bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of inner‐basin variation: Impact of large reservoirs on water regimes of downstream water bodies
Authors: Dai Xue , Yu Zhongbo , Yang Guishan , Xu Chong‐Yu , Wan Rongrong
Published: May 2021

Large dams and reservoirs alter not only the natural flow regimes of streams and rivers but also their flooding cycles and flood magnitudes. Although the effect of dams and reservoirs has been reported for some vulnerable locations, the understanding of the inner‐basin variation with respect to the effects remains limited. In this study, we analyse the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) built on the Changjiang mainstream (Yangtze River) to investigate the dam effect variations in the system of interconnected water bodies located downstream. We investigated the effect of flow alterations along the downstream river network using discharge time series at different gauging stations. The river–lake interactions (referring to the interactions between the Changjiang mainstream and its tributary lakes i.e. the Dongting and Poyang lakes) and their roles in modifying the TGD effect intensity were also investigated in the large‐scale river–lake system. The results show that the water storage of the tributary lakes decreased after the activation of the TGD. Severe droughts occurred in the lakes, weakening their ability to recharge the Changjiang mainstream. As a consequence, the effect of the TGD on the Changjiang flow increase during the dry season diminished quickly downstream of the dam, whereas its impact on the flow decrease during the wet season gradually exacerbated along the mainstream, especially at sites located downstream of the lake outlets. Therefore, when assessing dam‐induced hydrological changes, special attention should be paid to the changes in the storage of tributary lakes and the associated effects in the mainstream. This is of high importance for managing the water resource trade‐offs between different water bodies in dam‐affected riverine systems.
Spatio-temporal variations in fine particulate matter and evaluation of associated health risk over Pakistan
Authors: Mariam Ayesha , Tariq Salman , Ul-Haq Zia , Mehmood Usman
Published: May 2021

Human health and the environment are adversely affected by fine particulate matter. By utilizing standard deviation ellipse and trend analyses, we studied the spatial patterns and temporal trends of PM2.5 over Pakistan from 1998 to 2016. The outcomes of these analyses indicated that PM2.5 concentrations were considerably amplified in Pakistan, particularly in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. The areal extent of PM2.5 concentrations below 15 μg/m3 declined constantly, and the area with PM2.5 concentrations above 35 μg/m3 increased significantly. The highly affected cities were Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Southern Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Sukkur, and Larkana. Overall, the northwest–southeast axis experienced more rapid variations in the spatial pattern of PM2.5 than the northeast–southwest axis; similarly, the east–north axis also experienced faster changes in the spatial distribution of this crucial pollutant than the west–south axis. To support nationwide air pollution control, a two-tier level was recommended for allocated regions in Pakistan depending on their PM2.5 concentrations. From 1998 to 2016, health risks expanded and increased in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Hyderabad; these are Pakistan's most populated cities. The outcomes of this study suggest that human health is continuously affected by PM2.5 in Pakistan, and that a plan of action to combat air pollution is immediately needed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1243–1254. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

The outcomes of this analysis indicated that PM2.5 concentration amplified considerably in Pakistan during the period 1998–2016. The areal extent of PM2.5 concentration above 35 µg/m3 augmented significantly. Highly affected cities were Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Southern Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Sukkur and Larkana. To support nationwide air pollution control, a two-tier level has been recommended for allocated regions depending on the concentration of PM2.5 in Pakistan.
Kinetic degradation and biocompatibility evaluation of polycaprolactone‐based biologics delivery matrices for regenerative engineering of the rotator cuff
Authors: Prabhath Anupama , Vernekar Varadraj N. , Vasu Vignesh , Badon Mary , Avochinou Jean‐Emmanuel , Asandei Alexandru D. , Kumbar Sangamesh G. , Weber Eckhard , Laurencin Cato T.
Published: May 2021

Whereas synthetic biodegradable polymers have been successfully applied for the delivery of biologics in other tissues, the anatomical complexity, poor blood supply, and reduced clearance of degradation byproducts in the rotator cuff create unique design challenges for implantable biomaterials. Here, we investigated lower molecular weight poly‐lactic acid co—epsilon‐caprolactone (PLA‐CL) formulations with varying molecular weight and film casting concentrations as potential matrices for the therapeutic delivery of biologics in the rotator cuff. Matrices were fabricated with target footprint dimensions to facilitate controlled and protected release of model biologic (Bovine Serum Albumin), and anatomically‐unhindered implantation under the acromion in a rodent model of acute rotator cuff repair. The matrix obtained from the highest polymeric‐film casting concentration showed a controlled release of model biologics payload. The tested matrices rapidly degraded during the initial 4 weeks due to preferential hydrolysis of the lactide‐rich regions within the polymer, and subsequently maintained a stable molecular weight due to the emergence of highly‐crystalline caprolactone‐rich regions. pH evaluation in the interior of the matrix showed minimal change signifying lesser accumulation of acidic degradation byproducts than seen in other bulk‐degrading polymers, and maintenance of conformational stability of the model biologic payload. The context‐dependent biocompatibility evaluation in a rodent model of acute rotator cuff repair showed matrix remodeling without eliciting excessive inflammatory reaction and is anticipated to completely degrade within 6 months. The engineered PLA‐CL matrices offer unique advantages in controlled and protected biologic delivery, non‐toxic biodegradation, and biocompatibility overcoming several limitations of commonly‐used biodegradable polyesters.
QSARINS‐Chem standalone version: A new platform‐independent software to profile chemicals for physico‐chemical properties, fate, and toxicity
Authors: Chirico Nicola , Sangion Alessandro , Gramatica Paola , Bertato Linda , Casartelli Ilaria , Papa Ester
Published: May 2021

The new software QSARINS‐Chem standalone version is a multiplatform tool, freely downloadable, for the in silico profiling of multiple properties and activities of organic chemicals. This software, which is based on the concept of the QSARINS‐chem module embedded in the QSARINS software, has been fully redesigned and redeveloped in the Java™ language. In addition to a selection of models included in the old module, the new software predicts biotransformation rates and aquatic toxicities of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in multiple organisms, and offers a suite of tools for the analysis of predictions. Furthermore, a comprehensive and transparent database of molecular structures is provided. The new QSARINS‐Chem standalone version is an informative and solid tool, which is useful to support the assessment of the potential hazard and risks related to organic chemicals and is dedicated to users which are interested in the application of QSARs to generate reliable predictions.
Path planning in three dimensional live environment with randomly moving obstacles for viscoelastic bio‐particle
Authors: Korayem Moharam Habibnejad , Rastegar Zahra
Published: May 2021

Significant capabilities of atomic force microscopy (AFM) such as operating in various environments and scales made it a useful device in different operations. According to AFM abilities and applications, in this work, the path through the live environment with fixed and moving obstacles that are distributed all over the space randomly has been provided. The optimized path has been discovered in this article based on the applications mentioned above. Since for biological applications, the tool's accuracy plays an important role in success and reliability of the operation, in this article, the cost function is defined as combination of the tool's error, the maximum applied force on the tool, and the maximum deformation of the particle to be minimized. In this regard, constraints which limit the particle's motion and speed such as critical force and time and the maximum applied force have been considered. While in living environment obstacle existence is possible, fixed and moving obstacles with random profile and distribution will be considered. Routing of viscoelastic particle considering above conditions has been performed and comparison with the previous works proved the correctness of the path. The effects of different constraints have been compared using path optimization in different situations. The time of path planning for critical force and time was about 117.657, for the maximum applied force 118.240, and for all constraints together was 120.540 s which shows that the applied force constraint has been more effective than others and increases path planning time.
Characterization of brain‐derived extracellular vesicle lipids in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Su Huaqi , Rustam Yepy H. , Masters Colin L. , Makalic Enes , McLean Catriona A. , Hill Andrew F. , Barnham Kevin J. , Reid Gavin E. , Vella Laura J.
Published: May 2021

Lipid dyshomeostasis is associated with the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD). Substantial progress has been made in identifying positron emission tomography and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for AD, but they have limited use as front‐line diagnostic tools.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by all cells and contain a subset of their parental cell composition, including lipids. EVs are released from the brain into the periphery, providing a potential source of tissue and disease specific lipid biomarkers. However, the EV lipidome of the central nervous system is currently unknown and the potential of brain‐derived EVs (BDEVs) to inform on lipid dyshomeostasis in AD remains unclear.

The aim of this study was to reveal the lipid composition of BDEVs in human frontal cortex, and to determine whether BDEVs have an altered lipid profile in AD. Using semi‐quantitative mass spectrometry, we describe the BDEV lipidome, covering four lipid categories, 17 lipid classes and 692 lipid molecules. BDEVs were enriched in glycerophosphoserine (PS) lipids, a characteristic of small EVs. Here we further report that BDEVs are enriched in ether‐containing PS lipids, a finding that further establishes ether lipids as a feature of EVs.

BDEVs in the AD frontal cortex offered improved detection of dysregulated lipids in AD over global lipid profiling of this brain region.  AD BDEVs had significantly altered glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid levels, specifically increased plasmalogen glycerophosphoethanolamine and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acyl containing lipids, and altered amide‐linked acyl chain content in sphingomyelin and ceramide lipids relative to CTL. The most prominent alteration was a two‐fold decrease in lipid species containing anti‐inflammatory/pro‐resolving docosahexaenoic acid.

The in‐depth lipidome analysis provided in this study highlights the advantage of EVs over more complex tissues for improved detection of dysregulated lipids that may serve as potential biomarkers in the periphery.
Comparative analyses of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 gene: Implications for the risk to which vertebrate animals are susceptible to SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Huang Chen , Jiang Yu , Yan Jie
Published: May 2021

Along with the control and prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 transmission, infected animals might have potential to carry the virus to spark new outbreaks. However, very few studies explore the susceptibility of animals to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Viral attachment as a crucial step for cross‐species infection requires angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor and depends on TMPRSS2 protease activity. Here, we searched the genomes of metazoans from different classes using an extensive BLASTP survey and found ACE2 and TMPRSS2 occur in vertebrates, but some vertebrates lack Tmprss2. We identified 6 amino acids among 25 known human ACE2 residues are highly associated with the binding of ACE2 to SARS‐CoV‐2 (p value < .01) by Fisher exact test, and following this, calculated the probability of viral attachment within each species by the randomForest function from R randomForest library. Furthermore, we observed that Ace2 selected from seven animals based on the above analysis lack the hydrophobic contacts identified on human ACE2, indicating less affinity of SARS‐CoV‐2 to Ace2 in animals than humans. Finally, the alignment of 3D structure between human ACE2 and other animals by I‐TASSER and TM‐align displayed a reasonable structure for viral attachment within these species. Taken together, our data may shed light on the human‐to‐animal transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Complement levels at admission as a reflection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) severity state
Authors: Henry Brandon Michael , Szergyuk Ivan , de Oliveira Maria Helena Santos , Lippi Giuseppe , Benoit Justin L. , Vikse Jens , Benoit Stefanie W.
Published: May 2021

Complement system hyperactivation has been proposed as a potential driver of adverse outcomes in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infected patients, given prior research of complement deposits found in tissue and blood samples, as well as evidence of clinical improvement with anticomplement therapy. Its role in augmenting thrombotic microangiopathy mediated organ damage has also been implicated in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This study aimed to examine associations between complement parameters and progression to severe COVID‐19 illness, as well as correlations with other systems. Blood samples of COVID‐19 patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) were analyzed for a wide panel of complement and inflammatory biomarkers. The primary outcome was COVID‐19 severity at index ED visit, while the secondary outcome was peak disease severity over the course of illness. Fifty‐two COVID‐19 patients were enrolled. C3a (p = 0.018), C3a/C3 ratio (p = 0.002), and sC5b‐9/C3 ratio (p = 0.021) were significantly elevated in with severe disease at ED presentation. Over the course of illness, C3a (p = 0.028) and C3a/C3 ratio (p = 0.003) were highest in the moderate severity group. In multivariate regression controlled for confounders, complement hyperactivation failed to predict progression to severe disease. C3a, C3a/C3 ratio, and sC5b‐9/C3 ratio were correlated positively with numerous inflammatory biomarkers, fibrinogen, and VWF:Ag, and negatively with plasminogen and ADAMTS13 activity. We found evidence of complement hyperactivation in COVID‐19, associated with hyperinflammation and thrombotic microangiopathy. Complement inhibition should be further investigated for potential benefit in patients displaying a hyperinflammatory and microangiopathic phenotype.
Feeling differently, creating together: Affect heterogeneity and creativity in project teams
Authors: To March L. , Fisher Cynthia D. , Ashkanasy Neal M. , Zhou Jing
Published: May 2021

Differently valenced affective states stimulate different information search and processing styles. Dual‐tuning theory suggests that in combination, the styles tuned by positive affect (broad information search and flexible thinking) and by negative affect (persistent detailed search and critical thinking) facilitate creativity better than a single affect alone. Through this lens, we argue that the simultaneous presence of team members experiencing differently valenced affective states (affect heterogeneity) may facilitate team creativity by providing access to more varied information and perspectives. To extract creative benefit from these enhanced informational resources, teams must engage in an information exchange and elaboration process. However, affect heterogeneity may also threaten this process. We suggest that effective information exchange and elaboration is more likely to occur when the team has a well‐developed transactive memory system to legitimize and coordinate the differences flowing from affect heterogeneity among members. We tested our hypotheses among 59 teams in a within‐team design in which we measured team affect heterogeneity, information exchange and elaboration, and creativity in each of 4 weeks of a 13‐week project. Results supported our hypotheses, including the mediating role of information exchange and elaboration, and the moderating role of team transactive memory system.
Measuring color capability of wide color gamut near‐eye displays
Authors: Penczek John , Austin Richard L. , Hasan Monirul , Smith Euan
Published: May 2021

Near‐eye displays often use narrow spectral bandwidth light sources to create virtual images. These sources provide wider color gamuts. However, the measurement instrument's spectral bandwidth and spectral stray light need to be considered. We evaluate these aspects in characterizing the display's color capability.
Determination of phytic acid in wheat products by complete methyl esterification and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Yu Saisai , Chen Zhiwei , Wang Yan , Sheng Chunqi , Zhang Huarong , Jiang Kezhi
Published: May 2021

Phytic acid, the principal storage form of phosphorus in wheat, plays both beneficial and antinutrient functions for human being, and its analytical method still needs further development. In this work, we have developed a new method for the determination of phytic acid in wheat products based on derivatization with (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane in combination with liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis. Methyl esterification greatly decreased the polarity and the acidity of phytic acid, and thus the corresponding derivative can be easily analyzed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry under common conditions. Furthermore, treatment with cation exchange resin removed the polyvalent metal ions in the solutions, and thus derivatization of phytic acid can be achieved efficiently and completely. The standard curve for phytic acid has been well established in the linear range of 0.5–100 ng/mL with squared correlation coefficient more than 0.999 and the quantification limit of 0.25 ng/mL. The phytic acid content varies greatly in different wheat products, ranging from 153.5 to 17299.0 μg/g.
Tribological properties of hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles or graphene nanoplatelets blended with an ionic liquid as additives of an ester base oil
Authors: Liñeira del Río José M. , López Enriqueta R. , Gonçalves David E. P. , Seabra Jorge H. O. , Fernández Josefa
Published: May 2021

Antifriction synergies between an ionic liquid (IL) and nanopowders as additives of an ester base oil were analysed at rolling conditions. For this aim, two nanodispersions based on hybrid combinations of hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles (h‐BN) or graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) with tri(butyl) ethylphosphonium diethylphosphate ionic liquid as additives in triisotridecyltrimellitate (TTM) base oil and the mixture of TTM and IL were analysed using two tribometer techniques. Film thickness characterisation and tribological tests were performed at rolling conditions [5% slide‐roll‐ratio (SRR)], under 50N and at operating temperatures of 30, 50 and 80°C. Stribeck curves showed that friction coefficients for the prepared lubricants are lower than those found for the TTM, being the best friction behaviour for the hybrid GnP nanolubricant. Furthermore, friction torque loss tests were performed in rolling ball bearings, observing that for the two hybrid nanolubricants lower friction torque values were obtained.
The effect of the inspection information sharing policy on quality‐oriented food production in online commerce
Authors: Zhai Yida , Han Guanghua
Published: May 2021

Food products are normally classified as credence goods, and their quality cannot be fully ascertained by consumers even after being consumed. Online commerce exacerbates information asymmetry, which breeds a market filled with low‐price and poor‐quality food products. This study aims to examine whether certificate authority's inspection information sharing policy (IIS policy) can improve food quality in online commerce. The results suggest that producers tend to provide high‐quality food products, whereas both the online platform and food producers can earn more profits by adjusting selling price and commission fees under the IIS policy. Meanwhile, consumers also benefit from IIS policy.
Lack of Causal Effects or Genetic Correlation between Restless Legs Syndrome and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Estiar Mehrdad A. , Senkevich Konstantin , Yu Eric , Varghaei Parizad , Krohn Lynne , Bandres‐Ciga Sara , Noyce Alastair J. , Rouleau Guy A. , Gan‐Or Ziv
Published: May 2021

Background

Epidemiological studies have reported an association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome.

Objectives

We aimed to use genetic data to study whether these 2 disorders are causally linked or share genetic architecture.

Methods

We performed two‐sample Mendelian randomization and linkage disequilibrium score regression using summary statistics from recent genome‐wide meta‐analyses of PD and restless legs syndrome.

Results

We found no evidence for a causal relationship between restless legs syndrome (as the exposure) and PD (as the outcome, inverse variance‐weighted; b = −0.003, SE = 0.031, P = 0.916; F statistic = 217.5). Reverse Mendelian randomization also did not demonstrate any causal effect of PD on restless legs syndrome (inverse variance‐weighted; b = −0.012, SE = 0.023, P = 0.592; F statistic = 191.7). Linkage disequilibrium score regression analysis demonstrated lack of genetic correlation between restless legs syndrome and PD (rg = −0.028, SE = 0.042, P = 0.507).

Conclusions

There was no evidence for a causal relationship or genetic correlation between restless legs syndrome and PD. The associations observed in epidemiological studies could be attributed, in part, to confounding or nongenetic determinants. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Photon‐counting normalized metal artifact reduction (NMAR) in diagnostic CT
Authors: Byl Achim , Klein Laura , Sawall Stefan , Heinze Sarah , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Metal artifacts can drastically reduce the diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) images. Even the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms cannot remove them completely. Photon‐counting CT inherently provides spectral information, similar to dual‐energy CT. Many applications, such as material decomposition, are not possible when metal artifacts are present. Our aim is to develop a prior‐based metal artifact reduction specifically for photon‐counting CT that can correct each bin image individually or in their combinations.

Methods

Photon‐counting CT sorts incoming photons into several energy bins, producing bin and threshold images containing spectral information. We use this spectral information to obtain a better prior image for the state‐of‐the‐art metal artifact reduction algorithm FSNMAR. First, we apply a non‐linear transformation to the bin images to obtain bone‐emphasized images. Subsequently, we forward‐project the bin images and bone‐emphasized images and multiply the resulting sinograms with each other element‐wise to mimic beam hardening effects. These sinograms are reconstructed and linearly combined to produce an artifact‐reduced image. The coefficients of this linear combination are automatically determined by minimizing a threshold‐based cost function in the image domain. After thresholding, we obtain the prior image for FSNMAR, which is applied to the individual bin images and the lowest threshold image. We test our photon‐counting normalized metal artifact reduction (PCNMAR) on forensic CT data and compare it to conventional FSNMAR, where the prior is generated via linear sinogram inpainting. For numerical analysis, we compute both the standard deviation in an ROI with metal artifacts and the CNR of soft tissue and fat.

Results

PCNMAR can effectively reduce metal artifacts without sacrificing the overall image quality. Compared to FSNMAR, our method produces fewer secondary artifacts and is more consistent with the measurements. Areas that contain metal, air, and soft tissue are more accurate in PCNMAR. In some cases, the standard deviation in the artifact ROI is reduced by more than 50% relative to FSNMAR, while the CNR values are similar. If extreme artifacts are present, PCNMAR is unable to outperform FSNMAR. Using either two, four, or only the highest energy bin to produce the prior image yielded comparable results.

Conclusions

PCNMAR is an effective method of reducing metal artifacts in photon‐counting CT. The spectral information available in photon‐counting CT is highly beneficial for metal artifact reduction, especially the high‐energy bin, which inherently contains fewer artifacts. While scanning with four instead of two bins does not provide a better artifact reduction, it allows for more freedom in the selection of energy thresholds.
Electrical and mechanical properties of high electrical conductivity CNT/Cu‐yarns with Br doping and Cu encapsulation
Authors: Xue Shengchen , Kovacs Chris , Sumption Michael , Collings Edward , Thong C. J. , Philips John , Tomsic Michael , Mao Yu
Published: May 2021

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are an ideal starting material for the development of strong, light‐weight conductors. In this work, we pursued the development of high specific electrical conductivity and high specific strength CNT/metal composites. We started with CNT yarns which had an initial electrical conductivity,σe, of 3.14 MS m‐1and a density of 1.32 g cm‐3. We brominated the yarns, demonstrating increases inσe, with our best samples reachingσe = 7.00 MS m‐1. To increase the stability of the bromination, we electroplated a Cu layer onto the Br‐doped yarn which led to a stabilization of the conductivity improvement. This was quantified by monitoring periodically theσeof a Br‐doped and metallized CNT yarn over a period of 69 days, during which time the sample was otherwise exposed to ambient conditions. Analysis gives a value 6.15 MS m‐1for the brominated yarn after metallization which is excellent for CNT yarns. Tensile tests on these Cu/CNT composites showed tensile strengths reaching 700 MPa, Young's modulus values of 22.8 GPa, and specific tensile strength values of 146 kN*m kg‐1(this latter is 6X that of Cu). Our best CNT‐Cu composites show specific conductivity values comparable with that of Cu but with much higher specific tensile strengths.
Paper towel test as independently self‐administered to quantify cough‐related urine loss: Compliance and comparisons with survey‐only data in SWAN
Authors: Miller Janis M. , Hood Michelle M. , Karvonen‐Gutierrez Carrie A. , Richards‐McCullough Kerry C. , Harlow Sioban D.
Published: May 2021

Aims

The epidemiologic Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) includes urinary incontinence (UI) questionnaire items. We introduced an independently self‐administered paper towel test (PTT‐ISA; invention disclosure #2021‐347) to objectively demonstrate UI. Aims were to determine: (1) PTT‐ISA compliance and (2) relationship to questionnaire results.

Methods

276 community women were invited to complete both SWAN questionnaire and PTT‐ISA. For PTT‐ISA, a woman holds a trifold brown paper towel against her perineum while coughing hard three times. She checks the towel for wetness and compares it with pictorial showing wetted area gradations (dry towel through >6 ml/saturated). She then selects the best photo match for her towel. A newly conceptualized variable constructed as PTT‐ISA plus questionnaire results was formed.

Results

Of 276 women, noncompliance with PTT‐ISA was 2.2% (6 women). Four others (1.5%) were missing questionnaires. For the remaining 266 women, conceptual cohesiveness between questionnaire‐only and PTT‐ISA + questionnaire was demonstrated in 165 (62.0%). Lack of cohesiveness occurred in 101 (38.9%), including 41 women who said “no” to the questionnaire item indicative of stress UI and had leakage on PTT‐ISA; leakage degree varied across the full pictorial spectrum from drops to saturated.

Conclusion

PTT‐ISA demonstrates high compliance, with rate comparable to survey compliance. It is a novel measure for objective sign of urine loss when independently self‐administered by community women outside of a clinic environment. Further research comparing PTT‐ISA with clinician‐observed cough test is warranted. As independently self‐administered, PTT‐ISA is simple, noninvasive, inexpensive, and an acceptable test that adds value to otherwise survey‐dependent research.
Experimental operation of a solar‐driven climate system with thermal energy storages using mixed‐integer nonlinear model predictive control
Authors: Bürger Adrian , Bull Daniel , Sawant Parantapa , Bohlayer Markus , Klotz Andreas , Beschütz Daniel , Altmann‐Dieses Angelika , Braun Marco , Diehl Moritz
Published: May 2021

This work presents the results of experimental operation of a solar‐driven climate system using mixed‐integer nonlinear model predictive control (MPC). The system is installed in a university building and consists of two solar thermal collector fields, an adsorption cooling machine with different operation modes, a stratified hot water storage with multiple inlets and outlets as well as a cold water storage. The system and the applied modeling approach is described and a parallelized algorithm for mixed‐integer nonlinear MPC and a corresponding implementation for the system are presented. Finally, we show and discuss the results of experimental operation of the system and highlight the advantages of the mixed‐integer nonlinear MPC application.
Prenatal molecular testing and diagnosis of Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Baker Samuel W. , Ryan Elyse , Kalish Jennifer M. , Ganguly Arupa
Published: May 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe molecular findings and phenotypic features among individuals referred for prenatal Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) testing.

Methods

Molecular diagnostic testing was performed using a sensitive quantitative real‐time PCR‐based assay capable of detecting mosaic methylation to the level of 3% at IC1 and IC2. Sanger sequencing of CDKN1C was performed in cases with normal methylation.

Results

Of the 94 patients tested, a molecular diagnosis was identified for 25.5% of cases; 70.9% of diagnosed cases had loss of methylation at IC2, 4.2% had gain of methylation at IC1, 12.5% had paternal uniparental isodisomy, and 12.5% had CDKN1C loss‐of‐function variants. Methylation level changes in prenatal cases were significantly greater than changes identified in cases tested after birth. Cases with a prenatal molecular diagnosis had a significantly greater number of BWS‐associated phenotypic features. The presence of either macroglossia or placentomegaly was most predictive of a BWS diagnosis.

Conclusion

Our results support the consensus statement advocating BWS molecular testing for all patients with one or more BWS‐associated prenatal features and suggest that low‐level mosaic methylation changes may be uncommon among prenatal BWS diagnoses.
The importance of collaboratively designing pharmacology education programs
Authors: Quesnelle Kelly M. , Zaveri Naunihal T. , Schneid Stephen D. , Blumer Joe B. , Szarek John L. , Kruidering Marieke , Lee Michael W.
Published: May 2021

A grounded knowledge of pharmacology is essential for healthcare providers to improve the quality of patients’ lives, avoid medical errors, and circumvent potentially dangerous drug–drug interactions. One of the greatest tools to achieve this foundational knowledge of pharmacology is the dedicated pharmacology educators who teach in health sciences programs. Too often, the pharmacology educators responsible for teaching this material are left siloed at their own institutions with little room for dialog and collaboration. As scientists, we know that it is through dialog and collaboration that ideas grow, are refined, and improve. More collaborative work is needed to identify and describe best practices for pharmacology education in health sciences programs. While evidence‐based, outcomes‐focused studies are the optimum standard for this work, there is also a place for descriptive studies and innovative reports.
Effects of garlic powder supplementation on metabolic syndrome components, insulin resistance, fatty liver index, and appetite in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sangouni Abbas Ali , Alizadeh Mohammad , Jamalzehi Atena , Parastouei Karim
Published: May 2021

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing. It is closely linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Garlic consumption as a strategy for the management of MetS has been suggested. We investigated the effect of garlic supplementation on MetS components, insulin resistance, fatty liver index (FLI), and appetite in subjects with MetS. Ninety subjects were assigned to receive 1,600 mg/d garlic powder or placebo for 3 months. The primary outcomes included MetS components. The secondary outcomes included insulin resistance, FLI, and appetite. Garlic supplementation compared with the placebo led to a significant increase in high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (4.5 vs. −1.8, p < .001) and a significant reduction in waist circumference (−1.3 vs. 0.0, p = .001), diastolic blood pressure (−6.7 vs. 0.0, p < .001), systolic blood pressure (−7.7 vs. 0.5, p < .001), triglyceride (−40.0 vs. 0.1, p < .001), γ‐glutamyl transferase (−3.2 vs. 0.6, p = .01), FLI (−5.5 vs. 0.1, p < .001), insulin (−2.9 vs. −1.1, p < .001), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (−0.5 vs. −0.3, p < .001) and appetite (hunger: −11.7 vs. 1.7, p < .001; fullness: 10.0 vs. 0.3, p = .001; desire to eat: −6.7 vs. 2.1, p < .001; and ability to eat: −11.5 vs. −1.0, p < .001). Garlic improves MetS components, insulin resistance, FLI, and appetite.
Significant therapeutic effectiveness of durvalumab after chemoradiotherapy for a patient with post‐operative recurrent pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma
Authors: Shimamura So , Saiki Masafumi , Ide Shuichiro , Masuda Kazuki , Uchida Yoshinori , Sogami Yusuke , Kasai Kazunari , Inoue Tomohiro , Ishihara Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PPC) is a poorly differentiated non‐small cell lung cancer. Because of its rarity, no standard therapy has been established for advanced disease. We herein report on a 62‐year‐old man with recurrent post‐operative PPC, for whom durvalumab after chemoradiotherapy was effective. He was referred to our hospital because of an abnormal shadow in the right upper lung on chest X‐ray. After surgical resection was performed, the imaging and histopathological findings revealed PPC (T4N0M0, stage IIIA) with elevated expression of programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1). A metastasis was found in the left hemithorax 22 months later, and chemoradiotherapy consisting of 60 Gy of radiation and cisplatin plus tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil potassium was administered. Durvalumab was then begun as consolidation therapy. The efficacy of the treatments has continued for longer than 10 months. This case suggests that multidisciplinary treatment with chemoradiotherapy and consolidation immunotherapy may improve the prognosis of locally advanced PPC.
Hydrodynamic limit of the Robinson–Schensted–Knuth algorithm
Authors: Marciniak Mikołaj
Published: May 2021

We investigate the evolution in time of the position of a fixed number in the insertion tableau when the Robinson–Schensted–Knuth algorithm is applied to a sequence of random numbers. When the length of the sequence tends to infinity, a typical trajectory after scaling converges uniformly in probability to some deterministic curve.
Evaluating causal‐based feature selection for fuel property prediction models
Authors: Nguyen Bernard , Whitmore Leanne S. , George Anthe , Hudson Corey M.
Published: May 2021

In‐silico screening of novel biofuel molecules based on chemical and fuel properties is a critical first step in the biofuel evaluation process due to the significant volumes of samples required for experimental testing, the destructive nature of engine tests, and the costs associated with bench‐scale synthesis of novel fuels. Predictive models are limited by training sets of few existing measurements, often containing similar classes of molecules that represent just a subset of the potential molecular fuel space. Software tools can be used to generate every possible molecular descriptor for use as input features, but most of these features are largely irrelevant and training models on datasets with higher dimensionality than size tends to yield poor predictive performance. Feature selection has been shown to improve machine learning models, but correlation‐based feature selection fails to provide scientific insight into the underlying mechanisms that determine structure–property relationships. The implementation of causal discovery in feature selection could potentially inform the biofuel design process while also improving model prediction accuracy and robustness to new data. In this study, we investigate the benefits causal‐based feature selection might have on both model performance and identification of key molecular substructures. We found that causal‐based feature selection performed on par with alternative filtration methods, and that a structural causal model provides valuable scientific insights into the relationships between molecular substructures and fuel properties.
Enhanced empirical likelihood estimation of incubation period of COVID‐19 by integrating published information
Authors: Jiang Zhongfeng , Yang Baoying , Qin Jing , Zhou Yong
Published: May 2021

Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), a large number of scientific studies and data analysis reports have been published in the International Journal of Medicine and Statistics. Taking the estimation of the incubation period as an example, we propose a low‐cost method to integrate external research results and available internal data together. By using empirical likelihood method, we can effectively incorporate summarized information even if it may be derived from a misspecified model. Taking the possible uncertainty in summarized information into account, we augment a logarithm of the normal density in the log empirical likelihood. We show that the augmented log‐empirical likelihood can produce enhanced estimates for the underlying parameters compared with the method without utilizing auxiliary information. Moreover, the Wilks' theorem is proved to be true. We illustrate our methodology by analyzing a COVID‐19 incubation period data set retrieved from Zhejiang Province and summarized information from a similar study in Shenzhen, China.
Alchemy: Distributed financial quantitative analysis system with high‐level programming model
Authors: Gu Rong , Zhang Zhixiang , Xu Zhihao , Wang Zhaokang , Zhang Kai , Yuan Chunfeng , Huang Yihua
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, the financial securities investment and transaction are processed digitally. The securities companies have accumulated a large amount of financial data. Given that, quantitative analysis has become a common method for securities investors. However, as the scale of data continues to grow, data storing and processing have increasingly become a big challenge to financial quantitative analysts. First, most existing stand‐alone quantitative analysis systems are hard to accelerate data processing in a distributed way. Second, existing distributed computing frameworks such as Apache Spark demands financial quantitative analysts with expertise knowledge on distributed computing. Third, transition from traditional stand‐alone financial quantitative analysis (FQA) system to such distributed computing system often introduces learning efforts and development overheads. To solve these problems, we propose Alchemy, a distributed processing platform tailored for FQA with high‐level programming interface. Alchemy offers distributed computing service and provides a pipeline‐based programming model which shares many similarities with the traditional stand‐alone systems, reducing learning efforts for financial quantitative analysts. The performance of Alchemy is evaluated in both experimental environment and a real‐world production environment in Huatai Securites which is a leading financial company in China. The results show that Alchemy is able to achieve up to 300 times speedup compared against existing financial quantitative analysis systems.
Influence of specimen size on the fibre geometry and tensile strength of ultra‐high‐performance fibre‐reinforced concrete
Authors: Maryamh Kasem , Hauch Konstantin , Redenbach Claudia , Schnell Jürgen
Published: May 2021

The influence of the specimen size of ultra‐high‐performance fibre‐reinforced concrete samples on the spatial distribution and orientation of the steel fibres is investigated. Specimens of varying size are produced by using the same protocol. They are imaged by micro‐computed tomography to perform a statistical analysis of the spatial arrangement of the fibres. The tensile strength of the specimens is measured by tensile tests on subspecimens of equal size. The results are correlated to geometric characteristics of the fibre systems determined from the image data. Increasing the specimen size results in a larger variability of the local fibre geometry. This effect was most prominent when increasing the height of the specimens.
Differentially expressed microRNAs that target functional genes in mature soybean nodules
Authors: Fan Kejing , Wong‐Bajracharya Johanna , Lin Xiao , Ni Meng , Ku Yee‐Shan , Li Man‐Wah , Tian Chang Fu , Chan Ting‐Fung , Lam Hon‐Ming
Published: May 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of biological functions in plants. To find out what roles miRNAs play in regulating symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], we identified high‐confidence differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs from uninoculated roots (UR), rhizobium‐inoculated roots (IR), and nodules (NODs) of soybean by robust small RNA sequencing (sRNA‐seq). Based on their predicted target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), the expression profiles of some of these DE miRNAs could be linked to nodule functions. In particular, several miRNAs associated with nutrient transportation genes were differentially expressed in IRs and mature NODs. MiR399b, specifically, was highly induced in IRs and NODs, as well as by inorganic phosphate (Pi) starvation. In composite soybean plants overexpressing miR399b, PHOSPHATE2 (PHO2), a known target of miR399b that inhibits the activities of high‐affinity Pi transporters, was strongly repressed. In addition, the overexpression of miR399b in the roots of transgenic composite plants significantly improved whole‐plant Pi and ureide concentrations and the overall growth in terms of leaf node numbers and whole‐plant dry weight. Our findings suggest that the induction of miR399b in NODs could enhance nitrogen fixation and soybean growth, possibly via improving Pi uptake to achieve a better Pi–nitrogen balance to promote SNF in nodules.
Characterisation of Brucella species and biovars in South Africa between 2008 and 2018 using laboratory diagnostic data
Authors: Matle Itumeleng , Ledwaba Betty , Madiba Karabelo , Makhado Lavhelesani , Jambwa Kudakwashe , Ntushelo Nombasa
Published: May 2021

Background

Brucellosis is an infectious zoonotic bacterial disease of humans and other animals. In the Republic of South Africa (RSA), animal brucellosis is widespread and the current available data on the prevalence of this disease rely solely on serological testing. The primary limitation of brucellosis serology is the lack of discriminatory powers to differentiate between Brucella species and biovars as well as the cross‐reactivity observed with other Gram‐negative bacteria.

Aim

The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective laboratory‐based survey on Brucella species and biovars isolated from various animal species in SA between 2008 and 2018.

Material and Methods

The isolation of Brucella species and biovar typing was performed using conventional microbiological techniques.

Results and Discussion

A total of 963 strains of Brucella species were included in this study with a frequency of detection for B. abortus (n = 883; 91.6%) followed by B. melitensis (n = 42; 4.4%), B. ovis (n = 29; 3.0%) and B. canis (n = 9; 0.9%). Of the 883 strains of B. abortus, 90.1% were typed as B. abortus biovar‐1 while 5.7% as B. abortus biovar‐2, and 3.3% and 0.5% were B. abortus S19 and B. abortus RB51 vaccine strains, respectively. Among the 42 B. melitensis strains, 71.4% were reported as B. melitensis biovar‐1 and 26.2% as B. melitensis biovar‐3 while 2.4% was B. melitensis biovar‐2.

Conclusion

A retrospective study, such as this one, provides useful information that can be critical in formulating policies and strategies for the control and eradication of brucellosis in animal populations in RSA.
Multicriteria wind potential assessment using fuzzy logic in decision making: A case study of Iran
Authors: Aryanfar Amin , Gholami Aslan , Pourgholi Mahdi , Zandi Majid
Published: May 2021

The current paper introduces an innovative multicriteria wind potential assessment study using fuzzy logic in decision making. Regarding the diverse conditions and lack of comprehensive studies, Iran was selected as a case study, and by applying the proposed framework, all the 559 synoptic meteorological stations in the country were studied. Fourteen technical, eco‐environmental, and social indicators were defined for the assessment. Each of the indicator's effectiveness was determined using related literature and interviews with local experts. Finally, using fuzzy logic in decision making, all the selected sites and the provinces were scored and ranked. Moreover, the priority maps of Iran provinces considering social and eco‐environmental aspects were provided. The selected sites' final standing for the development of offshore and onshore wind power plant was also determined. The results indicate that taking just the technical conditions into account can result in misleading conclusions and social and eco‐environmental criteria must also be considered for potential assessment studies. Moreover, it was shown that equal supportive policies for wind development throughout the country would mitigate their efficiency. Therefore, the energy strategies should be codified, considering local circumstances to organize investment resources, leading to higher legislation efficiencies and faster development.