bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Particle Swarm Optimization for Classical Engineering Problems
Authors: Milenković Branislav , Jovanović Djordje , Krstić Mladen
Published: October 2021

In the design of mechanical elements, designers usually consider certain objectives that are related with cost, time, quality and reliability of product, depending on the requirements. In this paper, parametric optimization of spring design problem, pressure vessel design problem, cantilever beam design problem, cone coupling design problem and welded beam design problem has been carried out using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO for short). The pseudo code for this algorithm was written using Matlab R2018a software suite. Results of the PSO algorithm will be compared to results obtained by the Differential Evolution (DE), Modified Ant Colony Algorithm, (MACA), Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA), Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA), Cucko Search (CS) , Genetic Algorithm (GA), Ant Lion Optimization (ALO), Firefly Algorithm (FA) and Method of Moving Asymptotes (MMA), depending of solutions found in literature. The source code of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is publicly available at https://seyedalimirjalili.com.
Phthalates in Food Packaging-Impact on Human Health
Authors: Lovrenović Mirjana , Mirjanić Nevena , Grbić Slaven
Published: October 2021

Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid and aliphatic alcohols. It is widely used in everyday life, and can be used as a plasticizer, solvents and additives in many products, from food packaging to items of general use. Plastic materials are widely used in food industry and potentially can be source of phtalates in food. Phtalates can be present in food as a result of contamination of food. Phtalates in food, as a result of contamination of food or migration from packaging can jeopardiye human health. This work provides an overview of the presence of phthalates in food packaging, its migration into food, as well as the negative impact on human health by consuming and inhaling them.
The Effects of Neuromuscular Stabilization on Increasing the Functionality and Mobility of the Locomotor System
Authors: Milić Zoran
Published: October 2021

The general concept of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) is, among other things, directly aimed at core stabilization as well as proper and “stable breathing”. DNS is based on the integration of the stabilization system which is mainly composed of intersegmental spinal muscles, deep neck flexor muscles, the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and the pelvis. Although it is a relatively recent rehabilitation and training concept, a lot of researchers focus on DNS due to its positive effects. The review started with the hypothesis that the DNS concept achieves high and positive results on the locomotor system in terms of better core stabilization, increasing the functionality of the locomotor system and quickening the rehabilitation process. The method included searching Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science for scientific material. Out of 50 reviewed scientific papers, the sample was consisted of 12 papers that are, according to their research topic, compatible with the review in question. The results of the review indicate that the DNS concept has positive effects on the functionality of the locomotor system.
Relationships of Motor Abilities and Precision of Shooting in Handball
Authors: Jovanović Saša , Marković Saša , Ilić Nikola
Published: October 2021

This research aimed to determine the relationship between motor skills and the precision of shooting in handball. A battery of 21 motor tests was applied to a sample of 36 male subjects aged 20-22 years. Criteria variables were selected representing shots from the position with 7m and 9m and jump shots with 9m. The general results of the canonical analysis indicated a canonical correlation value of 0.974, with the HI value of the test square being 114.44 and a statistically significant correlation of the variables used at the p .042 level. 3 canonical roots were obtained of which only the first showed statistical significance p .042. Observing the correlations of the variables used, it can be said that the motor abilities of explosive power, agility and coordination discriminated respondents results in performing situational-motor tasks. The results of the analysis of the criterion variables indicate that the largest projection on the first canonical root is shown by the variable 9mSKOK (0.739), and the variables 9mSTAV (0.484) and 7mSTAV (0.043). The obtained results confirm the positive relation of the situational motor ability of the shot precision with the level tested motor abilities, ie. a higher level of motor skills of agility and coordination, repetitive and explosive power is directly related to the success of performing a shot on goal from the positions used.
Comparing Glycemic Indices among Different Ethnic Groups Residing in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Nyebuchi Jonathan , Tuanwii Victor , Eedee Konne Felix , Chikadibia Amadi Fyneface , Ogidigba Friday
Published: October 2021

Increased prevalence and incidence rates within ethnic minorities have been reported by numerous studies on tribal differences in type 2 diabetes patients, sharing a western setting. This study was aimed at comparing glycemic indices among different ethnic groups residing in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State. The study population consisted of apparently150 healthy male and female subjects; 116 Ijaws, 21 Igbos and 13 Yorubas residing in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State of Nigeria. All subjects were aged between 16 and 48 years. 4 mls of Blood samples was collected from each subject. 2mls of the blood was withdrawn into EDTA for HbA1c estimation while the other 2mls was withdrawn into fluoride oxalate for fasting blood glucose. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was determined using the automated CLOVER A1c Analyser while FBG was assayed using Glucose Oxidase Method. Results revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean levels of FBG among the studied groups (P-value < 0.05) but there was no significant difference in the HbA1c mean levels (P-value > 0.05). This study has revealed that ethnic differences may cause significant changes on fasting blood glucose but may not in HbA1c.
Natural Products: Are They Efficient Alternatives against the Stored Grain Pest Sitophilus zeamais?
Authors: Cavalcante Alice Ribeiro , Almeida da Silva Eva Luana , Alves dos Santos Panait Abu Nidal , De Freitas Lima Hanna Gracie Inez , Aaron de Almeida Welton , Viana Pontual Emmanuel , Dos Santos Ardilles Juan Carlos Alves
Published: October 2021

Cereal crops strongly contribute with the world economy and because of this the reduction of their productivity may lead to irreparable economic consequences worldwide. The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais is the main pest of maize in the field or during processing, storage and commercialization of grains, also attacking processed food. The population control of S. zeamais uses a restrict panel of synthetic insecticides which are associated with environmental contamination, selection of resistant individuals and toxicity to non-target organisms, including humans and other animals. This scenario has stimulated the search for new insecticides and plant metabolites stand out because of their high degree of biodegradability and more selective toxicity. This work provides a review of the effect of plant compounds on S. zeamais to encourage the use of these ingredients in more ecofriendly strategies for pest control. Plant insecticides can exert their toxicity by ingestion, contact and/or fumigation resulting in damage to the development, survival and reproductive potential of S. zeamais, or may present food deterrent activity, which protects the substrates from the attack by the insects. The data reviewed contribute to consolidate the use of natural products in control of S. zeamais.
Plankton Community as a Bio-indicator of Water Quality in Situ Ciburuy Padalarang, West Bandung Regency, West Java
Authors: R. Samosir Ezra Angel , Hasan Zahidah , Rostini Iis , Hamdani Herman
Published: October 2021

This research was conducted to determine the water quality of Situ Ciburuy based on the plankton community as water quality bio-indicator. This research used the survey method and the observation result data were analyzed descriptively. The abundance of phytoplankton is about 340 – 8913 ind/L indicates that the abundance of phytoplankton is moderate and the abundance of zooplankton is about 7 – 30 ind/L indicates that the abundance of zooplankton is low. The Simpson diversity index for the phytoplankton group ranged from 0.29 – 0.33 and the Simpson Diversity Index for the zooplankton group ranged from 0.42 – 0.56 while the Simpson Dominance Index for the phytoplankton group ranged from 0.67 – 0.71 and the Simpson Dominance Index for zooplankton ranged from between 0.44 – 0.58 which indicates Situ Ciburuy is in an unstable condition. Based on the value of the Saprobic Index ranged between (-0.2) to (0). Situ Ciburuy belongs to α / β – mesosaprobic phase and categorized in the moderately polluted category.
The Iwok-Nwikpe Distribution: Statistical Properties and Its Application
Authors: Iberedem Aniefiok Iwok , Nwikpe Barinaadaa John
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a new continuous probability distribution named Iwok-Nwikpe distribution is proposed. Some essential statistical properties of the proposed probability distribution have been derived. The graphs of the survival function, probability density function (p.d.f) and cumulative distribution function (c.d.f) were plotted at different values of the parameter. The mathematical expression for the moment generating function (mgf) was derived. Consequently, the first three crude moments were obtained; the distribution of order statistics, the second and third moments corrected for the mean have also been derived. The parameter of the Iwok-Nwikpe distribution was estimated by means of maximum likelihood technique. To establish the goodness of fit of the Iwok-Nwikpe distribution, three real data sets from engineering and medical science were fitted to the distribution. Findings of the study revealed that the Iwok-Nwikpe distribution performed better than the one parameter exponential distribution and other competing models used for the study.
Dentigerous Cyst Associated with a Misaligned Maxillary First Premolar: A Case Report
Authors: Dib Hassan , Farhat Sarah , Berberi Antoine
Published: October 2021

Aims: The main goal of the following case report was to shed the light on the importance of thorough clinical, radiological and histological examinations in order to elaborate a final diagnosis of asymptomatic dentigerous cysts detected in unusual locations.

Presentation of Case: A case of dentigerous cyst was identified accidentally in the maxillary left premolar region of an asymptomatic 14-year-old female post an orthodontic consultation. Histological examination of the tissue specimens following enucleation confirmed the diagnosis of a dentigerous cyst.

Discussion: Dentigerous cysts are the second most common odontogenic cysts after radicular cysts. They involve impacted, un-erupted, permanent, supernumerary, odontomas and rarely deciduous teeth. Dentigerous cysts are usually painless but may cause facial swelling and delayed tooth eruption. Extensive maxillary involvement and childhood presentation are rare. Radio-graphic and histological examinations should be done to confirm the diagnosis of a dentigerous cyst.

Conclusion: In our case, we showed the presence of a maxillary premolar dentigerous cyst that was removed by enucleation. The presence of dentigerous cyst is not always associated with a syndrome and its removal is very important to avoid future complications.
Understanding Seed Dormancy and Germination
Authors: Ibrahim T. O. , Ogunsiji A. O. , Oni O. A. , Awotedu B. F. , Bolanle-Ojo O. I. , Ajani B. A.
Published: October 2021

Seeds are highly important part of living things, without which life would not exist. All of our daily necessities are totally dependent on seed and seed stock, like food and fruits, so also is many of the natural resources that we use as consumers such as, timber, cotton, paper, essential\edible oils, all which started their live as seeds. Basically, a seed consists of a tiny underdeveloped plant, the embryo, which is enclosed by a covering called the seed coat. Germination of seed occurs when the embryo grows into a functioning plant. It involves the rejuvenation of the metabolic pathways that lead to growth and the emergence of the radicle (root) and plumule (shoot). For germination to occur, three basic factors must exist, the seed must be viable, dormancy must be controlled and the proper environmental conditions for germination must be available. Dormancy simply means the inability of seeds to germinate even when the necessary environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, oxygen, and light) are favorable for germination. Dormancy is a principal factor restricting the production of crops. Several physical and chemical pretreatments can be applied to the organic material (seeds) to control dormancy. This review discusses the conditions necessary for germination and the fundamental factors necessary for breaking dormancy.
Study of Plant Genetic Variation through Molecular Markers: An Overview
Authors: Al-Hadeithi Zeina S. M. , Jasim Saade Abdalkareem
Published: October 2021

This article refers to viewing the role of molecular markers during analyzing the genome of plants and their importance in plant biotechnology. In recent years, we observed the role of molecular techniques in programs for improving plant breeding and preserving genetic resources has been observed, and molecular and biochemical indicators which represent basic material through determining the diversity between genotypes for indicators it is never affected by external surrounding conditions as always in the phenotype features. Molecular markers of DNA have been widely applied to answer a range of questions related to taxonomy, molecular evolution, population genetics, and genetic diversity, as well as monitoring trade in plants and food products , in addition to its having a role in studying gene expression , genetic mapping, and studies of species evolution providing fast and accurate results. In this work, the advantages and limitations of the molecular techniques applied in plant sciences such as: RAPD (Random Amplification Polymorphic DNA Marker); ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat Marker); SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat Marker); AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphic Marker); RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Marker); SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) and Real Time PCR.
A Research Protocol: Comparison of Ultrasound Therapy with Zingiber Cassumunar Roxb based Phonophoresis and Conventional Gel in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis-Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Joshi Medhavi V. , Phansopkar Pratik A.
Published: October 2021

Background: Knee Osteoarthritis is considered as the leading cause of the disability in almost all over the world after age of 40. Almost about 54 percent people will end up in knee osteoarthritis in old age. Awareness of non-pharmacological treatment for knee osteoarthritis is more in practice in European as well as in Asian countries. Physical therapy, Ultrasound therapy, Otago exercises etc. are the treatments that are available for conservative management as well as preventive measure of knee Osteoarthritis.

Methodology: Subjects with knee osteoarthritis with grade II to III on Kallgren and Lawrence classification will be included in the study N = 52. Two groups each of 26 will be allocated randomly as group A who will receive ultrasound treatment with Otago exercises control group and group B who will receive ultrasound treatment with zingiber Cassumunar based gel and Otago exercises as experimental group. The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), VAS, star excursion balance test will be performed before and after the treatment after 2 weeks with single blind procedure.

Objective: This research will examine the effect of treatment with Zingiber Cassumunar based gel applied by means of phonophoresis with ultrasound therapy in knee osteoarthritis patients with Randomized control trial.
The Mediating Role of Collaborative Decision Making on the Effect of Digital Literacy and Leadership on Military Soldiers’ Professional Performance
Authors: Firdaus Nefra , Kholil . , Widaningsih Titi
Published: October 2021

Digital age has created an unregulated war environment and there are non-state actors, armed groups, terrorists, and criminals which should be faced by established governments. Therefore, in the military context today, soldiers as national security guards no longer face physical forms of combat only, information, however, has became the front line in the national security landscape and needs to be treated equally with the land, sea and air defense dimensions. This study aims to reveal how digital literacy and leadership improve professional performance of soldiers through collaborative decision making as mediator, which can be applied not only in the military environment but also in soldier’s interaction with the civilian community in their social life. Quantitative approach with an explanatory survey is used in this study in order to explain symptoms and determine the causal relationship between variables, while the unit of analysis is soldiers from various divisions and ranks with a sample size of 3,598 soldiers from all over Indonesia. The results show that increasing digital literacy and leadership will improve professional performance of the soldiers through collaborative decision making. Leaders should initiate digital leadership in order to develop digital literacy of the soldiers as well as employ digital based internal collaborative decision-making platforms in order to improve not only the professional performance of soldiers but also the organization effectiveness in general.
Laser-induced Fluorescence with Multivariate Analysis in Characterizing Crude Oils from Some Selected Oil Fields in Ghana
Authors: Kwesi Gafrey Calvin , Wilson Robert , Amoako George , Anderson Benjamin
Published: October 2021

Developing scientific practices and procedures for finding the characteristics of various crude oils from different geological sources based on fluorescence spectra fingerprints would be beneficial to the petroleum industry. Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) has gained relevance worldwide because of its advantages in crude oil analysis. Presently, the use of this technique in the characterization of crude oils from the oil fields in Ghana has not been studied. The study employed the LIF technique to determine some physical qualities of crude oils from Jubilee Oil Field, Tweneboa Enyenra Ntomme (TEN) Oil Field and Saltpond Oil Field. Specifically, this study used multivariate analysis methods to link the spectral signatures of the crude oils to their properties for identification and classification. The LIF technique was applied on four crude oil samples. Fluorescence spectra were obtained using a continuous wave 405.0 nm laser. The excitation source revealed five (5) peak wavelengths after deconvolution. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), the crude oil samples were classified accurately.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Selective Synthesis of α‐Alkylated Ketones via Dehydrogenative Cross‐Coupling of Primary and Secondary Alcohols
Authors: Bains Amreen K , Biswas Ayanangshu , Adhikari Debashis
Published: October 2021

Herein, we describe an isolable, air‐stable, homogeneous, nickel catalyst that performs dehydrogenative cross‐coupling reaction between secondary and primary alcohols to result α‐alkylated ketone products selectively. The sequence of steps involve in this one‐pot reaction is dehydrogenation of both alcohols, condensation between the ketone and the aldehyde, and hydrogenation of the in situ‐generated α,β‐unsaturated ketone. Preliminary mechanistic investigation hints a radical mechanism following borrowing hydrogen reaction.

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Spatial Structure Regulation: A Rod‐Shaped Viologen Enables Long Lifetime in Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Li Hongbin , Fan Hao , Hu Bo , Hu Linlin , Chang Gang , Song Jiangxuan
Published: October 2021

A stable rod‐like sulfonated viologen (R‐Vi) derivative is developed through a spatial‐structure‐adjustment strategy for neutral aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs). The obtained R‐Vi features four individual methyl groups on the 2,2′,6,6′‐positions of the 4,4′‐bipyridine core ring. The tethered methyls confine the movement of the alkyl chain as well as the sulfonic anion, thus driving the spatial structure from sigmoid to rod shape. The R‐Vi with weak charge attraction and large molecular dimension displays an ultralow membrane permeability that is only 14.7 % of that of typical sigmoid viologen. Moreover, the electron‐donating effect of methyls endows R‐Vi with the lowest redox potential of −0.55 V vs. SHE among one‐electron‐storage viologen‐based AORFBs. The AORFB with the R‐Vi anolyte and a K4Fe(CN)6 catholyte exhibits an energy efficiency up to 87 % and extremely low capacity‐fade rate of 0.007 % per cycle in 3200 continuous cycles.
Active drug loading and release behaviors of fourfold channel flopped‐ferritin variants
Authors: Oh Hyeok Jin , Jung Yongwon
Published: October 2021

Human ferritin has been heavily investigated as a protein‐based drug deliver agent, due to its unique hollow cage structure for drug loading and an intrinsic tumor targeting function. However, facile strategies for high‐level drug loading and controlled release have not been established, which hampered the use of ferritin as an in vivo delivery platform. We examined active drug uptake and release patterns of various flopped ferritin variants, which use fourfold channels as a route for drug uptake. A flopped channel pore structure was adjusted by diverse mutations around the helix‐connecting loop of the channel. Active loading and release of anti‐cancer drug doxorubicin for these ferritin variants were quantitatively monitored. Drug‐loading ability and spontaneous release degree were both enhanced by channel flopping and a pore size increase. The results could lay a stepping stone for further understanding of drug loading via fourfold ferritin channels.
In Vitro Effects of Cyanidin‐3‐O‐Glucoside on Inflammatory and Insulin‐Sensitizing Genes in Human Adipocytes Exposed to Palmitic Acid
Authors: Molonia Maria Sofia , Quesada‐Lopez Tania , Speciale Antonio , Muscarà Claudia , Saija Antonella , Villarroya Francesc , Cimino Francesco
Published: October 2021

In this article, we investigated the in vitro potential beneficial effects of the anthocyanin cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) on inflammation and insulin resistance markers induced by palmitic acid (PA) in human SGBS adipocytes. Results demonstrated that PA reduced insulin sensitivity in SGBS cells with a significant inhibition of Akt phosphorylation, with a higher sensitivity to PA than murine 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, GLUT‐1 and GLUT‐4 glucose transporters and the enzyme hexokinase‐II. C3G pretreatment (1–20 μM) reverted these effects. Moreover, we demonstrated, for the first time in human adipocytes, that cells exposure to PA induced gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, and MCP‐1. Cells pretreatment with C3G resulted in a reduction in mRNA levels starting at very low concentrations (1 μM). In conclusion, this study highlights the effects of PA on inflammation and insulin resistance markers in human adipocytes, and confirm the role of C3G in the prevention of lipotoxicity in dysfunctional adipocytes.
Unusual presentation of a clinically isolated temporal region mass: Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Mella Mariam , Khoury Jihad , Fata Fouad
Published: October 2021

Non‐hodgkins lymphoma is a systemic disease that may present in multiple sites, rarely does it present primarily as a temporal fossa swelling. Only four cases have been reported in the English literature. We report a case of a patient who presented with a rapidly progressive swelling of the temporal fossa.
Peri‐implant soft tissue contour after stepwise replacement of missing and ankylotic central maxillary incisors in young adult: A clinical case report
Authors: Gašperšič Rok , Cmok Kučič Alja , Volk Gašperšič Karmen , Kosem Rok
Published: October 2021

Replantation and retention of ankylosed tooth after pubertal growth spurt enables stepwise replacement of both central incisors with implants. Partial extraction contributes to natural gingival contour.
Do you mind if I record?: Perceptions and practice regarding patient requests to record clinic visits in oncology
Authors: Jimenez Rachel B. , Johnson Andrew E. , Horick Nora K. , Hlubocky Fay J. , Lei Yvonne , Matsen Cindy B. , Mayer Erica L. , Collyar Deborah E. , LeBlanc Thomas W. , Donelan Karen , Mello Michelle M. , Peppercorn Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Audio recordings of oncology clinic discussions can help patients retain and understand information about their disease and treatment decisions. Access to this tool relies on acceptance of recordings by oncologists. This is the first study to evaluate experience and attitudes of oncologists toward patients recording clinic visits.

Methods

Medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists from 5 US cancer centers and community affiliates were surveyed to evaluate clinicians' experience, beliefs, and practices regarding patient‐initiated recordings.

Results

Among 360 oncologists (69% response rate), virtually all (93%) have experienced patients seeking to record visits. Although 75% are comfortable with recording, 25% are uncomfortable and 56% report concerns ranging from less thorough discussions to legal liability. Most (85%) always agree when patients ask to record, but 15% never or selectively allow recording. Although 51% believe recording is positive for the patient‐physician relationship, a sizable minority report that it can lead to less detailed conversations (28%) or avoidance of difficult topics, including prognosis (33%). Views did not vary based on subspecialty, practice setting, or geographic region, but older age and years in practice were associated with more positive views of recording. The majority of clinicians (72%) desire institutional policies to govern guidelines about recordings.

Conclusions

Most oncologists are comfortable with patient requests to record visits, but a sizable minority remain uncomfortable, and access to recording varies solely on physician preference. This difference in care delivery may benefit from institutional policies that promote access while addressing legitimate physician concerns over privacy and appropriate use of recordings.
Simultaneous Detection of Sulfite and Nitrite on Graphene Oxide Nanoribbons‐gold Nanoparticles Composite Modified Electrode
Authors: Zhai Tingting , Li Rui , Zhang Ningning , Zhao Lixin , He Mengting , Tan Liang
Published: October 2021

Graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs) have abundant oxygen‐containing functional groups and exhibit the improved dispersibility and biocompatibility. Unzipping of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was used for the fabrication of GONRs in this work. A glassy carbon electrode modified with GONRs and gold nanoparticles, GCE/GONRs−AuNPs, was prepared via a two‐step approach and it exerted a high catalytic activity for the electrochemical oxidation of SO32− and NO2−. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the sensitive electrochemical detection of SO32− and NO2− was realized. The developed sensor exhibited a good selectivity, excellent reproducibility, satisfactory stability and high accuracy.
Testing the performance of ice thickness models to estimate the formation of potential future glacial lakes in Austria
Authors: Otto Jan‐Christoph , Helfricht Kay , Prasicek Günther , Binder Daniel , Keuschnig Markus
Published: October 2021

The emergence of glacial lakes is a significant consequence of global climate change in high mountain regions. Recent developments in ice thickness modelling combined with high‐resolution glacier surface data led to the generation of modelling approaches to simulate the ice‐free bedrock topography below current glaciers and to detect potential glacier bed overdeepenings (GBO) that may form into future lakes. We simulated the subglacial topography in the Austrian Alps using two different ice thickness models. Glaciers in the study area differ significantly from glaciers investigated in previous studies on potential future lakes because of their in general small size and location often restricted to cirques. The aim of this study is to estimate the number and location of potential future lakes in Austria. We tested the performance of ice thickness models for modelling of potential future lakes in an environment dominated by mountain glaciers that are under high stress of climate change. Modelling results are compared with lakes that evolved since the modelling periods and with data on subglacial topography derived from geophysical surveys. Results show significant differences in model performance concerning the total ice volume and the number of simulated GBOs. The number and total area of the modelled GBOs is overestimated, compared with the number of lakes that have evolved in the past. Most GBOs are simulated for valley type glaciers, even though most glaciers are mountain types. This does not match with the location of existing glacial lakes that are dominantly found in cirques. We ascertain that this modelling approach performs better on large valley type glaciers and less well on mountain glaciers. Intersecting the modelling runs indicates that up to 42 new lakes may form within 23 glaciers in Austria covering a total area of 2 km2.
Three‐dimensional tilted hydromagnetic natural double‐diffusive convection in a rectangular cuboid filled with nanofluids based on magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Al‐Balushi Latifa M. , Uddin Md. J. , Rahman Mohammad M. , Oztop Hakan F. , Pop Ioan
Published: October 2021

In this article, we use magnetic nanoparticles to explore the three‐dimensional natural upward force flow within a quadrangular cuboid under the influence of a sloping magnetic flux. We consider three forms of thermic conditions on the bottom surface of the cavity, such as uniform surface temperature, constant heat flux, and temperature varied parabolically in space. The Galerkin‐type finite element method is used to solve the unitless leading equations of implicit physical systems. Ferrite‐water nanofluid is the default, used to study the flow field, thermal field, and concentration field other than the regular Nusselt number. We examined the influence of many model parameters, especially the thermal Rayleigh number, volumetric nanoparticles fraction, the Hartmann number, nanoparticles formation, and the predisposition of magnetic flux. The influence of the position of the thermal flux on the lower surface of the thermal field cavity is also studied. The heat transfer rate of various magnetic nanofluids is compared. Our simulated data echoed nicely with the available experimental one. The results show that Mn‐Zn ferrite‐kerosene nanofluid exhibits advanced heat transportation more than the other nanofluids studied. For lower dimensions of aspect ratio and nanoparticle diameter, higher heat transfer is obtained. Compared with other boundary conditions studied, the uniform temperature on the bottom surface of the cuboid provides a higher heat transfer rate.
Association of HLA class I and II genes with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in Koreans
Authors: Baek In‐Cheol , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Shin Dong‐Hwan , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Choi Haeyoun , Shin Hyoung‐Shik , Lim Dong‐Gyun , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) caused by MERS‐coronavirus (CoV) is a lower respiratory tract disease characterized by a high mortality rate. MERS‐CoV spread from Saudi Arabia to other countries, including South Korea. Dysfunction of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system has many effects due to genetic complexity and its role in the adaptive immune response. We investigated the association of HLA class I and II alleles with MERS‐CoV in 32 patients with MERS.

Methods

HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DQB1, and ‐DPB1 were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing.

Results

HLA‐DQB1*03:02 are significantly associated with moderate/mild cases of MERS‐CoV. Other alleles are no statistical significance.

Conclusions

Treatment strategies based on current research on the HLA gene and MERS‐CoV will provide potential therapeutic targets.
Vitamin D: Bolus Is Bogus—A Narrative Review
Authors: Mazess Richard B. , Bischoff‐Ferrari Heike A. , Dawson‐Hughes Bess
Published: October 2021

In this review we summarize the impact of bolus versus daily dosing of vitamin D on 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D levels, as well as on key countervailing factors that block vitamin D functions at the cellular level. Further, we discuss the role of bolus versus daily dosing of vitamin D for several health outcomes, including respiratory infections and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), rickets, falls and fractures, any cancer, and cancer‐related mortality. This discussion appears timely because bolus doses continue to be tested for various disease outcomes despite a growing amount of evidence suggesting lack of efficacy or even detrimental effects of bolus dosing of vitamin D for outcomes where daily dosing at modest levels was effective in the vitamin D deficient. As a result, these discordant results may bias health recommendations for vitamin D if the recommendations are based on meta‐analyses combining both daily and bolus dosing trials. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evaluation of potential underuse of cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Takano Makoto , Nakayama Yui , Matsuda Hisao , Harada Tomoo , Akashi Yoshihiro J.
Published: October 2021

Background

The number of patients with chronic heart failure is increasing in Japan. However, the annual number of patients with heart failure who receive cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been constant in the last few years. In this study, we evaluated patients who did not receive CRT despite being eligible for this treatment to elucidate the clinical impact of CRT administration.

Methods

We assessed 214 patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 50% (excluding patients treated with CRT) who underwent transthoracic echocardiography between January and May 2020 at our institution. The patients were stratified into two groups: Group A (n = 26; patients eligible for CRT) and Group B (n = 188; patients ineligible for CRT); however, all patients only received pharmacological therapy. We retrospectively analyzed the prognosis of these patients with respect to the cumulative number of hospitalizations for heart failure and cardiogenic deaths.

Results

We observed no significant between‐group differences in age, sex, and severity/diagnosis of organic heart disease. Group A had a significantly higher number of hospitalizations for heart failure and cardiogenic deaths than Group B (log‐rank test, P < .01; hazard ratio, 3.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.31‐7.09; average follow‐up period, 675 days).

Conclusions

This study shows that 12% of patients were eligible for CRT. However, the implantation rate was low and no one was implanted. CRT is underutilized in patients who have heart failure with reduced LVEF. Therefore, we strongly recommend CRT for patients with indications for CRT.
Injectable Hydrogel with Ultrafast In Situ Reforming Properties
Authors: Du Yan , Li Lin , Peng Haitao , Zheng Heng , Lv Guoyu , Li Hong
Published: October 2021

Shearing‐thinning injectable hydrogels, with a fixed 3D network structure, have significant potential for application in soft and hard tissue defect repair, drug delivery, wound dressings, etc. However, these hydrogels often exhibit poor in situ reforming ability in wet and underwater environments. In this study, a hydrogel with ultrafast in situ reforming ability in wet and underwater environments is prepared using modified sodium alginate–polyvinyl alcohol–dopamine. This hydrogel, with a double dynamic chemical crosslinking network, exhibits good in situ and ex situ self‐healing abilities owing to the wet adhesion property of dopamine and the underwater rebuilding property of borate ester bonds. The strength of in situ self‐healing is restored to 90.1% and 110.2% of the original strength and that of ex situ self‐healing is restored to 101.3% and 123.9% of the original strength after 6 min of healing in water and phosphate buffer solution environments, respectively. The in situ reforming efficiency of the hydrogel is reported to be 86.6% within 5 min of being injected into the liquid environment owing to the contribution of in situ self‐healing and ex situ self‐healing. In addition, the proposed hydrogel has good cell compatibility. Therefore, it can be widely used as a biomaterial.
Ultrasound findings and detection of fetal abnormalities before 11 weeks of gestation
Authors: Brown Imogen , Rolnik Daniel Lorber , Fernando Shavi , Menezes Melody , Ramkrishna Jayshree , da Silva Costa Fabricio , Meagher Simon
Published: October 2021

Objective

To determine the proportion of major fetal structural abnormalities that can be detected before 11 gestational weeks.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of individual patient files at a tertiary provider of obstetric and gynecological ultrasound in Melbourne, Australia. All women who had a pre‐cell‐free DNA ultrasound with a crown‐rump length of less than 45 mm and had one or more ultrasounds at a later gestation were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was the incidence of a fetal structural abnormality.

Results

A total of 3333 cases were included in the final analysis. Overall, 316 fetuses (9.5%) had a structural abnormality detected at any point throughout gestation, of which 86 were major structural abnormalities (2.6%). Sixteen fetal abnormalities were detected before 11 weeks of gestation, including 15 major abnormalities (17.4% of the major anomalies). All major fetal abnormalities detected before 11 gestational weeks were confirmed at later ultrasound examinations or the pregnancy did not continue (in four cases due to termination of pregnancy and in one case spontaneous miscarriage before first trimester morphology ultrasound).

Conclusion

Detection of fetal abnormalities is possible before 11 weeks of gestation. Early suspicion is more likely in cases of major structural abnormalities.
Microbial susceptibility of various polymers and evaluation of thermoplastic elastomers with antimicrobial additives
Authors: Zander Zachary , Newton Deirdre , Scaglione Heather , Reiber Averie , Agarwal Parminder
Published: October 2021

The incursion of microbial growth on polymeric products can deteriorate their performance and lead to the development of undesirable staining and odors. A growing trend in the industry has aimed to reduce microbial populations on high‐touch surfaces via the use of antimicrobials to protect material aesthetics and durability or to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, a variety of plastic substrates (30 unique polymer compounds), including poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐butadiene‐co‐styrene), poly(butylene terephthalate), poly(etherimide), various thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), poly(carbonates), and poly(amides), were screened for susceptibility to microbial attack using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) G21 (fungi susceptibility), Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) Z2801, and modified ASTM E1428‐15a (bacterial susceptibility) test standards. TPEs were determined to be most susceptible to microbial attack under the appropriate environmental conditions. Subsequent studies assessed the use of an antimicrobial additive, zinc pyrithione (ZPT), for potential efficacy in a variety of TPE blends for diverse target market applications. ZPT proved to be very effective in protecting TPEs, reducing Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli populations by 99.9% or more in JIS Z2801 testing and inhibiting fungal growth (rating = 0) according to the ASTM G21 standard.
A simple route to prepare supramolecular block copolymers using telechelic polystyrene/polydimethylsiloxane pairs
Authors: Güillen Obando Alejandro , Chen Yuwei , Qiang Zhe
Published: October 2021

While supramolecular block copolymer (BCP) self‐assembly has been widely studied over the past decades as an effective means to generate functional nanomaterials, most of these systems require multiple steps of synthesis and processing. In this report, we introduce a facile approach to form linear multiblock copolymers by directly blending telechelic homopolymer pairs, using di‐sulfonated polystyrene and commercially available, aminopropyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane. A series of model multiblock copolymers were prepared, in which proton transfers between polymer chain ends enable the formation of strong ionic associations. These ionic junctions not only significantly enhance thin film stability of polymer blends by forming higher molecular weight copolymers, but also improve the chemical incompatibility between different segments, resulting in ordered nanostructures upon self‐assembly. These include different morphologies such as lamellae and cylinders. We also demonstrate that feature size of these BCPs can be adjusted by varying the molecular weight of the homopolymers, with a smallest domain spacing of approximately 12.9 nm being obtained. Utilizing low‐cost and widely available polymers as building blocks, our simple and efficient supramolecular assembly strategy for forming multiblock copolymers may provide a promising platform for cost‐efficient nanomanufacturing of polymeric materials. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
A 4‐day‐old newborn with an isolated sternal cleft: A rare case and literature review
Authors: Xu Shoujun , Yang Chunlan , Gan Yungen , Jiang Guihua
Published: October 2021

An isolated sternal cleft is an orphan congenital defect of the sternum that presents from birth to adulthood. We report the case of a 4‐day‐old newborn with an isolated congenital cleft sternum. We also reviewed the related literature and operative options.
How to minimally modify a dynamical system when constructing flat inputs?
Authors: Nicolau Florentina , Respondek Witold , Barbot Jean‐Pierre
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study the problem of constructing flat inputs for multi‐output dynamical systems, in particular, we address the issue of the minimal modification of the initial dynamical system (the measure of modification being the number of equations that have to be changed by adding flat inputs). We show that in the observable case, control vector fields that distort mequations only (where mis the number of measurements) can always be constructed (and this is the minimal possible number of equations that have to be modified by adding flat inputs), while in the unobservable case, the best that we can hope for is thatequations only are modified such that they involve flat inputs. We discuss when the original output is a flat output of minimal possible differential weight for the minimally modified control system (where by the differential weight, we mean the minimal number of derivatives of components of a flat output needed to express all states and controls). We propose a solution for constructing flat inputs leading to a minimally modified control system consistent with the minimal differential weight and, moreover, for which the observable part is affected by the minimal possible number of controls (this last property being important in applications). We show that, in that case, at leastequations have to be affected by the flat inputs.
NLO EW and QCD corrections to polarized ZZ production in the four-charged-lepton channel at the LHC
Authors: Denner Ansgar , Pelliccioli Giovanni
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Measuring the polarization of electroweak bosons at the LHC allows for important tests of the electroweak-symmetry-breaking mechanism that is realized in nature. Therefore, precise Standard Model predictions are needed for the production of polarized bosons in the presence of realistic kinematic selections. We formulate a method for the calculation of polarized cross-sections at NLO that relies on the pole approximation and the separation of polarized matrix elements at the amplitude level. In this framework, we compute NLO-accurate cross-sections for the production of two polarized Z bosons at the LHC, including for the first time NLO EW corrections and combining them with NLO QCD corrections and contributions from the gluon-induced process.
Measuring Higgs boson self-couplings with 2 → 3 VBS processes
Authors: Chen Junmou , Lu Chih-Ting , Wu Yongcheng
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We study the measurement of Higgs boson self-couplings through 2 → 3 vector boson scattering (VBS) processes in the framework of Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT) at both proton and lepton colliders. The SMEFT contribution to the amplitude of the 2 → 3 VBS processes, taking WLWL → WLWLh and WLWL → hhh as examples, exhibits enhancement with the energy $$ \frac{{\mathcal{A}}^{\mathrm{BSM}}}{{\mathcal{A}}^{\mathrm{SM}}}\sim \frac{E^2}{\Lambda^2} $$

A
BSM

A
SM

~

E
2

Λ
2

, which indicates the sensitivity of these processes to the related dimension-six operators in SMEFT. Simulation of the full processes at both hadron and lepton colliders with a variety of collision energies are performed to estimate the allowed region on c6 and $$ {c}_{\Phi_1} $$

c

Φ
1

. Especially we find that, with the help of exclusively choosing longitudinal polarizations in the final states and suitable pT cuts, WWh process is as important as the more widely studied triple Higgs production (hhh) in the measurement of Higgs self-couplings. Our analysis indicates that these processes can play important roles in the measurement of Higgs self-couplings at future 100 TeV pp colliders and muon colliders. However, their cross sections are generally tiny at low energy machines, which makes them much more challenging to explore.