bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of a game training intervention on cognitive functioning and depression symptoms in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xue Bing , Xiao Ao , Luo Xianwu , Li Rui
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to explore whether game training could improve cognitive functioning and depression symptoms in the elderly affected by mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

A non‐blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants were 72 patients with MCI and depression from a nursing home in Wuhan. Participants were randomized to either the intervention group or the control group (n = 36 each). The intervention group received regular nursing care plus game training for 50 min, three times per week for 8 weeks, whereas the control group received only regular nursing care during the same research period. Cognitive functioning and depression symptoms were tested in both groups at baseline and at the end of the 8‐week intervention. We used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale to assess cognitive functioning and depression symptoms, respectively.

Results

The 8‐week game training intervention significantly improved the cognitive and depression scores when compared with the control group and baseline scores (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the control group (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the implementation of game training can improve the cognitive functioning and depression symptoms of the elderly with MCI, indicated that can be widely used.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the Feeling Safe During Surgery Scale
Authors: Larsson Fanny , Engström Åsa , Strömbäck Ulrica , Gustafsson Silje
Published: July 2021

Aim

The aim of this study is to develop and psychometrically test the Feeling Safe During Surgery Scale.

Design

The study design was non‐experimental and cross‐sectional.

Method

The evaluation followed classical test theory, and the instrument was evaluated regarding reliability, construct validity and content validity. For the reliability analysis, a postal questionnaire consisting of the 16 items of the scale was dispatched in March 2020 to a consecutive sample (N = 242) of patients who had undergone hip or knee replacement arthroplasties with regional anaesthesia. Five experts in nursing care evaluated the content validity of the scale.

Result

Internal consistency was 0.841. Three items were excluded due to deficits in reliability, resulting in a 13‐item scale. A principal component analysis revealed a two‐dimensional solution, labelled internal and external aspects of feeling safe. Two items were rephrased to improve clarity and content validity. The average content validity for the scale was 0.88, indicating acceptable content validity.
An m‐Health Intervention for Rheumatoid Arthritis in China (“Rheumatism Center” app): Study Protocol for a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Luo Huifang , Ma Qing , Song Jiating , Peng Jie , Song Yang , Chen Guangxing , Lin Changsong , Yang Xiangwei
Published: July 2021

Aim

To study the feasibility and effectiveness of a m‐Health app in improving the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Sixty rheumatoid arthritis participants will be recruited for a 6‐month feasibility study. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated to receive standard care or standard care plus the m‐Health intervention. The primary outcome is the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial. In addition, we will investigate patient satisfaction in using the “Rheumatism Center” app in the intervention group. The secondary outcomes include the scores for the simplified disease activity index, clinical disease activity index, disease activity score 28, health assessment questionnaire and 6‐item self‐efficacy scale for chronic diseases. The assessments will be performed at baseline and at 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after the study is initiated. At the end of the study, we will also collect user views of the app through qualitative interviews.

Results

This study is ongoing. The findings of this study will determine the feasibility and effectiveness of m‐Health intervention in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, hoping to enhance the awareness of disease management and quality of life for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Contributions of HFE polymorphisms to brain and blood iron load, and their links to cognitive and motor function in healthy adults
Authors: Kalpouzos Grégoria , Mangialasche Francesca , Falahati Farshad , Laukka Erika J , Papenberg Goran
Published: July 2021

Background

Brain iron overload is linked to brain deterioration, and cognitive and motor impairment in neurodegenerative disorders and normal aging. Mutations in the HFE gene are associated with iron dyshomeostasis and are risk factors for peripheral iron overload. However, links to brain iron load and cognition are less consistent and data are scarce.

Aims and methods

Using quantitative susceptibility mapping with magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated whether C282Y and H63D contributed to aging‐related increases in brain iron load and lower cognitive and motor performance in 208 healthy individuals aged 20‐79 years. We also assessed the modulatory effects of HFE mutations on associations between performance and brain iron load, as well as peripheral iron metabolism.

Results

Independent of age, carriers of either C282Y and/or H63D (HFE‐pos group, n = 66) showed a higher load of iron in putamen than non‐carriers (HFE‐neg group, n = 142), as well as higher transferrin saturation and lower transferrin and transferrin receptors in blood. In the HFE‐neg group, higher putaminal iron was associated with lower working memory. In the HFE‐pos group, higher putaminal iron was instead linked to higher executive function, and lower plasma transferrin was related to higher episodic memory. Iron‐performance associations were modest albeit reliable.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that HFE status is characterized by higher regional brain iron load across adulthood, and support the presence of a modulatory effect of HFE status on the relationships between iron load and cognition. Future studies in healthy individuals are needed to confirm the reported patterns.
Boston On Track: Storytelling and ROI for community colleges
Authors: Zizzo Anne
Published: July 2021

More than ever before, higher education institutions are operating in an incredibly competitive environment, and community colleges need to be forward‐thinking and innovative. These days, effective higher education marketing campaigns are story‐rich and measurable across all aspects of the institution: advancement, community partnerships, employee recruitment, athletics, alumni relations, research, and innovation — not just enrollment. Covering such a diverse need is difficult to do, especially as marketing budgets tighten and the demand for student financial aid and scholarships continues to climb.
Fire performance of piperazine phytate modified rigid polyurethane foam composites
Authors: Yang Sujie , Zhang Bing , Liu Mengru , Yang Yadong , Liu Xinliang , Chen Depeng , Wang Bibo , Tang Gang , Liu Xiuyu
Published: July 2021

Using phytic acid (PA) and piperazine (Pi) as raw materials, piperazine phytate (PA‐Pi) was fabricated by simple ionic reaction. Furthermore, A series of rigid polyurethane foam/piperazine phytate (RPUF/PA‐Pi) composites were prepared by one‐step water‐blown technology. Thermogravimetric (TG) results showed that the addition of PA‐Pi improved the thermal stability of RPUF/PA‐Pi composites at high temperature. At 700°C, RPUF/PA‐Pi20 exhibited the highest carbon residue of 25.8 wt%. Cone calorimetry and smoke density tests suggested that PA‐Pi could reduce the heat and smoke release during combustion process of the composites, thus reducing their fire hazard. Thermogravimetric‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG‐FTIR) indicated that PA‐Pi significantly inhibited the release of toxic gases (isocyanate compounds, aromatic compounds, CO and HCN) and flammable gases (hydrocarbons and esters) during the decomposition process of RPUF/PA‐Pi composites, effectively improving fire performance of the composites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the carbon residue of RPUF/PA‐Pi composites. The results showed that PA‐Pi could promote the formation of dense carbon layer of composites and effectively prevented heat and mass transfer in the combustion process.
Prenatal stomach position and volume in relation to postnatal outcomes in left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Weller Katinka , Peters Nina C. J. , van Rosmalen Joost , Cochius‐Den Otter Suzan C. M. , DeKoninck Philip L. J. , Wijnen Rene M. H. , Cohen‐Overbeek Titia E. , Eggink Alex J.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To examine the association between prenatal stomach position (SP) grade and stomach volume (SV) and the need for pulmonary hypertension (PH) treatment after birth in prenatally diagnosed left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), live born >34 weeks.

Methods

In retrospect, SP grade and SV were determined in fetuses with isolated left‐sided CDH from 19 weeks gestational age (GA) onwards at three different time periods (≤24 weeks' GA: US1, 24–30 weeks' GA: US2; ≥30 weeks' GA: US3). Primary outcome was need for treatment of PH after birth. Secondary analyses included the predictive value of SP and SV for other respiratory outcomes and postnatal defect size.

Results

A total of 101 fetuses were included. SP grade was significantly associated with need for treatment of PH (US1, US2, and US3: p < 0.02). Also, prenatal SP grade was positively associated with defect size and development of chronic lung disease (CLD) in survivors. No association was found between SV and respiratory morbidities or postnatal defect size.

Conclusion

SP grade in left‐sided CDH fetuses is associated with an increased need for PH treatment, a larger postnatal defect size and CLD in survivors. We consider SP determination a valuable contribution to the prenatal assessment of left‐sided CDH.
InGaP/GaAs dual‐junction solar cells with AlInGaP passivation layer grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Shoji Yasushi , Oshima Ryuji , Makita Kikuo , Ubukata Akinori , Sugaya Takeyoshi
Published: July 2021

Hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE), which enables low‐cost crystal growth, has garnered attention as an alternative III–V device fabrication technology to metal organic chemical vapor deposition. However, improvement in solar cell performance, through the introduction of Al‐containing materials grown by HVPE, has not been reported because of the complexity of their growth. This paper presents the solar cell applications of AlInGaP grown via HVPE using aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) as a precursor. Increasing the partial pressure of AlCl3 increased the Al composition in the AlInGaP layers. Although high concentrations of Si and O impurities were detected within the HVPE‐grown AlInGaP layers, the crystals were found to be of a quality that could be used in III–V solar cells. By using AlInGaP as a passivation layer in InGaP single‐junction solar cells, the current density was improved because of a reduction in the surface recombination loss. A conversion efficiency of 15.4% was achieved for the InGaP single‐junction solar cells measured under airmass 1.5 global solar spectrum illumination. Moreover, we developed 26.9% efficient InGaP/GaAs dual‐junction solar cells, the highest conversion efficiency in reported cells grown via HVPE. This result demonstrates an improvement in the performance of HVPE cells by introducing Al‐containing materials.
Nanocaging Silicon Nanoparticles into a Porous Carbon Framework toward Enhanced Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Hou Zhidong , Liu Huanyan , Chen Panpan , Wang Jian‐Gan
Published: July 2021

Silicon (Si) shows overwhelming promise as the high‐capacity anode material of Li‐ion batteries with high energy density. However, Si‐based anodes are subjected to a limited electrochemical cycling lifetime due to their large volume change. Herein, a honeycomb‐like biomass‐derived carbon nanosheet framework is reported to encapsulate Si nanoparticles via a facile molten salt templating method. The carbon framework provides sufficient void space for effectively accommodating the large volume expansion of Si upon Li+ insertion. Moreover, the interconnected carbon skeletons afford fast electron/ion transport pathways for improving the reaction kinetics. Consequently, the porous Si/carbon composite could exhibit a high and stable Li storage capacity of 1022 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 over 100 cycles along with superior rate capability (555 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1). This study demonstrates an effective structural design strategy for Si‐based anodes toward stable lithium energy storage.
Predicting mutant outcome by combining deep mutational scanning and machine learning
Authors: Sarfati Hagit , Naftaly Si , Papo Niv , Keasar Chen
Published: July 2021

Deep mutational scanning provides unprecedented wealth of quantitative data regarding the functional outcome of mutations in proteins. A single experiment may measure properties (eg, structural stability) of numerous protein variants. Leveraging the experimental data to gain insights about unexplored regions of the mutational landscape is a major computational challenge. Such insights may facilitate further experimental work and accelerate the development of novel protein variants with beneficial therapeutic or industrially relevant properties. Here we present a novel, machine learning approach for the prediction of functional mutation outcome in the context of deep mutational screens. Using sequence (one‐hot) features of variants with known properties, as well as structural features derived from models thereof, we train predictive statistical models to estimate the unknown properties of other variants. The utility of the new computational scheme is demonstrated using five sets of mutational scanning data, denoted “targets”: (a) protease specificity of APPI (amyloid precursor protein inhibitor) variants; (b‐d) three stability related properties of IGBPG (immunoglobulin G‐binding β1 domain of streptococcal protein G) variants; and (e) fluorescence of GFP (green fluorescent protein) variants. Performance is measured by the overall correlation of the predicted and observed properties, and enrichment—the ability to predict the most potent variants and presumably guide further experiments. Despite the diversity of the targets the statistical models can generalize variant examples thereof and predict the properties of test variants with both single and multiple mutations.
Labeling and receptor affinity of an ultra‐short somatostatin analogue Thz‐Phe‐D‐Trp‐Lys‐Thr‐DOTA
Authors: Fedotova Anzhelika O. , Egorova Bayirta V. , Posypanova Galina A. , Titchenko Nikolay A. , Khachatryan Derenik S. , Kolotaev Anton V. , Osipov Vasiliy N. , Kalmykov Stepan N.
Published: July 2021

Somatostatin analogues play an important role in the therapy of neuroendocrine tumors by binding to somatostatin receptors on the surface of cancer cells. In this work, we analyze the receptor‐binding affinity and in vitro stability of a novel ultra‐short somatostatin analogue Thz‐Phe‐D‐Trp‐Lys‐Thr‐DOTA (DOTA‐P4). This conjugate is successfully radiolabeled with 44Sc, 90Y, 152Eu, and 207Bi, characterized and validated by thin layer and high‐performance liquid chromatography. The optimum conditions for M‐DOTA‐P4 labeling are found. In vitro stability studies are performed in saline, in the presence of serum proteins, and with biologically relevant metal cations. All complexes demonstrate no cation release in vitro within 4–24 h. The conformations of DOTA‐conjugates are studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The circular dichroism spectra of DOTA‐P4 conjugates show a negative peak at 225 nm, which may correspond to the required β‐sheet conformation. The binding to somatostatin receptors of types 2 and 5 is performed with the IMR‐32 cells at 4°C, with non‐specific binding representing 26% of the total binding. A two‐line approximation of the Scatchard plot results in the apparent dissociation constants of 0.10 and 2.25 nM. It is shown that the chelator position with respect to the amino acid sequence significantly affects the labeling conditions with cations of different ionic radii. For the first time, the binding of a linear type ultra‐short peptide conjugate with DOTA to somatostatin receptors is demonstrated. The obtained results are promising for experiments with DOTA‐P4 in vivo in mice with inoculated tumors.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of rivaroxaban in children and comparison to prospective physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic predictions
Authors: Willmann Stefan , Coboeken Katrin , Zhang Yang , Mayer Hannah , Ince Ibrahim , Mesic Emir , Thelen Kirstin , Kubitza Dagmar , Lensing Anthonie W. A. , Yang Haitao , Zhu Peijuan , Mück Wolfgang , Drenth Henk‐Jan , Lippert Jörg
Published: July 2021

Rivaroxaban has been investigated in the EINSTEIN‐Jr program for the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children aged 0 to 18 years and in the UNIVERSE program for thromboprophylaxis in children aged 2 to 8 years with congenital heart disease after Fontan‐procedure. Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) and population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) modeling were used throughout the pediatric development of rivaroxaban according to the learn‐and‐confirm paradigm. The development strategy was to match pediatric drug exposures to adult exposure proven to be safe and efficacious. In this analysis, a refined pediatric PopPK model for rivaroxaban based on integrated EINSTEIN‐Jr data and interim PK data from part A of the UNIVERSE phase III study was developed and the influence of potential covariates and intrinsic factors on rivaroxaban exposure was assessed. The model adequately described the observed pediatric PK data. PK parameters and exposure metrics estimated by the PopPK model were compared to the predictions from a previously published pediatric PBPK model for rivaroxaban. Ninety‐one percent of the individual post hoc clearance estimates were found within the 5th to 95th percentile of the PBPK model predictions. In patients below 2 years of age, however, clearance was underpredicted by the PBPK model. The iterative and integrative use of PBPK and PopPK modeling and simulation played a major role in the establishment of the bodyweight‐adjusted rivaroxaban dosing regimen that was ultimately confirmed to be a safe and efficacious dosing regimen for children aged 0 to 18 years with acute VTE in the EINSTEIN‐Jr phase III study.
Impact of the Madden–Julian Oscillation on extreme precipitation over the western Maritime Continent and Southeast Asia
Authors: Da Silva Nicolas A. , Matthews Adrian J.
Published: July 2021

The western Maritime Continent (MC) and Southeast Asia lie at the heart of the largest area of high precipitation on Earth. Extreme precipitation is one of the major high‐impact weather events to affect the population of over 500 million in this region. The deep convection associated with this extreme precipitation is difficult to forecast, even with modern high‐resolution numerical weather prediction with explicit convection. However, larger‐scale organised convective systems, such as the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), can be skilfully predicted to 3–5 weeks lead time. The MJO has a well‐known precipitation signal, and it is likely that it also modulates extreme precipitation. Here, the extreme precipitation signal of the MJO is analysed in detail for the western MC and Southeast Asia using 19 years of high‐resolution Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM IMERG) data. The probability of experiencing extreme precipitation increases robustly by a factor of two, and decreases by a factor of half, dependent on location and the phase of the MJO. The spatial pattern of these changes in extreme precipitation does not describe a smooth eastward propagation, but shows rapid variation over short distances, tied to the complex distribution of land and sea within the archipelago. There is also a seasonal dependence of this MJO modulation in some locations. A more detailed analysis of the effect of the MJO on extreme precipitation is presented for the major cities in the region. Extreme precipitation days over the MC are generally linked with an amplification of the diurnal cycle. However, although an active MJO increases the frequency of extreme precipitation days and therefore an amplified diurnal cycle, there was no further amplification of the diurnal cycle in the active MJO, compared with extreme precipitation days during non‐active MJO periods.
A forward search algorithm for detecting extreme study effects in network meta‐analysis
Authors: Petropoulou Maria , Salanti Georgia , Rücker Gerta , Schwarzer Guido , Moustaki Irini , Mavridis Dimitris
Published: July 2021

In a quantitative synthesis of studies via meta‐analysis, it is possible that some studies provide a markedly different relative treatment effect or have a large impact on the summary estimate and/or heterogeneity. Extreme study effects (outliers) can be detected visually with forest/funnel plots and by using statistical outlying detection methods. A forward search (FS) algorithm is a common outlying diagnostic tool recently extended to meta‐analysis. FS starts by fitting the assumed model to a subset of the data which is gradually incremented by adding the remaining studies according to their closeness to the postulated data‐generating model. At each step of the algorithm, parameter estimates, measures of fit (residuals, likelihood contributions), and test statistics are being monitored and their sharp changes are used as an indication for outliers. In this article, we extend the FS algorithm to network meta‐analysis (NMA). In NMA, visualization of outliers is more challenging due to the multivariate nature of the data and the fact that studies contribute both directly and indirectly to the network estimates. Outliers are expected to contribute not only to heterogeneity but also to inconsistency, compromising the NMA results. The FS algorithm was applied to real and artificial networks of interventions that include outliers. We developed an R package (NMAoutlier) to allow replication and dissemination of the proposed method. We conclude that the FS algorithm is a visual diagnostic tool that helps to identify studies that are a potential source of heterogeneity and inconsistency.
Competing or complementary labels? Estimating spillovers in Chinese green building certification
Authors: Li Xia , Simcoe Timothy
Published: July 2021

Research summary

Many markets have multiple voluntary certification programs that sellers use to signal product or organizational quality. We argue that there can be positive spillovers in adoption of “competing” certifications and propose a framework for understanding how such spillovers arise through three channels: suppliers, adopters, and users of various labels. Our empirical analysis demonstrates these effects in the context of Chinese green‐building certification. Specifically, we measure spillovers from adoption of the Chinese Green Building Evaluation Label (GBEL) to adoption of the alternative LEED standard within the same city. To isolate the causal impact of GBEL on LEED adoption, we use local government subsidies as an instrumental variable. We find evidence of market‐level spillovers through the supplier and user channels, but little evidence of building‐level scope economies.

Managerial summary

Many markets have several voluntary certification programs that sellers can use to signal product or organizational quality. Although many scholars emphasize the potential for competition between labels, we argue that there can be positive spillovers in adoption of “competing” certification schemes and propose a framework for understanding how those spillovers arise through three channels: suppliers, adopters, and audience. Managers of nascent certification programs can use this framework as a roadmap for attracting various stakeholder groups. We use our framework to analyze the diffusion of Chinese green‐building labels and find evidence of large positive spillovers through the supplier and audience channels. These results suggest that the risks of tipping toward a single standard may be small in practice.
A High‐Throughput Nanofluidic Device for Exosome Nanoporation to Develop Cargo Delivery Vehicles
Authors: Hao Rui , Yu Zitong , Du Jing , Hu Shi , Yuan Chao , Guo Hang , Zhang Yi , Yang Hui
Published: July 2021

Efficient loading of various exogenous cargos into exosomes while not affecting their integrity and functionalities remains a major challenge. Here, a nanofluidic device named “exosome nanoporator (ENP)” is presented for high‐throughput loading of various cargos into exosomes. By transporting exosomes through nanochannels with height comparable to their dimension, exosome membranes are permeabilized by mechanical compression and fluid shear, allowing the influx of cargo molecules into the exosomes from the surrounding solution while maintaining exosome integrity. The ENP consisting of an array of 30 000 nanochannels demonstrates a high sample throughput, and the working mechanism of the device is elucidated through experimental and numerical study. Further, the exosomes treated by the ENP can deliver their drug cargos to human non‐small cell lung cancer cells and induce cell death, indicating the potential opportunities of the device for developing new exosome‐based delivery vehicles for medical and biological applications.
Small Structure, Large Effect: Functional Surfaces Inspired by Salvinia Leaves
Authors: Bing Wei , Wang He , Tian Limei , Zhao Jie , Jin Huichao , Du Wenbo , Ren Luquan
Published: July 2021

Nature‐inspired superhydrophobic surfaces have attracted significant attention because of their remarkable properties. In particular, recent findings about the aquatic plant Salvinia provide novel approaches for the application of superhydrophobic surfaces. The unique heterogeneous eggbeater structures endow Salvinia leaves with superhydrophobicity and strong adhesion, which ensures that the leaves show durable air‐retainability in underwater environments. However, the complex eggbeater structures present a difficult manufacturing challenge. Therefore, this review first introduces the air‐retention mechanism, which may benefit the design of Salvinia‐inspired structures. Moreover, advanced techniques including photolithography, direct laser lithography, chemical vapor deposition, electrodeposition, electrostatic flocking, 3D printing, chemical etching, and plasma etching recently have been developed for fabricating Salvinia‐inspired structures. This review focuses on the advantages, disadvantages, and application prospects of such techniques. In addition, the excellent air‐retainability of Salvinia structures has inspired many engineering applications, including drag reduction; water harvesting, evaporation, and repellence; oil/water separation; and thermal insulation. This review discusses the performance and challenges of artificial structures to such applications. Finally, methods of evaluating air‐retainability are discussed. It is expected that this review will not only satisfy scientific curiosity but also contribute to the design and application of Salvinia‐inspired functional surfaces.
α‐Amylase Immobilization on Ceramic Membranes for Starch Hydrolysis
Authors: Nazarova Elena A. , Yushkova Ekaterina D. , Ivanets Andrei I. , Prozorovich Vladimir G. , Krivoshapkin Pavel V. , Krivoshapkina Elena F.
Published: July 2021

α‐Amylase has many applications in various fields, especially in the food industry where it is used in starch hydrolysate production. However, the use of free enzymes is disadvantageous as the enzymes cannot be recovered from the reaction medium and are therefore used only once. The challenge of the biological pollution of wastewater can be tackled using immobilized enzymes as they possess higher stability as well as the possibility of repeated and continuous use. In this paper, adsorption and covalent methods of α‐amylase immobilization on ceramic membranes are developed and their advantages and disadvantages are identified. For these purposes, silica ceramic membranes with a microfiltration layer (pore sizes 1–5 µm) are first used. The dependences of immobilized α‐amylase activity on enzyme concentration and reaction time are determined and compared with the free enzyme. The influence of pH, temperature, and reusability on adsorbed enzyme activity is investigated. Thus, a novel combination of filtration and biocatalytic functions on one membrane is introduced. The results obtained are crucial for controlling certain characteristics of hydrolysis during industrial processes.
A value of information methodology for multiobjective decisions in quantitative set‐based design
Authors: Shallcross Nicholas J. , Parnell Gregory S. , Pohl Ed , Goerger Simon R.
Published: July 2021

Engineering complex systems is an exercise in sequential multiobjective decision making under uncertainty. One method for handling this complexity and uncertainty is set‐based design (SBD). SBD is a concurrent engineering and management methodology that develops, analyzes, and matures numerous design options, reducing risk and delivering higher value to the stakeholders and end users. SBD accomplishes this through controlled design space convergence which reduces uncertainty and prevents premature design decisions. While SBD has been the subject of numerous scholarly articles, there is limited research providing quantitative methodologies that inform decisions enabling design maturation and convergence. We present a value of information (VOI) based methodology for multiobjective decision problems, and demonstrate its applicability for SBD decisions. We apply Bayesian decision models and information value to inform multiobjective modeling and design maturation decisions. Research contributions include: 1) a framework integrating VOI into the SBD process, 2) a multiobjective VOI method assessing a higher‐resolution model's ability to reduce uncertainty, and 3) a means of informing modeling decisions by comparing multiple high resolutions models, given their usage cost and their potential to deliver information value. Finally, we demonstrate the inherent issues associated with premature decisions and traditional point‐based design approaches which run the risk of selecting an alternative that later proves infeasible.
Urethrorectal fistula in a Labrador puppy
Authors: Wale Kathryn
Published: July 2021

A 5‐month‐old entire male Labrador retriever puppy was diagnosed with a congenital urethrorectal fistula based on positive contrast abdominal radiography. Antimicrobial therapy was used to treat a clinically asymptomatic lower urinary tract infection prior to surgical correction. The fistula itself was ligated via a perineal approach. The clinical signs resolved immediately after surgery and had not recurred at telephone update 5 months later.
Power decoupling control of DFIG rotor‐side PWM converter based on auto‐disturbance rejection control
Authors: Zhou Zhenxiong , Peng Hongyi , Liu Bingshen , Wang Wenbao , Niu Guocheng , Liu Cheng
Published: July 2021

In this paper, double PWM converter AC excitation system of the variable speed constant frequency doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) for wind power generation is taken as the research object. At present, most vector control systems of rotor‐side PWM converter adopt feedforward compensation to realize the purpose of power decoupling control. The decoupling effect is greatly affected by the power changes. A power decoupling control strategy based on auto‐disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is proposed. The decoupling control between active power and reactive power is realized by observing the coupling term and the total disturbance of the d‐axis and q‐axis components of the stator current and the stator voltage with the extended state observer and compensating. Simulation analysis and experimental test show that, on the basis of vector transformation, the rotor‐side PWM converter power decoupling control based on ADRC has a small overshoot and fast dynamic response when tracking the change of wind turbine input power, which can achieve the decoupling control between active power and reactive power well. The system has strong robustness and adaptability.
Setting the Scene: Research and Writing Against the Neoliberal Grain
Authors: Gair Susan , Hager Tamar , Herzog Omri
Published: July 2021

This chapter outlines our collaborative research and writing project which recounts personal stories regarding everyday survival in the neoliberal academia. It begins by depicting the characteristics of academic neoliberal regime, such as authoritarian managerialism, accountability processes, standardization measures, performance indicators and benchmarking achievement audits. As previous research shows, neoliberalism impacts the everyday lives and wellbeing of academics, prompting us to take a deeper exploration of academic selves. The chapter then goes on to describe our methodology, collaborative autoethnography, introducing the advantages and disadvantages of personal stories as a research method. It ends by outlining our working method, exploring how we collectively wrote, shared, discussed and reflected on our texts.
The Manufactured CV
Authors: Gair Susan , Hager Tamar , Herzog Omri
Published: July 2021

This chapter addresses the construction and management of an appropriate academic CV. Tamar begins by describing the barriers, hurdles, timelines, narrow calculations and self-constructions needed in negotiating the university promotions process. Next, Omri describes his somewhat unsuccessful efforts to expand graduate students’ understandings of how an acceptable CV might be re-imagined. Susan picks up this thread of valuing professional practice, but concludes that theoretical and research knowledge may not be as valued as it could be in social work practice, while management support for field placements is less valued on the academic list of achievements, thereby contributing to a fraught juggle of priorities in the neoliberal academy.
Challenging Knowledge In/Accessibility
Authors: Gair Susan , Hager Tamar , Herzog Omri
Published: July 2021

In this chapter the authors reveal the complex landscape of access to knowledge within the context of the neoliberal demand for productivity. In the first story, Susan reveals her personal epiphany about the restrictions on access to research knowledge due to publishing paywalls. Next, Omri tells about the devaluation of local knowledge that must be published in English as the language of academic globalization. In the final story, Tamar discusses the dilemmas faced in publishing her own book, exposing two aspects of knowledge inaccessibility: the expensive prices of books published by prestigious academic publishers and the devaluation of academic work when choosing more accessible popular or internet venues. She concludes by highlighting the perpetuation across time of various barriers to knowledge in academic settings.
Association of maternal vitamin B12 and folate levels in early pregnancy with gestational diabetes: a prospective UK cohort study (PRiDE study)
Authors: Saravanan Ponnusamy , Sukumar Nithya , Adaikalakoteswari Antonysunil , Goljan Ilona , Venkataraman Hema , Gopinath Amitha , Bagias Christos , Yajnik Chittaranjan S. , Stallard Nigel , Ghebremichael-Weldeselassie Yonas , Fall Caroline H. D.
Published: July 2021

Aims/hypothesis

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide in all ethnic groups. Low vitamin B12 and low/high folate levels may contribute to GDM risk, but there is conflicting evidence. Our aim is to assess the relationships of early pregnancy vitamin B12 and folate levels with the risk of GDM status at 26–28 weeks of gestation.

Methods

This was a prospective, multi-centre, multi-ethnic cohort study (n = 4746) in the UK. Participants who were eligible to be selectively screened as per the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) criteria were included in the study.

Results

GDM prevalence was 12.5% by NICE and 14.7% by International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria. Folate deficiency (1.3%) was rare but B12 insufficiency (42.3% at <220 pmol/l) and folate excess (36.5%) were common in early pregnancy. Early pregnancy median B12 levels were lower, and folate levels higher, in women who were diagnosed with GDM at 26–28 weeks. B12 was negatively associated with fasting plasma glucose (1 SD: −0.06 mmol/l; 95% CI −0.04, −0.08; p < 0.0001) and 2 h plasma glucose levels (−0.07 mmol/l; 95% CI −0.02, −0.12; p = 0.004). Higher B12 was associated with 14.4% lower RR of IADPSG-GDM (0.856; 95% CI 0.786, 0.933; p = 0.0004) after adjusting for key confounders (age, parity, smoking status, ethnicity, family history, household income and folate status). Approximately half of this association was mediated through BMI. Folate was positively associated with 2 h plasma glucose levels (0.08 mmol/l; 95% CI 0.04, 0.13; p = 0.0005) but its relationship with fasting plasma glucose was U-shaped (quadratic β: 0.011; p = 0.05). Higher folate was associated with 11% higher RR of IADPSG-GDM (adjusted RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.036, 1.182; p = 0.002) (age, parity, smoking status, ethnicity, family history, household income and B12 status). Although no interactions were observed for B12 and folate (as continuous variables) with glucose levels and GDM risk, a low B12–high folate combination was associated with higher blood glucose level and risk of IADPSG-GDM (adjusted RR 1.742; 95% CI 1.226, 2.437; p = 0.003).

Conclusions/interpretation

B12 insufficiency and folate excess were common in early pregnancy. Low B12 and high folate levels in early pregnancy were associated with small but statistically significant changes in maternal blood glucose level and higher RR of GDM. Our findings warrant additional studies on the role of unmetabolised folic acid in glucose metabolism and investigating the effect of optimising early pregnancy or pre-conception B12 and folate levels on subsequent hyperglycaemia.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03008824.

Graphical abstract
A new stress-based topology optimization approach for finding flexible structures
Authors: Noack Martin , Kühhorn Arnold , Kober Markus , Firl Matthias
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a new FE-based stress-related topology optimization approach for finding bending governed flexible designs. Thereby, the knowledge about an output displacement or force as well as the detailed mounting position is not necessary for the application. The newly developed objective function makes use of the varying stress distribution in the cross section of flexible structures. Hence, each element of the design space must be evaluated with respect to its stress state. Therefore, the method prefers elements experiencing a bending or shear load over elements which are mainly subjected to membrane stresses. In order to determine the stress state of the elements, we use the principal stresses at the Gauss points. For demonstrating the feasibility of the new topology optimization approach, three academic examples are presented and discussed. As a result, the developed sensitivity-based algorithm is able to find usable flexible design concepts with a nearly discrete 0 − 1 density distribution for these examples.
Impact on Renal Function and Hospital Outcomes of an Individualized Management of Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Congenital Heart Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Abbasciano Riccardo Giuseppe , Hoxha Stiljan , Gaburro Dania , Surdo Siliva , Menon Tiziano , Gottin Leonardo , Faggian Giuseppe , Luciani Giovanni Battista
Published: July 2021

During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), high flows can allow an adequate perfusion to kidneys, but, on the other hand, they could cause emboli production, increased vascular pressure, and a more intense inflammatory response, which are in turn causes of renal damage. Along with demographic variables, other intra-operative management and post-operative events, this might lead to Acute kidney injury (AKI) in infants undergoing cardiac surgery. The aim of our study was to investigate if a CPB strategy with flow requirements based on monitoring of continuous metabolic and hemodynamic parameters could have an impact on outcomes, with a focus on renal damage. Thirty-four consecutive infants and young children undergoing surgery requiring CPB, comparable as for demographic and patho-physiological profile, were included. In Group A, 16 patients underwent, for a variable period of 20 min, CPB aiming for the minimal flow that could maintain values of MVO2 > 70% and frontal NIRS (both left and right) > 45%, and renal NIRS > 65%. In Group B, 18 patients underwent nominal flows CPB. Tapered CPB allowed for a mean reduction of flows of 34%. No difference in terms of blood-gas analysis, spectroscopy trend, laboratory analyses, and hospital outcome were recorded. In patients developing AKI (20%), renal damage was correlated with demographic characteristics and with renal NIRS during the first 6 h in the ICU. A safe individualized strategy for conduction of CPB, which allows significant flow reduction while maintaining normal hemodynamic and metabolic parameters, does not impact on renal function and hospital outcomes.
A non-canonical Δ9-desaturase synthesizing palmitoleic acid identified in the thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium sp. T66
Authors: Rau E-Ming , Aasen Inga Marie , Ertesvåg Helga
Published: July 2021

Thraustochytrids are oleaginous marine eukaryotic microbes currently used to produce the essential omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3). To improve the production of this essential fatty acid by strain engineering, it is important to deeply understand how thraustochytrids synthesize fatty acids. While DHA is synthesized by a dedicated enzyme complex, other fatty acids are probably synthesized by the fatty acid synthase, followed by desaturases and elongases. Which unsaturated fatty acids are produced differs between different thraustochytrid genera and species; for example, Aurantiochytrium sp. T66, but not Aurantiochytrium limacinum SR21, synthesizes palmitoleic acid (C16:1 n-7) and vaccenic acid (C18:1 n-7). How strain T66 can produce these fatty acids has not been known, because BLAST analyses suggest that strain T66 does not encode any Δ9-desaturase-like enzyme. However, it does encode one Δ12-desaturase-like enzyme. In this study, the latter enzyme was expressed in A. limacinum SR21, and both C16:1 n-7 and C18:1 n-7 could be detected in the transgenic cells. Our results show that this desaturase, annotated T66Des9, is a Δ9-desaturase accepting C16:0 as a substrate. Phylogenetic studies indicate that the corresponding gene probably has evolved from a Δ12-desaturase-encoding gene. This possibility has not been reported earlier and is important to consider when one tries to deduce the potential a given organism has for producing unsaturated fatty acids based on its genome sequence alone.

Key points

• In thraustochytrids, automatic gene annotation does not always explain the fatty acids produced.

• T66Des9 is shown to synthesize palmitoleic acid (C16:1 n-7).

• T66des9 has probably evolved from Δ12-desaturase-encoding genes.
A resource-poor developmental diet reduces adult aggression in male Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Edmunds Danielle , Wigby Stuart , Perry Jennifer C.
Published: July 2021

Aggressive behaviours occur throughout the animal kingdom and agonistic contests often govern access to resources. Nutrition experienced during development has the potential to influence aggressive behaviours in adults through effects on growth, energy budgets and an individual’s internal state. In particular, resource-poor developmental nutrition might decrease adult aggression by limiting growth and energy budgets, or alternatively might increase adult aggression by enhancing motivation to compete for resources. However, the direction of this relationship—and effects of developmental nutrition experienced by rivals—remains unknown in most species, limiting understanding of how early-life environments contribute to variation in aggression. We investigated these alternative hypotheses by assessing male-male aggression in adult fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, that developed on a low-, medium- or high-resource diet, manipulated via yeast content. We found that a low-resource developmental diet reduced the probability of aggressive lunges in adults, as well as threat displays against rivals that developed on a low-resource diet. These effects appeared to be independent of diet-related differences in body mass. Males performed relatively more aggression on a central food patch when facing rivals of a low-resource diet, suggesting that developmental diet affects aggressive interactions through social effects in addition to individual effects. Our finding that resource-poor developmental diets reduce male-male aggression in D. melanogaster is consistent with the idea that resource budgets mediate aggression and in a mass-independent manner. Our study improves understanding of the links between nutrition and aggression.

Significance statement

Early-life nutrition can influence social behaviours in adults. Aggression is a widespread social behaviour with important consequences for fitness. Using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, we show that a poor developmental diet reduces aspects of adult aggressive behaviour in males. Furthermore, males perform more aggression near food patches when facing rivals of poor nutrition. This suggests that early-life nutrition affects aggressive interactions through social effects in addition to individual effects.
Ultrasound in legal medicine—a missed opportunity or simply too late? A narrative review of ultrasonic applications in forensic contexts
Authors: Möbius Dustin , Fitzek Antonia , Hammer Niels , Heinemann Axel , Ron Alexandra , Schädler Julia , Zwirner Johann , Ondruschka Benjamin
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Conventional autopsies remain the gold standard of postmortem healthcare quality assurance and help gathering extended knowledge on diseases. In answer to constantly declining autopsy rates non- or minimally invasive autopsy methods were introduced. Ultrasound is a well-established tool for imaging commonly used in clinical practice. This narrative review aims to summarize the current literature regarding the feasibility and validity of ultrasound in a forensic context.

Material and methods

A PubMed database search was carried out. Abstracts were scanned for pre-defined ex- and inclusion criteria, followed by a snowball search procedure applied to the primarily included articles.

Results

Forty-five publications met our inclusion criteria. The selected articles concern the feasibility of ultrasound in pre- or postmortem settings, forensic age estimation, and minimally invasive approaches. For imaging, ultrasound was deemed a reliable tool for the examination of epiphyses und superficial wounds, with limitations regarding internal organs and image quality due to postmortem changes. Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive approaches yielded higher success rates for adequate tissue sampling. Many investigations were carried out in low- and middle-income countries focusing on infectious diseases.

Conclusion

Ultrasound seems a promising but underutilized imaging tool in legal medicine to date. Promising approaches on its feasibility have been conducted. Especially for minimally invasive methods, ultrasound offered significant improvements on qualified biopsy sampling and thus appropriate diagnostics. Moreover, ultrasonic evaluation of epiphyses for age estimation offered valuable results. Nevertheless, further assessment of ultrasonic feasibility in forensic contexts is needed.