bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New evidence for the importance of soil nitrogen on the survival and adaptation of silver birch to climate warming
Authors: Possen B. J. H. M. , Rousi M. , Keski‐Saari S. , Silfver T. , Kontunen‐Soppela S. , Oksanen E. , Mikola J.
Published: May 2021

Strong seasonality in the subarctic causes unfavorable conditions for plant growth driving strong latitudinal clines in growth onset and cessation related to temperature and photoperiodic cues. Results from controlled experiments indeed show such clines, but results from field experiments seem to indicate that such clines may depend on site characteristics, suggesting that environmental variation, other than temperature and photoperiod, is relevant under climate change. Here, we increase our understanding of the effects of climate change on survival, height growth, and the phenological cycle by investigating their inter‐ and intrapopulation variation using three common gardens and six silver birch (Betula pendula) populations (each represented by up to five cloned genotypes) spanning the Finnish subarctic. We found clinal south–north variation among populations in survival and growth and in spring and autumn phenology to be largely absent. Sapling survival decreased with a transfer of over five degrees of latitude southward, but growth and phenology showed little evidence for adaptation to the local climate. Instead, ample genetic variation and plastic responses were found for all traits studied. Higher soil N availability increased sapling survival and growth, and phenology seemed to be adapted to soil N and day length rather than to temperature. Our results suggest that the climatic conditions predicted for the end of this century may, at least for poor soils, reduce the survival of northern silver birch trees in their early growth. However, those saplings that survive seem to have sufficient phenotypic plasticity to acclimatize to the changing climate. Along with climate, soil fertility plays a significant role and clearly warrants inclusion in the future tests of the effects of climate warming on tree growth and survival.
Far‐Red and Near‐Infrared Boron Schiff Bases (BOSCHIBAs) Dyes Bearing Anionic Boron Clusters
Authors: Corona‐López María M. , Muñoz‐Flores Blanca M. , Chaari Mahdi , Nuñez Rosario , Jiménez‐Pérez Víctor M.
Published: May 2021

Here, we report a short series of six new boron Schiff bases (BOSCHIBAs), four of them bearing anionic boron clusters. The boron complexes (1–2) were synthesized by the multicomponent reaction. The Boron Schiff bases were appropriately functionalized with boron cluster anions [B12H12]2− (3–4) and [3,3’‐Co(C2B9H11)2]− (5–6). Remarkably, BOSCHIBAs bearing [B12H12]2− showed fluorescence emission to the NIR and far‐red regions (3: 747 nm, 4: 690 nm), while 5 and 6 exhibited emission in the UV region (5: 525 and 6: 475 nm). Notably, complexes 2, 5, and 6 showed the highest photostability, followed by the boron complexes 1 and 3, which suggest that the nature of the boron cluster influences photostability properties. Compounds 3–4 represent the first example of boron Schiff bases bearing boron cluster anions [B12H12]2− exhibiting fluorescence emission in the NIR and far‐red regions, make them potential candidates as fluorescence probes for bioimaging.
Asymmetric Organocatalytic [2,3]‐Wittig Rearrangement of Cyclohexanone Derivatives
Authors: Kimm Mariliis , Järving Ivar , Ošeka Maksim , Kanger Tõnis
Published: May 2021

Asymmetric rearrangement reactions are one of the perfect tools for the construction of new carbon‐carbon bonds in an enantioselective manner. The enantioselective [2,3]‐Wittig rearrangement of cinnamyloxycyclohexanone derivatives, catalyzed by a commercially available primary amine, provided α‐hydroxy ketones with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. A new and straightforward procedure for the synthesis of cinnamyloxycyclohexanone derivatives was developed.
Make choices that enable creativity, happiness despite disruption
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: May 2021

When kids are three or four, everything in their life is a celebration, said Joel Zeff, President of Joel Zeff Creative and author of Make the Right Choice: Creating a Positive, Innovative, and Productive Work Life. He was a keynote speaker at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual conference. Celebrating children's “ta‐da” moments fuels their confidence and interest in taking risk, he added.
A novel hybrid fine particulate matter (PM2.5) forecasting and its further application system: Case studies in China
Authors: Du Pei , Wang Jianzhou , Yang Wendong , Niu Tong
Published: May 2021

Air pollution has received more attention from many countries and scientists due to its high threat to human health. However, air pollution prediction remains a challenging task because of its nonstationarity, randomness, and nonlinearity. In this research, a novel hybrid system is successfully developed for PM2.5 concentration prediction and its application in health effects and economic loss assessment. First, an efficient data mining method is adopted to capture and extract the primary characteristic of PM2.5 dataset and alleviate the noises' adverse effects. Second, Harris hawks optimization algorithm is introduced to tune the extreme learning machine model with high prediction accuracy, then the optimized extreme learning machine can be established to obtain the forecasting values of PM2.5 series. Next, PM2.5‐related health effects and economic costs was estimated based on the predicted PM2.5 values, the related health effects, and environmental value assessment methods. Several experiments are designed using three daily PM2.5 datasets from Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang. Lastly, the corresponding experimental results showed that this proposed system can not only provide early warning information for environmental management, assist in the formulation of effective measures to reduce air pollutant emissions, and prevent health problems but also help for further research and application in different fields, such as health issues due to PM2.5 pollutant.
Improving the oxidative stability of virgin olive oil using microformulated vitamin‐C
Authors: Osanloo Mahmoud , Jamali Narjes , Nematollahi Amene
Published: May 2021

This study aims to improve the oxidative stability of olive oil using microformulated vitamin‐C (Vit‐C). The microemulsion containing 10,000 µg/ml Vit‐C with a droplet size of 1,000 ± 68 nm was first prepared. Free radical scavenging of olive oil and olive oil containing blank microemulsion, different amounts of formulated Vit‐C (100–500 µg/ml), and TBHQ (100 and 200 µg/ml as a standard antioxidant) was around 90% during 21 days of incubation at 60°C. The oxidative stability of the mentioned samples during incubation was investigated using the rancimat test, and their quality criteria analysis was studied by peroxide and the acid values. Results showed that the sample's acid value containing 500 µg/ml of Vit‐C did not show significant differences (p < .05) with samples containing TBHQ. However, samples containing TBHQ's peroxide value were significant (p < .05) lower than samples containing 500 µg/ml of Vit‐C. Furthermore, the induction time of samples containing 500 µg/ml of Vit‐C was significantly (p < .05) higher than other treatments during incubation. Thus, the prepared microemulsion could be used as a natural antioxidant in the oil industry instead of harmful synthetic TBHQ.
Association between waiting time for radiotherapy initiation and disease progression among women with cervical cancer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Dereje Nebiyu , Addissie Adamu , Worku Alemayehu , Gebremariam Alem , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna , Assefa Mathewos , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: May 2021

There is shortage of radiotherapy machines in low‐income countries, including Ethiopia. Data on adverse effects of this on cancer outcomes are limited, however. Herein, we examined the extent of waiting time for radiotherapy and its association with disease progression based on a prospective cohort study of women diagnosed with stage IA‐IVA cervical cancer in Addis Ababa and who were scheduled to receive radiotherapy at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, the only hospital that provides radiotherapy services in the country. Association was examined using Multivariable mixed effects logistic regression model. Among the 178 women with cervical cancer scheduled for receipt of radiotherapy and with vital status information, 16 deceased (9.0%) while waiting for radiotherapy. For the remaining 162 women who initiated radiotherapy, the median treatment waiting period was 137 days (IQR = 60‐234 days), with 74.1% of women waiting for >60 days. Tumor progressed to higher stage for 44.4% of these women. Compared to those women who initiated radiotherapy ≤60 days after diagnostic confirmation, the odds of tumor progression to higher stage was three times higher in those women who initiated radiotherapy between 120‐179 days (aOR =3.30, 95%CI: 1.18‐9.27) and ≥180 days (aOR =3.06, 95%CI: 1.24‐7.52). Waiting period for receipt of radiotherapy among women with cervical cancer is exceedingly long in Addis Ababa, and it is associated with disease progression to higher stages. These findings reinforce the need to expand radiotherapy infrastructure in order to mitigate the undue high burden of the disease in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa.
In silico structure evaluation of BAG3 and elucidating its association with bacterial infections through protein–protein and host‐pathogen interaction analysis
Authors: Basu Soumya , Naha Aniket , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Ramaiah Sudha , Anbarasu Anand
Published: May 2021

BAG3, a co‐chaperone protein with a Bcl‐2‐associated athanogene (BAG) domain, has diverse functionalities in protein‐folding, apoptosis, inflammation, and cell cycle regulatory cross‐talks. It has been well characterised in cardiac diseases, cancers, and viral pathogenesis. The multiple roles of BAG3 are attributed to its functional regions like BAG, Tryptophan‐rich (WW), isoleucine‐proline‐valine‐rich (IPV), and proline‐rich (PXXP) domains. However, to study its structural impact on various functions, the experimental 3D structure of BAG3 protein was not available. Hence, the structure was predicted through in silico modelling and validated through computational tools and molecular dynamics simulation studies. To the best of our knowledge, the role of BAG3 in bacterial infections is not explicitly reported. We attempted to study them through an in‐silico protein–protein interaction network and host‐pathogen interaction analysis. From structure‐function relationships, it was identified that the WW and PXXP domains were associated with cellular cytoskeleton rearrangement and adhesion‐mediated response, which might be involved in BAG3‐related intracellular bacterial proliferation. From functional enrichment analysis, Gene Ontology terms and topological matrices, 18 host proteins and 29 pathogen proteins were identified in the BAG3 interactome pertaining to Legionellosis, Tuberculosis, Salmonellosis, Shigellosis, and Pertussis through differential phosphorylation events associated with serine metabolism. Furthermore, it was evident that direct (MAPK8, MAPK14) and associated (MAPK1, HSPD1, NFKBIA, TLR2, RHOA) interactors of BAG3 could be considered as therapeutic markers to curb down intracellular bacterial propagation in humans.
Enhancing the capacity for optimal social and personality function through the mediational intervention for sensitizing caregivers: A case illustration
Authors: Sharp Carla
Published: May 2021

Objective: Based on the well‐known principle that the ability to meaningfully relate to others starts in the context of early attachment relationships, the current case illustration uses a recent extension of mentalization‐based theory and practice to demonstrate how caregivers can enhance the capacity for optimal social and personality function through the mediational intervention for sensitizing caregivers (MISC).

Methods: Case material is presented to demonstrate the implementation of the MISC affective and cognitive components with a mother of an adopted 10‐year‐old girl who shows signs of affect avoidance, social isolation within and outside the family, and maladaptive personality development.

Results: The case illustration shows how video feedback sessions facilitate the gradual use of affective and cognitive components in the daily interactions between mother and daughter, thereby scaffolding optimal social and personality development.

Conclusions: Affective and cognitive components of the Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregiving can be effectively integrated to enhance mentalizing capacity in caregiver‐child interactions.
A very present help: The role of religious support for Black adolescent girls' mental well‐being
Authors: Rose Theda , Hope Meredith O. , Powell Terrinieka W. , Chan Victoria
Published: May 2021

This study explored religious emotional support as a mediator of the association between organized religious involvement (ORI) and mental well‐being among African American and Caribbean Black girls. Data are drawn from a nationally representative survey of Black adolescents. The sample was composed of African American (n = 412) and Caribbean Black (n = 165) girls, aged 13–17. Structural equation modeling tested direct and indirect effects of ORI on mental well‐being, through religious emotional support. For African American girls, ORI was not directly related to any of the mental well‐being outcomes. Religious emotional support mediated the association between ORI and self‐esteem, mastery, and life satisfaction. For Caribbean Black girls, ORI was negatively associated with mastery and life satisfaction. Religious emotional support mediated the association between ORI and life satisfaction. Results suggest that the well‐being benefits of ORI for Black girls only remain significant in the presence of religious emotional support and are different for ethnic subgroups.
Predictive Performance of Population Pharmacokinetic Models of Levetiracetam in Children and Evaluation of Dosing Regimen
Authors: Tauzin Manon , Tréluyer Jean‐Marc , Nabbout Rima , Chemaly Nicole , Billette de Villemeur Thierry , Desguerre Isabelle , Lui Gabrielle , Gana Ines , Boujaafar Sana , Zheng Yi , Benaboud Sihem , Bouazza Naim , Chenevier‐Gobeaux Camille , Freihuber Cécile , Hirt Déborah
Published: May 2021

Levetiracetam is a broad‐spectrum antiepileptic drug that exhibits high interindividual variability in serum concentrations in children. A population pharmacokinetic approach can be used to explain this variability and optimize dosing schemes. The objectives are to identify the best predictive population pharmacokinetic model for children and to evaluate recommended doses using simulations and Bayesian forecasting. A validation cohort included children treated with levetiracetam who had a serum drug concentration assayed during therapeutic drug monitoring. We assessed the predictive performance of all the population pharmacokinetic models published in the literature using mean prediction errors, root mean squared errors, and visual predictive checks. A population model was finally constructed on the data, and dose simulations were performed to evaluate doses. We included 267 levetiracetam concentrations ranging from 2 to 69 mg/L from 194 children in the validation cohort. Six published models were externally evaluated. Most of the models underestimated the variability of our population. A 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination with allometric scaling was finally fitted on our data. In our cohort, 57% of patients had a trough concentration <12 mg/L and 12% <5 mg/L. To reach a trough concentration >5 mg/L, doses ≥30 mg/kg/d for patients ≤50 kg and ≥2000 mg/d for patients >50 kg are required. In our population, a high percentage of children had low trough concentrations. Our population pharmacokinetic model could be used for therapeutic drug monitoring of levetiracetam in children.
Succession patterns of the bacterial community in poultry litter after bird removal and sodium bisulfate application
Authors: Johnson Jasmine , Zwirzitz Benjamin , Oladeinde Adelumola , Milfort Marie , Looft Torey , Chai Lilong , Zock Gregory , Sommers Marlo , Tunim Supanon , Aggrey Samuel E.
Published: May 2021

Sulfate‐based acid amendments are used for treating litter between broiler chicken flocks and during grow‐out for in‐house ammonia abatement. These amendments reduce litter pH and inhibit ammonia volatilization by converting ammonia to nonvolatile ammonium. Research on the effects of acid amendments on litter microbiota is limited and usually done in microcosms, which do not replicate natural environments. In this study, we determined the changes in bacterial populations present in litter during downtime (the period after a flock was removed and before new broiler chicks were placed) and 24 h before and after the application of a sodium bisulfate (NaHSO4)‐based amendment. We used DNA sequencing technologies to characterize the litter microbiota, elucidating microbial shifts in litter samples with respect to downtime, litter depth, and NaHSO4 application. During downtime (∼18 d), the litter microbiota was dominated by Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. Sodium bisulfate affected the microbiota in the top layer (3 cm) of reused litter topdressed with fresh pine shavings and resulted in an increase in Escherichia spp. and Faecalibacterium spp. and a decrease in members of the phylum Acidobacteria. Furthermore, culturable Escherichia coli decreased by 1.5 log units during downtime, but an increase was observed for topdressed litter after NaHSO4 was applied. Although the effect of acidifiers on ammonia reduction, bird performance, and litter performance are well documented, their effect on litter bacteria is not well understood. Our results suggest that acidifiers may perturb litter bacteria when topdressed with fresh pine shavings and that further research is required.
Prediction of mismatch repair deficient biliary tract cancer: Role of morphological features and host immune response detected by routine hematoxylin‐eosin staining
Authors: Suda Ryuichiro , Sakai Nozomu , Matsushita Kazuyuki , Ishige Takayuki , Kawasaki Yohei , Shiko Yuki , Furukawa Katsunori , Mishima Takashi , Nakadai Eri , Ohtsuka Masayuki
Published: May 2021

Background/Purpose

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and predictors of biliary tract cancer (BTC) with deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) in Japan.

Methods

Immunostaining and microsatellite instability analysis were performed for mismatch repair‐related proteins in tissue specimens from 662 patients who underwent surgery for BTC between 2001 and 2017 to identify dMMR‐BTC. We compared dMMR‐BTC and proficient MMR (pMMR)‐BTC based on patient demographics, pathological features, and host immune responses characterized by the percentage of stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (sTIL percentage) and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS).

Results

The incidence of dMMR‐BTC was 2.3%. Significant predictors of dMMR‐BTC were its primary lesion being intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (odds ratio [OR] 6.34, P = .004), presence of signet ring cell component (OR 35.62, P < .001), sTIL percentage ≥40% (OR 3.43, P = .038), and presence of TLS (OR 22.22, P < .001). The sensitivity, specificity, and negative likelihood ratio for any one or more of these four variables to be positive were 93.3%, 57.8%, and 0.12, respectively.

Conclusion

Evaluation of histopathological findings and host immune response based on conventional histochemical staining is useful for efficient and inexpensive diagnostic screening of dMMR‐BTC patients.
Predictive factor of recurrence after endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary neoplasms
Authors: Takahashi Kosuke , Ozawa Eisuke , Yasuda Ichiro , Komatsu Naohiro , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Ohnita Ken , Yamao Takuji , Oba Kazuo , Ichikawa Tatsuki , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: May 2021

Background/Purpose

Recurrence of ampullary neoplasms after endoscopic papillectomy (EP) has not been well elucidated. This study aimed to clarify the predictive factors for recurrences after EP. We also aimed to investigate the retreatment of the recurrent lesions and their outcomes.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 96 patients with ampullary neoplasms who underwent EP at four tertiary centers between January 2000 and October 2018.

Results

The pathological diagnoses of resected specimens confirmed adenoma in 62 and adenocarcinoma in 34 patients (six Tis, 24 T1a, three T1b, one inconclusive). Complete resection was confirmed for 79 patients (82.3%). Recurrent lesions were observed in 13 patients (13.5%) during a median follow‐up of 3 months (1‐36 months) after EP. The predictive factors of recurrence were piecemeal resection, and non‐negative horizontal or vertical margin in univariate analysis. Non‐negative vertical margin was the only independent predictive factor of recurrence in the multivariate analysis. The recurrent lesions were treated endoscopically in 11 patients. Recurrence after the endoscopic retreatments was observed in one patient.

Conclusions

Complete resection with negative vertical margin is an important factor in preventing the recurrence of ampullary neoplasms after EP. Endoscopic retreatments are also feasible for recurrent lesions.
Networks of linked radial muscles could influence dynamic skin patterning of squid chromatophores
Authors: Senft Stephen L. , Kuzirian Alan M. , Hanlon Roger T.
Published: May 2021

The visibility of cephalopod chromatophore organs is regulated dynamically by rosettes of obliquely striated radial muscles that dilate or relax the diameter of a central pigmented sacculus in 100–300 ms. Each of the several dozen muscles has a flared proximal end that adheres tightly to its pigmented sacculus and an extremely elongated distal end which branches into single fibrils that anchor into the dermis. This geometry provides ample opportunity for overlap of the many muscles from neighboring chromatophores. The temporal activity of these muscles has been believed to be patterned exclusively by monosynaptic projections from sets of efferent motor axons originating in the chromatophore lobes of the suboesophageal brain. Based on historical observations that distal radial muscles from some chromatophores appear to extend closely to muscles from other chromatophores, we asked whether radial muscles actually make specialized contacts. Using 3D electron microscopy of Doryteuthis pealeii mantle skin, we discovered tight putatively functional muscle‐to‐muscle contacts between radial muscles from different chromatophores, including elaborate sets of axonal processes located adjacent to those myo–myo junctions. These detailed ultrastructural findings demonstrate auxiliary anatomical routes for radial muscle activation and suggest plausible mechanisms whereby local physical synchronization and axo‐axonic processing in the periphery can contribute to chromatophore pattern dynamics such as “passing cloud.”
Producing high quality mung bean sprout using atmospheric cold plasma treatment: better physical appearance and higher γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) content
Authors: Chou Yu‐Jou , Cheng Kuan‐Chen , Hsu Fu‐Chiun , Wu James Swi‐Bea , Ting Yuwen
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Germination of mung beans increases the content of dietary fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). Atmospheric cold plasma is a recently developed technology that can rapidly modify the surface properties of an object. In this work, atmospheric cold plasma was utilized to promote higher moisture absorption of mung bean seeds and, thus, enhance the germination ratio and GABA level. The selected healthy seeds that were exposed to plasma generated at different ionizing powers.

RESULT

According to the experimental results, atmospheric cold plasma treatments on mung bean seeds could induce significantly more water absorption and lead to a higher rate of germination. The physical appearance of the sprout developed after plasma treatment was noticeably modified to a more desirable form, which has a short radicle and longer hypocotyls with a larger diameter. The content of the bioactive component GABA in plasma‐treated beans was approximately three times higher than the untreated group due to the response of seed to the environmental stress created by the plasma treatment.

CONCLUSION

The result from this work will serve as a good reference for future investigation that is searching for a solution to enhance bioactive compound production in natural products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Post‐anthesis thermal stress induces differential accumulation of bioactive compounds in field‐grown barley
Authors: Martínez‐Subirà Mariona , Romero María‐Paz , Moralejo Marian , Macià Alba , Puig Eva , Savin Roxana , Romagosa Ignacio
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a healthy grain because of its high content of dietary fibre and phenolic compounds. It faces periods of high temperature during grain filling, frequently reducing grain weight. Heat stress may also affect some of the bioactive compounds present in the grain. To produce quality grains that provide nutritional and health benefits, it is important to understand the effect of environmental stresses on the quantity and quality of bioactive compounds.

RESULTS

We have studied the effect of post‐anthesis thermal stress on barley bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity under Mediterranean field conditions during two consecutive growing seasons in four barley genotypes. Thermal stress affected grain weight and size and changed the relative composition of bioactive compounds. The relationship between heat stress and grain β‐glucans and arabinoxylans content was indirect, as the resulting increases in concentrations were due to the lower grain weight under stress. Conversely, heat stress had a significant direct impact on some phenolic compounds, increasing their concentrations differentially across genotypes, which contributed to an improvement in antioxidant capacity of up to 30%.

CONCLUSION

Post‐anthesis thermal stress had a significant effect on β‐glucans, arabinoxylans, phenolic compound concentration and antioxidant capacity of barley grains. Final grain quality could, at least partially, be controlled in order to increase the bioactive concentrations in the barley grain, by cultivation in growing areas prone to heat stress. Late sowings or late flowering genotypes could also be considered, should a premium be implemented to compensate for lower yields. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of multilayer perceptron neural networks and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems for the mass transfer modeling of Echium amoenum Fisch. & C. A. Mey
Authors: Chasiotis Vasileios , Nadi Fatemeh , Filios Andronikos
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Multilayer perceptron (MLP) feed‐forward artificial neural networks (ANN) and first‐order Takagi–Sugeno‐type adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) are utilized to model the fluidized bed‐drying process of Echium amoenum Fisch. & C. A. Mey. The moisture ratio evolution is calculated based on the drying temperature, airflow velocity and process time. Different ANN topologies are examined by evaluating the number of neurons (3 to 20), the activation functions and the addition of a second hidden layer. Different numbers (2 to 5) and shapes of membership functions are examined for the ANFIS, using the grid partitioning method. The models with the best performance in terms of prediction accuracy, as evaluated by the statistical indices, are compared with the best fit thin‐layer model and the available data from the experimental cases of 40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C temperatures at 0.5, 0.75 and 1 ms−1 airflow velocity.

RESULTS

The best performed ANFIS model, comprised by 5–2‐2 of π‐shaped andtriangular membership functions for time, temperature and airflow velocityinputs respectively, was able to describe the moisture ratio evolution of E. amoenum more precisely than the best ANN topology, achieving higher values of coefficientof determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and sum of squared errors(SSE). The best thin‐layer model involving six adjustable parameters, managedto describe experimental data most accurately with R2 = 0.9996, RMSE = 0.0057and SSE = 7.3·10−4.

CONCLUSION

The results of the comparative study indicate that empirical regression models with increased numbers of adjustable parameters, constitute a simpler and more accurate modeling approach for estimating the moisture ratio of E. amoenum Fisch. & C. A. Mey under fluidized bed drying. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Diagnostic Accuracies of Laryngeal Diseases Using a Convolutional Neural Network‐Based Image Classification System
Authors: Cho Won Ki , Lee Yeong Ju , Joo Hye Ah , Jeong In Seong , Choi Yeonjoo , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon , Choi Seung‐Ho
Published: May 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

There may be an interobserver variation in the diagnosis of laryngeal disease based on laryngoscopic images according to clinical experience. Therefore, this study is aimed to perform computer‐assisted diagnosis for common laryngeal diseases using deep learning‐based disease classification models.

Study Design

Experimental study with retrospective data

Methods

A total of 4106 images (cysts, nodules, polyps, leukoplakia, papillomas, Reinke's edema, granulomas, palsies, and normal cases) were analyzed. After equal distribution of diseases into ninefolds, stratified eightfold cross‐validation was performed for training, validation process and remaining onefold was used as a test dataset. A trained model was applied to test sets, and model performance was assessed for precision (positive predictive value), recall (sensitivity), accuracy, F1 score, precision–recall (PR) curve, and PR‐area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (PR‐AUC). Outcomes were compared to those of visual assessments by four trainees.

Results

The trained deep neural networks (DNNs) outperformed trainees' visual assessments in discriminating cysts, granulomas, nodules, normal cases, palsies, papillomas, and polyps according to the PR‐AUC and F1 score. The lowest F1 score and PR‐AUC of DNNs were estimated for Reinke's edema (0.720, 0.800) and nodules (0.730, 0.780) but were comparable to the mean of the two trainees' F1 score with the best performances (0.765 and 0.675, respectively). In discriminating papillomas, the F1 score was much higher for DNNs (0.870) than for trainees (0.685). Overall, DNNs outperformed all trainees (micro‐average PR‐AUC = 0.95; macro‐average PR‐AUC = 0.91).

Conclusions

DNN technology could be applied to laryngoscopy to supplement clinical assessment of examiners by providing additional diagnostic clues and having a role as a reference of diagnosis.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:2558–2566, 2021
Otolaryngology Residency Program Rankings and Social Media Usage: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Patro Ankita , Carr Shane , Stevens Madelyn N. , Landeen Kelly C. , Cass Nathan D. , Haynes David S.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Social media is a powerful networking tool among health care organizations. This study determines correlations between program reputation and social media activity and popularity, specifically among otolaryngology residency programs.

Methods

Accredited programs, excluding military and osteopathic, in the United States were included. Activity and popularity on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram were assessed during the same 7‐month period from 2016 to 2020. Doximity Residency reputation scores (dividing programs into quartiles) and US News & World Report (comparing programs affiliated with top hospitals versus those with unranked hospitals) were utilized to compare differences based on reputation.

Results

Of 104 programs, 91 (88%) had social media accounts. Instagram and Twitter were more commonly used than Facebook, with 78 (75%), 49 (47%), and 42 (40%) accounts, respectively. The cumulative use of all three platforms grew yearly, while Twitter (R2 = 0.9863) and Instagram (R2 = 0.9955) presence increased exponentially. Doximity's top quartile programs had more Facebook (P = .020), Twitter (P < .001), and Instagram (P = .102) accounts. First‐quartile programs also adopted each platform months before fourth‐quartile programs. Stratified by US News & World Report, ranked programs had more social media accounts, with 24 (53%) on Facebook (P = .028), 32 (71%) on Twitter (P < .001), and 37 (82%) on Instagram (P = .155). Programs with higher reputations were more active and exhibited increased likes and followers over time.

Conclusion

Social media use among otolaryngology programs has grown exponentially, with Instagram and Twitter becoming the dominant platforms. Higher ranked programs are more active on social media, have more followers, and adopt social media earlier.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2455–2460, 2021
Application of OCT‐Derived Attenuation Coefficient in Acute Burn‐Damaged Skin
Authors: Lu Jie , Deegan Anthony J. , Cheng Yuxuan , Liu Teng , Zheng Yujiao , Mandell Samuel P. , Wang Ruikang K.
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives

There remains a need to objectively monitor burn wound healing within a clinical setting, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) is proving itself one of the ideal modalities for just such a use. The aim of this study is to utilize the noninvasive and multipurpose capabilities of OCT, along with its cellular‐level resolution, to demonstrate the application of optical attenuation coefficient (OAC), as derived from OCT data, to facilitate the automatic digital segmentation of the epidermis from scan images and to work as an objective indicator for burn wound healing assessment.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A simple, yet efficient, method was used to estimate OAC from OCT images taken over multiple time points following acute burn injury. This method enhanced dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ) contrast, which facilitated the automatic segmentation of the epidermis for subsequent thickness measurements. In addition, we also measured and compared the average OAC of the dermis within said burns for correlative purposes.

Results

Compared with unaltered OCT maps, enhanced DEJ contrast was shown in OAC maps, both from single A‐lines and completed B‐frames. En face epidermal thickness and dermal OAC maps both demonstrated significant changes between imaging sessions following burn injury, such as a loss of epidermal texture and decreased OAC. Quantitative analysis also showed that OAC of acute burned skin decreased below that of healthy skin following injury.

Conclusions

Our study has demonstrated that the OAC estimated from OCT data can be used to enhance imaging contrast to facilitate the automatic segmentation of the epidermal layer, as well as help elucidate our understanding of the pathological changes that occur in human skin when exposed to acute burn injury, which could serve as an objective indicator of skin injury and healing.
Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Versus Carboxytherapy in Treatment of Striae Distensae
Authors: Elmorsy Eman H. , Elgarem Yehia F. , Sallam Eman S. , Taha Alsayeda A. A.
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser versus carboxytherapy in treatment of striae distensae.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This study was conducted on forty female patients with striae distensae on the abdomen. Patients were selected and divided randomly into two matched groups; group I was treated with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing and group II with carboxytherapy. Assessment and evaluation of the results were done by comparing photographs and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).

Results

Pregnancy, obesity, and long‐term steroid use were the most common causes of striae in both groups. Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement in both the width and length of striae with no statistically significant difference between them. Patients' satisfaction was comparable in both groups. Pain and post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation were the two most common side effects in group I while bruising at the injection site was the most common in group II.

Conclusions

Both modalities could be effective in management of striae distensae. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
A bivalent recombinant vaccine targeting the S1 protein induces neutralizing antibodies against both SARS‐CoV‐2 variants and wild‐type of the virus
Authors: He Cai , Yang Jingyun , He Xuemei , Hong Weiqi , Lei Hong , Chen Zimin , Shen Guobo , Yang Li , Li Jiong , Wang Zhenling , Song Xiangrong , Wang Wei , Lu Guangwen , Wei Xiawei
Published: May 2021

The emerging variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in pandemic call for the urgent development of universal corona virus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccines which could be effective for both wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2 and mutant strains. In the current study, we formulated protein subunit vaccines with AS03 adjuvant and recombinant proteins of S1 subunit of SARS‐CoV‐2 (S1‐WT) and S1 variant (K417N, E484K, N501Y, and D614G) subunit (S1‐Mut), and immunized transgenic mice that express human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). The S1 protein‐specific antibody production and the neutralization capability for SARS‐CoV‐2 and B.1.351 variant were measured after immunization in mice. The results revealed that the S1‐Mut antigens were more effective in inhibiting the receptor‐binding domain and ACE2 binding in B.1.351 variant than in wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2. Furthermore, the development of a bivalent vaccine exhibited the ideal neutralization properties against wild‐type and B.1.351 variant, as well as other variants. Our findings may provide a rationale for the development of a bivalent recombinant vaccine targeting the S1 protein that can induce the neutralizing antibodies against both SARS‐CoV‐2 variants and wild‐type of the virus and may be of importance to explore the potential clinical use of bivalent recombinant vaccine in the future.
Gray Matter Vulnerabilities Predict Longitudinal Development of Apathy in Huntington's Disease
Authors: De Paepe Audrey E. , Ara Alberto , Garcia‐Gorro Clara , Martinez‐Horta Saül , Perez‐Perez Jesus , Kulisevsky Jaime , Rodriguez‐Dechicha Nadia , Vaquer Irene , Subira Susana , Calopa Matilde , Muñoz Esteban , Santacruz Pilar , Ruiz‐Idiago Jesus , Mareca Celia , de Diego‐Balaguer Ruth , Camara Estela
Published: May 2021

Background

Apathy, a common neuropsychiatric disturbance in Huntington's disease (HD), is subserved by a complex neurobiological network. However, no study has yet employed a whole‐brain approach to examine underlying regional vulnerabilities that may precipitate apathy changes over time.

Objectives

To identify whole‐brain gray matter volume (GMV) vulnerabilities that may predict longitudinal apathy development in HD.

Methods

Forty‐five HD individuals (31 female) were scanned and evaluated for apathy and other neuropsychiatric features using the short‐Problem Behavior Assessment for a maximum total of six longitudinal visits (including baseline). In order to identify regions where changes in GMV may describe changes in apathy, we performed longitudinal voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) on those 33 participants with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan on their second visit at 18 ± 6 months follow‐up (78 MRI datasets). We next employed a generalized linear mixed‐effects model (N = 45) to elucidate whether initial and specific GMV may predict apathy development over time.

Results

Utilizing longitudinal VBM, we revealed a relationship between increases in apathy and specific GMV atrophy in the right middle cingulate cortex (MCC). Furthermore, vulnerability in the right MCC volume at baseline successfully predicted the severity and progression of apathy over time.

Conclusions

This study highlights that individual differences in apathy in HD may be explained by variability in atrophy and initial vulnerabilities in the right MCC, a region implicated in action‐initiation. These findings thus serve to facilitate the prediction of an apathetic profile, permitting targeted, time‐sensitive interventions in neurodegenerative disease with potential implications in otherwise healthy populations. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Solving Maxwell's eigenvalue problem via isogeometric boundary elements and a contour integral method
Authors: Kurz Stefan , Schöps Sebastian , Unger Gerhard , Wolf Felix
Published: May 2021

We solve Maxwell's eigenvalue problem via isogeometric boundary elements and a contour integral method. We discuss the analytic properties of the discretization, outline the implementation, and showcase numerical examples.
Technical Note: Quantification of blood‐spinal cord barrier permeability after application of magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound in spinal cord injury
Authors: Cross Chloe G. , Payne Allison H. , Hawryluk Gregory W. , Haag‐Roeger Riley , Cheeniyil Rahul , Brady Dalton , Odéen Henrik , Minoshima Satoshi , Cross Donna J. , Anzai Yoshimi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To demonstrate that magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) facilitates blood‐spinal cord barrier (BSCB) permeability and develop observer‐independent MRI quantification of BSCB permeability after MRgFUS for spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Noninjured Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 3) underwent MRgFUS and were administered Evans blue post‐MRgFUS to confirm BSCB opening. Absorbance was measured by spectrophotometry and correlated with its corresponding image intensity. Rats (n = 21) underwent T8–T10 laminectomy and extradural compression of the spinal cord (23g weighted aneurysm‐type clip, 1 min). The intervention group (n = 11) was placed on a preclinical MRgFUS system, administered microbubbles (Optison, 0.2 mL/kg), and received 3 MRgFUS sonications (25 ms bursts, 1 Hz pulses for 3 min, 3 acoustic W, approximately 1.0–2.1 MPa peak pressure as measured via hydrophone). The sham group (n = 10) received equivalent procedures with no sonications. T1w MRI was obtained both pre‐ and post‐MRgFUS BSCB opening. Spinal cords were segmented manually or semiautomatically and a Pearson correlation with P ≤ 0.001 was used to correlate the two segmentation methods. MRgFUS sonication and control regions intensity values were evaluated with a paired t‐test with a P ≤ 0.01.

Results

Semiautomatic segmentation reduced computational time by 95% and was correlated with manual segmentation (Pearson = 0.92, P < 0.001, n = 71 regions). In the noninjured rat group, Evans blue absorbance correlated with image intensity in the MRgFUS and control regions (Pearson = 0.82, P = 0.02, n = 6). In rats that underwent the SCI procedure, an increase in signal intensity in the MRgFUS targeted region relative to control was seen in all SCI rats (10.65 ± 12.4%, range: 0.96–43.9%, n = 11, P = 0.002). SCI sham MRgFUS revealed no change (0.63 ± 0.52%, 95% CI 0.320.95, n = 10). This result was significant between both groups (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

The implemented semiautomatic segmentation procedure improved data analysis efficiency. Quantitative methods using contrast‐enhanced MRI with histological validation are sensitive for detection of blood‐spinal cord barrier opening induced by magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound.
Ultrasound‐based sensors to monitor physiological motion
Authors: Madore Bruno , Preiswerk Frank , Bredfeldt Jeremy S. , Zong Shenyan , Cheng Cheng‐Chieh
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Medical procedures can be difficult to perform on anatomy that is constantly moving. Respiration displaces internal organs by up to several centimeters with respect to the surface of the body, and patients often have limited ability to hold their breath. Strategies to compensate for motion during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures require reliable information to be available. However, current devices often monitor respiration indirectly, through changes on the outline of the body, and they may be fixed to floors or ceilings, and thus unable to follow a given patient through different locations. Here we show that small ultrasound‐based sensors referred to as “organ configuration motion” (OCM) sensors can be fixed to the abdomen and/or chest and provide information‐rich, breathing‐related signals.

Methods

By design, the proposed sensors are relatively inexpensive. Breathing waveforms were obtained from tissues at varying depths and/or using different sensor placements. Validation was performed against breathing waveforms derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical tracking signals in five and eight volunteers, respectively.

Results

Breathing waveforms from different modalities were scaled so they could be directly compared. Differences between waveforms were expressed in the form of a percentage, as compared to the amplitude of a typical breath. Expressed in this manner, for shallow tissues, OCM‐derived waveforms on average differed from MRI and optical tracking results by 13.1% and 15.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that the proposed sensors provide measurements that properly characterize breathing states. While OCM‐based waveforms from shallow tissues proved similar in terms of information content to those derived from MRI or optical tracking, OCM further captured depth‐dependent and position‐dependent (i.e., chest and abdomen) information. In time, the richer information content of OCM‐based waveforms may enable better respiratory gating to be performed, to allow diagnostic and therapeutic equipment to perform at their best.
Northern Madtom Use of Artificial Reefs in the St. Clair–Detroit River System
Authors: Johnson Jennifer L. , Chiotti Justin A. , Briggs Andrew S. , Boase James C. , Hessenauer Jan-Michael , Roseman Edward F.
Published: May 2021

The St. Clair and Detroit rivers historically supported abundant fish populations. However, like many river systems, these rivers have been greatly altered through the creation of navigation channels and other anthropogenic disturbances, resulting in the loss of fish and wildlife habitat and declines in native fish populations. To ameliorate this environmental degradation, artificial fish spawning reefs were constructed in the St. Clair and Detroit rivers. One native species to potentially benefit from artificial reefs is the Northern Madtom Noturus stigmosus, a small ictalurid that is listed as endangered in the state of Michigan and the province of Ontario. Between 2016 and 2018, artificial reefs and nearby control sites were sampled in the St. Clair and Detroit rivers to compare the number of Northern Madtoms. In total, 171 Northern Madtoms were captured in 1,848 minnow traps with one of four bait types: cheese, dog food, worms, or control (no bait). Baited minnow traps successfully captured Northern Madtoms in the fast-flowing, deep water of the St. Clair–Detroit River system, and catch rates were significantly higher when traps were baited with worms. The number of Northern Madtoms captured was lower in the Detroit River than in the St. Clair River and increased with increasing water temperature and turbidity. Artificial reefs constructed in the St. Clair–Detroit River system are providing habitat for Northern Madtoms; however, use did not differ between reef sites and nearby control sites. This work provides insight regarding sampling strategies to target Northern Madtoms in large-river systems and highlights the importance of incorporating a temporal sampling strategy into survey design.