bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of effective atomic number calculations for dual‐energy CT
Authors: Liu Tianyu , Hong Guobin , Cai Wenli
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Several new formalisms of Effective Atomic Number () have emerged recently, deviating from the widely accepted Mayneord's definition. This comparative study aims to reexamine their theories, reveal their connections, and apply them to material differentiation on dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT).

Methods: The first part of this paper is an in‐depth review of several highly cited formalisms. This part includes (1) refuting the claim in Taylor's study that the classic Mayneord's formalism was inaccurate, (2) showing that Mayneord's, Rutherford's, and Bourque's formalisms were equivalent, and (3) explaining the fundamental difference between Taylor's and Bourque's formalisms. The second part of this paper explains how we translated the theories into software implementation and added an open‐source calculation engine to our free research software 3D Quantitative Imaging (3DQI). The work includes developing an interpolation method based on radial basis function to make Taylor's formalism applicable to DECT, and devising a table lookup method to generate map with high efficiency for all appropriate formalisms.

Results: Comparing Bourque's and Taylor's formalisms for six common materials over 40 100 keV energy range, it was found that Bourque's values had a weak energy dependence by 0.18% 3.10%, but for Taylor's results this variation increased by a factor of 10. Further comparison showed that at 61 keV, different formalisms fall into two categories—Bourque, Mayneord, Van Abbema (a derivative of Rutherford) for the first category, and Taylor and Manohara for the second. Formalisms within each category produced similar values. For a material consisting of two elements, the two categories of formalisms tended to show a greater discrepancy if the constituent elements had larger difference in . The developed calculation engine was successfully applied to kidney stone classification and colon electronic cleansing.

Conclusions: We renewed the understanding of several popular formalisms: Contrary to the conclusion of Taylor's study, Mayneord's power‐law formula is well grounded in theory; Bourque's formalism (based on the average electron microscopic cross‐section) is considered numerically equivalent to Rutherford's, but with the advantage of being mathematically rigorous and physically meaningful; Taylor's formalism (based on the average atomic microscopic cross‐section) is theoretically not suitable for DECT but a workaround still exists; Manohara's formalism should be used with caution due to a problem in its definition of electron cross‐sections. The developed engine in the 3DQI software facilitated accurate and efficient estimate for various DECT applications.
Invertibility of multi‐energy X‐ray transform
Authors: Ding Yijun , Clarkson Eric W. , Ashok Amit
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The goal is to provide a sufficient condition for the invertibility of a multi‐energy (ME) X‐ray transform. The energy‐dependent X‐ray attenuation profiles can be represented by a set of coefficients using the Alvarez–Macovski (AM) method. An ME X‐ray transform is a mapping fromAM coefficients tonoise‐free energy‐weighted measurements, where.

Methods

We apply a general invertibility theorem to prove the equivalence of global and local invertibility for an ME X‐ray transform. We explore the global invertibility through testing whether the Jacobian of the mappinghas zero values over the support of the mapping. The Jacobian of an arbitrary ME X‐ray transform is an integration over all spectral measurements. A sufficient condition forfor allis that the integrand ofis(or) everywhere. Note that the trivial case of the integrand equals 0 everywhere is ignored. Using symmetry, we simplified the integrand of the Jacobian to three factors that are determined by the total attenuation, the basis functions, and the energy‐weighting functions, respectively. The factor related to the total attenuation is always positive; hence, the invertibility of the X‐ray transform can be determined by testing the signs of the other two factors. Furthermore, we use the Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB) to characterize the noise‐induced estimation uncertainty and provide a maximum‐likelihood (ML) estimator.

Results

The factor related to the basis functions is always negative when the photoelectric/Compton/Rayleigh basis functions are used and K‐edge materials are not considered. The sign of the energy‐weighting factor depends on the system source spectra and the detector response functions. For four special types of X‐ray detectors, the sign of this factor stays the same over the integration range. Therefore, when these four types of detectors are used for imaging non‐K‐edge materials, the ME X‐ray transform is globally invertible. The same framework can be used to study an arbitrary ME X‐ray imaging system, for example, when K‐edge materials are present. Furthermore, the ML estimator we presented is an unbiased, efficient estimator and can be used for a wide range of scenes.

Conclusions

We have provided a framework to study the invertibility of an arbitrary ME X‐ray transform and proved the global invertibility for four types of systems.
The shifted fracture method
Authors: Li Kangan , Atallah Nabil M. , Rodríguez‐Ferran Antonio , Valiveti Dakshina M. , Scovazzi Guglielmo
Published: August 2021

We propose a new framework for fracture mechanics, based on the idea of an approximate fracture geometry representation combined with approximate interface conditions. Our approach evolves from the shifted interface method, and introduces the concept of an approximate fracture surface composed of the full edges/faces of an underlying grid that are geometrically close to the true fracture geometry. The original interface conditions are then modified on the surrogate fracture geometry, by way of Taylor expansions. The shifted fracture method does not require cut cell computations or complex data structures, since the behavior of the true fracture is mimicked with standard integrals on the approximate fracture surface. Furthermore, the energetics of the true fracture are represented within the accuracy of the underlying polynomial finite element approximation and independently of the grid topology. The computational framework is presented here in its generality and then applied in the specific context of cohesive zone models, with an extensive set of numerical experiments in two and three dimensions.
Finite elements for Mindlin and Kirchhoff plates based on a mixed variational principle
Authors: Elias Ziad M.
Published: August 2021

Quadrilateral finite elements with five displacements per corner node built up from four triangular elements are developed by a discretization of the Mindlin plate bending theory and based on a modified form of the mixed variational principle for stresses and displacements. The modified principle separates the contribution of shear deformation by taking the transverse shear strains as free functions. It also gives discrete element governing equations in a canonical form. Similar elements are developed based on the potential energy formulation. The elements can be readily specialized to the Kirchhoff plate theory. The discrete shear strains are transformed back to normal‐fiber rotations for enforcing general boundary conditions. The discretization procedure uses one‐dimensional polynomials instead of two‐dimensional shape functions. The discretization satisfies continuity for w, and continuity for the transverse shear strains. The Mindlin elements are tested with soft and hard boundary conditions. They are naturally free of shear‐locking. They are also capable of reproducing the boundary layer that occurs with some soft boundary conditions. Mindlin elements results tend to those of the Kirchhoff theory as the thickness decreases. Extensive numerical results are obtained for square plates some of which are compared with exact results or results obtained by other methods.
The iterative multiscale finite element method for sandwich beams and plates
Authors: Dryzek Mateusz , Cecot Witold
Published: August 2021

We present an adaptation of the multiscale finite element method to the analysis of sandwich beams and plates with complex lattice layers. The proposed modification significantly reduces the number of degrees of freedom (even by four orders) due to the anisotropic higher‐order coarse‐scale approximation and the novel shape functions that take into account the microscale boundary conditions. Moreover, the local iterative corrector scheme Nguyen and Schillinger (2019) adapted for the bending‐dominated responses of sandwich structures provides converges of the coarse mesh approximation to the best possible fine‐mesh solution. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the method. We found that the proposed modifications of the shape functions and the higher‐order coarse mesh approximation increase the convergence rate. Finally, we validated the proposed model by comparison of the numerical results with experimental ones for a sandwich panel with a dual corrugated high‐density fiberboard core. Very good consistency of both results was observed.
Multiscale analysis for 3D lattice structures based on parallel computing
Authors: Yan Jun , Huo Sixu , Yu Tao , Zhang Chenguang , Chai Xianghai , Hu Dapeng , Yan Kun
Published: August 2021

In this study, a parallel framework for the multiscale analysis of three‐dimensional lattice structures is developed. The established parallel framework performs the multiscale analysis using the extended multiscale finite element method (EMsFEM) in a parallel environment provided by the portable and extensible toolkit for scientific computation (PETSc), which is a high‐performance parallel scientific computing library. To realize this aim, we developed several modifications of the original EMsFEM method and adopted some routines from PETSc. Through numerical examples, the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed parallel computing framework were verified first. Then, the parallel acceleration ratio and parallel efficiency of the proposed parallel framework were studied. The proposed parallel computing framework shows good efficiency and can be used to deal with the analysis of large‐scale lattice structures.
Exploring the mediating role of flexible working hours in the relationship of supervisor support, job and life satisfaction: A study of female nurses in China
Authors: Dousin Oscar , Wei Chen Xi , Balakrishnan Bamini K. P. D. , Lee Michelle Chin Chin
Published: August 2021

Aims

To examine the mediating role of flexible working hours on the relationship between supervisor support, job and life satisfaction among female nurses in China.

Design

A cross‐sectional, quantitative study was conducted with online survey questionnaires.

Methods

Convenience sampling was implemented with 171 female nurses from two tertiary public hospitals in 2019.

Results

The mediation analysis demonstrates that flexible working hours significantly and positively mediate the relationship between supervisor support to job (β = 0.775, p < .001) and life satisfaction (β = 0.745, p < .001). In addition, supervisor support and flexible working hours significantly and positively influence job (r = 0.520, p < .01; r = 0.520, p < .01) and life satisfaction (r = 0.487, p < .01; r = 0.487, p < .01). The study suggested that flexible working hours iarean indicator of what supervisor support (r = 0.656, p < .01) is to improve nurses’ job and life satisfaction. The study revealed that flexible working hours and supervisor support are crucial to female nurses who face high demands at both work and home.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bao Ting , Baser Raymond , Chen Connie , Weitzman Matthew , Zhang Yi Lily , Seluzicki Christina , Li Qing Susan , Piulson Lauren , Zhi W. Iris
Published: August 2021

Background

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, debilitating adverse effect of neurotoxic chemotherapy that significantly worsens the quality of life of cancer survivors.

Materials and Methods

Survivors of solid tumors with persistent moderate-to-severe CIPN defined as numbness, tingling, or pain rated ≥4 on an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to 8 weeks of real acupuncture (RA) versus sham acupuncture (SA) versus usual care (UC). We previously reported the primary endpoint (NRS); here we report the following health-related quality of life endpoints: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). For each endpoint, the mean changes from baseline and 95% confidence intervals were estimated within each arm and compared between arms using linear mixed models.

Results

We enrolled 75 survivors of solid tumors with moderate-to-severe CIPN into the study. Compared with baseline, at week 8, FACT/GOG-Ntx, HADS anxiety, and ISI scores significantly improved in RA and SA, but not in UC. Compared with UC, at week 8, FACT/GOG-Ntx scores significantly increased in RA and SA arms indicating improved CIPN-related symptoms and quality of life (p = .001 and p = .01). There was no statistically significant difference between RA and SA. There was no difference in HADS depression or BFI among RA, SA, and UC at weeks 8 and 12.

Conclusion

Acupuncture may improve CIPN-related symptoms and quality of life in cancer survivors with persistent CIPN. Further large sample size studies are needed to delineate placebo effects.

Implications for Practice

The authors conducted a randomized sham acupuncture- and usual care-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on health-related quality of life outcomes in patients with solid tumors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Statistically significant improvements in quality of life, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue were achieved with 8 weeks of real acupuncture when compared with baseline, without statistically significant differences between real and sham acupuncture. These findings suggest that acupuncture may be effective for improving CIPN-related symptoms and quality of life and reducing anxiety and insomnia in cancer survivors with persistent CIPN, with further study needed to delineate placebo effects.
Provider Barriers and Facilitators of Breast Cancer Guideline-Concordant Therapy Delivery in Botswana: A Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research Analysis
Authors: Ralefala Tlotlo , Mokokwe Lebogang , Jammalamadugu Swetha , Legobere Dumelang , Motlhwa Warona S. , Oyekunle Anthony A. , Grover Surbhi , Barg Frances K. , Shulman Lawrence N. , Martei Yehoda M.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Systemic treatment for breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is cost effective. However, there are limited real-world data on the translation of breast cancer treatment guidelines into clinical practice in SSA. The study aimed to identify provider factors associated with adherence to breast cancer guideline-concordant care at Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in Botswana.

Materials and Methods

The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to conduct one-on-one semistructured interviews with breast cancer providers at PMH. Purposive sampling was used, and sample size was determined by thematic saturation. Transcribed interviews were double-coded and analyzed in NVivo using an integrated analysis approach.

Results

Forty-one providers across eight departments were interviewed. There were variations in breast cancer guidelines used. Facilitators included a strong tension for change and a government-funded comprehensive cancer care plan. Common provider and health system barriers were lack of available resources, staff shortages and poor skills retention, lack of relative priority compared with HIV/AIDS, suboptimal interdepartmental communication, and lack of a clearly defined national cancer control policy. Community-level barriers included accessibility and associated transportation costs. Participants recommended the formal implementation of future guidelines that involved key stakeholders in all phases of planning and implementation, strategic government buy-in, expansion of multidisciplinary tumor boards, leveraging nongovernmental and academic partnerships, and setting up monitoring, evaluation, and feedback processes.

Discussion

The study identified complex, multilevel factors affecting breast cancer treatment delivery in Botswana. These results and recommendations will inform strategies to overcome specific barriers in order to promote standardized breast cancer care delivery and improve survival outcomes.

Implications for Practice

To address the increasing cancer burden in low- and middle-income countries, resource-stratified guidelines have been developed by multiple international organizations to promote high-quality guideline-concordant care. However, these guidelines still require adaptation in order to be successfully translated into clinical practice in the countries where they are intended to be used. This study highlights a systematic approach of evaluating important contextual factors associated with the successful adaptation and implementation of resource-stratified guidelines in sub-Saharan Africa. In Botswana, there is a critical need for local stakeholder input to inform country-level and facility-level resources, cancer care accessibility, and community-level barriers and facilitators.
Framework for Implementing and Tracking a Molecular Tumor Board at a National Cancer Institute–Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Jain Neha M. , Schmalz Lauren , Cann Christopher , Holland Adara , Osterman Travis , Lang Katie , Wiesner Georgia L. , Pal Tuya , Lovly Christine , Stricker Thomas , Micheel Christine , Balko Justin M. , Johnson Douglas B. , Park Ben Ho , Iams Wade
Published: August 2021

Background

Over the past few years, tumor next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels have evolved in complexity and have changed from selected gene panels with a handful of genes to larger panels with hundreds of genes, sometimes in combination with paired germline filtering and/or testing. With this move toward increasingly large NGS panels, we have rapidly outgrown the available literature supporting the utility of treatments targeting many reported gene alterations, making it challenging for oncology providers to interpret NGS results and make a therapy recommendation for their patients.

Methods

To support the oncologists at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) in interpreting NGS reports for patient care, we initiated two molecular tumor boards (MTBs)—a VICC-specific institutional board for our patients and a global community MTB open to the larger oncology patient population. Core attendees include oncologists, hematologist, molecular pathologists, cancer geneticists, and cancer genetic counselors. Recommendations generated from MTB were documented in a formal report that was uploaded to our electronic health record system.

Results

As of December 2020, we have discussed over 170 patient cases from 77 unique oncology providers from VICC and its affiliate sites, and a total of 58 international patient cases by 25 unique providers from six different countries across the globe. Breast cancer and lung cancer were the most presented diagnoses.

Conclusion

In this article, we share our learning from the MTB experience and document best practices at our institution. We aim to lay a framework that allows other institutions to recreate MTBs.

Implications for Practice

With the rapid pace of molecularly driven therapies entering the oncology care spectrum, there is a need to create resources that support timely and accurate interpretation of next-generation sequencing reports to guide treatment decision for patients. Molecular tumor boards (MTB) have been created as a response to this knowledge gap. This report shares implementation strategies and best practices from the Vanderbilt experience of creating an institutional MTB and a virtual global MTB for the larger oncology community. This report describe a reproducible framework that can be adopted to initiate MTBs at other institutions.
Low concentration of inorganic fullerene tungsten sulfide nanofiller to achieve cost‐effective and significant enhancement on thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of perfluoroalkoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Ding , Bai Zhihao , Feng Chen , Ma Zhiyuan , Wang Nannan , Zhu Yanqiu
Published: August 2021

Special insulated wires beyond the conventional pure perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) polymers need to be developed to meet the increasing thermal management and mechanical performance requirements. Advanced PFA nanocomposites enhanced by inorganic fullerene tungsten sulfide (IF‐WS2) nanoparticles have been fabricated by melt blending and hot press processes. Benchmarked against the PFA, the presence of IF‐WS2 nanoparticles in the composites resulted in a maximum tensile strength of 21.35 MPa and a maximum elongation at break of 275%, which are 66% and 149% higher than those of pure PFA, respectively. The nanocomposites with 0.5 wt% IF‐WS2 achieved a 17.5% increase in storage modulus, 26.8°C increase in the onset melt temperature, while 1 wt% IF‐WS2 increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) by 3.4°C and the crystallinity (χc) by up to 34.4%. And when the additional amount of IF‐WS2 nanomaterials is 0.25%, the best combination of performance is obtained.
Identification of alkaloidal compounds from leaves and roots of Stephania succifera by HPLC‐QTOF‐MS and prediction of potential bioactivity with PharmMapper
Authors: Wang Shiting , Tian Lulu , Wang Yaqin , He Jiayong , Kang Yun , Shangguan Yan , Qian Wenqi , Yang Ping , Huang Jianming
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The roots of Stephania succifera are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. Research on this plant has mainly focused on bioactive alkaloids from the roots, and no previous work on compounds from the abundant leaves has yet been reported.

Objective

To identify and compare alkaloidal compounds in S. succifera roots and leaves and to predict the potential bioactivity of some alkaloids.

Methods

High‐performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS) was employed to identify alkaloidal compounds from S. succifera. The potential targets and bioactivities of most alkaloids were predicted using the PharmMapper server.

Results

Fifty‐six alkaloidal compounds, including protoberberine‐, aporphine‐, proaporphine‐, benzylisoquinoline‐, and lactam‐type alkaloids, were identified or tentatively identified in S. succifera roots and leaves based on the HPLC‐MS data. Forty‐one compounds have not been previously reported in S. succifera and eight of them have not been previously reported in the literature. Twenty‐four alkaloidal compounds were found in both roots and leaves. Twelve potential targets with different indications were predicted for some alkaloids.

Conclusion

Comparison of chemical constituents and their potential bioactivities for S. succifera roots and leaves indicated that diverse bioactive alkaloids were present in the leaves as well as the roots. PharmMapper provided new directions for bioactivity screening. This study will be helpful for further understanding the medicinal components of S. succifera and the rational utilisation of plant resources.
Association between inhaled corticosteroid use and COVID‐19 outcomes
Authors: Husby Anders , Pottegård Anton , Hviid Anders
Published: August 2021

Background

Recent evidence has established a beneficial effect of systemic corticosteroids for treatment of moderate‐to‐severe COVID‐19.

Objective

To determine if inhaled corticosteroid use is associated with COVID‐19 outcomes.

Methods

In a nationwide cohort of hospitalized SARS‐CoV‐2 test‐positive individuals in Denmark, we estimated the 30‐day hazard ratio of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death among users of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) compared with users of bronchodilators (β2‐agonist/muscarinic‐antagonists), and non‐users of ICS overall, with Cox regression adjusted for age, sex, and other confounders. We repeated these analyses among influenza test‐positive patients during 2010–2018.

Results

Among 6267 hospitalized SARS‐CoV‐2 patients, 614 (9.8%) were admitted to ICU and 677 (10.8%) died within 30 days. ICS use was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.09 (95% CI [CI], 0.67 to 1.79) for ICU admission and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.56 to 1.11) for death compared with bronchodilator use. Compared with no ICS use overall, the hazard ratio of ICU admission or death was 1.17 (95% CI, 0.87–1.59) and 1.02 (95% CI, 0.78–1.32), respectively. Among 10 279 hospitalized influenza patients, of which 951 (9.2%) were admitted to ICU and 1275 (12.4%) died, the hazard ratios were 1.43 (95% CI, 0.89–2.30) and 1.11 (95% CI, 0.85–1.46) for ICU admission, and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.63–1.01) and 1.03 (95% CI, 0.87–1.22) for death compared with bronchodilator use and no ICS use overall, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results do not support an effect of inhaled corticosteroid use on COVID‐19 outcomes, however we can only rule out moderate‐to‐large reduced or increased risks.

Study registration

The study was pre‐registered at encepp.eu (EUPAS35897).
Thermal and dielectric properties of low‐density polyethylene/NaA zeolite composites
Authors: Marinković Filip , Popović Dušan , Jovanović Jelena , Stanković Branislav , Jevtić Sanja , Adnadjević Borivoj
Published: August 2021

The effect of the weight fraction of NaA zeolite on thermal properties (specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity) and dielectric properties (electrical conductivity, real and imaginary electric permittivity) of composites based on low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and NaA zeolite is examined. Composite samples containing from 5 to 30 wt% zeolite are prepared using the compression molding technique. The degree of dispersion and the weight fraction of filler in the LDPE/NaA zeolite composites are determined using X‐ray diffraction. A linear decrease in the values of the specific heat capacity with an increase in the weight fraction of zeolite is observed using differential scanning calorimetry. The laser flash method is used to determine the thermal diffusivity of the composites. An increase in effective thermal diffusivity and abrupt increase in the range from 15 to 20 wt% of zeolite are established. It is demonstrated that effective thermal conductivity increases with an increase in the weight fraction of zeolite, and an abrupt increase in the range from 15 to 20 wt% is observed. Dielectric spectroscopy measurements are performed to determine the real and imaginary parts of permittivity. An increase of real and imaginary parts of permittivity of LDPE/NaA zeolite composites, with increasing weight fraction of zeolite, is established. Two relaxation peaks of the imaginary parts of permittivity of LDPE/NaA zeolite composites are detected. An increase of electrical conductivity with increasing weight fraction of zeolite and abrupt increase in the range 15 to 20 wt% are noticed. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Landscape‐scale variations in near‐surface soil temperature and active‐layer thickness: Implications for high‐resolution permafrost mapping
Authors: Zhang Yu , Touzi Ridha , Feng Wanpeng , Hong Gang , Lantz Trevor C. , Kokelj Steven V.
Published: August 2021

Soil temperature observations in permafrost regions are sparse, which limits our understanding and ability to map permafrost conditions at high spatial resolutions. In this study, we measured near‐surface soil temperatures (Tnss) at 107 sites from August 2016 to August 2017 in northern boreal and tundra areas in northwestern Canada. Active‐layer thickness (ALT), soil and vegetation conditions were also measured at these sites. Our observations show large variations in Tnss and ALT across an area with a similar climate. This high degree of spatial heterogeneity illustrates the importance of high‐resolution mapping of permafrost for infrastructure planning and understanding the impacts of permafrost thaw. Annual mean Tnss varied by 5–6°C among observation sites, which was mainly due to differences in Tnss in winter and spring, indicating the importance of snow conditions on determining landscape‐scale variation in near‐surface ground temperatures. ALT varied from about 30 cm to more than 120 cm. The variation in ALT among sites did not correlate with thawing season Tnss, but was associated with variation in soil conditions, especially the surface organic layer thickness. Freezing n‐factors varied significantly from site to site and among ecotypes, while thawing n‐factors were similar among sites, except bare soils. This study shows that ecotypes can be used to map ALT and Tnss at landscape scales in tundra areas, but the method is not as effective in the northern boreal region.
Use of levothyroxine among pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism in the United Kingdom: A population‐based assessment
Authors: Yu Ya‐Hui , Filion Kristian B. , Reynier Pauline , Platt Robert W. , Yu Oriana H. Y. , Grandi Sonia M.
Published: August 2021

Our study aimed to describe levothyroxine prescription patterns and trends over time among pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in the United Kingdom.

We used data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to its Pregnancy Register and the Hospital Episode Statistics database from 1998 to 2017. The study population included women with a diagnosis of SCH or an abnormal thyroid‐simulated hormone (TSH) level one year prior to or during pregnancy. We compared characteristics between women who received a prescription for levothyroxine during pregnancy and those who did not. We further described the timing, dose, duration, and temporal trends of levothyroxine prescriptions.

Our cohort included 6,757 pregnancies from 6,287 women with SCH, of whom 10% received levothyroxine during pregnancy. Among women who received levothyroxine, most received their first prescription during the first trimester (median gestational age: 7 weeks; interquartile range [IQR]: 0, 16) with a median daily dosage of 50 mcg (IQR: 50, 73). Levothyroxine prescription varied over time, decreasing from 23% of pregnant women in 1998 to 7.5% in 2003, remaining stable until 2014, and increasing to 12.5% in 2016. Smoking, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, timing of SCH diagnosis, age, TSH level at diagnosis, and general practice regions were associated with prescription.

Few women with SCH received levothyroxine during pregnancy, and treatment varied by patient characteristics and geographical regions. These results highlight the need to increase awareness among healthcare providers and will guide future studies that explore barriers to initiating levothyroxine treatment for women with SCH during pregnancy.
[8]‐Gingerol exerts anti‐myocardial ischemic effects in rats via modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway and L‐type Ca2+ channels
Authors: Xue Yucong , Zhang Muqing , Zheng Bin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chu Xi , Liu Yu , Li Ziliang , Han Xue , Chu Li
Published: August 2021

Myocardial ischemia (MI) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Therefore, it is urgent to seek the treatment to protect the heart. [8]‐Gingerol (8‐Gin), one of the most active ingredients in ginger, has antioxidant, cardiotonic, and cardiovascular protective properties. The present study elucidated the cardioprotection effects and underlying mechanisms of 8‐Gin in isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced MI. ISO (85 mg/kg/d) was subcutaneously injected for 2 consecutive days to induce acute MI model in rats. Electrocardiography, oxidative stress levels, calcium concentrations, and apoptosis degree were observed. The effects of 8‐Gin on L‐type Ca2+ current (ICa‐L), contraction, and Ca2+ transients were monitored in rat myocytes via patch‐clamp and IonOptix detection systems. 8‐Gin decreased J‐point elevation and heart rate and improved pathological heart damage. Moreover, 8‐Gin reduced the levels of CK, LDH, and MDA, ROS production, and calcium concentrations in myocardial tissue, while increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH. In addition, 8‐Gin down‐regulated Caspase‐3 and Bax expressions, while up‐regulated Bcl‐2 expression. 8‐Gin produced a marked decrease in the expression of p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 proteins. 8‐Gin inhibited ICa‐L, cell contraction, and Ca2+ transients in isolated rat myocytes. The results indicate that 8‐Gin could exert anti‐myocardial ischemic effects, which may be associated with oxidative stress reduction, cardiomyocytes apoptosis inhibition through MAPK signaling pathway, and Ca2+ homeostasis regulation via ICa‐L modulation.
More issues with layer of protection analysis—From the originators
Authors: Bridges William , Dowell Arthur M.
Published: August 2021

Layer of protection analysis (LOPA) has now been around for more 25 years and in general use for now 20 years, starting with the initial textbook being officially published in 2001. Two companion books have been published on the topics of Enabling Events and Conditional Modifiers (2013) and on Initiating Events and Independent Protection Layers (2015). Many papers have been published in the past 20 years on LOPA. This paper shares observations and lessons learned from two originators of LOPA and provides further guidance on how to and how Not to use LOPA. The paper provides specific examples of best practices, some of which are not covered well enough in or are omitted from the textbooks on the topic. The originators of LOPA hope you will use this paper as an expansion on the concepts in the first LOPA textbook, and as an addendum to all three textbooks on the topic.
Effects of piperonyl butoxide synergism and cuticular thickening on the contact irritancy response of field Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) to deltamethrin
Authors: Yu Jin‐Jia , Bong Lee‐Jin , Panthawong Amonrat , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap , Liu Wei‐Ting , Neoh Kok‐Boon
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Exploiting indoor‐resting mosquitoes' innate behavioral responses to commonly used insecticide is crucial in vector control programs. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long‐lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) treated with pyrethroids have become widely used for controlling dengue fever vectors. The present study tested the effects of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) synergism and cuticular thickening on the contact irritancy response of field A. aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) to deltamethrin in Taiwan and Thailand.

RESULTS

The escape response of field mosquitoes treated with PBO was significantly elicited, with an escape percentage increase between 2‐ and 10‐fold. In addition, the escape time was significantly lower in PBO‐pretreated mosquitoes compared with field mosquitoes treated with deltamethrin alone. PBO‐pretreated mosquitoes from seven out of 11 field strains exhibited a knockdown percentage of 11.23–54.91%, significantly higher than that of mosquitoes in corresponding strains treated with deltamethrin only. The Annan, Zhongxi, Sanmin, and North strains exhibited weak knockdown responses (≤3.75%). The mortality of PBO‐pretreated field mosquitoes increased 2‐ to 75‐fold compared with those treated with deltamethrin alone (mortality: 0–6.70%). Furthermore, the effect of cuticular thickness on the escape response of field mosquitoes was significant, that is, the escape response marginally increased inversely to cuticular thickness. By contrast, cuticular thickness was not significantly associated with knockdown or mortality percentage.

CONCLUSION

Irritant behavior in mosquitoes was significantly elicited by PBO synergism. PBO incorporating deltamethrin IRS or LLINs may be effective for controlling dengue fever vectors. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Pica: Treatment with Punica Granatum extract
Authors: Shekarriz Zahra , Jokar Asieh , Yousefi Seyde Sedighe
Published: August 2021

Pica is an eating disorder characterized by craving for nonfood items, such as dirt, clay, detergents, soap, stone, and paper. It occurs in children who start feeling the world with the oral cavity. The exact etiology of this disorder is still unknown; nonetheless, its treatment and prevalence vary according to patients' behavior and characteristics. We aim to present a case report of a patient with pica who was treated with Persian Traditional Medicine. This treatment was performed using four doses of 15 ml Punica granatum extract after every meal for 3 weeks while fasting before breakfast. The patient's appetite improve within 3 weeks, with remarkable improvement in pica symptoms. Punica granatum extract seems to be effective in controlling pica.
On the addition of microwave sounders and numerical weather prediction skill
Authors: Duncan David I. , Bormann Niels , Hólm Elías V.
Published: August 2021

The utility of microwave sounding for numerical weather prediction (NWP) is well established. However, the volume of sounder data assimilated in NWP systems may change substantially in upcoming years, as there is an ageing constellation of satellites but also the prospect of proliferating small satellite constellations. This study examines the addition of temperature and humidity sounders from a baseline that includes no microwave sounders at all, aiming to elucidate the incremental benefit gained from adding sounders to the assimilation system. Framed as a series of observing‐system experiments (OSEs), large improvements in forecast skill and background fits to independent observations are gained from the first sounders added. Significant further benefit is observed from additional sounders, with the impacts largest at higher latitudes and no saturation evident in the maximal setup. In the second part of this study, the relative importance of updating background errors for OSEs is investigated to give greater context to the sounder addition results. The ensemble of data assimilations (EDA) underlying the background‐error specification is rerun for this purpose to be consistent with the observation usage in the OSE. Comparing experiments with updated and unchanged background errors shows that the effect of updating background errors is secondary to that caused by the observing‐system change itself. Rerunning the EDA can reduce some of the forecast skill apparently lost in a data‐denial experiment or gained when assessing data addition, but this is roughly 10% of the overall change and should not alter conclusions resulting from typical OSEs, in which background errors are not tailor‐made.
Wiener polarity and similar topological descriptors of some product graphs
Authors: Haoer Raad Sehen
Published: August 2021

The leap Zagreb and Wiener polarity indices are computed from the information of second and third distances in a graph. Like many other topological indices defined in the literature, these indices are important for their applications in quantitative structure‐property relationship studies. In this paper, we compute these indices of a graph product known as subdivision vertex‐edge join of three graphs, which is also known as SVE‐join of graphs. We also compute the leap Zagreb coindices of these graphs.
Dynamics analysis for flexion and extension of elbow joint motion based on musculoskeletal model of Anybody
Authors: PENG Matthew JianQiao , JU Xiangyang , Ma LiMin , HU Yong , LI XinXu
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Little is known about how biomechanics governs the biological nature for humeral motion dynamically. Elbow motion ought to be investigated based on a musculoskeletal model and evidence the physiologic principle of upper limbs.

Method

A humeral model was reconstructed by MIMICS after CT images input in *.dicom format, it was processed by Geomagic Studio for Surfaces, then gridded mesh and assigned materials by Hypermesh. On the other hand, a musculoskeletal model was built by AnyBody, physical motions were then simulated to export boundary condition and myodynamia during flexion and extension. Finally, all the humeral model and boundary were imported to Abaqus for finite element analysis.

Result

During the simulative motion of flexion, the primary muscles are brachii biceps, brachialis anticus and teretipronator, their myodynamia increased and then decreased gradually, and reached its peak value at 30°; During extension, the main muscles are triceps brachii and brachialis anticus, their myodynamia increased and then decreased gradually too, and reached peak at 50°; In these two cases, their strain and displacement distributed at the middle of humerus.

Conclusion

AnyBody is a novel modelling system to simulate physical motion, for example flexion and extension. Biceps brachii and brachialis anticus are functional for flexion, and triceps brachii plays a key role in extension critically. This simulation confirms the physiologic rule for sport event, humeral fixation and postoperative healing with clinical significance that minimizing joint forces from injury onset may promote pain‐free ways.
Effectiveness of public health measures to prevent the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 at mass gatherings: A rapid review
Authors: Walsh Kieran A. , Tyner Barrie , Broderick Natasha , Harrington Patricia , O’Neill Michelle , Fawsitt Christopher G. , Cardwell Karen , Smith Susan M. , Connolly Máire A. , Ryan Máirín
Published: August 2021

Mass gatherings play an important role in society, but since the onset of the Covid‐19 pandemic, they have generally been restricted in order to mitigate transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2. The aim of this study was to summarise the evidence regarding the effectiveness of public health measures at preventing the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 at mass gatherings, and hence inform guidance on the organisation of these events. A rapid review was undertaken in Cochrane, Embase (OVID), Medline (OVID), Google, Web of Science and Europe PMC from 1 January 2020 to 3 June 2021. Of the identified 1,624 citations, 14 articles referring to 11 unique studies were included. This rapid review found evidence from 11 studies (involving approximately 30,482 participants) that implementing a range of measures may reduce the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission at mass gatherings; however, it is unlikely that this risk can be eliminated entirely. All studies adopted a layered mitigation approach involving multiple measures, which may be more effective than relying on any single measure. The number and intensity of measures implemented varied across studies, with most implementing resource intense measures. Importantly, all included studies were only of ‘fair’ to ‘poor’ quality. In conclusion, there is currently limited evidence on the effectiveness of measures to prevent SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission at mass gatherings. As mass gatherings recommence, continued adoption of known mitigation measures is required to limit the risk of transmission, as well as ongoing research and surveillance to monitor the potential impact of these events on the wider population and healthcare system.
Knowledge‐based theory, entrepreneurial orientation, stakeholder engagement, and firm performance
Authors: Hughes Mathew , Hughes Paul , Hodgkinson Ian , Chang Yi‐Ying , Chang Che‐Yuan
Published: August 2021

Research Summary

Our understanding of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is limited by the inattention to why a firm arranges itself to give rise to EO, what sets its strategic intent, and what affects its contribution to performance. These omissions have led to calls for a causally adjacent theory of EO. Grounded in knowledge‐based theory, we investigated (a) how knowledge production gives rise to EO, (b) how the relationship between EO and profitability is mediated by knowledge use, and (c) how this relationship between EO and knowledge use is moderated by stakeholder engagement. Using multirespondent, multisource data from small‐size and mid‐size enterprises in two economically distinct East Asian countries, Taiwan and Japan, empirical evidence supports our theory. Our findings are consistent across both studies. We contribute a knowledge‐based theory of EO.

Managerial Summary

Why do some firms organize to be entrepreneurial while others do not, and why do some entrepreneurially oriented firms profit more financially than others? We find that those firms that organize processes to accumulate, aggregate, activate, store, manage, and distribute knowledge become more entrepreneurial oriented as the means to create wealth from this “knowledge production.” In other words, knowledge production can affect perceptions of opportunities and resources, leading to choices about organizational arrangements to best use knowledge. However, we find that the firm also needs to be adept at knowledge use to profit financially from its entrepreneurial endeavors, and leading firms utilize stakeholder engagement to strengthen the relationship between entrepreneurial behavior and knowledge use on the route to greater profitability.
Targeted Nanoscale 3D Thermal Imaging of Tumor Cell Surface with Functionalized Quantum Dots
Authors: Yang Jun , Du Hanliang , Chai Zhenhao , Ling Zheng , Li Ben Q. , Mei Xuesong
Published: August 2021

Measuring the changes in tumor cell surface temperature can provide insights into cellular metabolism and pathological features, which is significant for targeted chemotherapy and hyperthermic therapy. However, conventional micro–nano scale methods are invasive and can only measure the temperature of cells across a single plane, which excludes specific organelles. In this study, fluorescence quantum dots (QDs) are functionalized with the membrane transport protein transferrin (Tf) as a thermo‐sensor specific for tumor cell membrane. The covalent conjugation is optimized to maintain the relative fluorescence intensity of the Tf‐QDs to >90%. In addition, the Tf‐QDs undergo changes in the fluorescence spectra as a function of temperature, underscoring its thermo‐sensor function. Double helix point spread function imaging optical path is designed to locate the probe at nanoscale, and 3D thermal imaging technology is proposed to measure the local temperature distribution and direction of heat flux on the tumor cell surface. This novel targeted nanoscale 3D thermometry method can be a highly promising tool for measuring the local and global temperature distribution across intracellular organelles.
Multifunctional Molecule Engineered SnO2 for Perovskite Solar Cells with High Efficiency and Reduced Lead Leakage
Authors: Zhang Jiali , Li Renjie , Apergi Sofia , Wang Pengyang , Shi Biao , Jiang Junke , Ren Ningyu , Han Wei , Huang Qian , Brocks Geert , Zhao Ying , Tao Shuxia , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: August 2021

Outstanding performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is closely linked to the optoelectrical properties of charge transporting layers. Herein, amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP) and KOH are mixed (ATMP‐K) and incorporated in a SnO2 precursor solution to significantly improve the performance of the electron transport layer (ETL) SnO2 in PSCs. Combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experiments, it is demonstrated that ATMP‐K effectively passivates the oxygen vacancy and reduces the hydroxyl groups on the surface of SnO2, resulting in a larger perovskite grain size and better energy‐level alignment with perovskites. ATMP‐K boosts the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs from 20.99% to 23.52%. When applying in a perovskite/silicon heterojunction tandem solar cell, the device delivers an efficiency up to 24.75% with a high VOC of 1.94 V, compared with 22.67% and 1.85 V of the reference cells. Furthermore, ATMP‐K‐modified PSCs also show extraordinary ability to absorb Pb2+ ions after their degradation in water, offering a facile strategy for reducing Pb leakage.