-functionalities, geometric adaptation, design characteristics, consumed energy, control, maneuverability, agility, efficiency, obstacles avoidance, and fault tolerant control. This paper explores very interesting and recent research works, which include the classification, the main characteristics, the various applications, and the existing designs of this particular class of drones. Besides, an in-depth review of the applied control strategies will be presented. The links of the videos displaying the results of these researches will be also shown. A comparative study between the different types of flying vehicles will be established. Finally, several new challenges and future directions for reconfigurable drones will be discussed.
Prescription rules of Qingzhu Fu, Ziming Chen, and Qian Wu for threatened miscarriage based on traditional Chinese medicine inheritance auxiliary platform
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Lin Jing , Wang Qing , Xiao Siyao , Wang Ling
Published: April 2021

Background: To explore the prescription rules of famous ancient physicians in the treatment of threatened miscarriage.

Methods: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescriptions for threatened miscarriage were screened out of Fu Ren Da Quan Liang Fang by Ziming Chen, Yi Zong Jin Jian by Qian Wu, and Fu Qing Zhu Nv Ke by Qingzhu Fu. Data were standardized and analyzed through the TCM inheritance auxiliary platform.

Results: A total of 29 prescriptions for threatened miscarriage were screened. Dang Gui, E Jiao, Gan Cao, Chuan Xiong, Bai Shao were the top five frequently prescribed Chinese herbs. The common herb–herb combinations used by Ziming Chen contained E Jiao, Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Ai Ye, Cong Bai, and Sang Ji Sheng. Ren Shen, Gan Cao, and Bai Zhu were the common herbal groups used by Qingzhu Fu. Huang Qi, Shu Di Huang, Bai Shao, Dang Gui, and Gan Cao were one of Qian Wu’s core prescriptions, with Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong being the others. According to the analysis of four Qi, five flavors, and meridian tropism of the prescriptions, herbs with the warm nature, or with the sweet, pungent, bitter flavors topped the list of application. The top six meridian tropisms of high-frequency herbs were: liver, spleen, lung, kidney, heart, and stomach meridian.

Conclusion: Based on the principle of restoring the balance within the organs and enriching Qi and blood, clinical treatment of threatened miscarriage involves invigorating the Chong and Ren channels, nourishing Yin, dispelling cold and wind, generating and activating blood, regulating and harmonizing Qi.
Global Carboniferous brachiopod biostratigraphy
Authors: Angiolini Lucia , Cisterna Gabriela A. , Mottequin Bernard , Shen Shu-Zhong , Muttoni Giovanni
Published: April 2021

We present an updated look at Carboniferous brachiopod biozonation from most of the world framed into a revised Carboniferous palaeogeography, based on a selection of the literature published on Carboniferous brachiopods since the nineteenth century. The biostratigraphic significance of the most important brachiopod taxa is synthesized in seven geographical correlations.

The Mississippian is characterized by rich brachiopod faunas, with widespread taxa with a good potential for global correlation, such as
Rugosochonetes
,
Delepinea
,
Buxtonia
,
Antiquatonia
,
Spinocarinifera
,
Marginatia
,
Fluctuaria
,
Ovatia
,
Rhipidomella
,
Lamellosathyris
,
Unispirifer
,
Tylothyris
and
Syringothyris
.

From the mid-Visean to the late Serpukhovian, taxa of gigantoproductidines are biostratigraphically significant, and occur everywhere except South America and Australia, which remain as distinct faunal successions for most of the period. A major turnover occurs at the beginning of the Pennsylvanian, characterized by a higher degree of provincialism. Pennsylvanian brachiopod faunas are diverse in China, Russia and North America, but otherwise they are less developed and are characterized mostly by endemic taxa, hampering long-distance correlation. An exception is the rapid diversification of taxa of the Choristitinae, which were widespread from the Bashkirian to the Moscovian, allowing long-distance correlation.
Adherence to the 2019 AHA/ACC/HRS Focused Update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline on the Use of Oral Anticoagulant Agents in Middle Eastern Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: The Jordan Atrial Fibrillation (JoFib) Study
Authors: Hammoudeh Ayman J. , Khader Yousef , Kadri Nazih , Al-Mousa Eyas , Badaineh Yahya , Habahbeh Laith , Tabbalat Ramzi , Janabi Hesham , Alhaddad Imad A.
Published: April 2021

Background. There is a scarcity of studies that evaluate adherence to the utilization of guideline-recommended oral anticoagulant agents (OACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Middle East. The Jordan Atrial Fibrillation (JoFib) Study evaluated baseline clinical profiles and the utilization of OACs, including vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and direct OACs (DOACs), in patients with valvular AF (VAF) and nonvalvular AF (NVAF) according to the 2019 focused update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guidelines. Methods. Consecutive patients with AF were enrolled in 29 hospitals and outpatient clinics. The use of OACs was evaluated in patients with VAF and NVAF according to the prespecified guideline. Results. Of 2000 patients, 177 (8.9%) had VAF and 1823 (91.1%) had NVAF. A VKA was prescribed for 88.1% of the VAF group. In the NVAF group, 1468 (80.5%) of patients had a high CHA2DS2-VASc score, i.e., a score of ≥3 in women and ≥2 in men; 202 (11.1%) patients had an intermediate CHA2DS2-VASc score, i.e., a score of 2 in women and 1 in men; and 153 (8.4%) patients had a low CHA2DS2-VASc score, i.e., a score of 1 in women and 0 in men. Of patients with a high CHA2DS2-VASc score, 1204 (82.0%) received OACs, including DOACs for 784 (53.4%) and VKA for 420 (28.6%) patients. Among patients with an intermediate score, OACs were prescribed for 148 (73.3%) patients, including 107 (53.0%) who received DOACs and 41 (20.3%) patients who received VKA. In patients with a low score, OACs were omitted in 94 (61.4%) patients and prescribed for 59 (38.6%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that age between 50 and 70 years, CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥2, a diagnosis of stroke or systemic embolization, and nonparoxysmal AF were significantly associated with increased odds of OAC prescription. Conclusions. The current status of the utilization of OACs in Middle Eastern AF patients appears to be promising and is consistent with the 2019 focused update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline. This trial is registered with NCT03917992.
Multimodal Molecular Imaging Detects Early Responses to Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Saida Yu , Brender Jeffrey R. , Yamamoto Kazutoshi , Mitchell James B. , Krishna Murali C. , Kishimoto Shun
Published: April 2021

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has become a standard therapy for several cancers, however, the response to ICB is inconsistent and a method for noninvasive assessment has not been established to date. To investigate the capability of multimodal imaging to evaluate treatment response to ICB therapy, hyperpolarized 13C MRI using [1–13C] pyruvate and [1,4–13C2] fumarate and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI was evaluated to detect early changes in tumor glycolysis, necrosis, and intratumor perfusion/permeability, respectively. Mouse tumor models served as platforms for high (MC38 colon adenocarcinoma) and low (B16-F10 melanoma) sensitivity to dual ICB of PD-L1 and CTLA4. Glycolytic flux significantly decreased following treatment only in the less sensitive B16-F10 tumors. Imaging [1,4–13C2] fumarate conversion to [1,4–13C2] malate showed a significant increase in necrotic cell death following treatment in the ICB-sensitive MC38 tumors, with essentially no change in B16-F10 tumors. DCE-MRI showed significantly increased perfusion/permeability in MC38-treated tumors, whereas a similar, but statistically nonsignificant, trend was observed in B16-F10 tumors. When tumor volume was also taken into consideration, each imaging biomarker was linearly correlated with future survival in both models. These results suggest that hyperpolarized 13C MRI and DCE MRI may serve as useful noninvasive imaging markers to detect early response to ICB therapy.

Significance:

Hyperpolarized 13C MRI and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI in murine tumor models provide useful insight into evaluating early response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy.

See related commentary by Cullen and Keshari, p. 3444
Answers Are in the Blood: cfDNA to Enhance Precision Medicine for Breast Cancer
Authors: Rugo Hope S. , Huppert Laura
Published: April 2021

Identification of biomarkers to drive treatment using cell-free DNA allows dynamic and safe assessment of tumor biology representing an important advance adding to tissue-based genotyping. Caution must be exercised interpreting commercial matching information as validation is often lacking, and true matching is feasible in a minority of patients.

See related article by Vidula et al., p. 3404
Vascular Patterning as Integrative Readout of Complex Molecular and Physiological Signaling by VESsel GENeration Analysis
Authors: Lagatuz Mark , Vyas Ruchi J. , Predovic Marina , Lim Shiyin , Jacobs Nicole , Martinho Miguel , Valizadegan Hamed , Kao David , Oza Nikunj , Theriot Corey A. , Zanello Susana B. , Taibbi Giovanni , Vizzeri Gianmarco , Dupont Mariana , Grant Maria B. , Lindner Daniel J. , Reinecker Hans-Christian , Pinhas Alexander , Chui Toco Y. , Rosen Richard B. , Moldovan Nicanor , Vickerman Mary B. , Radhakrishnan Krishnan , Parsons-Wingerter Patricia
Published: April 2021

The molecular signaling cascades that regulate angiogenesis and microvascular remodeling are fundamental to normal development, healthy physiology, and pathologies such as inflammation and cancer. Yet quantifying such complex, fractally branching vascular patterns remains difficult. We review application of NASA’s globally available, freely downloadable VESsel GENeration (VESGEN) Analysis software to numerous examples of 2D vascular trees, networks, and tree-network composites. Upon input of a binary vascular image, automated output includes informative vascular maps and quantification of parameters such as tortuosity, fractal dimension, vessel diameter, area, length, number, and branch point. Previous research has demonstrated that cytokines and therapeutics such as vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (fibroblast growth factor-2), transforming growth factor-beta-1, and steroid triamcinolone acetonide specify unique “fingerprint” or “biomarker” vascular patterns that integrate dominant signaling with physiological response. In vivo experimental examples described here include vascular response to keratinocyte growth factor, a novel vessel tortuosity factor; angiogenic inhibition in humanized tumor xenografts by the anti-angiogenesis drug leronlimab; intestinal vascular inflammation with probiotic protection by Saccharomyces boulardii, and a workflow programming of vascular architecture for 3D bioprinting of regenerative tissues from 2D images. Microvascular remodeling in the human retina is described for astronaut risks in microgravity, vessel tortuosity in diabetic retinopathy, and venous occlusive disease.
Relevance of Major Allergens in Weed Pollen Allergy
Authors: San Nicoló Marion , Högerle Catalina , Gellrich Donata , Gröger Moritz
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Weed pollen allergy is an important and in prevalence increasing cause of pollinosis in Europe and across the world. In this study we focus on the value of common diagnostic tools for detection of a sensitization to mugwort and English plantain, especially with regard to the clinical relevance of the sensitization. Methods: Eighty weed pollen sensitized patients (41 to mugwort and 39 to English plantain) were assessed retrospectively regarding their clinical anamnesis, in-vivo tests (skin prick test [SPT] and allergen specific provocation) and in-vitro tests (immunoglobulin E [IgE] reactivity to purified natural allergen extract and specific allergen components in serum). Results: 85% of mugwort and 83% of English plantain sensitizations could be diagnosed by SPT alone. Distinction between allergic and non-allergic patients could be made with clinical challenges solely. IgE serology revealed IgE antibodies against the native pollen extracts for mugwort in 98% and for English plantain in 90% of patients. Detection of major allergens nArt v 1, nArt v 3 and Pla l 1 did not add accuracy to the diagnosis. A vast majority of the weed pollen allergic patients was sensitized to >1 allergen. Minor allergens were found to be of less importance. Conclusion: The exact diagnosis of weed pollen allergy can be challenging due to confounding components in anamnesis and diagnostic tests. IgE-serology does not delineate allergic from sensitized patients. Component resolved diagnostics (CRD) can confirm, but not replace, extract based diagnostic methods, such as SPT, provocation tests or serology to native extracts. Hence, these are the gold standard diagnostic tools in weed pollen allergy up to now.
Elevation of Autoantibodies to Cerebral Proteins in Hepatic Encephalopathy: Another Pathogenic Factor?
Authors: Manzhalii Elina G. , Falalyeyeva Tetyana M. , Moyseyenko Valentyna O. , Weiskirchen Ralf , Stremmel Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

Background: The pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is incompletely understood. It remains elusive how the contributing factors of neuronal ammonia accumulation, cell swelling, and inflammation interact. Objective: The objective of this study was to find the correlation between neuronal autoantibody levels and the degree of HE as first indication of immune-mediated pathogenesis. Methods: We investigated serum autoantibody levels of representative brain proteins in patients with HE as well as in an experimental rat model with cirrhosis and HE after carbon tetrachloride exposure. They were examined in relation to presence of HE and the degree of neurological impairment evaluated by quantitative scores. Results: In HE, an increase in all of the examined antibodies was observed in serum. The grade of antibody elevation correlated to the degree of encephalopathy registered by quantitative evaluation of brain dysfunction. Conclusion: The degree of HE parallels neuronal autoantibody elevation. In case a causal relationship could finally be established, it adds to the understanding of HE and may open a new perspective for treatment of this handicapping condition by immunosuppressive strategies.
Trabalho e carnaval: experiências vividas por crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua
Authors: Andrade Fábio Santos de , Andrade Silvana Viana
Published: April 2021

O(a) trabalhador(a) brasileiro sempre foi uma importante ferramenta de fortalecimento da economia. Mesmo com o desenvolvimento econômico recentemente apresentado pelo Brasil, o trabalhador ainda é sujeito ao trabalho duro e à exploração. Nessa trilha, vemos o aumento significante do número de pessoas em situação de rua – principalmente de crianças e adolescentes, que vivem nas ruas, desenvolvendo táticas para a sobrevivência individual ou coletiva. Neste estudo, compreendemos as táticas como trabalho lícito ou ilícito por promoverem a sobrevivência e denunciarem a falta de políticas públicas de qualidade. Devemos considerar que algumas táticas de sobrevivência, tais como a mendicância e o furto, apenas demonstram o poder das crianças e adolescentes sobre o espaço da rua. Para exemplificar essas vivências, utilizamos o carnaval da cidade de Salvador (BA) por ser uma festa que amplia o número de crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua, além de invisibilizar a violência por elas sofrida.