bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mining software architecture knowledge: Classifying stack overflow posts using machine learning
Authors: Ali Mubashir , Mushtaq Husnain , Rasheed Muhammad B , Baqir Anees , Alquthami Thamer
Published: March 2021

Software Architectural Process (SAP) is a core and excessively knowledge intensive phase of software development life cycle, as it consumes and produces knowledge artifacts, simultaneously. SAP is about making design decisions, and the changes in these verdicts may pose adverse effects on software projects. The performance and properties of software components are fundamentally influenced by the design decisions. The implementation of immature and abrupt design decisions seriously threatens the development process of SAP. Moreover, software architectural knowledge management (AKM) approaches offer systematic ways to support SAP through versatile architectural solutions and design decisions. However, the majority of software organizations have limited access to data and still depend upon manually created and maintained AKM process. In this paper, we have utilized the one of the most prominent online community for software development (i.e., Stack Overflow) as a source of SAP knowledge to support AKM. In order to support AKM, we have proposed a supervised machine learning‐based approach to classify the architectural knowledge into predefined categories, that is, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and implementation. We have employed different combinations of feature selection technique to achieve the optimal classification results of the used classifiers (Support Vector Machine [SVM], K‐Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, and Naive Bayes [NB]). Among these classifiers, SVM with Uni‐gram feature set provides best classification results and attains 85.80% accuracy. For evaluating the proposed approach's effectiveness, we have also computed the suitability of the classifiers, that is, the cost of computation along with its accuracy, and NB with Uni‐gram feature set proved to be the most suitable.
A new open‐source hardware device to measure vertical sperm motility and concentration
Authors: Rivas Arzaluz Cindy , Ayala María E. , Aragón Martínez Andrés
Published: March 2021

Sperm motility and concentration are commonly evaluated parameters in semen analysis. Those parameters are assessed objectively with commercial instrumentation such as computer‐assisted sperm analysis systems (CASA) and hemocytometer. In CASA systems, sperm motility is assessed in the horizontal plane imposed by the stage of the microscope. Thus, there is lack of measurement of the vertical velocity of sperm. The female reproductive tract is a tridimensional space which the sperm traverse to reach the ovum, and there is a need for instruments measuring parameters more relevant to this real‐world situation. In this report we describe the design, construction and use of an open‐source hardware (OSH) device for evaluation of the vertical velocity of sperm, called UPSPERM. This device was also used to measure sperm concentration, and agreement with hemocytometer was evaluated. Bland–Altman analysis shows good agreement between these two methods of sperm counting. As a first application of UPSPERM, we evaluated the changes in boar sperm motility at distinct pH values between 7.0 and 8.0. The UPSPERM results showed that the vertical velocity of sperm was highest at pH 7.6 and 7.8. We propose that our UPSPERM offers a reliable and affordable option for obtaining measurements of vertical velocity and sperm concentration.
Semi‐distributed resource allocation and power quantization control algorithm for device‐to‐device network
Authors: Alam Naved , Mehfuz Shabana
Published: March 2021

The cellular mobile communication network has been widely deployed in large regions to provide connectivity between billions of people. The population of cellular mobile users has been growing since the past decade. Therefore, we need a high capacity cellular system with extraordinary performance to meet the demand of the cellular users. To minimize the traffic load from the evolved Node Base (eNB) station, device‐to‐device (D2D) network must be deployed along with the commercial cellular network. D2D provides the direct connectivity between the proximal users without associating with eNB. This reduces the traffic load from the eNB. In other words, it enhances the capacity of the system. But D2D communication suffers a severe interference by the cellular user. In this paper, we have proposed a solution for the cross‐tier interference faced by the D2D users and eNB under uplink reuse transmission. We have proposed a semi‐distributed resource allocation and power quantization control (SRA–PQC) scheme. The simulation result shows that a better sum rate can be achieved using the proposed scheme.
New synthetic cannabinoids carrying a cyclobutyl methyl side chain: Human Phase I metabolism and data on human cannabinoid receptor 1 binding and activation of Cumyl‐CBMICA and Cumyl‐CBMINACA
Authors: Haschimi Belal , Grafinger Katharina Elisabeth , Pulver Benedikt , Psychou Evangelia , Halter Sebastian , Huppertz Laura M. , Westphal Folker , Pütz Michael , Auwärter Volker
Published: March 2021

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) represent a large group of new psychoactive substances (NPS), sustaining a high prevalence on the drug market since their first detection in 2008. Cumyl‐CBMICA and Cumyl‐CBMINACA, the first representatives of a new subclass of SCs characterized by a cyclobutyl methyl (CBM) moiety, were identified in July 2019 and February 2020. This work aimed at evaluating basic pharmacological characteristics and human Phase I metabolism of these compounds. Human Phase I metabolites were tentatively identified by liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QToF‐MS) of urine samples and confirmed by a pooled human liver microsome (pHLM) assay. The basic pharmacological evaluation was performed by applying a competitive ligand binding assay and a functional activation assay (GTPγS) using cell membranes carrying the human cannabinoid receptor 1 (hCB1). Investigation of the human Phase I metabolism resulted in the identification of specific urinary markers built by monohydroxylation or dihydroxylation. Although Cumyl‐CBMICA was primarily hydroxylated at the indole ring, hydroxylation of Cumyl‐CBMINACA mainly occurred at the CBM moiety. Both substances acted as agonists at the hCB1 receptor, although substantial differences could be observed. Cumyl‐CBMINACA showed higher binding affinity (Ki = 1.32 vs. 29.3 nM), potency (EC50 = 55.4 vs. 497 nM), and efficacy (Emax = 207% vs. 168%) than its indole counterpart Cumyl‐CBMICA. This study confirms that substitution of an indole by an indazole core tends to increase in vitro potency, which is potentially reflected by higher in vivo potency. The emergence and disappearance of SCs distributed via online shops carrying a CBM moiety once more demonstrate the “cat‐and‐mouse” game between manufacturers and legislation.
The role of bracket fungi in creating alpha diversity of invertebrates in the Białowieża National Park, Poland
Authors: Gdula Anna K. , Konwerski Szymon , Olejniczak Izabella , Rutkowski Tomasz , Skubała Piotr , Zawieja Bogna , Gwiazdowicz Dariusz J.
Published: March 2021

Bracket fungi are seen mainly as the cause of economic losses in forestry, and their role as creators of biodiversity is relatively poorly understood. The aim of the study was defining the manner in which the degree of decay (DD) of the fruiting bodies determines the character of the invertebrate assemblages colonising them. The effect of this group of fungi on the modification of biodiversity of invertebrates (Aranae, Opiliones, Pseudoscorpionida, two groups of mites—Mesostigmata and Oribatida, and Collembola and Insecta) was investigated by analyzing 100 fruiting bodies of 10 species of bracket fungi divided into four DD classes. The material was collected at Białowieża National Park, which is considered to be the largest area of natural forests in the North European Plain. 16 068 invertebrate individuals classified into 224 species were obtained. Oribatid mites (12 543 individuals) constituted the largest group of individuals, which were classified into 115 species with the most numerousCarabodes femoralis(8,811 individuals). Representatives of this group of mites have been reported previously in the publications on bracket fungi; however, the contributions of Oribatida and other groups of invertebrates were not broadly compared. Moreover, the species such asHoploseius mariaeandH. oblongus, which were predominantly found in fruiting bodies of bracket fungi, have also been discerned. The invertebrate fauna differs depending on DD of the samples: In the more decayed samples, a higher number of both individuals and species were recorded compared to the samples with lower DDs; however, this trend proved to be nonlinear. The DCA and cluster analysis revealed a similarity of the invertebrate assemblages from the 2 DD and 4 DD samples. They also indicated that the group 3 DD differed the most from all the other samples. The indicator species analysis identified species characteristic to individual DDs: For group 1 DD, it was, for example,Hoploseius oblongus;for 2 DD—Orchesella bifasciata; and for 3 DD—Chernes cimicoides, while for 4 DD—Dinychus perforatus.
Evaluation of phosphodiesterase 9A as a novel biomarker in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Besler Christian , Rommel Karl‐Philipp , Kresoja Karl‐Patrik , Mörbitz Justus , Kirsten Holger , Scholz Markus , Klingel Karin , Thiery Joachim , Burkhardt Ralph , Büttner Petra , Adams Volker , Thiele Holger , Lurz Philipp
Published: March 2021

Aims

Murine models implicate phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9A) as a nitric oxide‐independent regulator of cyclic guanosine monophosphate and promising novel therapeutic target in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study describes PDE9A expression in endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) from patients with different HF phenotypes.

Methods and results

Endomyocardial biopsies and PBMNCs were obtained from patients with HFpEF (n = 24), HF with reduced ejection fraction (n = 22), and inflammatory cardiomyopathy (n = 24) and patients without HF (n = 7). PDE9A expression was increased in EMBs and PBMNCs from patients with HFpEF as compared with other HF phenotypes or subjects without HF. Endomyocardial PDE9A expression in HFpEF correlated with the inflammatory cell count in EMBs, but not with cardiac fibrosis or left ventricular diastolic wall stress. PDE9A expression in PBMNCs was increased in HFpEF patients with higher high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels and in response to pro‐inflammatory stimulation. As a validation cohort, 719 patients with HFpEF and 1106 subjects without HF were identified from the LIFE‐Heart study. PDE9A expression in PBMNCs was obtained from array data and displayed an age‐dependent distribution. PDE9A levels were elevated and conferred increased risk for HFpEF in middle‐aged subjects, but not in elderly HFpEF patients. Following age adjustment, lower PDE9A expression in PBMNCs was associated with worse survival in patients with HFpEF (log‐rank test P‐value <0.001).

Conclusion

Expression profiling indicates an up‐regulation of endomyocardial PDE9A in different HF phenotypes with the most robust increase in EMBs and PBMNCs from patients with HFpEF. An exclusive risk effect of PDE9A expression on HFpEF in middle‐aged patients and an unexpected association with survival calls for further studies to better characterize the role of PDE9A as a treatment target.
Outflow graft obstruction after left ventricular assist device implantation: a retrospective, single‐centre case series
Authors: Agrawal Akanksha , Alexy Tamas , Kamioka Norihiko , Shafi Taimur , Stowe Judson , Morris Alanna A. , Vega J. David , Babaliaros Vasilis , Burke Michael A.
Published: March 2021

Aims

Outflow graft obstruction is a poorly described complication following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery. We sought to define the incidence of LVAD outflow graft obstruction and assess clinical outcomes with a percutaneous treatment strategy.

Methods and results

From January 2012 to October 2020, 322 patients with LVAD were managed at our institution. Patients with LVAD outflow graft obstruction were identified by cardiac computed tomography with angiography and invasive haemodynamic assessment and were subsequently treated with percutaneous intervention. Poisson regression was used to analyse time‐dependent differences in the incidence of LVAD outflow graft obstruction. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate survival. Twenty patients (6.2%) developed haemodynamically significant LVAD outflow graft obstruction at a rate of 0.03 events per patient‐year. Outflow graft obstruction presented a median of 33 (26–49) months after surgery. Patients presented with low estimated LVAD pump flow (95%), heart failure (90%), or both (85%), and 59% developed cardiogenic shock prior to intervention. The most common aetiology identified by cardiac computed tomography with angiography was external compression of the outflow graft (78%). On presentation, the median peak gradient in the outflow graft was 78 (64–100) mmHg. Outflow graft stenting was 100% successful with no in‐hospital mortality, and it reduced the peak outflow graft gradient to 10 (2–17) mmHg (P < 0.001). Outflow graft stenting was durable with two patients (10%) requiring a repeat procedure over a median follow‐up of 13 (7–20) months and did not impact survival.

Conclusions

Left ventricular assist device outflow graft obstruction is a relatively common and underappreciated cause of recurrent heart failure and LVAD dysfunction. Outflow graft stenting can be achieved with low morbidity and provides a long‐term solution to this complication.
Fa(c)t checking: How fatty acids shape metabolism and function of macrophages and dendritic cells
Authors: Almeida Luís , Everts Bart
Published: March 2021

In recent years there have been major advances in our understanding of the role of free fatty acids (FAs) and their metabolism in shaping the functional properties of macrophages and DCs. This review presents the most recent insights into how cell intrinsic FA metabolism controls DC and macrophage function, as well as the current evidence of the importance of various exogenous FAs (such as polyunsaturated FAs and their oxidation products—prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and proresolving lipid mediators) in affecting DC and macrophage biology, by modulating their metabolic properties. Finally, we explore whether targeted modulation of FA metabolism of myeloid cells to steer their function could hold promise in therapeutic settings.
A Pitaya‐Like Co‐800@KJ Nanocomposite as Separator Coating for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Zhen Shunying , Huang Jiaxing , Peng Lin , Zhang Mingkun , Shi Kaiyuan , Ma Guozheng , Li Aiju , Wang Yi
Published: March 2021

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries serve as an important candidate for next‐generation high energy secondary batteries due to their high specific capacity, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the fast capacity fading induced by the polysulfide dissolution and subsequent shuttle effect hinders the application of Li–S batteries. Herein, a “pitaya”‐like Co/C composite is prepared by a simple, rapid, and practical method and applied to Li–S battery coating. A Co‐800@KJ‐modified functional separator is constructed to improve the long‐term cycle stability and rate capability of the pure sulfur cathode. Recessed depositions of Co particles and porous carbon effectively adsorb polysulfide by chemical anchoring and physical immobilization, respectively. Therefore, a stable long‐term cycle ability of 620.5 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.3 C is realized. Meanwhile, Co embedded in the pores has abundant polysulfide adsorption and catalytic sites, so that the battery also has a capacity of 467.1 mAh g−1 at 4.0 C.
Petrogenesis of highly fractionated leucogranite in the Himalayas: The Early Miocene Cuonadong example
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Gangyang , Gao Rui , Zhang Dingchuan , Yang Bin
Published: March 2021

There has been considerable debate concerning the petrogenesis of Cenozoic highly felsic, strongly peraluminous, leucogranites within the Himalayan–Tibetan orogen, with two contrasting viewpoints regarding their origin, either as primary melts from parting melting or magmatic differentiation. This debate hampers our understanding of the tectono‐magmatic evolution and associated uplift and exhumation processes during Himalayan orogenesis. This study attempts to resolve this debate by means of an integrated petrographic, geochronological, and geochemical study on the Cenozoic Cuonadong leucogranites (including two‐mica granites, garnet‐bearing granites, and tourmaline‐bearing granites) in the eastern part of the south Himalayan–Tibetan orogen. One SHIRIMP zircon U–Pb dating of two‐mica granites and four LA–ICP–MS monazite U–Th–Pb dating of all three types of granites yield ages of ca. 21.9–19.7 Ma. Combined with previous published continuous U–Th–Pb zircon/monazite ages varying from 16.5 to 21.8 Ma, indicating that Cuonadong leucogranites have experienced continuously multiple episodes of intrusion and long‐term crystallization from ca.16 to 22 Ma, and lasted for ca. 6 Myrs. Major and trace element geochemistry combined with whole‐rock Sr–Nd isotope data suggest that the Cuonadong's three types of leucogranites are highly fractionated and garnet‐ and tourmaline‐bearing granites are more evolved. The Cuonadong leucogranite melts are mainly derived from metapelites within the High Himalayan Crystalline Sequence, and underwent fractional crystallization of biotite, monazite, and plagioclase during melt migration. This study indicates Cuonadong leucogranites are Cenozoic highly fractionated strongly peraluminous leucogranites, which, combined with previous intermittent documentations of fractionated leucogranites, point to an increasing maturation of the continental crust composition during continental orogenesis.
Artificial intelligence‐based model prediction of biodiesel‐fueled engine performance and emission characteristics: A comparative evaluation of gene expression programming and artificial neural network
Authors: Sharma Prabhakar
Published: March 2021

The prognostic capability of gene expression programming (GEP) and artificial neural network (ANN) are compared to estimate the engine performance and emission characteristics. A stationary diesel engine was powered with linseed oil biodiesel‐mineral diesel blends. A total of 60 lab‐based test‐run were conducted by varying the engine input operating conditions, namely fuel injection parameters, diesel/biodiesel blending ratio, and engine load. The engine output data, namely brake thermal efficiency and brake‐specific fuel consumption, were calculated, while emission data for oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and unburnt hydrocarbon, were recorded. The experimental data were used for predictive model development using artificial intelligence‐based GEP and ANN techniques. The developed models were tested on statistical outcomes, such as the absolute fraction of variance (0.9698–0.997 for GEP and 0.9949–0.9998 for ANN), correlation coefficient (0.9848–0.998 for GEP and 0.9974–0.9998 for ANN), establishing these two models as an efficient machine identical tool. Also, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (0.937–0.9999 for GEP and 0.995–0.999 for ANN) and Kling–Gupta efficiency (0.834–0.9999 for GEP and 0.989–0.999 for ANN) elevate the prediction quality of developed models. The result showed that the ANN model was slightly more accurate than the GEP‐based model for the same parametric range.
The Things We Carry: Teaching Writing to Tibetan Buddhist Monks and Nuns in India
Authors: Baker Tanya , Early Jessica S.
Published: March 2021

As teachers of writing, we carry knowledge about the centrality of students’ experiences and the power of writing to provide culturally sustaining and supportive learning in uncertain times and unfamiliar teaching contexts.
Performance evaluation of novel Mica@reduced graphene oxide fixed rotating disk reactor in treatment of anaerobically reduced textile dyeing wastewater containing aromatic amines
Authors: Sohrabpour Keivan , Mohamadi Somayeh , Abdollahzadeh Sharghi Elham , Abdouss Majid
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Anaerobically reduced textile dyeing wastewater containing aromatic amines can cause serious environmental problems as a consequence of their toxicity.

RESULTS

The performance of a novel design, laboratory‐scale mica@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) reactor fixed on three rotating disks was evaluated for the removal of anaerobically reduced textile dyeing wastewater containing aromatic amines. Fourier‐transform infrared and UV–visible spectroscopy analyses of wastewater after anaerobic treatment revealed that it contained high aromatic compound concentrations. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed that the rGO nanosheets were deposited on the mica surface by the spin‐coating method aromatic amines adsorbent. The effects of wastewater initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration (100, 500 and 1500 mg L–1), pH (5, 7 and 9) and processing temperature (293, 303 and 313 K) on the aromatic compounds and COD removal using the designed reactor were investigated. The results indicated that aromatic molecule adsorption occurred faster with higher wastewater COD concentration. Also, increase in pH improved the mica@rGO adsorption. Likewise, the increase in temperature caused swelling in the stacked graphene layers, resulting in new surfaces for adsorption, leading to an increase in reactor efficiency. The experimental results indicated that the adsorption process fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo‐second‐order reaction kinetics. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption was spontaneous.

CONCLUSION

The improvement in the removal of aromatic molecules by Mica@rGO indicates that the novel designed reactor has a great potential for the treatment of textile wastewater. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Ultrasonographic characteristics of Killian‐Jamieson diverticula
Authors: Chen Xi , Liu Jie‐Fu , Gu Chang‐Jiang , Ding Su‐Jun , Zhou Shui‐Xiu , Chen Xiao‐Yang , Ni Xue‐Jun
Published: March 2021

Purpose

A Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum (KJD) may be mistaken for a thyroid nodule on ultrasound (US). The purpose of this retrospective study was to search for specific US features that would help differentiate between KJD and thyroid nodules.

Methods

A total of 12 patients with KJD who had undergone an US examination of the neck were identified. The size, shape, boundary, echopattern, location, color flow signals on color Doppler US of KJD and the relationship between the lesion and esophageal wall were analyzed. The change of size, shape and internal echotexture were also observed when the lesion was compressed with the probe and when the patient was asked to drink water.

Results

All KJD were confirmed by barium esophagography. All KJD were posterior to the left thyroid lobe on US, and were associated with a semicircular hypoechoic anterior wall. The internal echotexture was heterogeneous. In eight cases, the connection to the esophageal wall was seen. When compressing with the US probe or when the patients swallowed water, the size, shape or internal echotexture of the lesion changed.

Conclusion

The specific criteria for US diagnosis of KJD included the connection to the esophageal wall and the fact that the internal echotexture, shape and size of KJD changed in real‐time when the patient swallowed water or when the lesion was compressed with the transducer.
Effect of winter cover crops on soil nutrients in two row‐cropped watersheds in Indiana
Authors: Christopher Sheila F. , Tank Jennifer L. , Mahl Ursula H. , Hanrahan Brittany R. , Royer Todd. V.
Published: March 2021

The midwestern United States is a highly productive agricultural region, and extended crop‐free periods in winter/spring can result in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses to waterways that degrade downstream water quality. Planting winter cover crops can improve soil health while reducing nutrient leaching from farm fields during the fallow period. In this study, we used linear mixed effects models and multivariate statistics to determine the effect of cover crops on soil nutrients by comparing fields with cover crops (n = 9) versus those without (n = 6) in two Indiana agricultural watersheds: the Shatto Ditch Watershed, which had >60% of croppable acres in winter cover crops, and the Kirkpatrick Ditch Watershed, which had ∼20%. We found that cover crops decreased soil nitrate‐N by >50% and that the magnitude of reduction was related to the amount of cover crop biomass. In contrast, cover crops had variable effects on water extractable P and Mehlich III soil test P. Finally, cover crop biomass significantly increased soil N mineralization and nitrification rates, demonstrating that cover crops have the potential to supply bioavailable N to cash crop after termination. Our study showed that widespread implementation of winter cover crops holds considerable promise for reducing nutrient loss and improving soil health. The degree to which these results are generalizable across other systems depends on factors such as climate, soil characteristics, and past and current agronomic practices.
Association of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Glycemic Control With Intracranial Plaque Characteristics in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Li Xiao , Sun Beibei , Wang Lingling , Zhang Jin , Zhang Jianjian , Zhao Zizhou , Wu Hengqu , Liu Xiaosheng , Zhou Yan , Mossa‐Basha Mahmud , Tirschwell David L. , Xu Jianrong , Zhao Huilin , Zhu Chengcheng
Published: March 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has shown to be associated with carotid plaque vulnerability. However, the impact of T2DM on intracranial artery atherosclerosis is not well‐understood.

Purpose

To evaluate the association of diabetes and glycemic control with intracranial atherosclerotic plaque characteristics identified by three‐dimensional contrast enhanced MR vessel wall imaging in patients after acute ischemic stroke.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Two hundred and eighty‐eight symptomatic patients with acute ischemic stroke due to intracranial atherosclerotic plaque.

Field Strength/Sequence

T1WI volume isotropic turbo spin‐echo acquisition sequence at 3.0 T.

Assessment

Clinical profiles, blood biomarkers, the number of intracranial plaques, plaque enhanced score, and the features (location, luminal stenotic rate, intraplaque hemorrhage, length, burden, enhancement grade, and ratio) of culprit plaque (defined as the most stenotic lesion ipsilateral to the ischemic event) and nonculprit plaque were analyzed by three radiologists.

Statistical Tests

Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Shapiro–Wilk normality test, Levene's test, ANOVA with Bonferroni post‐hoc test, Kruskal Wallis H test with subsequent pairwise comparisons, chi‐square with Bonferroni post‐hoc test, generalized linear regression, Pearson correlation test, Kendall's W and intra‐class correlation coefficient.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐five participants (age 60 ± 10 years, 58.7% male) with 958 intracranial plaques were included. More intracranial plaques were found in the T2DM group than the non‐T2DM group (4.80 ± 2.22 vs. 3.60 ± 1.78, P < 0.05). Patients with poorly‐controlled T2DM exhibited higher culprit plaque enhancement ratio than patients with well‐controlled T2DM and non‐T2DM (2.32 ± 0.61 vs. 1.60 ± 0.62 and 1.39 ± 0.39; respectively, P < 0.05). After adjusting for other clinical variables, T2DM was independently associated with increased intracranial plaque number (β = 0.269, P < 0.05), and HbA1c level was independently associated with culprit plaque enhancement ratio (β = 0.641, P < 0.05) in multivariate analysis.

Data Conclusion

T2DM is associated with an increased intracranial plaque number. Higher HbA1c is associated with stronger plaque enhancement. 3D contrast enhanced MR vessel wall imaging may help better understand the association of T2DM and glycemic control with intracranial plaque.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
HIV‐1 subtypes and drug resistance in children during antiretroviral therapy in Brazil
Authors: de Andrade Arrais Claudia R. , Lima Kledoaldo , Barreiros Marta , Rodrigues Jessyca K. F. , Sousa Nilviane P. S. , Costa Daniel D. , Santos Francisco D. R. P. , Pereira Gerson F. M. , e Silva Viana Antonia I. , Barros Allan K. , Leal Élcio
Published: March 2021

We evaluate the genetic characterization of 132 HIV‐1 pol sequences from children and adolescents undergoing antiretroviral therapy in Northeast Brazil. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses were performed using the maximum likelihood method using SeaView version 4 and SIMPLOT software. Most individuals harbored HIV‐1 B (84.8%) and BF recombinants (9.8%), although other non‐B subtypes were detected: HIV‐1 C (1.5%), HIV‐1 F (2.4%), and BC recombinants (1.5%). Antiretroviral resistance was 47% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.7%–55.4%). Non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) showed higher frequencies of primary mutations, with 40.9% (95% CI: 32.9%–49.4%), followed by nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and protease inhibitors (PIs) with 34.8% (95% CI: 27.3–43.3) and 6.1% (95% CI: 3.1%–11.5%), respectively. Among NRTIs, higher resistance levels were observed for abacavir, emtricitabine, and lamivudine; for NNRTI, nevirapine and efavirenz. The most common primary mutations found were M184V (29.5%), K103N (25%), M41L (9.8%), T215Y (8.3%), and G190A (8.3%). Our findings highlight the importance of surveillance of resistance mutations, which contributes to the continuous updating and implementation of preventive measures to decrease mother‐to‐child‐transmission and transmitted drug resistance.
Residual behavior and dietary intake risk assessment of flonicamid, dinotefuran and its metabolites on peach trees
Authors: Xu Feng , Du Gongming , Xu Duo , Chen Liuyang , Zha Xinxin , Guo Zhenyu
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Flonicamid and dinotefuran are widely applied to control pests and diseases in various economic crops arousing much public concerns about the potential risk to human health. In this study, the multi‐determination and residual behavior of flonicamid–dinotefuran mixture on peach trees were investigated. The chronic risk of long‐term dietary intake for Chinese consumers was evaluated.

RESULTS

An optimized QuEChERS method combined with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) analysis for simultaneous determination of flonicamid, dinotefuran and its metabolites was established to analyze the residual dissipation and terminal residues in peach matrices. The results demonstrated that (i) a satisfactory linearity relationship with the detector response and the correlation coefficient R2 > 0.999, the average recoveries of these four analytes ranged from 94 to 108%, the relative standard deviation was between 1.0% and 8.8%, and the limit of the quantitation was 0.02 mg kg−1; (ii) the dissipation behaviors of flonicamid and dinotefuran followed with the first‐order dynamic kinetics model, and the half‐lives were 6.9–12.4 days and 8.1–15.1 days, respectively; (iii) the recommended preharvest interval (PHI) was 21 days, the risk quotient (RQ) values of flonicamid and dinotefuran were 16.6 and 20.7%, respectively, which were significantly less than 100%.

CONCLUSION

The established analytical method met the detection requirement in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. Additionally, the results indicated that the potential dietary intake risk of the flonicamid–dinotefuran mixture on peach trees was negligible. This work can be utilized in the safe and responsible use of flonicamid–dinotefuran mixture and provide guidance for establishing its maximum residue limit (MRL) in China. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultrasound‐Guided Perimeniscal Injections
Authors: Coll Clemence , Coudreuse Jean‐Marie , Guenoun Daphne , Bensoussan Laurent , Viton Jean‐Michel , Champsaur Pierre , Le Corroller Thomas
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To anatomically describe the ultrasound (US)‐guided perimeniscal injection technique, and evaluate its feasibility in the treatment of meniscal pain.

Methods

This work was initially undertaken in four cadaveric specimens with US‐guided medial and lateral perimeniscal injection of China ink, followed by cadaveric dissection to assess injectate distribution, and potential injury to intra‐articular and peri‐articular structures. Then, 35 consecutive patients who underwent US‐guided perimeniscal corticosteroid injection under local anesthesia for the treatment of symptomatic medial (30/35) or lateral (5/35) degenerative meniscal tear were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical outcome was assessed using a 0–10 numerical verbal rating scale (VRS) to evaluate severity of pain before, during, and after procedure at 6 weeks follow‐up.

Results

Seven of eight (87.5%) ex vivo injections were accurate. A single inaccurate medial perimeniscal injection infiltrated the tibial collateral ligament instead of the perimeniscal area. No anatomical specimen exhibited intrameniscal injection or injury to regional structures. All procedures (35/35) performed clinically were technically successful. Median VRS scores were: 7 (range, 3–9) before procedure, 5 (range, 0–10) during procedure, and 1.5 (range, 0–9) after procedure at 6 weeks follow‐up (P <.0001). No complication was observed.

Conclusions

US‐guided perimeniscal injections can accurately and safely deliver injectates in the perimeniscal area. In addition, our data suggest that perimeniscal corticosteroid injection provides significant symptom relief at 6 weeks in patients with meniscal pain. Further studies with long‐term follow‐up will be required to evaluate the role of perimeniscal injections in the nonoperative management of meniscal pathology.
A comparison between corrosion performances of titanium grade 2 and 7 in strong reducing acids
Authors: Casanova Luca , Gruarin Matteo , Pedeferri MariaPia , Ormellese Marco
Published: March 2021

Titanium has a good corrosion resistance, owing to a thin, compact oxide layer that is formed spontaneously when the metal is exposed to the environment. However, even titanium can be subject to corrosion, for example, when exposed to reducing strong acids. This paper aims to analyze the differences in corrosion resistance of commercially pure titanium (Ti grade 2) and the most resistant Ti–Pd alloy (Ti grade 7, ∼0.2% Pd) in a strong reducing acid environment. Immersion tests, with results collected in the form of corrosion rates, are provided in the first part of the present work. Corrosion morphology is investigated using optical microscopy and laser profilometry. Then, an electrochemical characterization of both metals has been performed by means of cathodic polarization tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and linear polarization resistance. Weight loss data, electrochemical tests, and corrosion morphology are in good agreement: H2SO4, HCl, and oxalic acid are the most aggressive chemicals for commercially pure titanium. In such conditions, the use of Ti grade 7 appears mandatory.
Weighted iterated radial composition operators from weighted Bergman–Orlicz spaces to weighted‐type spaces on the unit ball
Authors: Stević Stevo , Jiang Zhi‐jie
Published: March 2021

Let be the set of all holomorphic functions on the open unit ball in ,φa holomorphic self‐map of , , and ℜmthemth iterated radial derivative operator on . We characterize the metrical boundedness and metrical compactness of the weighted iterated radial composition operator from the weighted Bergman–Orlicz space to the weighted‐type space.
Stability analysis and optimal control of avian influenza model on complex networks
Authors: Ren Keguo , Zhang Qimin , Li Ting , Kang Ting
Published: March 2021

In this paper, an avian influenza model with saturation and psychological effect on heterogeneous complex networks is proposed. Firstly, the basic reproduction number is given through mathematical analysis, which is a threshold to determine whether or not the disease spreads. Secondly, the locally and globally asymptotical stability of the disease‐free equilibrium point and the endemic equilibrium point are investigated by using Lyapunov functions and Kirchhoff's matrix tree theorem. If , the disease‐free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable and the disease will die out. If , the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. Thirdly, an optimal control problem is established by taking slaughter rate and cure rate as control variables. Finally, numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the main results.
Stochastic impulse control of nonsmooth dynamics with partial observation and execution delay: Application to an environmental restoration problem
Authors: Yoshioka Hidekazu , Yaegashi Yuta
Published: March 2021

Nonsmooth dynamics driven by stochastic disturbance arise in a wide variety of engineering problems. Impulsive interventions are often employed to control stochastic systems; however, the modeling and analysis subject to execution delay have been less explored. In addition, continuously receiving information of the dynamics is not always possible. In this article, with an application to an environmental restoration problem, a continuous‐time stochastic impulse control problem subject to execution delay under discrete and random observations is newly formulated and analyzed. The dynamics have a nonsmooth coefficient modulated by a Markov chain, and eventually attain an undesirable state like a depletion due to the nonsmoothness. The goal of the control problem is to find the most cost‐efficient policy that can prevent the dynamics from attaining the undesirable state. We demonstrate that finding the optimal policy reduces to solving a nonstandard system of degenerate elliptic equations, the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation (HJBE), which is rigorously and analytically verified in a simplified case. The associated Fokker–Planck equation (FPE) for the controlled dynamics is derived and solved explicitly as well. The model is finally applied to numerical computation of a recent river environmental restoration problem. The HJBE and FPE are successfully computed, and the optimal policy and the probability density functions are numerically obtained. The impacts of execution delay are discussed to deeper analyze the model.
Monitoring retinal pathology and cerebral injury in sickle cell disease using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography in pediatric patients
Authors: Jin Jing , Kandula Vinay , Miller Robin E.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to confirm the correlation between sickle cell disease (SCD) genotype and retinal damage identified by spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), and examine a potential link between hypoxic ischemic injury in the retina and brain.

Methods

In this prospective, observational case series, 117 patients (56 males) aged 5–20 years with SCD (36 SC, 68 SS, eight Sβ+ thalassemia, five Sβ0 thalassemia) underwent ophthalmologic examination including funduscopy and SD‐OCT imaging. Comparison of SCD genotypes and association between ocular findings and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in subjects with SS/Sβ0 genotype were investigated.

Results

Visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 20/40. On funduscopic exam, 16 of 117 (13.7%) had retinopathy; 69 of 117 (59.0%) showed inner retina thinning on SD‐OCT. Patients with SS/Sβ0 showed a higher frequency of sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) change (68.5% vs. 47.2%), bilateral SCR (49.9% vs. 25.0%), and foveal involvement (15.1% vs. 0) than the SC genotype. While funduscopic findings in our cohort with SS/Sβ0 genotype showed no correlation with CVD, 20 of 21 patients with CVD had abnormal SD‐OCT. Elevated reticulocyte percentage and aspartate aminotransferase are associated with SD‐OCT changes and CVD.

Conclusions

SD‐OCT was better than funduscopy in detecting retinal changes, higher frequency, and more extensive retinal changes in the more severe SCD genotypes SS and Sβ0 as compared with SC. The correlation between abnormal SD‐OCT and CVD strongly suggests that retinal exam using SD‐OCT may aid in detection and monitoring SCD‐related CVD. Retinopathy may be another component of the hemolytic subphenotype of SCD.
An in‐depth field validation of “DUSST”: A novel low‐maintenance soiling measurement device
Authors: Muller Matthew , Micheli Leonardo , Solas Alvaro F. , Gostein Michael , Robinson Justin , Morely Kenny , Dooraghi Michael , Alghamdi Yusif A. , Almutairi Zeyad A. , Almonacid Florencia , Fernandez Eduardo F.
Published: March 2021

This study presents indoor and field validation results for two versions of the “DUSST” optical soiling sensor, intended to be a low‐cost and low‐maintenance device for measuring photovoltaic soiling losses. Indoor testing covers irradiance calibration and temperature dependencies, which are necessary to achieve high accuracy, low uncertainty field measurements. Field testing includes an array of different environments including Saudi Arabia, California, Utah, and Colorado. DUSST versions include a configuration with a 530‐nm light emitting diode (LED) (discussed in previous work) and a unit with seven white LEDs and a polycarbonate collimating optic. The new design increases light intensity fivefold and demonstrates a single linear calibration coefficient is effective to measure soiling losses as high as 75%. Field data from Utah and California demonstrate that daily soiling loss measurements and soiling rate calculations closely match both reference cell and full‐size module measurements of soiling losses and soiling rates. Corrective methods employed on the Utah DUSST sensor suggest that it is possible to achieve measurement errors as low as ±0.1% at two standard deviations. Field data from both Colorado and Saudi Arabia demonstrate that LED lens soiling can occur and that further design optimizations are needed. The lesson learned from all the field deployment locations suggests directions for future design improvements.
Picturing the future of food
Authors: Casto Anna L. , Schuhl Haley , Tovar Jose C. , Wang Qi , Bart Rebecca S. , Fahlgren Noah , Gehan Malia A.
Published: March 2021

High‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) has emerged as one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving spaces within plant science. The successful application of phenotyping technologies will facilitate increases in agricultural productivity. High‐throughput phenotyping research is interdisciplinary and may involve biologists, engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists. Here we describe the need for additional interest in HTP and offer a primer for those looking to engage with the HTP community. This is a high‐level overview of HTP technologies and analysis methodologies, which highlights recent progress in applying HTP to foundational research, identification of biotic and abiotic stress, breeding and crop improvement, and commercial and production processes. We also point to the opportunities and challenges associated with incorporating HTP across food production to sustainably meet the current and future global food supply requirements.
The Magnetic Field Induced Ferromagnetism in EuPd2Sn4 Novel Compound
Authors: Čurlík Ivan , Zapotoková Mariana , Gastaldo Federica , Reiffers Marián , Sereni Julián G. , Giovannini Mauro
Published: March 2021

Crystal structure, magnetic and thermal physical properties of stannide are reported on. From the magnetic susceptibility measurements, a divalent state of Eu rare earth element is determined together with an antiferromagnetic (AFM) order at 11 K. By applying magnetic field, the magnetic behavior variation reveals a complex magnetic structure. Above a critical field , a ferromagnetic (FM)‐like character starts to prevail. AFM and FM regimes are separated by a metamagnetic region. Heat capacity measurements confirm this behavior.
Detectable Signature of Quantum Friction on a Sliding Particle in Vacuum
Authors: Lombardo Fernando C. , Decca Ricardo S. , Viotti Ludmila , Villar Paula I.
Published: March 2021

Spatially separated bodies in a relative motion through vacuum experience a tiny friction force known as quantum friction (QF). This force has so far eluded experimental detection due to its small magnitude and short range. Quantitative details revealing traces of the QF in the degradation of the quantum coherence of a particle are presented. Environmentally induced decoherence for a particle sliding over a dielectric sheet can be decomposed into contributions of different signatures: one solely induced by the electromagnetic vacuum in the presence of the dielectric and another induced by motion. As the geometric phase (GP) has been proved to be a fruitful venue of investigation to infer features of the quantum systems, herein it is proposed to use the accumulated GP acquired by a particle as a QF sensor. Furthermore, an innovative experiment designed to track traces of QF by measuring the velocity dependence of corrections to the GP and coherence is proposed. The experimentally viable scheme presented can spark renewed optimism for the detection of non‐contact friction, with the hope that this non‐equilibrium phenomenon can be readily measured soon.
Autonomous navigation of a non‐holonomic robot for 3D tracking unsteady environmental boundaries
Authors: Matveev Alexey S. , Semakova Anna A.
Published: March 2021

An under‐actuated non‐holonomic robot moves in three dimensions with a constant surge speed and is actuated by upper bounded yawing and pitching rates. The 3D workspace hosts an unknown and time‐varying scalar field. The robot measures only its value at the current location and has no access to the field gradient. Starting from an occasional initial location, the robot should arrive at the level set (isosurface) where the field assumes a predefined value. After this, the robot should repeatedly sweep the entirety of this moving and deforming isosurface. We present a hybrid control law that solves this mission. This law switches among three discrete states, two of which are interchanged on a regular basis, and follows the sliding mode paradigm to drive the robot within a given discrete state. It does not visibly try to estimate the field gradient, is computationally inexpensive, and exhibits a regular, smooth motion. The proposed law is rigorously justified by a global convergence result. Its performance is demonstrated by computer simulation tests.
Corrosion protection of zinc by a silane conversion coating modified with graphene oxide
Authors: Lai Delin , Chen Ping , Che Chunshan , Kong Gang , Jiang Yanbin
Published: March 2021

Graphene possesses an adverse side effect that can aggravate metal corrosion, which impedes its applications in metal protection. This work aims to demonstrate a strategy to effectively inhibit the corrosion activity of graphene and, thus, apply graphene protection to a metal. A γ‐(2,3‐glycidoxypropyl)propyltrimethoxysilane/reduced graphene oxide (GPTMS/rGO) composite coating was prepared on a Zn surface by immersion in a GPTMS‐modified graphene oxide (GO) solution. The formation mechanism of the coating was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared absorption (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Afterward, the corrosion resistance of the coating was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP). The results show that a dense layer of the GPTMS/rGO coating covers the Zn surface during the immersion process with the GO reduction reaction. The thickness of the GPTMS/rGO composite coating is approximately 20 μm, which is much thicker than that of a GPTMS coating. Furthermore, the formed coating shows good corrosion resistance with an icorr value of 0.029 μA/cm2, and the protection efficiency of the coating reaches 99.94%. After a 12‐day immersion in a 0.6‐M NaCl solution, the coating maintains its high corrosion resistance.