bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STFT-LDA: An algorithm to facilitate the visual analysis of building seismic responses
Authors: Zhao Zhenge , Motta Danilo , Berger Matthew , Levine Joshua A , Kuzucu Ismail B , Fleischman Robert B , Paiva Afonso , Scheidegger Carlos
Published: August 2021

Civil engineers use numerical simulations of a building’s responses to seismic forces to understand the nature of building failures, the limitations of building codes, and how to determine the latter to prevent the former. Such simulations generate large ensembles of multivariate, multiattribute time series. Comprehensive understanding of this data requires techniques that support the multivariate nature of the time series and can compare behaviors that are both periodic and non-periodic across multiple time scales and multiple time series themselves. In this paper, we present a novel technique to extract such patterns from time series generated from simulations of seismic responses. The core of our approach is the use of topic modeling, where topics correspond to interpretable and discriminative features of the earthquakes. We transform the raw time series data into a time series of topics, and use this visual summary to compare temporal patterns in earthquakes, query earthquakes via the topics across arbitrary time scales, and enable details on demand by linking the topic visualization with the original earthquake data. We show, through a surrogate task and an expert study, that this technique allows analysts to more easily identify recurring patterns in such time series. By integrating this technique in a prototype system, we show how it enables novel forms of visual interaction.
Tackling wicked problems in strategic management with systems thinking
Authors: Grewatsch Sylvia , Kennedy Steve , (Tima) Bansal Pratima
Published: August 2021

Strategy scholars are increasingly attempting to tackle complex global social and environmental issues (i.e. wicked problems); yet, many strategy scholars approach these wicked problems in the same way they approach business problems—by building causal models that seek to optimize some form of organizational success. Strategy scholars seek to reduce complexity, focusing on the significant variables that explain the salient outcomes. This approach to wicked problems, ironically, divorces firms from the very social-ecological context that makes the problem “wicked.” In this essay, we argue that strategy research into wicked problems can benefit from systems thinking, which deviates radically from the reductionist approach to analysis taken by many strategy scholars. We review some of the basic tenets of systems thinking and describe their differences from reductionist thinking. Furthermore, we ask strategy scholars to widen their theoretical lens by (1) investigating co-evolutionary dynamics rather than focusing primarily on static models, (2) advancing processual insights rather than favoring causal identification, and (3) recognizing tipping points and transformative change rather than assuming linear monotonic changes.
Strategies and Challenges: Qualitative Lessons Learned From Georgia Produce Prescription Programs
Authors: Newman Taylor , Lee Jung Sun
Published: August 2021

Produce prescription programs (PPPs) have grown in numbers in the past decade, empowering health care providers to promote health by issuing subsidies for produce to vulnerable patients. However, little research has been conducted on the facilitators that make it easier for PPPs to succeed or the barriers that programs face, which could provide guidance on how to improve future PPP design and implementation. The study sought to identify the facilitators and barriers affecting positive outcomes in Georgia PPPs called Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Programs. A process evaluation with a qualitative comparative case study approach was conducted. Fifteen FVRx providers, ranging from nutrition educators to farmers market managers, were interviewed in a focus group interview or on the phone between 2016 and 2017. Two nutrition education classes and an FVRx best practices meeting were observed, and program documents were collected. Interview transcripts, field notes from observations, and documents were then thematically analyzed. Four overall themes were determined regarding facilitators and barriers experienced by FVRx programs: (1) creating accessible programming may encourage FVRx participation, (2) provider dedication to the program is important, (3) participants’ challenging life circumstances can make participation difficult, and (4) the sustainability of the program is a concern. The findings of this study suggest helpful strategies and challenges for providers to consider when developing and implementing PPPs in Georgia and beyond. Research on the long-term program impact is needed, and policy options for sustainable, scaling up of PPPs should be explored.
Initial Experiences with the MitraClip G4: Review of the Novel Device Features
Authors: Ives Christopher W. , Prejean Shane P. , Vardas Panos N. , Von Mering Gregory , Ahmed Mustafa I.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair is an evolving procedure with increasing indications for use. The MitraClip™ G4 is the newest device with 4 device options, each with distinct characteristics. While the NTR and XTR clips have been in use, the G4 adds 2 new wider clips with additional features, the NTW and XTW.

Methods

We reviewed 26 cases employing the MitraClip G4 at our institution from November 2019 to March 2020.

Results

The NTR, XTR, NTW, and XTW clips were used in 3 (11.5%), 0 (0.0%), 16 (61.5%), and 11 (42.3%) cases, respectively. Median mitral regurgitation grade was reduced from 4+ to 1+, though 7 (27%) cases had 2+ residual mitral regurgitation.

Conclusions

The new G4 device includes simplified instructions for use, the option of a wider clip, controlled gripper actuation, and potential left atrial pressure monitoring. The newest MitraClip G4 device allows for potential improved treatment options for patients with mitral regurgitation.
Preparation and characterization analysis of carbon nanotubes and graphene electrode modified carbon nanotubes reinforced IPMC
Authors: Zhao Jintao , Shao Junpeng , Zhang Zhenjie , Liang Bo , Liu Xiaoxiao
Published: August 2021

IPMC is a new type of polymer material that will act violently to the stimulation of electrical signals. IPMC has changed the traditional mechanical driving mode. However, the development of IPMC is limited by factors like manufacture cost. In order to reduce the manufacture cost of IPMC, improve the output displacement and output force of IPMC, and make IPMC closer to real life, in this paper, we use carbon nanotubes to modify the ion exchange membrane of IPMC, and PDDA to modify carbon nanotubes and graphene. A graphite plated electrode and a carbon nanotube electrode were coated on a platinum plated IPMC. The common modified Pt-IPMC, carbon nanotubes modified Pt-IPMC, carbon nanotubes modified GS-IPMC, and carbon nanotubes modified CNT-IPMC were prepared. Through the experiment, it is found that the maximum output displacement of GS-IPMC modified by carbon nanotubes is 4.9 mm, and the maximum output force is 39 mN. The output displacement of ordinary Pt IPMC is 3.18 mm and the maximum output force is 31 mN. The maximum displacement and output force of GS-IPMC modified by CNTs are higher than those of Pt IPMC, which is more suitable for research and application.
Rotating flow of viscous nanomaterial with radiation and entropy generation
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Ahmad Muhammad Waqar , Khan Sohail A , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: August 2021

This communication models the flow of viscous nanofluid between two heated parallel plates with radiation and uniform suction at one boundary. Two types of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) namely the single (SWCNT) and multiple (MWCNT) walls are accounted. Heat generation, radiation, and dissipation in heat expression are utilized. Entropy generation and Bejan number are examined. Formulation and analysis in rotating frame are considered. Convergent solutions for velocity and temperature are constructed and interpreted. Coefficient of skin-friction and Nusselt number are tabulated and analyzed for comparative study of SWCNT and MWCNT. Correlation for skin-friction and Nusselt number are also evaluated. An enhancement in velocity profile is seen through suction variable. A reduction occurs in axial velocity for higher Reynolds number. An opposite trend is hold for thermal field through Eckert and Prandtl numbers. An intensification in temperature is noted for radiation. An amplification in entropy rate is observed through Brinkman number. Higher Reynolds number corresponds to improve Bejan number. An improvement in radiation variable lead to rises heat transfer rate for both carbon nanotubes.
Impact of COVID-19 on social determinants of health for adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Albon Dana , Bruschwein Heather , Soper Morgan , List Rhonda , Jennings Deirdre , Gettle Lucy , Compton Martina , Bailey Molly , Starheim Elissa , Murray Rachel , Kalmanek John , Somerville Lindsay
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Outcomes in cystic fibrosis are influenced by multiple factors, including social determinants of health. Low socioeconomic status has been shown to be associated with lung function decline, increased exacerbation rates, increased health care utilization, and decreased survival in cystic fibrosis. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the US economy, placing people with cystic fibrosis at risk for negative impacts due to changes in social determinants of health.

Methods:

To characterize the impact of COVID-19-related changes in social determinants of health in the adult cystic fibrosis population, a social determinants of health questionnaire was designed and distributed to patients as part of a quality improvement project.

Results:

Of 132 patients contacted, 76 (57.6%) responses were received. Of these responses, 22 (28.9%) answered yes to at least one question that indicated an undesired change in social determinants of health. Patients with stable employment prior to COVID-19 were more likely to endorse undesired change in all domains of the questionnaire, and the undesired changes were most likely to be related to employment, insurance security, and access to medications. Patients receiving disability were more likely to report hardship related to utilities and food security compared with patients previously employed or unemployed. Of patients endorsing risk of socioeconomic hardship, 21 (95.5%) were contacted by a social worker and provided resources.

Conclusion:

Utilizing a social determinants of health questionnaire to screen for social instability in the context of COVID-19 is feasible and beneficial for patients with cystic fibrosis. Identifying social issues early during the pandemic and implementing processes to provide resources may help patients with cystic fibrosis mitigate social hardship and maintain access to health care and medications.
Regenerative technology to restore and preserve erectile function in men following prostate cancer treatment: evidence for penile rehabilitation in the context of prostate cancer survivorship
Authors: Chung Eric
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Erectile dysfunction (ED) following prostate cancer treatment is not uncommon and penile rehabilitation is considered the standard of care in prostate cancer survivorship (PCS), where both patient and his partner desire to maintain and/or recover pre-treatment erectile function (EF). There is a clinical interest in the role of regenerative therapy to restore EF, since existing ED treatments do not always achieve adequate results.

Aim:

To review regenerative therapies for the treatment of ED in the context of PCS.

Materials and Methods:

A review of the existing PubMed literature on low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LIESWT), stem cell therapy (SCT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), gene therapy, and nerve graft/neurorrhaphy in the treatment of ED and penile rehabilitation, was undertaken.

Results:

IESWT promotes neovascularization and neuroprotection in men with ED. While several systematic reviews and meta-analyses showed positive benefits, there is limited published clinical data in men following radical prostatectomy. Cellular-based technology such as SCT and PRP promotes cellular proliferation and the secretion of various growth factors to repair damaged tissues, especially in preclinical studies. However, longer-term clinical outcomes and concerns regarding bioethical and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed. Data on gene therapy in post-prostatectomy ED men are lacking; further clinical studies are required to investigate the optimal use of growth factors and the safest vector delivery system. Conceptually interpositional cavernous nerve grafting and penile re-innervation technique using a somatic-to-autonomic neurorrhaphy are attractive, but issues relating to surgical technique and potential for neural ‘regeneration’ are questionable.

Conclusion:

In contrast to the existing treatment regime, regenerative ED technology aspires to promote endothelial revascularization and neuro-regeneration. Nevertheless, there remain considerable issues related to these regenerative technologies and techniques, with limited data on longer-term efficacy and safety records. Further research is necessary to define the role of these alternative therapies in the treatment of ED in the context of penile rehabilitation and PCS.
Comparison between 2D radiographic weight-bearing joint space width and 3D MRI non-weight-bearing cartilage thickness measures in the knee using non-weight-bearing 2D and 3D CT as an intermediary
Authors: Jansen Mylène P. , Mastbergen Simon C. , Eckstein Felix , van Heerwaarden Ronald J. , Spruijt Sander , Lafeber Floris P. J. G.
Published: August 2021

Background:

In knee osteoarthritis, radiographic joint space width (JSW) is frequently used as a surrogate marker for cartilage thickness; however, longitudinal changes in radiographic JSW have shown poor correlations with those of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cartilage thickness. There are fundamental differences between the techniques: radiographic JSW represents two-dimensional (2D), weight-bearing, bone-to-bone distance, while on MRI three-dimensional (3D) non-weight-bearing cartilage thickness is measured. In this exploratory study, computed tomography (CT) was included as a third technique, as it can measure bone-to-bone under non-weight-bearing conditions. The objective was to use CT to compare the impact of weight-bearing versus non-weight-bearing, as well as bone-to-bone JSW versus actual cartilage thickness, in the knee.

Methods:

Osteoarthritis patients ( n = 20) who were treated with knee joint distraction were included. Weight-bearing radiographs, non-weight-bearing MRIs and CTs were acquired before and 2 years after treatment. The mean radiographic JSW and cartilage thickness of the most affected compartment were measured. From CT, the 3D median JSW was calculated and a 2D projectional image was rendered, positioned similarly and measured identically to the radiograph. Pearson correlations between the techniques were derived, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.

Results:

Fourteen patients could be analyzed. Cross-sectionally, all comparisons showed moderate to strong significant correlations (R = 0.43–0.81; all p < 0.05). Longitudinal changes over time were small; only the correlations between 2D CT and 3D CT (R = 0.65; p = 0.01) and 3D CT and MRI (R = 0.62; p = 0.02) were statistically significant.

Conclusion:

The poor correlation between changes in radiographic JSW and MRI cartilage thickness appears primarily to result from the difference in weight-bearing, and less so from measuring bone-to-bone distance versus cartilage thickness.
An evaluation of the efficacy of the locked plate with bone grafting in Sanders type III and IV intra-articular calcaneus fractures
Authors: Varol Ali , Oc Yunus , Kilinc Bekir Eray
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To demonstrate the efficacy of locking plate osteosynthesis performed by an L-shaped lateral approach in patients with Sanders type III and IV intra-articular calcaneal fractures with posterior facet displacement.

Methods:

Fifty-three patients with Sanders type III or IV unilateral calcaneal fractures treated with locking plates and additional bone grafting were included in the study. Böhler and Gissane angles, and heel height values were measured on the radiological examinations. Clinical results of the patients were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Maryland evaluation criteria. The presence of arthrosis was investigated with Broden’s view. Preoperative and postoperative values were evaluated.

Results:

The mean Gissane angle was 119.32°, the mean Böhler angle was 9.47° and the mean heel height was 40.82 mm on radiographs at initial presentation of the patients. The mean Gissane angle was 114.63°, the mean Böhler angle was 23.33° and the mean heel height was 47.84 mm on the early postoperative radiographs of the patients. In patients, a mean 4.69° recovery was achieved in the Gissane angle, 13.86° in Böhler angle and 7.02 mm in heel height. On the most recent follow-up, Böhler angle was 21.49°, Gissane was 114.88° and the mean heel height was 46.95 mm. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score and Maryland score were 86.91 and 86.53, respectively, on the last follow-up.

Conclusion:

Internal fixation and grephonage using low-profile locking plates provides good functional results to patients since it facilitates anatomic restoration of the subtalar joint and correction of calcaneal height, width and varus/valgus heel.
Dysregulation of human beta-defensin-3 expression in the peripheral blood of patients with sepsis
Authors: Al Mansour Noura , Al-Kafaji Ghada , Al Mahmeed Ali , Bindayna Khalid M
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

Sepsis is a serious medical condition caused by the body’s systemic inflammatory response to infections. The antimicrobial peptides, human beta-defensins, play a key role in modulating host immune responses, and aberrant expression of human beta-defensins has been implicated in many infections and inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about the expression of human beta-defensin-3 in systemic infectious diseases.

Methods:

We investigated the gene expression and protein level of human beta-defensin-3 in peripheral whole blood from 107 participants—67 patients with sepsis and 40 healthy controls—and evaluated the feasibility of human beta-defensin-3 as an indicator for sepsis. Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and relative mRNA expression of human beta-defensin-3 was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Plasma concentration of human beta-defensin-3 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between human beta-defensin-3 mRNA and protein levels. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the value of human beta-defensin-3 as a biomarker for sepsis.

Results:

Human beta-defensin-3 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in sepsis patients compared to controls (p = 0.001). The mean fold change of mRNA expression (±standard error) was 0.82 ± 0.63 in sepsis patients and 1.39 ± 1.09 in controls. Plasma concentration of human beta-defensin-3 (pg/mL) was significantly lower in sepsis patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.039). The mean protein concentration (±standard error) was 539.6 ± 39.4 in sepsis patients and 715.5 ± 53 in controls. There was a significant correlation between human beta-defensin-3 mRNA expression and the corresponding protein level in sepsis patients (r = 0.358, p = 0.04), but not in healthy controls (r = 0.124, p = 0.51). For discriminating sepsis patients from healthy controls, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.722 (95% confidence interval: 0.597–0.847, p = 0.002) for human beta-defensin-3 mRNA and 0.689 (95% confidence interval: 0.557–0.827, p = 0.009) for human beta-defensin-3 protein.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to show the downregulation of human beta-defensin-3 gene expression and protein level in sepsis, which may contribute to the complex immunological imbalance in sepsis. The significant correlation between human beta-defensin-3 mRNA expression and protein concentration suggests that mRNA expression could be used to predict protein level. Our study also showed a potential role of human beta-defensin-3 as a blood-based biomarker for sepsis. More studies on the clinical significance of human beta-defensin-3 in sepsis could further support a biomarker development.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor: A promising oncogenic serological biomarker for oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zepeda-Nuño José Sergio , Gutiérrez-Cortés Evangelina , Hernández-Bello Jorge , Ángeles-Sánchez Julián , De la Cruz-Mosso Ulises , Cruz Álvaro , Muñoz-Valle José Francisco
Published: August 2021

There are few reports in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) that indicate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in tissues, serum, or saliva of patients with OSCC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mRNA expression and protein of MIF in tissues and serum, respectively, in OSCC patients and its association with the TNM stage. A cross-sectional study was performed. Serum and tissues of 25 patients with OSCC and 25 healthy control subjects (HCS) were included to evaluate the MIF mRNA expression and protein serum levels by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Serum MIF levels were significantly higher in OSCC compared with control subjects. Furthermore, in the OSCC group, MIF was significantly increased in accordance with tumor disease stage (TNM III–IV), as well as in poorly differentiated tumors. The mRNA showed significantly higher levels in HCS, as well as in more differentiated tumors. The results of this study suggest that MIF could be an indicator of severity and progression of OSCC. Further studies are required to explore the role of MIF as a serological biomarker for OSCC.
Student Perceptions of Teaching Quality in Five Countries: A Partial Credit Model Approach to Assess Measurement Invariance
Authors: van der Lans Rikkert M. , Maulana Ridwan , Helms-Lorenz Michelle , Fernández-García Carmen-María , Chun Seyeoung , de Jager Thelma , Irnidayanti Yulia , Inda-Caro Mercedes , Lee Okhwa , Coetzee Thys , Fadhilah Nurul , Jeon Meae , Moorer Peter
Published: August 2021

This study examines measurement invariance of student perceptions of teaching quality collected in five countries: Indonesia (n students = 6,331), the Netherlands (n students = 6,738), South Africa (n students = 3,422), South Korea (n students = 6,997) and Spain (n students = 4,676). The administered questionnaire was the My Teacher Questionnaire (MTQ). Student perceived teachers’ teaching quality was estimated using the partial credit model (PCM). Tests for differential item functioning (DIF) were used to assess measurement invariance. Furthermore, if DIF was found, it was explored whether an application of a quasi-international calibration, which estimates country-unique parameters for DIF items, can provide more valid estimates for between-country comparisons. Results indicate the absence of non-uniform DIF, but presence of uniform DIF among most items. This suggests that direct comparisons of raw mean or sum scores between countries is not advisable. Details of the set of invariant items are provided. Furthermore, results suggest that the quasi-international calibration is promising, but also that this approach needs further exploration in the context of student perceptions of teaching quality.
Revisiting Bitcoin Price Behavior Under Global Economic Uncertainty
Authors: Khan Khalid , Sun Jiluo , Derindere Koseoglu Sinem , Rehman Ashfaq U.
Published: August 2021

This study examines the relationship between global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU) and bitcoin prices (BCP) employing the rolling window method. The full sample test shows that there is no causality between GEPU and BCP. However, the full sample causal relationship between the variables can be different when considering structural changes. The finding of the rolling window test indicates that there is causality in different subsamples. It has found both positive and negative bidirectional causalities between GEPU and BCP across various subsamples. The decision makers need to accelerate the development of blockchain technology that can be used for hedging and portfolio diversification. Moreover, enacting laws and regulations on state interventions and prohibitions ensures investor confidence. Information about policy changes should be incorporated into portfolio selection to avoid random market fluctuations. Its unregulated nature makes it more turbulent in the short term and has undergone sudden changes, so investors should be able to obtain comprehensive information about global economic and policy changes. Policy makers should ensure investor confidence by making legal regulations on state interventions and prohibitions.
Estimate the Impact of Payments for Environmental Services on Local Livelihoods and Environment: An Application of Propensity Scores
Authors: Nguyen Thang Quyet , Huynh Nguyen Tan , Hsu Wen-Kai K.
Published: August 2021

Payments for environmental services (PES) are usually considered as a useful tool to both protect the environment and generate multiple income streams for mountainous households who receive the payments, and thus, it has been widely implementing in many developing countries so far; however, the impact of it on local livelihoods and environment has been questioned. Therefore, the article aimed to evaluate the Vietnamese PES scheme’s effect on both environment and local livelihoods by surveying 282 households living in Quang Nam, Vietnam, and utilized the propensity score matching (PSM) technique to investigate the intervention policy’s influence. Furthermore, to evaluate PES’s effect on the environment, the article used Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as a measure of the photosynthetic level of forest trees. The calculation of NDVI relied on satellite images downloaded from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. The results indicated that (a) the natural forest status has been improved during PES implementation compared with that of pre-PES period regarding total forest areas, percentage of forest coverage, and vegetation cover; and (b) PES-participants have got a significantly lower income than nonparticipants regarding total annual income, agricultural income, and hired labor income. The limitation is that the impact of interventions on livelihoods and the environment is determined by the mutual combination of implemented programs rather than only the PES regime. So, we highly recommend that the future study separate the PES scheme’s actual impact to precisely evaluate the PES project’s effect on financial and environmental outcomes.
Linking Spiritual Leadership and Boundary-Spanning Behavior: The Bright Side of Workplace Spirituality and Self-Esteem
Authors: Farmanesh Panteha , Zargar Pouya , Esenyel Vildan , Vehbi Asim
Published: August 2021

Employees can flourish through proper leadership and a nurturing workplace environment. Our study looks into the subject through a theoretical model that consists of spiritual leadership, and customer-oriented boundary-spanning behavior (COBSB) as a total effect alongside person–organization fit (POF) and workplace spirituality as mediating effects. Data were collected from hotel employees across North Cyprus. Our results show that linkage between spiritual leadership and COBSB is fully mediated when both variables are included in the equation. Also, self-esteem was found to be an enhancer for spiritual leadership and COBSB linkage. Our study takes place within the hotel industry of North Cyprus, with consideration of tourism being a significant industry on the island. This article contributes to the literature of both BSB and leadership through expansion into North Cyprus as well as the conduction of mediation analysis.
Colorblind Spots in Qualitative Methods Training
Authors: Sue Christina A. , Núñez Adriana C. , Harris Michael D.
Published: August 2021

Academia, like many other institutions, is experiencing a racial reckoning. As part of this reckoning, members of institutions of higher education are reflecting on how their structures and cultures reproduce racial inequality and how to disrupt the cycle. One aspect of this conversation that has escaped scrutiny has been methodological training, which can be central to the reproduction of inequality via the marginalization of researchers of color. Qualitive methods guidance and instruction has been criticized for leaving scholars of color unprepared to navigate the complex racial dynamics they confront in the field. In this article we build on these conversations by discussing colorblind spots that surfaced in our graduate-level qualitative methods course in Sociology related to one-time field exercises and fieldwork in a continuous site. We conclude with reflections and recommendations for ethnographic training courses.
Causes of Microcephaly in the Zika Era in Argentina: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Berberian Griselda , Bologna Rosa , Pérez María Guadalupe , Mangano Andrea , Costa Marina , Calligaris Silvana , Morales María Alejandra , Rugilo Carlos , Ruiz-Burga Elisa , Thorne Claire
Published: August 2021

There are gaps in understanding the causes and consequences of microcephaly. This paper describes the epidemiological characteristics, clinical presentations, and etiologies of children presenting microcephaly during the Zika outbreak in Argentina. This observational retrospective study conducted in the pediatric hospital of Juan P. Garrahan reviewed the medical records of 40 children presenting microcephaly between March 2017 and November 2019. The majority (60%) were males and born full-term. At first evaluation, microcephaly was defined as congenital (31/40, 77%) and associated with other features (68%) such as seizures, developmental delay, non-progressive chronic encephalopathy, and West Syndrome. It was found manifestations restricted to central nervous system (55%), ocular (8/40, 20%), and acoustic (9/40, 23%) defects, and abnormal neuroimaging findings (31/39, 79%). Non-infectious diseases were the primary cause of isolated microcephaly (21/37, 57%), largely related to genetic diseases (13/21, 62%). Only 3 were children were diagnosed with Congenital Zika infection (3/16, 7.5%).
Transdermal approaches to vaccinations in the COVID-19 pandemic era
Authors: Lee Michelle S. , Pan Catherina X. , Nambudiri Vinod E.
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated rapid vaccine development for the control of the disease. Most vaccinations, including those currently approved for COVID-19 are administered intramuscularly and subcutaneously using hypodermic needles. However, there are several disadvantages including pain and fear of needlesticks, the need for two doses, the need for trained health care professionals for vaccine administration, and barriers to global distribution given the need for cold supply chain. Recently, transdermal techniques have been under investigation for vaccines including COVID-19. Microneedle array technology utilizes multiple microscopic projections from a plate which delivers a vaccine in the form of a patch placed on the skin, allowing for painless antigen delivery with improved immune response. In this review, we discuss challenges of existing vaccines and review the literature on the science behind transdermal vaccines including microneedles, current evidence of application in infectious diseases including COVID-19, and considerations for implementation and global access.
Seismic fragility of bridges: An approach coupling multiple-stripe analysis and Gaussian mixture for multicomponent structures
Authors: Conde Bandini Pedro Alexandre , Padgett Jamie Ellen , Paultre Patrick , Siqueira Gustavo Henrique
Published: August 2021

An approach is developed to build multivariate probabilistic seismic demand models (PSDMs) of multicomponent structures based on the coupling of multiple-stripe analysis and Gaussian mixture models. The proposed methodology is eminently flexible in terms of adopted assumptions, and a classic highway bridge in Eastern Canada is used to present an application of the new approach and to investigate its impact on seismic fragility analysis. Traditional PSDM methods employ lognormal distribution and linear correlation between pairs of components to fit the seismic response data, which may lead to poor statistical modeling. Using ground motion records rigorously selected for the investigated site, data are generated via response history analysis, and appropriate statistical tests are then performed to show that these hypotheses are not always valid on the response data of the case-study bridge. The clustering feature of the proposed methodology allows the construction of a multivariate PSDM with refined fitting to the correlated response data, introducing low bias into the fragility functions and mean annual frequency of violating damage states, which are crucial features for decision making in the context of performance-based seismic engineering.
Design of a Flexible Capture Mechanism Inspired by Sea Anemone for Non-cooperative Targets
Authors: Yang Jiankun , Ren Chengwei , Yang Chenghao , Wang Youyu , Wan Shumin , Kang Rongjie
Published: August 2021

Robotic grippers have been used in industry as end-effectors but are usually limited to operations in pre-defined workspace. However, few devices can capture irregularly shaped dynamic targets in space, underwater and other unstructured environments. In this paper, a novel continuum arm group mechanism inspired by the morphology and motions of sea anemones is proposed. It is able to dissipate and absorb the kinetic energy of a fast moving target in omni-direction and utilize multiple arms to wrap and lock the target without accurate positioning control. Wire-driven actuation systems are implemented in the individual continuum arms, achieving both bending motion and stiffness regulation. Through finite element method, the influence of different configurations of the continuum arm group on the capture performance is analyzed. A robotic prototype is constructed and tested, showing the presented arm group mechanism has high adaptability to capture targets with different sizes, shapes, and incident angles.
Design of 3D-printed Cable Driven Humanoid Hand Based on Bidirectional Elastomeric Passive Transmission
Authors: Chen Teru , Zhao Xingwei , Ma Guocai , Tao Bo , Yin Zhouping
Published: August 2021

Motion control of the human hand is the most complex part of the human body. It has always been a challenge for a good balance between the cost, weight, responding speed, grasping force, finger extension, and dexterity of prosthetic hand. To solve these issues, a 3D-printed cable driven humanoid hand based on bidirectional elastomeric passive transmission (BEPT) is designed in this paper. A semi-static model of BEPT is investigated based on energy conservation law to analyze the mechanical properties of BEPT and a dynamical simulation of finger grasping is conducted. For a good imitation of human hand and an excellent grasping performance, specific BEPT is selected according to human finger grasping experiments. The advantage of BEPT based humanoid hand is that a good balance between the price and performance of the humanoid hand is achieved. Experiments proved that the designed prosthetic hand’s single fingertip force can reach 33 N and the fastest fingertip grasping speed realized 0.6 s/180°. It also has a good force compliance effect with only 430g’s weight. It can not only grab fragile objects like raw eggs and paper cup, but also achieve strong grasping force to damage metal cans. This humanoid hand has considerable application prospects in artificial prosthesis, human-computer interaction, and robot operation.
Investigation of cortical thickness and volume during spontaneous attacks of migraine without aura: a 3-Tesla MRI study
Authors: Amin Faisal Mohammad , De Icco Roberto , Al-Karagholi Mohammad Al-Mahdi , Raghava Jayachandra M. , Wolfram Frauke , Larsson Henrik B. W. , Ashina Messoud
Published: August 2021

Background

Structural imaging has revealed changes in cortical thickness in migraine patients compared to healthy controls is reported, but presence of dynamic cortical and subcortical changes during migraine attack versus inter-ictal phase is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible changes in cortical thickness during spontaneous migraine attacks. We hypothesized that pain-related cortical area would be affected during the attack compared to an inter-ictal phase.

Methods

Twenty-five patients with migraine without aura underwent three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging on a 3-Tesla MRI scanner during spontaneous and untreated migraine attacks. Subsequently, 20 patients were scanned in the inter-ictal phase, while 5 patients did not show up for the inter-ictal scan. Four patients were excluded from the analysis because of bilateral migraine pain and another one patient was excluded due to technical error in the imaging. Longitudinal image processing was done using FreeSurfer. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis and to control for multiple comparison the level of significance was set at p = 0.025.

Results

In a total of 15 patients, we found reduced cortical thickness of the precentral (p = 0.023), pericalcarine (p = 0.024), and temporal pole (p = 0.017) cortices during the attack compared to the inter-ictal phase. Cortical volume was reduced in prefrontal (p = 0.018) and pericalcarine (p = 0.017) cortices. Hippocampus volume was increased during attack (p = 0.007). We found no correlations between the pain side or any other clinical parameters and the reduced cortical size.

Conclusion

Spontaneous migraine attacks are accompanied by transient reduced cortical thickness and volume in pain-related areas. The findings constitute a fingerprint of acute pain in migraine patients, which can be used as a possible biomarker to predict antimigraine treatment effect in future studies.

Trial registration

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02202486).
iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis of thoracic aortas from adult rats born to preeclamptic dams
Authors: Yu Bin , Zhu Hong-Dan , Shi Xiao-Liang , Chen Pan-Pan , Sun Xiang-Mei , Xia Gui-Yu , Fang Min , Zhong Yong-Xing , Tang Xiao-Li , Zhang Tao , Pan Hai-Tao
Published: August 2021

Background

Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension can cause vascular function impairment in offspring. In our previous work, we described the protein expression profiles of umbilical artery tissues from patients with preeclampsia.

Methods

To gain insights into the mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in adult rats born to preeclamptic dams, we analyzed thoracic aorta tissues by using iTRAQ isobaric tags and 2D nano LC-MS/MS.

Results

By using the iTRAQ method, we analyzed 1825 proteins, of which 106 showed significantly different expression in the thoracic aortic. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) showed that the majority of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were associated with cardiovascular function. Further analysis indicated that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), which is inhibited by miR-423-5p and activated by TP53, had the strongest effect on cardiovascular function. The expression of G6PD was upregulated in thoracic aorta tissues, as confirmed by Western blotting. The expression of two other vascular function-related proteins, cysteine- and glycine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2) and tubulin alpha-4 A (TUBA4A), was upregulated, as demonstrated by mass spectrometry (MS).

Conclusions

Although the results require further functional validation, these data provide novel findings related to vascular function impairment in the adult offspring of preeclamptic mothers.
Pediatric testicular microlithiasis through four clinical case studies: review of the literature and proposal of clinical guidelines
Authors: Chaka Amina , Daassa Amine Fredj , Hamdouni Wadye , Ktari Kamel , Laamiri Rachida , Nouri Abdellatif
Published: August 2021

Background

Testicular microlithiasis in children was defined for the first time in 1961 based on histological criteria. There should be more than 5 calcifications per testicle in order to say that the patient has testicular microlithiasis. It has three different echographic grades depending on the number of calcifications. However, this disease is uncommon, with inaccurate prevalence and no certain information about its evolution or etiology.

Main body

We studied 4 clinical cases of children diagnosed with testicular microlithiasis, in light of the conducted review of the literature, and we defined the characteristics of this disease and proposed a management and monitoring framework based on the clinical observations.

Conclusion

There is a link between testicular microlithiasis and testicular cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to make a regular follow-up of children who present testicular microlithiasis with the presence of risk factors.
Non-conventional learning on sustainable development: achieving the SDGs
Authors: Leal Filho Walter
Published: August 2021

Learning has been identified as a critical tool for the achievement of sustainable development. But whereas the literature predominantly focuses on the use of classroom-based teaching methods and approaches, there is a perceived need to shed some light on the potential role which can be played by non-conventional learning. Based on the relevance of addressing this need, this commentary describes the role of non-conventional learning methods in supporting the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, it discusses the contribution of non-conventional teaching as a catalyst for a more active participation of learners, and also shows some of the trade-offs.
Three-dimensional hierarchical porous carbon derived from natural resources for highly efficient treatment of polluted water
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Holze Rudolf , Moyo Simbarashe , Wang Song , Li Sanxi , Tang Tao , Chen Xuecheng
Published: August 2021

Background

Dealing with the ever-increasing water pollution has become an urgent global problem, especially the organic containing polluted water. Physical adsorption has become one of the most popular ways for removal of organic dyes from wastewater due to its low cost as well as high efficiency. However, the adsorption performance is still limited by the low specific surface area (SSA) and unsuitable pore size. Hence, it is still a challenge to synthesize active carbon (AC) with high SSA, suitable pore size distribution as well as low cost for polluted water treatment. Here, we report an efficient method to prepare AC with large SSA from jujube for removal of both cationic dye and anionic dye from aqueous solution. The present results demonstrate that biomass-derived hierarchical porous carbon has a real potential application for wastewater treatment.

Results

The as-prepared hierarchical porous structure carbon material (PC-500-6) shows a high specific surface area (3203 m2/g) and pore size distribution in the range 0.8 to 3.0 nm, while exhibiting an enhanced adsorption performance for both methylene blue (MB) and methylene orange (MO) from an aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity even reaches 925.93 mg/g and 1281.39 mg/g for MB and MO, which was calculated from Langmuir model. Through analysis of the adsorption data, it was found that the corresponding adsorption kinetic fits the pseudo-second-order model very well.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that the adsorption of MB has a strong correlation with SSA, pore size distribution as well as the pore volume. The present study paved a practical way for wastewater treatment by using biomass-derived hierarchical porous carbon.
MIXed plastics biodegradation and UPcycling using microbial communities: EU Horizon 2020 project MIX-UP started January 2020
Authors: Ballerstedt Hendrik , Tiso Till , Wierckx Nick , Wei Ren , Averous Luc , Bornscheuer Uwe , O’Connor Kevin , Floehr Tilman , Jupke Andreas , Klankermayer Jürgen , Liu Luo , de Lorenzo Victor , Narancic Tanja , Nogales Juan , Perrin Rémi , Pollet Eric , Prieto Auxiliadora , Casey William , Haarmann Thomas , Sarbu Alexandru , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Xin Fengxue , Dong Weiliang , Xing Jiamin , Chen Guo-Qiang , Tan Tianwei , Jiang Min , Blank Lars M.
Published: August 2021

This article introduces the EU Horizon 2020 research project MIX-UP, "Mixed plastics biodegradation and upcycling using microbial communities". The project focuses on changing the traditional linear value chain of plastics to a sustainable, biodegradable based one. Plastic mixtures contain five of the top six fossil-based recalcitrant plastics [polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PUR), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS)], along with upcoming bioplastics polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polylactate (PLA) will be used as feedstock for microbial transformations. Consecutive controlled enzymatic and microbial degradation of mechanically pre-treated plastics wastes combined with subsequent microbial conversion to polymers and value-added chemicals by mixed cultures. Known plastic-degrading enzymes will be optimised by integrated protein engineering to achieve high specific binding capacities, stability, and catalytic efficacy towards a broad spectrum of plastic polymers under high salt and temperature conditions. Another focus lies in the search and isolation of novel enzymes active on recalcitrant polymers. MIX-UP will formulate enzyme cocktails tailored to specific waste streams and strives to enhance enzyme production significantly. In vivo and in vitro application of these cocktails enable stable, self-sustaining microbiomes to convert the released plastic monomers selectively into value-added products, key building blocks, and biomass. Any remaining material recalcitrant to the enzymatic activities will be recirculated into the process by physicochemical treatment. The Chinese–European MIX-UP consortium is multidisciplinary and industry-participating to address the market need for novel sustainable routes to valorise plastic waste streams. The project's new workflow realises a circular (bio)plastic economy and adds value to present poorly recycled plastic wastes where mechanical and chemical plastic recycling show limits.
AttentionDDI: Siamese attention-based deep learning method for drug–drug interaction predictions
Authors: Schwarz Kyriakos , Allam Ahmed , Perez Gonzalez Nicolas Andres , Krauthammer Michael
Published: August 2021

Background

Drug–drug interactions (DDIs) refer to processes triggered by the administration of two or more drugs leading to side effects beyond those observed when drugs are administered by themselves. Due to the massive number of possible drug pairs, it is nearly impossible to experimentally test all combinations and discover previously unobserved side effects. Therefore, machine learning based methods are being used to address this issue.

Methods

We propose a Siamese self-attention multi-modal neural network for DDI prediction that integrates multiple drug similarity measures that have been derived from a comparison of drug characteristics including drug targets, pathways and gene expression profiles.

Results

Our proposed DDI prediction model provides multiple advantages: (1) It is trained end-to-end, overcoming limitations of models composed of multiple separate steps, (2) it offers model explainability via an Attention mechanism for identifying salient input features and (3) it achieves similar or better prediction performance (AUPR scores ranging from 0.77 to 0.92) compared to state-of-the-art DDI models when tested on various benchmark datasets. Novel DDI predictions are further validated using independent data resources.

Conclusions

We find that a Siamese multi-modal neural network is able to accurately predict DDIs and that an Attention mechanism, typically used in the Natural Language Processing domain, can be beneficially applied to aid in DDI model explainability.