bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexploitation and decline in kelp forests inflate the bioenergetic costs of fisheries
Authors: Wing Stephen R. , Durante Leonardo M. , Connolly Alex J. , Sabadel Amandine J. M. , Wing Lucy C.
Published: December 2021

Aim

Fisheries ecosystems are subject to long‐term shifts in food web structure as a result of exploitation and environmental change. These shifts can be gradual and unresolved by decadal‐scale time series. The aim of our study was to determine long‐term legacy effects of overexploitation and changes to the composition of basal organic matter sources on the trophic structure of marine food webs.

Location

New Zealand.

Time period

Approximately 1250 AD to the present; the complete history of human occupation in New Zealand.

Major taxa studied

Mesopredatory fishes.

Methods

We used whole tissue (δ13C and δ15N) and amino acid‐specific (δ15NAA) stable isotope analyses of bone collagen and muscle tissue from five fishes spanning the period of human occupation of New Zealand to resolve the bioenergetic consequences of long‐term shifts in food web structure. Stable isotope analysis of amino acids provided the basis for resolution of changes in trophic level in the absence of information on δ15N at the base of the food web during pre‐industrial times.

Results

Our analyses indicate likely declines in the contribution of organic matter derived from kelps in four species, and intraspecific increases in trophic levels in three species of the five fishes studied between European colonization (AD 1650–1800) and the present‐day regime of industrialized fishing and environmental change (AD 1953–2018), but little change during the prehistoric time period spanning early Māori occupation (AD 1250–1450) to European colonization. Analysis of the bioenergetic costs of the observed shifts in food web structure indicate a 179% increase in basal organic matter requirements to support mesopredatory fish.

Main conclusions

These data provide a rare case study on the consequences of legacy effects of exploitation and environmental change for bioenergetics of fish communities relevant to ongoing changes in global marine ecosystems. Overexploitation and decline in kelp forests have inflated the bioenergetic costs of these fisheries.
QUEER ADOLESCENCE IN MÄDCHEN IN UNIFORM
Authors: Samper Vendrell Javier
Published: December 2021

Most critics have examined Leontine Sagan's Mädchen in Uniform (1931) within one of two frameworks: either the film depicts Germany's authoritarian nature or it is a ground‐breaking work of lesbian filmmaking. This article considers an alternative possibility, namely, that the film illustrates the queerness of adolescence and society's efforts to repress it. To support this claim, it engages with the developmental theories of Charlotte Bühler (1893–1974) that circulated in the period when this film was produced. The psychologist argued that adolescent girls experience a phase of ‘Schwärmerei’, a word that evoked irrationality, an excess of emotion, and fleeting same‐sex desire. Bühler's theories naturalised heterosexuality and played down the queerness of adolescence. Accordingly, Manuela's infatuation with the teacher could be considered a phase on her path towards marriage and motherhood. This analysis of the film, however, allows us to imagine a possibility in which Manuela resists the heterosexist norms enforced by the school and follows a queer path.
Postdialysis serum phosphate equilibrium in hemodialysis patients on a controlled diet and no binders
Authors: Stremke Elizabeth R. , Trevino Laurie , Doshi Simit , Moorthi Ranjani N. , Hill Gallant Kathleen M. , Moe Sharon M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Studies evaluating the change in serum phosphate post hemodialysis (HD) demonstrate an initial decline during dialysis but a rebound post dialysis. However, previous studies were done on usual diet and phosphate binders, with limited number of blood draws, confounding conclusions. We determined serum phosphate reduction, rebound, and equilibrium over 48 h in HD patients consuming a controlled, low phosphorus diet without binders.

Methods

Serum phosphate (mg/dL) was analyzed before and after a HD treatment and frequently during the ensuing 48 h intradialytic period in the clinical research unit. Thirteen subjects were enrolled and had been off phosphate binders for 10 days and consumed a standardized low phosphate (900 mg/day) diet for 3 weeks prior to the assessments. Linear regression was used to determine relationships between the pre‐HD serum phosphate, decline post‐HD (post‐HD drop); and a 48 h area under curve (AUC) using the trapezoidal method as a measure of overall phosphate levels from the end of dialysis to 48 h post dialysis. Repeated Measures ANOVA with Dunnett's posthoc test was used to determine rebound.

Results

Five of 13 subjects returned to >90% of their pre‐HD serum phosphate within the first 24 h post‐HD, and serum phosphate was 94 ± 0.11% (range 63%–113%) by 48 h after the completion of HD. The 48 h AUC of serum phosphate during the interdialytic period was correlated with both pre dialysis phosphorus (r = 0.85; p = 0.0002) and the pre‐post drop in serum phosphate during dialysis (r = 0.69; p = 0.0085). In contrast, the net ultrafiltration was not related to the 48 h AUC of serum phosphorus (r = 0.20; p = 0.51).

Conclusions

In hemodialysis patients on standard low phosphorus diet and no phosphate binders, the interdialytic serum phosphorus level, assessed as AUC, is determined by the pre dialysis phosphorus and net‐change in serum phosphorus during the dialysis treatment, but not the ultrafiltration volume [Correction added on 25 January, after first online publication: In the last sentence of the Abstract, the word “potassium” has been replaced with “phosphorus” to improve accuracy.].
Impacts of temperature on sulfur solubility in low‐activity waste glasses
Authors: Jin Tongan , Skidmore Chloe H. , Kruger Albert A. , Vienna John D.
Published: December 2021

Solubility of sulfur in glass melts has been studied to estimate the maximum sulfur tolerance in nuclear waste glass melter operations. Sulfur solubility data at various temperatures are needed to investigate the possible sulfate segregation in different stages of the melting process. In this work, a crucible salt saturation method was applied to measure the sulfur solubility in three low‐activity glasses at different temperatures ranging from 950°C to 1200°C. The results show that temperature has little impact on sulfur solubility, with one exception that the sulfur solubility increases slightly from 950°C to 1100°C. The temperature effect of solubility data using SO2/O2gas and sulfate salt as the sulfur source are compared. The decreased melter tolerance with decreasing temperature is likely caused by multiple factors including sulfur solubility.
Identification of fumigated and dyedLycium barbarumby hyperspectral imaging technology
Authors: Ningqiu Tang , Jun Sun , Min Xu , Kunshan Yao , Yan Cao , Dengjie Liu
Published: December 2021

In view of the adulteration ofLycium barbarumwith chemicals and dyes in the market, hyperspectral imaging technology is proposed to identify fumigated and dyed specimens. The hyperspectral data were preprocessed by visual molecular dynamics (VMD) to reduce the influence of noise. Furthermore, competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) was used to select the characteristic bands from the preprocessed spectral data. Since the classification effect of the traditional support vector machine (SVM) model was influenced by the kernel parameters c and g, the slime mold algorithm was adopted to optimize SVM. The optimalcandgwere set to 93.3603 and 4.5652, respectively. The results showed that the VMD–CARS–SVM had higher prediction accuracy, and the accuracy of training and testing sets were 98.2 and 96.7% separately.

Practical applications

The aim of this article is to identify fumigated and dyedL. barbarumby hyperspectral imaging technology. After fumigation and dyeing, the type and contents of active ingredients in the surface and interior ofL. barbarumchanges, seriously affecting the health of consumers. The results of this article provide a valuable reference to develop a portable inspection device to identify the fumigated and dyedL. barbarumrapidly, precisely, and non‐destructively.
Survival of Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coliO157:H7 on blueberries and impacts on berry quality during 12 weeks of frozen storage after washing with combinations of sodium dodecyl sulfate and organic acids or hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Li Yingying , Wu Changqing
Published: December 2021

Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli are well tolerant of freezing. This study was to investigate survival of the foodborne pathogens during storage at −18 ± 2°C for 12 weeks on blueberries after washing with: 500 ppm acetic acid plus 5,000 ppm sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (AA/SDS), 20 ppm peroxyacetic acid plus 5,000 ppm SDS (PPA/SDS), or 200 ppm hydrogen peroxide plus 5,000 ppm SDS (H2O2/SDS), when compared with findings from no wash, or wash with water, 80 ppm PPA or 200 ppm chlorinated water. Following a 60 s contact with one of the three new solutions, the treatments showed 3.3–3.9 log10 CFU/g reductions in Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 counts. After 2 weeks of frozen storage, 3.9–4.2 log10 CFU/g reductions of Salmonella and E. coli were observed. After 12 weeks of frozen storage, Salmonella and E. coli survivors were below detection limits (0.39 log10 CFU/g) in berries washed with new solutions. The frozen storage had a significant impact (p < .05) on microbial counts of both treated and nontreated blueberries. Although none of these washings decreased the total phenolic and anthocyanins contents and apparent quality at time 0, frozen storage caused significant damage on the texture of both treated and nontreated blueberries. Interestingly, no significant decrease in the total phenolic, anthocyanins content, and apparent quality was observed during the 12‐week frozen storage. The counts of total bacteria, yeasts, and molds decreased throughout storage for treated and untreated berries. This demonstrates that the three wash solutions enhance the safety of frozen berries.
Prevalence and patterns of fecal shedding of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli by cattle at a commercial feedlot in South Africa
Authors: Onyeka Libby Obumneke , Adesiyun Abiodun A. , Keddy Karen H. , Manqele Ayanda , Madoroba Evelyn , Thompson Peter Neil
Published: December 2021

Healthy colonized cattle are the major reservoir of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and play a key role in the entry point of the pathogen into the beef chain. Excretion rates and the concentration of the pathogen in feces influence the epidemiology and transmission of the pathogen within herds and to humans. This study evaluated the prevalence and dynamics of fecal shedding of STEC by cattle in a commercial feedlot in Gauteng, South Africa. An initial cross‐sectional survey was conducted; fecal samples were obtained from 106 randomly selected weaned beef calves on arrival at the feedlot using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to screen by detecting stx1 and stx2 genes. Subsequently, a longitudinal study was conducted, and 15 STEC‐positive and 11 STEC‐negative cattle were sampled monthly and followed to slaughter. STEC O157 and non‐O157 were enumerated in samples using commercial chromogenic agar. Initial prevalence of STEC shedding was 27% (29/106; 95% CI [19, 37%]). All 26 cattle shed STEC intermittently or continuously during the study period, all except one were super‐shedders (≥4 log10 CFU/g) at one or more samplings, and 19 (73%) were persistent or intermittent super‐shedders. Of the 38 STEC isolates recovered, 15 (39%) were serotypeable, representing 11 non‐O157 serogroups, including O101, O168, O178, and O68. The most frequent virulence combination profile was stx1 + eaeA + ehxA (n = 12; 32%). This study confirms the occurrence and variability of STEC super‐shedding in feedlot cattle and highlights that super‐shedding is not limited to STEC O157. It also shows their public health significance.
RNA silencing: From discovery and elucidation to application and perspectives
Authors: Zhao Jian‐Hua , Guo Hui‐Shan
Published: December 2021

RNA silencing (or RNA interference, RNAi) is a conserved mechanism for regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. The discovery of natural trans‐kingdom RNAi indicated that small RNAs act as signaling molecules and enable communication between organisms in different kingdoms. The phenomenon and potential mechanisms of trans‐kingdom RNAi are among the most exciting research topics. To better understand trans‐kingdom RNAi, we review the history of the discovery and elucidation of RNAi mechanisms. Based on canonical RNAi mechanisms, we summarize the major points of divergence around RNAi pathways in the main eukaryotes’ kingdoms, including plants, animals, and fungi. We review the representative incidents associated with the mechanisms and applications of trans‐kingdom RNAi in crop protection, and discuss the critical factors that should be considered to develop successful trans‐kingdom RNAi‐based crop protection strategies.
Recent exploration of nanoemulsions for drugs and cosmeceuticals delivery
Authors: Abu‐Huwaij Rana , Al‐Assaf Sarah F. , Hamed Rania
Published: December 2021

Background

Nanoemulsions (NEs) have been explored as nanocarriers for the delivery of many drugs and cosmeceuticals. The extraordinary expansion of using NEs is due to their capability to conquer the main challenges of conventional delivery systems such as short residence time with low patient acceptance, poor stability, low aqueous solubility, permeability, and hence bioavailability.

Methods

This review recapitulated the most recent pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications of NEs as effective delivery nanocarriers. The outputs of our research studies and the literature review on the latest NEs applications were assessed to highlight the NEs components, preparations, applications, and the improved quality and elegance of the used product.

Results

NEs are stable submicronic translucent dispersions with narrow droplet size distribution. They exhibited excellent ability to efficiently encapsulate therapeutics of diverse nature of drugs and cosmeceuticals. NE formulations showed superiority over conventional delivery approaches with overabundances of advantages through different routes of administration. This novel technology exhibited better aesthetic appeal, higher bioavailability, and a longer duration compared to the conventional delivery systems.

Conclusion

This novel technology holds promise for different therapeutics fields. However, the success of NEs use advocated the development of robust formulations, proper choice of equipment, ample process characterization, and assurance of their efficacy, stability, safety and cosmetic appeal.
A prospective study examining the expression of STAT 1, 3, 6 in prurigo nodularis lesions with its immunopathogenic and therapeutic implications
Authors: Agrawal Diksha , Sardana Kabir , Mathachan Sinu Rose , Bhardwaj Minakshi , Ahuja Arvind , Jain Swasti
Published: December 2021

Background

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic dermatologic condition manifesting as multiple papulonodular lesions occurring on the background of intense pruritus. PN could be primary or secondary. The exact immune pathogenesis of PN is not yet clear, and multiple pathways are proposed with the JAK‐STAT pathway rarely being investigated.

Aims

In this study, our aim was to assess the role of Th cells in PN by comparing the expression of STAT 1, 3, and 6 in involved and normal skin of primary prurigo nodularis.

Methods

A total of 49 clinico‐histopathologically proven cases of primary prurigo nodularis were included. Two skin biopsies for each patient from lesional and non‐lesional skin were stained with STAT 1, 3, and 6, and the nuclear staining pattern in the epidermis was graded as strong, moderate, weak, or none.

Results

Statistically significant expression of STAT 3 and STAT 6 staining was seen in the epidermis of the lesional skin as compared to non‐lesional skin.

Conclusion

Our study showed a marked dominance of STAT 3 and STAT 6 staining in the epidermis which signifies that the keratinocytes play an important role in PN and suggest that Th2, Th17, and Th22 cytokines mediate the tissue response in PN.
Thalamic altered spontaneous activity and connectivity in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Santarnecchi Emiliano , Sprugnoli Giulia , Sicilia Isabella , Dukart Juergen , Neri Francesco , Romanella Sara M. , Cerase Alfonso , Vatti Giampaolo , Rocchi Raffaele , Rossi Alessandro
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive snoring, repetitive apneas, and nocturnal arousals, that leads to fragmented sleep and intermittent nocturnal hypoxemia. Morphometric and functional brain alterations in cortical and subcortical structures have been documented in these patients via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), even if correlational data between the alterations in the brain and cognitive and clinical indexes are still not reported.

Methods

We examined the impact of OSA on brain spontaneous activity by measuring the fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFF) in resting‐state functional MRI data of 20 drug‐naïve patients with OSA syndrome and 20 healthy controls matched for age, gender, and body mass index.

Results

Patients showed a pattern of significantly abnormal subcortical functional activity as compared to controls, with increased activity selectively involving the thalami, specifically their intrinsic nuclei connected to somatosensory and motor‐premotor cortical regions. Using these nuclei as seed regions, the subsequent functional connectivity analysis highlighted an increase in patients’ thalamocortical connectivity at rest. Additionally, the correlation between fALFF and polysomnographic data revealed a possible link between OSA severity and fALFF of regions belonging to the central autonomic network.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a hyperactivation in thalamic diurnal activity in patients with OSA syndrome, which we interpret as a possible consequence of increased thalamocortical circuitry activation during nighttime due to repeated arousals.
Brain myelin water fraction is associated with APOE4 allele status in patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Park Mina , Lee Hong Pyo , Kim Junghyeob , Kim Dong Hyun , Moon Yeonsil , Moon Won‐Jin
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose

Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. However, the effect of APOE4 status on myelin remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of APOE4 on myelin content in cognitively impaired individuals using T2* gradient echo (GRE)‐based myelin water fraction (MWF) imaging.

Methods

Between August 2017 and January 2019, we evaluated 39 cognitively impaired patients (median age, 75 years; male:female = 8:31; Alzheimer's disease: mild cognitive impairment = 11:28). We obtained brain MWF values from white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM). Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the APOE4 status and MWF and cognitive function and MWF.

Results

Among the 39 cognitively impaired patients, nine (23.1%) were APOE4 carriers and 30 (76.9%) were noncarriers. APOE4 carriers had a lower hippocampal volume than noncarriers (p = .045), but other brain volume parameters were not differed. After age adjustment, the APOE4 status was significantly associated with reduced MWF in NAWM (β = –0.310 per allele; p = .049) but not in WMH (β = –0.258 per allele; p = .113). After age adjustment, MWF in NAWM was significantly associated with Mini‐Mental State Examination score (β = 0.313, p = .031).

Conclusions

T2* GRE‐based MWF imaging can reveal myelin loss, particularly in NAWM, in cognitively impaired patients among APOE4 carriers. In vivo MWF in NAWM might be a novel imaging marker of Alzheimer's disease, for clarifying the interactions between the white matter and cognitive dysfunction with respect to the APOE4 status.
User experience design approaches for accommodating high “need for touch” consumers in ecommerce
Authors: Løkke‐Andersen Christian Bruun , Wang Qian Janice , Giacalone Davide
Published: December 2021

Inability to touch physical products when shopping online may be an issue for consumers with a high “need for touch” (NFT), defined as preference for the extraction and use of haptic information. This study explores the inclusion of congruent auditory and visual haptic information in online product presentation videos as a user experience (UX)–design approach to compensate for the lack of touch in e‐commerce. A between‐subjects online experiment was conducted where participants (N = 183) evaluated variants in two product categories—kitchen knives and sweaters—in three conditions: static images, videos containing natural audio from the product interaction, and the same videos with a musical background. Product presentation was found to significantly affect perceived haptic properties (weight for the knives, softness for sweaters), perceived overall quality, perceptual discrimination and experienced task difficulty. Importantly, interactions between NFT and product category were identified: specifically, natural auditory haptic information improved the user experience of high NFT consumers in one product category (knives), but not the other (sweaters).

Practical applications

Overall, the present study demonstrates that auditory haptic information congruent with visual haptic information can improve the user experience of high NFT consumers in an online shopping context. However, the effectiveness of this UX‐design approach may be dependent on the product characteristics, in particular the salience of the instrumental (vs. autotelic) dimension of touch.
Characterization and pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani AG‐5 isolates obtained from chickpea in Turkey
Authors: Basbagci Gurkan , Dolar Fatma Sara
Published: December 2021

Seventy‐three isolates of Rhizoctonia were obtained from chickpea‐growing areas of Uşak, Kütahya, Isparta and Denizli provinces in Turkey. All the isolates were multinucleate (MN) and 50 of them showed hyphal fusion with the reference isolate of Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group 5 (AG‐5). To confirm the identification, ITS gene regions of the isolates were sequenced with the ITS1 and ITS4 primers and they were found to be most similar to R. solani AG‐5 to 91.0–100.0% identity. The isolates were examined for their cultural characteristics. All the isolates were found to be highly virulent on chickpea, and the disease severity values of them were between 56.1–99.0% under in vitro conditions. In the pot trial, IS23, one of the most virulent isolates, caused pre‐emerged damping‐off with the value of 98.0% disease severity. This is the first study in which morphological and pathogenic variabilities of R. solani AG‐5 isolates were determined in chickpea in Turkey.
Escherichia coli SymE is a DNA‐binding protein that can condense the nucleoid
Authors: Thompson Mary K. , Nocedal Isabel , Culviner Peter H. , Zhang Tong , Gozzi Kevin R. , Laub Michael T.
Published: December 2021

Type I toxin‐antitoxin (TA) systems typically consist of a protein toxin that imbeds in the inner membrane where it can oligomerize and form pores that change membrane permeability, and an RNA antitoxin that interacts directly with toxin mRNA to inhibit its translation. In Escherichia coli, symE/symR is annotated as a type I TA system with a non‐canonical toxin. SymE was initially suggested to be an endoribonuclease, but has predicted structural similarity to DNA binding proteins. To better understand SymE function, we used RNA‐seq to examine cells ectopically producing it. Although SymE drives major changes in gene expression, we do not find strong evidence of endoribonucleolytic activity. Instead, our biochemical and cell biological studies indicate that SymE binds DNA. We demonstrate that the toxicity of symE overexpression likely stems from its ability to drive severe nucleoid condensation, which disrupts DNA and RNA synthesis and leads to DNA damage, similar to the effects of overproducing the nucleoid‐associated protein H‐NS. Collectively, our results suggest that SymE represents a new class of nucleoid‐associated proteins that is widely distributed in bacteria.
Comparative pollen morphology and its systematic implications in Resedaceae in Iran
Authors: Asgari Nematian Mahtab , Ranjbar Massoud
Published: December 2021

The pollen morphology of Resedaceae in Iran has been studied using light and scanning electron microscopy and described in detail for the first time. Although most of the species had prolate or perprolate pollen grains, variation was observed in other diagnostic pollen characters. Based on exine ornamentation, the pollen grains could be divided into six main types: reticulate, macroreticulate, microreticulate, reticulate‐striate, rugulate and perforate, and eight subtypes. In addition, the studied species varied in pollen size, shape in equatorial and polar views, aperture features and ornamentation, representing Resedaceae as a eurypalynous family. The largest pollen grains belonged to Reseda lutea L., while R. aucheri subsp. rotundifolia (Kotschy ex Müll.Arg.) Rech.f. had the smallest ones. Furthermore, species of Ochradenus, Oligomeris and Reseda showed diagnostic palynological characteristics that may provide a better understanding of the taxonomy of Resedaceae. A dichotomous key based on pollen morphology to the 27 Resedaceae taxa native to Iran are also presented.
High rate episodes in a dual chamber pacemaker: What is the mechanism?
Authors: Shekar P Vijay , Vignesh Rangaswamy Vickram , Subramanian Muthiah , Atreya Auras R. , Yalagudri Sachin , Chennapragada Sridevi , Saggu Daljeet Kaur , Narasimhan Calambur
Published: December 2021

Detection of high rate episodes can potentially result from oversensing of physiological or nonphysiological signals. Assessment of lead integrity, lead connection and analysis of noise characteristics on electrograms are decisive steps in the evaluation of oversensing. We report a case of high atrial and ventricular rate episodes due to minute ventilation oversensing in the presence of lead connector issues.
The missing link: Unlocking the power of cardiac rhythm monitoring device based QT interval detection
Authors: Chu Antony F. , Rajagopal Gautham , Sarkar Shantanu
Published: December 2021

Background

The QT interval is of high clinical value as QT prolongation can lead to Torsades de Pointes (TdP) and sudden cardiac death. Insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) have the capability of detecting both absolute and relative changes in QT interval. In order to determine feasibility for long‐term ICM based QT detection, we developed and validated an algorithm for continuous long‐term QT monitoring in patients with ICM.

Methods

The QT detection algorithm, intended for use in ICMs, is designed to detect T‐waves and determine the beat‐to‐beat QT and QTc intervals. The algorithm was developed and validated using real‐world ICM data. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated by comparing the algorithm detected QT interval with the manually annotated QT interval using Pearson's correlation coefficient and Bland Altman plot.

Results

The QT detection algorithm was developed using 144 ICM ECG episodes from 46 patients and obtained a Pearson's coefficient of 0.89. The validation data set consisted of 136 ICM recorded ECG segments from 76 patients with unexplained syncope and 104 ICM recorded nightly ECG segments from 10 patients with diabetes and Long QT syndrome. The QT estimated by the algorithm was highly correlated with the truth data with a Pearson's coefficient of 0.93 (p < .001), with the mean difference between annotated and algorithm computed QT intervals of −7 ms.

Conclusions

Long‐term monitoring of QT intervals using ICM is feasible. Proof of concept development and validation of an ICM QT algorithm reveals a high degree of accuracy between algorithm and manually derived QT intervals.
Early intervention for psychosomatic symptoms of adolescents in school checkup
Authors: Habukawa Chizu , Nagamitsu Shinichiro , Koyanagi Kenshi , Nishikii Yumi , Yanagimoto Yoshitoki , Yoshida Seiji , Suzuki Yuichi , Murakami Katsumi
Published: December 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early medical intervention for psychosocial problems detected in adolescents in a school health checkup, with the broader goal of prevention of these problems in adolescents.

Methods

The Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items score and scores for five subscales (physical symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, self‐efficacy, and family function), and an investigation of lifestyle were determined in a school health checkup for 5th grade elementary to 3rd grade junior high school students. Forty‐three children were found to be at high risk for psychosomatic disorder, of whom 18 then received a medical intervention (early intervention group) and 25 did not (non‐intervention group). Fifty‐seven children (outpatient group) treated for psychosomatic disorder for ≤3 months were also included in the study. The Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items (QTA30) was completed by all participants every 3 months for 1 year and scores were compared among the groups.

Results

In the early intervention group, total Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items scores; physical, depression, and anxiety symptoms; and unstable relationships with friends and teachers at school all significantly improved after 1 year compared to the first survey. None of these items improved in the non‐intervention group, while the outpatient group had gradual improvement in all scores. Family function scores in the early intervention group improved over time, whereas those in the non‐intervention group worsened.

Conclusions

Early detection of children at high risk for psychosomatic disorder at a school health checkup and early medical intervention were useful for prevention of psychosomatic disorder in adolescents.
Household pesticide exposures and infant gross motor development in the MADRES cohort
Authors: Hernandez‐Castro Ixel , Eckel Sandrah P. , Chavez Thomas , Johnson Mark , Lerner Deborah , Grubbs Brendan , Toledo‐Corral Claudia M. , Farzan Shohreh F. , Habre Rima , Dunton Genevieve F. , Breton Carrie V. , Bastain Theresa M.
Published: December 2021

Background

The development of motor skills in infancy is a vital neurodevelopmental milestone. Although previous studies have explored the neurotoxic effects of agricultural pesticides on infants’ motor development, limited research has examined early postnatal household pesticide use on infants’ motor development, particularly among urban communities.

Objective

This study examined the association between early postnatal household pesticide use and infants’ gross and fine motor development at 6 months of age.

Methods

Questionnaires were administered via telephone to 296 mother–infant dyads in the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) pregnancy cohort. Early life household pesticide use was assessed via questionnaire administered when infants turned 3 months old and gross and fine motor development was assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ‐3) at 6 months old. Infant gross motor scores were reverse coded so that higher scores indicated lower gross motor performance. Negative binomial regressions were performed to assess the relationship between household pesticide use and infant gross motor development.

Results

Infants were predominantly Hispanic (78.7%) and full term (gestational age at birth: 39.0 ± 1.9 weeks), with 22.3% of maternal participants reporting household use of rodent and insect pesticides. Adjusting for recruitment site, maternal age, ethnicity, household income, education, infant corrected age, infant sex, and home type, infants with maternal‐reported household use of rodent and insect pesticides had 1.30 times higher expected gross motor scores (95% confiidence interval 1.05, 1.61) than infants with no reported use of household pesticides, with higher scores indicating reduced gross motor performance.

Conclusions

Our results suggest household use of rodent and insect pesticides may harm infants’ gross motor development in early childhood. Future research should evaluate the impact of specific household chemicals in infant biospecimens and their associations with infant motor development to confirm these findings.
Comparison of 2% mepivacaine and a solution of 2% lidocaine/epinephrine administered for median and ulnar nerve blocks in horses with naturally occurring forelimb lameness
Authors: Boorman Sophie , DeGraves Fred , Schumacher John , Hanson Russel Reid , Boone Lindsey H.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To compare a 2% lidocaine solution containing 5 μg/ml (1:200 000) epinephrine with 2% mepivacaine for reducing lameness in horses after use in proximal nerve blocks.

Study design

Experimental randomized crossover.

Animals

Six adult horses with naturally occurring forelimb lameness.

Methods

Horses were evaluated using an inertial gait sensor system. Lameness was measured as a vector sum (VS). Following baseline lameness examination, median and ulnar nerve blocks were performed with lidocaine/epinephrine (0.5 mg epinephrine added to 50 ml of 2% lidocaine immediately prior to administration) or an equal volume of 2% mepivacaine. Horses were trotted at 5 min and then at 30 min intervals for 150 min. After 24 h, nerve blocks were repeated using the other local anesthetic. Data were evaluated using linear models.

Results

The reduction in the VS did not differ after nerve blocks with lidocaine/epinephrine or mepivacaine (P = .791). Mean time to VS <8.5 mm (n = 5) was 5 and 9.6 min for lidocaine/epinephrine and mepivacaine, respectively. For one horse, VS was not reduced to <8.5 mm with either treatment (this horse had the highest VS before treatments were administered). The decrease in VS to <8.5 mm lasted for 150 min in both treatment groups.

Conclusion

The outcomes of the median and ulnar nerve blocks performed with 2% lidocaine with epinephrine did not differ from blocks performed with 2% mepivacaine.

Clinical relevance

Two percent lidocaine with epinephrine may serve as an adequate replacement for proximal nerve blocks when mepivacaine is unavailable.
The Policy of Primary Needs Assistance for the Economic Independence of the Poor Community of Makassar (Case Study of Recipients of the Family Hope Program)
Authors: AS M, Pd Husain
Published: December 2021

The research uses qualitative research through a case study approach, while the results of the research are that basic needs assistance for the poor in the family hope program has not been able to improve the community's economy both in the short and long term, there is a mindset that assumes that being poor is a good thing. because they will often receive assistance from the government or from entrepreneurs, for that eradicating poverty must be accompanied by changing people's mindsets so that they can be more creative in dancing sources of income and cultivating shyness in getting help while physically strong
Field ion microscopy images of multilayered graphene and graphene oxide
Authors: Saito Yahachi
Published: December 2021

Field emission and field ion microscopy (FIM) of graphene edges exhibit exotic images with enigmatic fine structures, which are not expected in ordinary metal emitters such as tungsten and molybdenum. Graphene emitters were prepared by three methods; scratching highly oriented pyrolytic graphite by a tungsten needle, electrophoretic deposition of graphene oxide (GO), and putting droplets of GO solution on the tip of a tungsten needle. FIM of graphene show arrayed sharp streaks, split-double spots, and hollow “race-track” shaped spots, running transverse to a graphene plane. It is speculated that these patterns originate from vacant electronic states and reflect the symmetry and distribution of π*-orbitals at graphene edges.
Statins do not commonly cause muscle pain and stiffness
Authors: Saul Helen , Gursul Deniz , Cassidy Samantha , Smeeth Liam , Perkins Alexander
Published: December 2021

The study

Herrett E, Williamson E, Brack K, et al. The effect of statins on muscle symptoms in primary care: the StatinWISE series of 200 N-of-1 RCTs.Health Technol Assess2021;25:16.

To read the full NIHR Alert, go to:https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/statins-not-likely-to-cause-muscle-pain-stiffness/
A new class of holographic dark energy models in LRS Bianchi Type-I
Authors: Pradhan Anirudh , Bhardwaj Vinod Kumar , Dixit Archana , Krishnannair Syamala
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we examine the LRS Bianchi-type-I cosmological model with holographic dark energy. The exact solutions to the corresponding field equations are obtained by using the generalized hybrid expansion law (HEL). The EoS parameter [Formula: see text] for DE is found to be time-dependent and redshift-dependent and its exiting range for derived model is agreeing well with the current observations. Here, we likewise apply two mathematical diagnostics, the statefinders ([Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] plan to segregate HDE model from the [Formula: see text]CDM model. Here, the [Formula: see text] diagnostic trajectories are good tools to classify the dynamical DE model. We found that our model lies in both thawing region and freezing region. We also construct the potential as well as dynamics of the quintessence and tachyon scalar field. Some physical and geometric properties of this model along with the physical acceptability of cosmological solution have been discussed in detail.
Anisotropic minimally interacting dark energy models with cosmic strings and a massive scalar field
Authors: Bhaskara Rao M. P. V. V. , Aditya Y. , Divya Prasanthi U. Y. , Reddy D. R. K.
Published: December 2021

This paper deals with the construction of locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi type-II (B-II) cosmological models obtained by solving Einstein field equations coupled with an attractive massive scalar field (MSF) when the source of gravitation is the mixture of cosmic string cloud and anisotropic dark energy (DE) fluid which are minimally interacting. We have obtained exact cosmological models by using (i) shear scalar is proportional to the scalar expansion of the space–time and (ii) a power-law relation between the average scale factor of the universe and the scalar field. Our models represent string cosmological model and DE model in the presence of MSF. Using our model, we determine cosmological parameters such as energy densities, deceleration parameter, statefinders and equation of state parameter. We, also, present the tension density and energy density of the string. We discuss the physical aspects of these cosmological parameters. It is observed that our models represent accelerated expansion phenomenon of our universe as confirmed by Supernova Ia experiment.
Performance Evaluation of Convolutional Neural Network Using Synthetic Medical Data Augmentation Generated by GAN
Authors: Adhikari Ramesh , Pokharel Suresh
Published: December 2021

Data augmentation is widely used in image processing and pattern recognition problems in order to increase the richness in diversity of available data. It is commonly used to improve the classification accuracy of images when the available datasets are limited. Deep learning approaches have demonstrated an immense breakthrough in medical diagnostics over the last decade. A significant amount of datasets are needed for the effective training of deep neural networks. The appropriate use of data augmentation techniques prevents the model from over-fitting and thus increases the generalization capability of the network while testing afterward on unseen data. However, it remains a huge challenge to obtain such a large dataset from rare diseases in the medical field. This study presents the synthetic data augmentation technique using Generative Adversarial Networks to evaluate the generalization capability of neural networks using existing data more effectively. In this research, the convolutional neural network (CNN) model is used to classify the X-ray images of the human chest in both normal and pneumonia conditions; then, the synthetic images of the X-ray from the available dataset are generated by using the deep convolutional generative adversarial network (DCGAN) model. Finally, the CNN model is trained again with the original dataset and augmented data generated using the DCGAN model. The classification performance of the CNN model is improved by 3.2% when the augmented data were used along with the originally available dataset.
On the notion of supplement in acts over monoids
Authors: Tahmasebi Ashtiani B. , Rasouli H. , Tehranian A. , Barzegar H.
Published: December 2021

The object of this paper is to generalize the notion of supplement in modules to monoid acts. In contrast to the case of modules that supplements of submodules do not generally exist, here we uniquely characterize the supplement of a proper subact of an act. Supplemented acts are defined as acts whose proper subacts all have proper supplements. We discuss how the property of being supplemented relates to certain other properties of acts. In particular, we prove that being supplemented and being completely reducible coincide.
INSOLE-BASED ESTIMATION OF COMPLETE GROUND REACTION FORCE WITH GAUSSIAN KERNEL REGRESSION AND DATA EXPANSION
Authors: HU QUAN , CAI PING
Published: December 2021

A method for estimating ground reaction force (GRF) with plantar pressure was proposed in this paper. The estimation model was constructed to approximate the nonlinear relationships between GRF and the plantar pressure according to the linear combinations of Gaussian kernel functions. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was adopted to obtain model parameters and eliminate multicollinearity among the pressure components. The general model and subject-specific models were constructed for 12 male and 4 female subjects. Moreover, a data expansion method was introduced for the establishment of subject-specific model, which is implemented by searching and adopting the data with consistent statistical characteristics in a pre-established database. That approach is particularly meaningful for the group whose walking ability is limited or clinic where the force platform is not available. The NRMSEs (%) for general model were 5.27–7.85% (GRF_V), 7.35–8.53% (GRF_ML), and 8.82–10.54% (GRF_AP). The maximum NRMSEs (%) for subject-specific models were 5.02% (GRF_V), 9.91% (GRF_ML), and 10.23% (GRF_AP). Results showed that both general and subject-specific models achieved higher accuracy than existing methods such as linear regression and neural network methods.
Quantum protocols at presence of nonabelian superselection rules in the framework of algebraic model
Authors: Sitdikov A. S. , Nikitin A. S.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we study the influence of nonabelian superselection rules on the transfer of quantum information with the help of qubits on the base of an algebraic model and formulate quantum protocols. We pay the main attention to the superselection structure of the algebra of observables [Formula: see text] defined by the Cuntz algebra [Formula: see text] (a field algebra) that contains [Formula: see text] as a pointwise fixed subalgebra with respect to the action of the gauge group [Formula: see text]. We prove that it is possible to code information only with the help of states such that projectors on them belong to the algebra of observables. These projectors commute with the elements of the representation of the group [Formula: see text], and therefore allow the recipient to restore the obtained information.
Drivers, Processes, and Outcomes of the STI and DUI Modes of Innovation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santos Daniela M. , Gonçalves Sara M. , Laranja Manuel
Published: December 2021

Two promising streams of research in innovation involve the innovation stemming from the interaction of multiple actors (i.e. innovation networks) and innovation modes [the modes focused on science, technology, and innovation (STI) and learning by doing, using, and interacting (DUI)]. However, scholars have not exerted much effort in cross-referencing these two literature streams. Following a protocol to conduct a systematic review of the literature, through Scimago journals ranking (Q1 and Q2 classification) available at the Web of Science and B-On databases, this study considered 44 articles for eligibility. Moreover, it systematically considers the key features of innovation emerging from DUI networks versus STI networks. Finally, it contributes to future innovation research by comprehensively reviewing the drivers, processes, and outcomes of the STI and DUI innovation emerging from networks.
Numerical investigation of fractional model of phytoplankton–toxic phytoplankton–zooplankton system with convergence analysis
Authors: Dubey Ved Prakash , Singh Jagdev , Alshehri Ahmed M. , Dubey Sarvesh , Kumar Devendra
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a fractional order model of the phytoplankton–toxic phytoplankton–zooplankton system with Caputo fractional derivative is investigated via three computational methods, namely, residual power series method (RPSM), homotopy perturbation Sumudu transform method (HPSTM) and the homotopy analysis Sumudu transform method (HASTM). This model is constituted by three components: phytoplankton, toxic phytoplankton and zooplankton. Phytoplankton species are self-feeding members of the plankton community and play a very significant role in ecosystems. A wide range of sea creatures get food through phytoplankton. This paper focuses on the implementation of the three above-mentioned computational methods for a nonlinear time-fractional phytoplankton–toxic phytoplankton–zooplankton (PTPZ) model with a perception to study the dynamics of a model. This study shows that the solutions obtained by employing the suggested computational methods are in good agreement with each other. The computational procedures reveal that the HASTM solution generates a more general solution as compared to RPSM and HPSTM and incorporates their results as a special case. The numerical results presented in the form of graphs authenticate the accuracy of computational schemes. Hence, the implemented methods are very appropriate and relevant to handle nonlinear fractional models. In addition, the effect of variation of fractional order of a time derivative and time [Formula: see text] on populations of phytoplankton, toxic–phytoplankton and zooplankton has also been studied through graphical presentations. Moreover, the uniqueness and convergence analyses of HASTM solution have also been discussed in view of the Banach fixed-point theory.